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Need helpful suggestions for itinerary; Italy in 9 days

My husband and I are traveling to Italy for 9 days (11 minus 2 days due to flight travel time). We will be arriving in Rome and flying out of Milan 9 days later. We have decided to visit Rome (3 days), Florence (2 days), Venice (2 days) and Milan (2 days) and have a few questions:

  1. Any suggestions for particular sites to see? Should we change our itinerary?
  2. Hotel or B&B recommendations? (for 120 Euros or less, our priority is safety & cleanliness and would greatly appreciate elegance without Americanization).
  3. Recommendations for travel in and between cities? We are considering the Euro Rail, would it be worth it? Is it the best way to see the best sites and take advantage of transportation and travel time benefits?

Your help would be appreciated
Thanks
Sally in Houston

Posted by
10344 posts

Should we change our itinerary? Yes, I'd reduce Milan to 1 day and give the extra day to either Venice or Florence.Take trains to all of your destinations, for those destinations a rental car will be a useless headache.You've asked for hotels in four large Italian cities; the total # of hotels in Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan is enormous, and instead of relying on the one or two suggestions you get here (bad idea, limits your choice too much), you want to do your own research, look in Rick's book(s) and other places and pick some of those.

Posted by
22 posts

I am doing your trip almost to a T, except a longer stretch, and mine is in 2 weeks, so I'll be just behind you. I found my best accommodations on Italyby.com - at least they sound good. Read their reviews, then compare them to the review on other sites like Travelocity. First expand the search criteria, then click on the "Where are we" section, and go from there. I always zone in on location, as I think that will make the difference. Rick recommends staying near the Pantheon/Piazza Navona section for keeping close to where you'll want to be at night. Rick's suggestions for stay are good, but often they are already booked. You'll know the sights to see if you download the MP3's on Ricks site, and listen to them on your ipod as you tour. Get reservations for the Uffizi and Accademia in Florence.

Posted by
3313 posts

Don't waste two days on Milan, It's an afternoon before you catch the airplane out the next morning.

Add as much time as you can to Venice.