Hello all! I am struggling with a 9 night itinerary for out family of 5- three “kids” ages 18,21 and 23. (June 2023) Our original plan was to spend 3 nights in Rome and 6 nights in Amalfi but my husband would really like to see Lake Como. Is there an itinerary that is doable that includes all three locations or should I stick to my original plan? Thank you- this group is great!!
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11981 posts
Those 3 locations with just 9 nights is... umm.... ambitious.
The only way I see it working is the fly into Milan and home from Naples ( or the reverse). Flying in/out of Rome is a killer.
If this is a 1st trip, 2 locations would be much better.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
7906 posts
Hi Danielle, is this your first trip to Italy? That will help frame some of our answers.
And as a thought - I try to plan a variety of experiences on a trip to Italy or other country. So, I wouldn’t pick two water locations for such a short trip. I was in Amalfi in September for three nights, and I wouldn’t have wanted to spend six nights with so many other choices. Maybe if you could give us an idea what your family is wanting to do, we can provide more valuable advice.
Posted by
OP
New Rochelle, NY, USA
33 posts
Thank you. This is our second trip to Italy but first time was in 2010. We travelled to Rome, Florence and Venice. For this trip, our original goal is to visit the Amalfi Coast, so I would like that to be the focus. I just want to be sure to maximize the time we have. Although I loved Florence and Venice, our thought was to try new locations on this trip. Thank you!!
Posted by
San Diego, California, USA
1176 posts
Hello Danielle,
Given the distance and opposite direction Lake Como is from your other two destinations and logistics of moving 5 people around I would recommend against it. As others have said you could fly into Milan, train to Como, train to Rome and then Amalfi, but you will lose at least one day to travel. One half day doing 5-6 hours to Rome from Varenna and a half day (probably) staying in Milan the day you land.
Also much of the charm of small towns tends to be subtle and comes from slowing down and living it which is hard to do while in a hurry on a one or two night quick stop over stay. The lakes are beautiful and are especially nice to break up the big cities but since you're going to be seeing the beautiful coastline I don't think you'll need that. I think Amalfi will offer enough natural beauty and wonder that he won't feel cheated.
Either way have a great trip,
=Tod
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
It's 1 hour and 5 from Varenna-Esino to Milano Centrale.
The fastest no-stop Trenitalia trains from Milano Centrale to Roma Termini take 3 hours and depart at 6:35 AM, 9:35 AM, 5:35 PM and 7:35 PM. Add 15 minutes for the train change, not less if you want a protected connection.
I'm saying that if you pick the right departure time you can waste "only" half day to get to Rome. It's always a lot on a 9-nights journey. The train will zip through Bologna and Florence on the way to Rome.
You could take a slower train, Drop the "kids" in Bologna and have a night out in Florence. Then meet again the day after on the train to Rome.
Posted by
49 posts
I found Lake Como surprisingly complex and time consuming to reach. You need a reason for another trip, yes?