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Just returned from Italy - here's the schedule we followed...

My wife and I just returned from a phenomenal visit to the boot. Thanks to Rick's books and the great comments on the helpline from other travelers, our trip was outstanding. Our itineray was just right. Here it is for those still trying to firgure out a schedule:

6/3 - Arrived in Rome. Stayed at L'incanto di San Pietro (B&B) which was about 5 minutes walking distance from the Vatican. We hit pretty much every site in Rome and followed Rick's Rome 2008 book religiously.

6/8 - Drove with friends to Siena and stayed at Albergo Bernini (recommended by RS). Walked around and enjoyed the small town. Climbed to the top of the clock tower and enjoyed the view.

6/10 - Took the train to Padova and stayed at Hotel Al Fagiano (recommended by RS). While in Padova, we did a day trip to Venice and a day trip to Verona (2 different days).

6/13 - Took the train to Florence and stayed at Casa Rabatti (recommneded by RS). Marcella, the owner, was like my grandmother. Great lady! Saw everything we could in Florence and started the visit the night we arrived with Rick's Renaissance Walk. Did a day trip to Pisa.

6/18 - Took the train back to Rome (back to San Pietro)

6/19 - Departed Italy.

In short:
Rome for 5 nights,
Siena for 2 nights,
Padova for 3 nights (with day trips to Venice and Verona),
Florence for 5 nights (with a day trip to Pisa),
Rome for 1 night

This was a great schedule. I felt we spent the right amount of time at each spot.

Posted by
10344 posts

What are your thoughts about doing Venice as a day trip? I ask because it seems that about 95% of people here don't do that.

Posted by
32 posts

I was very glad we did Venice as a day trip. We took the 7:00 am train over and beat the massive crowds of tourists to the church. There was so many people there, I was ready to leave at the end of the day. The only reason I would've stayed the night would be to attend a string quartet concert in the evening.

Posted by
32 posts

I was very glad we did Venice as a day trip. We took the 7:00 am train over and beat the massive crowds of tourists to the church. There was so many people there, I was ready to leave at the end of the day. The only reason I would've stayed the night would be to attend a string quartet concert in the evening.

Posted by
192 posts

Your schedule sounded great except for the one day in Venice. Whenever we travel to Venice it is at least a week stay. You didn't enjoy Venice because you only experienced the crowds of DAY trippers - who are there from 9:00 to 5:00. Visit San Marco and the Rialto in the morning or evening, and the rest of the city and the islands during the day. Walk 2 blocks away from the tourist attractions and you have the city to yourself.

Posted by
32 posts

Mike, I believe you're right. By the time the end of the day approached, I was hot, sticky, and ready to get away from people. When we return to Venice (someday), I'd like to time it during the Fall. I know Venice is more than just a tourist trap - maybe someday, I'll experience the REAL Venice.