I have been dreaming for years about this trip, but now that it's here, I feel a bit overwhelmed because I want to see it all. I would love it if any of you can assist me with some suggestions. I arrive in Rome on 2/20 and leaving from Venice on 3/10. My mom is joining me in Rome and will stay with me until 2/28 (she flies back home out of Milan). The rest of the trip I am on my own. Here is my dilemma. I want to make sure my mom gets to experience Florence with me. However, my current plans for the time she is with me 2/20-2/28 (4 days in Rome w/ a day trip to Pompeii, 1 day in Civita or Orvieto, 1 day in Siena and the rest in Florence) brings us to Florence on a Sat. morning. By Monday she will have to take the train to Milan. So I am concerned because I know a lot of the places to see in Florence are closed Sunday and Monday, but we do not want to miss on the hill towns. Here are the places I would like to see on my trip (I will gladly accept any new suggestions):
Pompeii, Rome, Civita or Orvieto, Siena, Florence, Cinque Terre via Pisa, Verona?, Ravenna?, Venice (I want to be there for the Carnival). Any idea what would be the best route to take and days spent in those locations? Taking under consideration all the variables I listed above, plus we are traveling via public transportation (car is too expensive). Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Posted by
Madison, WI, USA
153 posts
A car is probably unnecessary/unwanted anyways. What we did to see all the great towns in Tuscany was to contact Donatella at http://www.winetourintuscany.com/. She was amazingly knowledgeable, fun and, best of all had a car. For two people, one day would be ~165 eu pp. We told her we wouldn't mind joining others on our trip and 4 Canadian teachers joined us. It was then ~100 eu each. If that fits your budget, I can't recommend her enough. It would free up some of your time and, since it's based in Siena, you could still see Siena (which is a wonderful town - make sure to hit the Duomo and il Campo) and get to experience some hill towns. You will want to spend at least two days (at least one full day of hiking) in Cinque Terra if you go, FYI, it can be seen by taking trains city to city, but that certainly loses some of its charm. We spent more time in Tuscany than I think you can accomodate, but we did see Verona and recommend it highly.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11359 posts
Avital: The challenge as I see it is trying to do Rome-Pompeii-Orvieto/Civita-Siena-Florence and still get to Milan to send Mom on her way by the 28th. It's just too much (IMHO) for 8 days including your arrival day. You'll be exhausted from changing locations so much. Here's what I would suggest on a reasonably convenient path from Rome to Milan:
2/20 ar Rome and stay 4 nights, check out 2/24. Skip Pompeii. It's a really long day trip and there is so much to do and see in Rome. The 20th will be a short touring day and you'll be tired so use the 21st, 22nd, 23rd well to see the Eternal City. 2/24 go to Orvieto as early as possible. You can day trip to Civita if you like, but frankly if you only have one day/one night, stick to Orvieto. It's lovely! 2/25 go to Florence and stay two nights. You'll get about 2 days of touring there half of arrival day (25th), all the 26th, most of 27th. 2/27 go to Milan later in the day (Last Supper is open on Sunday if you can get tickets) 2/28 send Mom home and move on the Cinque Terre yourself From 3/1-10 you can plan for Siena, Verona, Venice on your own. Carnivale lasts until March 8, so you can do 2 or 3 nights CT (see Pisa as a brief stop on the way to or from the CT), 3 or 4 nights Siena, and still be in Venice by the 6th. You can perhaps go to Verona as a daytrip on the 9th from Venice. Sounds like a great trip!
Posted by
OP
Los Angeles
6 posts
thank you. those are great ideas and i will look into both. I appreciate the help.
Posted by
Costa Mesa
348 posts
I agree with Laurel. She did a wonderful job laying out what I would do. Though I may stay an additional night in Florence and skip Milan depending on when the flight time is. If early go to MIlan, if later in day stay in Florence