We are going to Italy in November, will be with a group tour for the first 9 days in Tuscany, then on our own for 7 days, starting from Montecatini. I am looking for some planning ideas for the time on our own. The general plan is to explore Cinque Terre then end up in Rome to fly home. This is our first trip to Italy and we would appreciate some ideas as to how long we should spend in Cinque Terre versus Rome, traveling through the area, accommodations and the key sights. We want to stay in reasonably priced hotels/rooms (preferably private bathrooms) and don't want to try to do too much...thanks for your help!
Posted by
Fort Lauderdale, FL
1246 posts
Most people will say 2 nights in Cinque Terre, maybe 3. You will spend one day on travel, check out of hotel, train approx. 5 hours, check in hotel in Rome. Spend the rest of your nights in Rome, and you could always do a day trip to Orvieto.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
In November I would head south to the Amalfi Coast in preference to Cinque Terre. What do others think ??
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
I've been in the CT in Nov. But it was a beautiful, sunny, 60-70 degree 3 days. Not the norm!
Personally the Amalfi coast would be my preference.
Posted by
Asnieres sur Vegre, France
127 posts
I agree. The Amalfi coast is lovely. Try airbnb for places to stay. Take warm clothes.
Posted by
OP
24 posts
Thanks everyone! The Amalfi coast does look lovely, we'll definitely take a look! I know the weather in November may not be the best, but we are hoping to avoid crowds and interested in some down time following the group tour. Does it make sense to try CT first and the Amalfi coast on our way back to Rome? Also, any advice on getting there by train is appreciated. We will start on our own from Montecatini Terme. We are thinking we will stay in Rome 2-3 nights, want to see Vatican City, what else do you recommend in Rome? We haven't made any room reservations yet for the time on our own, when should we get that lined up? Really appreciate your help!
Posted by
147 posts
I also prefer Amalfi to CT for November. I would arrange accommodations for Rome soon so you can get the best location - the best value places book early. We loved having an apartment in Rome in the Centre Storico near the Campo Di Fiori. An apartment ended up being much less expensive than hotel rooms and gave us all much more room to spread out. It was great to come home for a break mid afternoon to shower, have a glass of wine and a snack, and get ready for the evenings.
I would highly recommend the sites of Ancient Rome (coliseum, forum, etc.) - fascinating. One of our favorite museum experiences in Rome was the Borghese - remember to book ahead for that as reservations are always required. We rented a four person bike in the Borghese Gardens and tooled around - fun. We had a lot of fun "shopping" along the Via Corso and that area - we did not buy much (we have great shopping at home) but the stroll down Corso and the people watching were great.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15799 posts
If you can fly home from Naples, then first Rome, then Amalfi. Sorrento, while not technically Amalfi Coast, is a really good base to go by train to Pompeii, Herculaneum, Naples (the archaeology museum is a WOW), to Capri by boat, to Positano, Ravello, Amalfi by bus. If you fly from Rome, then I'd go to Sorrento/AC first, end in Rome. I prefer to spend the last night close to the departure airport.