Rome, CT, and Florence

Shelley, Could you clarify the length of your trip. It looks like you're working with about a one-week time frame? Also, have you travelled abroad in the past? Keep in mind that you'll lose two days in travel. You'll usually arrive in Europe the day after you depart the U.S., and the last day will be spent on the flight home. I'm assuming you're planning to use open-jaw flights? My best suggestion regarding your question on "a convenient, safe, and nice part of town to stay at in Rome and Florence" is to have a look at the Italy Guidebook. There are excellent listings there for budget Hotels in all the places you'll be visiting, in various parts of each city. There's also good information on transportation, sightseeing, etc. I often stay in the Termini area of Rome (near the main rail station), and will be doing that again this year. It's the same in Florence, where I try to stay within easy walking distance from Firenze SMN (again, the main station). One important point you'll need to consider in your planning is that each time you change location, about half a day will be required. That will reduce your touring time slightly in each location. One point to note - Florence is in Tuscany, but you could certainly take a day trip to another location. Siena is a good choice (although with such a VERY short time frame, I'm not sure you'll have time for any day trips?). Is there any possibility you could get more time??? When are you planning to take this trip? Good luck with your planning!

IMHO, your starting place should be the RS Italy 2011 book. It's loaded with great information especially for the first time traveller to Italy. For example, it will allow you to learn about and decide for yourself which particular neighborhoods in a big city best match your specific interests. Happy travels.

I would agree with Ken that these three locations on just a few days could be tight. As far as less expensive hotels in Rome, as Ken mentions, the Roma Termini area is certainly less costly. I also like the Prati area (because we used to live there). It's across the river - near the Vatican - and thus it's also costs less. You might look at either of these articles. They offer choices from the "best" ranked hotels by venere and booking.com, two of the best search engines: The Best Hotels and B&B's in the Prati-Vatican Area or The Best Hotels and B&B's near Roma Termini. For a unique experience, although perhaps a little more expensive, you might look in Trastevere: The Best Hotels and B&B's in Trastevere. Of the three areas, it's by far the most picturesque! We're headed there today for a 12-day stay at a friend's apt (Can't wait for some sunshine as it's rained 8 of the last 9 days here in CPH!). You could look at other options in Rome, like convents or monasteries. These are comfortable, although a few have restrictions and often the price is the same as some hotels?? See this article for more options: Convents or Monasteries in Rome. As Ken suggests, you might tweak your itinerary if you're liimited to just these number of days. And, I too would also do Siena on your timeframes before choosing to head up to CT. We've stayed at some wonderful, smaller hotels in Siena and also a convent or two there! Best of Luck on your baby-moon!

Shelley, "I didn't realize it took 1/2 a day to travel to the different cities" Just to clarify, the actual "travel time" may be shorter, but it's also necessary to factor in the time to and from stations, checking in & out of Hotels, etc. For example, travel by rail from Roma Termini to La Spezia Centrale (C.T.) is ~3H:45M via direct train, and from there to the nearest CT village (Riomaggiore) is another nine minutes. However, you need to get to the station, wait for the trains, etc. It's a good idea to assume a "ballpark figure" of half a day. Cheers!

Thank you Ken and Ron for your recommendations and suggestions! We really appreciate it! We have traveled to Europe before but never to Italy! We will have a total of 9 days in Italy. We arrive on the morning of October 8th and leave on the morning of October 17th. It's not nearly enough time to see everything, but that's the most time we were able to get off work. We're flying into Rome and out of Florence. I'm torn though of what else we should see. Several of my friends suggested CT and I know some people love Venice and others don't like it quite as much. Thank you for the note about the travel time. I didn't realize it took 1/2 a day to travel to the different cities ~ on a map, everything looks so close! We'll have to really consider that when mapping out our route. I've never really thought of traveling to Sienna. We'll have to look into that. Thank you! Sounds like you have quite an exciting trip planned, Ron. Hope you have a marvelous time!

Shelley:
If you have 9 days is thet 8 nights? If you truly only have 8 nights as outlined in your original post, stick to two locations: 4 nights Rome, 4 nights Florence. Rome could keep you occupied for weeks: You will never run out of things to do and see. Florence affords the opportunity to take day trips to Siena and other hilltowns if you like. Ths CT is lovely, but it is a long way to and from for only two nights on a short trip. Also, the weather in October is quite unpredictable. If it rains, there is almost nothing to do other than sit in your room and curse the weather. In Rome and Florence, you will have options inside and out. Skip the CT this time and plan on a return trip, even with children. :-)

In Florence I stay at the Archi Rossi hostel. You can get a private room en suite. Very clean, great staff, free internet. It's a 5 minute walk from the train station, then 5-15 minutes to almost all the sites in Florence. Last year, I paid €49.50 for a room with queen bed in the annexe. I had to climb a couple of flights of stairs but it was worth it. In Rome, I like the Hotel Italia on Via Venezia 18. It's near the train station (short taxi ride) just off La Nazionale, about 5 minutes' walk to the metro. It is walking distance to the Colusseum, the Forum. There are a couple of nice trattorias nearby and a big supermarket across the street with lots of prepared foods.

We also stayed at the Archi Rossi hostel in Florence. We found the private room in the annex to be comfortable and affordable. Yes, there were several flights of stairs, but you have to work off that pasta some way! We even had access to a rooftop terrace with a nice view of the rooftops of Florence. Clean, safe, and a good location. In Rome, we stayed at the Beehive in the hostel dorm. Very reasonable price, clean, great staff, and close to the main train station. They also have private rooms.

Shelley, I partially agree with Laurel. I think the CT could be risky in October, as well as out of the way. However, If what you want is a "taste" of Italy, then I would suggest you see more of rural Italy than just from the window of your train. Oh, and what do we have right smack in the middle between Florence and Rome? Why, it's hilltop Tuscan villages!... Do two nights in Florence, then rent a car and meander toward Rome. It's not far. Drive to the nearest village and stroll for 30 minutes or three hours, whatever strikes your fancy. Hop back in the car, drive for 10-30 minutes and do it again. Repeat as necessary... Make it an adventure and go without reservations for the next two nights. Just stay wherever you find something interesting. That's one bonus of going in October. Then stay in Rome for the last four nights. Drop the car and train in from a nearby location. That is a taste of Italy.

I'm not sure renting a car comes under budget travel, but the idea of spending a couple of nights somewhere other than the CT is good. Siena or Orvieto would be good choices. Or you could add a day each to Rome and Florence. From Florence use it for a day trip to Siena or San Gimignano and from Rome a day trip to Ostia Antica. That gives you more variety and doesn't require a hotel change.

Shelley,
My wife and I did the Baby-Moon trip in January 2010 when she was 5 months pregnant. Into Paris, train to Lucerne Switzerland, Train to Venice, Train to Florence, Train to Rome, Day Trip to Pompeii and home in 10 days. It was very rushed and not relaxing at all but that is not what we were wanting. We were wanting to see as much as possible and we felt like we did. If you are looking for more relaxing do Rome and somewhere in Tuscany. Like others said read RS Italy 2011 and I would also read RS Europe 101 Art & History for the Traveller. Have a Great Trip and good luck with the Family!