My husband and I will be taking our first trip to Italy in October, and have come up with an itinerary outline. We land in the afternoon in Milan and leave from Rome in the morning. Here is what we came up with: Milan, then train to Verenna, Verenna, train to Venice, Venice, train to Florence, Florence, Florence, rent a car Montepulciano, Montepulciano, Orvietto, Orvietto, turn in car and train to Rome, Rome, Rome, (Rome.fly day) We make wine, so we really want to explore the Tuscany area. First do you think this trip is doable, or should we change things up a bit? We aren't really sure about which towns to stay in in Tuscany, we just went with RS suggestion. We've already booked our flights.
Posted by
Ohio
171 posts
I don't think you have given us enough information to really judge how rushed it might be but, in any case, we are all different and what works for you probably would not suit me so I would not worry, just do what works for you.
In Tuscany we stayed about one week in Borgo Argenina. It is more or less a B&B located not far from the Chianti winery. Borgo Argenina was very comfortable, well located for touring Tuscany and had a terrace with beautiful views over vineyards towards Castle Brolio. While there we visited Castle Brolio, the Ambrosian Abbey, Monteriggione and San Gimignano. Monteriggione is a fine example of a walled town but I would say that San Gimignano was our overall favorite.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Day
1. Arrive Milan. To Varenna (2N)
2. Lake Como sights
3. To Venice (3N)
4-5. Venice sights
6. To Siena (1N)
7. Pick up car. To San Gimignano, then choose a convenient Agriturismo (4N)
8. Montalcino/Montepulciano wineries
9. Florence day trip
10. Chianti wineries
11. To Orvieto (1N). Return car
12. To Rome (3N)
13-14. Rome sights
15. Depart Rome
Posted by
OP
26 posts
Thank you so much for your help! This forum is fantastic! I like your suggested itinerary, but would we be missing a lot if we only do a day trip to Florence instead of staying there? Thanks also for the b&b idea. It looks really nice
Posted by
California 🦋
5258 posts
I like your suggested itinerary, but would we be missing a lot if we only do a day trip to Florence instead of staying there?
Yes, there are many wonderful sites in Florence and it would be difficult to see them all in a single day.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
If art museums and churches are very high on your list of priorities, then yes you would probably be wanting more time in Florence. Unfortunately, that would mean cutting somewhere else.
You could try for this ....
Varenna (2N)
Venice (3N)
Florence (3N)
Tuscany Agriturismo (3N)
Rome (3N)
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15651 posts
There are many wonderful sights everywhere in Italy! Whatever you choose, you'll be missing a lot more. So just relax and enjoy everything you can see. You'll never see it all.
As for Florence, it IS Renaissance painting, sculpture and architecture. If that excites you, then 3 full days in the city is barely enough. If your main interests lie elsewhere, you can see the highlights of the city in one busy day.
Posted by
OP
26 posts
Thank you for the clarification. I think we will be able to see what we want in Florence in less than three days.
Posted by
Ohio
171 posts
I think that David meant - spend three nights with two full days of sightseeing in Florence. You can easily fill two full days with all the art and architecture in Florence.