Realistic Itineray?

If art isn't your thing, why so many nights in Rome or even Venice? All three cities (Venice, Florence, Rome) are known in Italian as the "citta' d'arte" (art cities), not just Florence. You should spend less time in Rome and maybe even Venice (2 nights in Venice and 3 in Rome) and add 1 or 2 nights to Tuscany's countryside. You could visit Tuscany's countryside as a day trip from Florence.

I disagree with Roberto (sacrilege, I know). Rome and Venice may be "art cities," but there's a lot more to them than just art. Certainly, you could visit them for a few days, never set foot in an art museum, find lots of other ways to spend the time, and have a wonderful visit. In fact, that's almost what I do. While I don't avoid museums in those cities, I enjoy them more for other things (particularly just their unique ambiance). Florence is definitely more focused on art than the other two, but even there, you can fill two days with other things. On the other hand, I do agree that if Florence doesn't call to you (for any reason), don't go there - go somewhere that does appeal to you. There's never enough time to see everything, and YOU are taking the trip, not "everyone." Don't go somewhere just because "everyone" says you should. Your itinerary looks fine from a logistic point of view.

Our flight gets into Venice at night, so I can't really count that night since we will go straight to hotel. So I guess we have two full days in Venice,leaving early the next morning. I'm not counting on doing much on our "travel days" since we will be getting to the other cities in the afternoon, then checking into hotel, etc...

It is difficult to tell someone how many nights in each place. Personally we love Venice and have been there 3 times in 2.5 years, spending a total of 15 nights, and we will go back in September for another dose. And we've not spent all that time in churches and museums! The standard wisdom is a minimum of 3 nights in a location so you have 2 full days. But as Harold said, if a place does not call to you, don't go there. Read your guidebook(s) and make a list of the things you want to see and do in each city, with hours/days they are open and approximate time it will take to do/see. That will help you decide if it is worth your time to stay there X number of days. This method also ensures you don't plan to go to a museum or site that is closed on the only day you have allotted to see it. My "standard wisdom" aside, you cannot "See" Rome in 2 days. You will be frustrated and exhausted, especially in the summer. 4 or 5 nights is much better for Rome. The Amalfi Coast is beautiful but a long way to go for 4 nights. Plan your time there carefully and don't expect to do it all. If you skip Florence, don't shorten your trip! Add the days somewhere else. Maybe a longer stay on the AC! Happy planning!

You could spend your two nights in Florence in another town in Tuscany - Siena or Volterra, for example, and use one day of those two to daytrip to somewhere else, take a wine tour, etc.

I agree that if Florence doesn't call to you then you should skip it. There is no reason to go there if you're not interested in what the city has to offer. Not everyone likes the same things and what your friends and family might find interesting you may be bored to tears with. If you decide to skip Florence I would add those two days to other cities. I would add a day to Venice and a day to Rome. I would not skip either of these cities. They offer so much more than art. In fact, the last time I was in Venice I didn't step foot into an art gallery. My days were spent wandering the city and soaking in the atmosphere. It was great. Overall, your itinerary is good. Donna

Buongiorno Patricia, I have been to all of the cities except Ovindoli several times. I think your plan is great for a first time trip. How about 2 nights in Venice and 1 day in Pisa, then continue to Florence. Good luck there are so many options and opinions. However, I agree with your plan except offer another suggestion. Our last trip we arrived in Venice for 2 nights and then rented a car and drove to Pisa, then south to Lucca, and then to Florence. We left the car there and then took the train to Rome. I would not suggest a car in Rome. Then train to your other destinations. Have fun.