Three of us (girls); I have been to Europe once (on a cruise ship), one person has never been and the other went in 2009 to Siena for 10 days (with day trips to Florence, etc.). We are planning to go in September 2012 for 2-3 weeks. IMPORTANT QUESTION: At first we were trying to put together Paris or Spain (not both) with Italy, but it seems quite a distance apart. Is this practical or a waste of precious time traveling from one point to the other??? We are now considering only Italy. Perhaps starting in Venice for a few days and then having a home base (renting apartments) to do day trips. Day 1 – SFO to Venice Day 2 – Venice Day 3 – Venice Day 4 – Venice Day 5 – Train to Rome Day 6 – Rome (From here possible day trips to Florence and Siena) Day 7 – Rome Day 8 – Rome Day 9 – Rome Day 10 – Train to Sorrento Day 11 – Sorrento (From here possible day trips to Positano and Amalfi) Day 12 – Sorrento Day 13 – Sorrento This is only 13 days, we still have at least 4-5 extra days to use. This takes me back to my question about Paris (perhaps tack on 4 days at the beginning of the trip????) And, I assume we would need to return to Rome to head back to the States. We just love Venice and need to spend some time there and perhaps venture out to Murano or Burano - Florence for the Uffizi and Bargello and shopping for leather goods - Rome for the Colosseum dungeons tour, Vatican - Sorrento to Amalfi for rest and relaxation.
Is this a good route? Any helpful tips are appreciated.
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
I think it looks good with the exception of Florence. If you plan to visit Florence you may want to do it the day you travel to Rome from Venice and visit the few sites you have listed and then continue on to Rome. If you leave Venice early you'll have the majority of the day to spend there. Just leave your luggage at the train station I don't think 3.5 days in Rome with a few day trips thrown in will give you any time to see the city. With only that short amount of time you should spend it all in Rome. If you have the spare time I would suggest adding another day. I would not add Paris to the mix as it's too far away and you'll waste at least a day traveling. Donna
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
I would put a few days in Florence between Venice and Rome. Then maybe do a daytrip to Siena from Florence.
Posted by
Portland, OR
282 posts
Here's my suggested revised itinerary: Day 1 – SFO to Venice Day 2 – Venice Day 3 – Venice Day 4 – Venice Day 5 – Train to Florence Day 6 - Florence Day 7 - Day trip to Pisa/Lucca (via train) Day 8 - Florence Day 9 - Day trip to Siena (via bus) Day 10 – Train to Rome Day 11 – Rome Day 12 – Rome Day 13 – Rome Day 14 – Train to Sorrento Day 15 – Sorrento (From here possible day trips to Positano and Amalfi) Day 16 – Sorrento Day 17 – Sorrento Day 18 - Return to Rome
Day 19 - fly to SFO Personally, I would stay in Amalfi or Positano if you are looking for rest and relaxation. You will have a great time!
Posted by
Tinton Falls, NJ
784 posts
The revised Itinerary above looks great; but why do they have to go back to Rome. Have you already booked your airfare? If not, can't you fly into Venice and out of Naples (open-jaw)? Naples is a short train or ferry from Sorrento. Anywhere you stay on the Amalfi coast is great. Lots of people like Sorrento as a base since you have access to the train (in case you want to visit Pompeii or Herculaneam; Positano is great (albeit hilly, with lots of steps) and located in between Sorrento and Amalfi/Ravello; and Amalfi is lovely and quieter. I've stayed in both Positano and Amalfi myself. It depends what you want. I like that you are not planning a marathon trip; it will be much more enjoyable! The underground tour of the Colosseum was excellent (I did it in July), make sure to pre-book tickets for that. Make sure you visit the beautiful gardens within the grounds of Villa Cimbrone in Ravello while staying on the Amalfi Coast. It was beautiful when I visited in July. Also, you didn't mention Capri. It too is wonderful!
Posted by
Carbondale, IL, USA
1201 posts
I like ekc's trip but rather than go from Florence to roma on day 10, go all the way to the Amalfi coast. then end your trip in rome. that way you won't waste the next to the last day hanging around getting to rome for departure. If you venture out to Burano take the time to visit Torcello as well
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
Well, I have a bit of a different take on it.... it does not look like you get to Europe frequently, so if it were me I would most definitely add Paris. Three girls, Paris, shopping, sightseeing, hanging out in cafes???? Do you really want to come home not having spent a few days in Paris? I would rework the rest, take some time from somplace else and try to make it happen. If you spend a half a day traveling to get to a new destination I think thats worth it... besides, you never really 'lose' your travel day, you still have it, you just might be spending it laughing with your girlfriends, meeting some locals on a train or plane, catching up on your journal.... any number of things...or just mulling over what you have already seen. You have to decide, if you don't go to Paris will you regret it? Just realize most of the posters here go to Europe frequently compared to the general public... the theory is 'assume you will return' Just because some people can do that does not mean everyone can and although I am a frequent traveler with each trip I never assume anything, so my theory is to see what I want to and come home with 'no regrets.' And if I am lucky enough to return that just a bonus.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15591 posts
Terry Kathryn makes a good point. But I would go after Italy, not before. Venice is a great place to start a trip and get over the jetlag and sleep deprivation. Then you would get to Paris after a few days of R&R on the Amalfi coast, refreshed and ready to enjoy it. On Day 5, take an early train to Florence and stay overnight, then an evening train to Rome on Day 6. You go through Florence from Venice to Rome, so a day trip from Rome means doubling back (waste of time and money). On Day 6 you can drop your luggage at the Florence train station, spend the day in Siena (the bus stop is across the street from the train station in Florence), and continue on to Rome, or you can spend a second day in Florence - on the spot decision.