My husband and I will be in Italy in May and have 5 days to decide where to go. I wasn't sure if we want the entire 5 days in Florence and day trip to Pisa, Lucca, and Viareggio and add a day trip to Rome. Or 3 days in Florence and 2 days in Rome. I have never been to either area and I am mainly interested in history and architecture. I get a little A.D.D. on trips and don't like to spend too much down time relaxing.(Viareggio will be 3 hours max at the beach). Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Posted by
Marin, CA
532 posts
If you love history and architecture I'd split my time. I love the Rome. You can see alot of it in two days. Both cities are great for walking in. The problem is the travel time which includes not just the train ride but getting settled. If you are flying in from California your first day will be tough. It'd be great if you could fly into Rome and out of Florence. My daughter lived in Florence for a year and regularly went to Viareggio but when I asked about visiting Viareggio she said it would be a waste of time for me.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10605 posts
Hey neighbor - I have to echo what Karen said about Viareggio. My sister and brother went there and they were not impressed. With so little time you might want to reconsider spending any of it there. If you are in Florence, Rome may be too far to day trip too.
You don't say if you already have your airline tickets, but I agree that you would save time to fly into one place and out of another. Are you flying from Sacramento?
Posted by
Alta Loma, CA, USA
1446 posts
Hi Suzann. I agree with Steve. I would spend 2 nights in Florence & 3 in Rome. In my opinion, there's a lot more to do in Rome & even 3 days will barely skim the surface but 3 days will give you a nice introduction to Rome. Have a wonderful time.
Posted by
OP
Orangevale, CA, USA
125 posts
Thank you everyone for your responses. Just to give more information, we will be in Europe for a total of 3 weeks and 5 days of "free time" in the area near Florence. My husband wanted to go to Viareggio since his family is from Italy and he went there many times when he was younger. As I said, probably a few hours at most. I will consider 3 days in Rome and 2 in Florence.
Posted by
Marin, CA
532 posts
I think Viareggio would be off season in May for Italians especially if not the weekend. Sometimes that can be peaceful but other times just not fun and dreary especially giving up Rome to see it. Only my thoughts
Posted by
Pittsfield, MA
89 posts
If I only had five days I would split my time between Florence and Rome. There is so much to do and see in both that your A.D.D. will not be a problem. Both are just packed with history and architecture. Florence for the Renaissance and Rome for its ancient history! Do you love art history? If so 3 days in Florence is a good idea. But if art history is lower on your priority, I would switch it and do 2 days in Florence and 3 days in Rome.
Posted by
Piedmont, nc, usa
316 posts
Florence is my favorite place in the world so it pains me to agree that you should give Rome 3 days and Florence 2. Rome is incredible for history and architecture lovers while Florence is history and art. With just 5 days, I'd leave Pisa and Lucca out and only add Viareggio because of your reasons for wanting to visit. I don't have much down time on a trip (the one exception in all the trips I've taken was a 1/2 day at the Royal Crystal Baths last year in Germany. Heaven!)and there is far more to see in both cities than 5 days will allow. It took 3 trips for me to see Pisa and I still haven't managed to fit in Lucca. Save them for later. Once you've been to Italy, only unemployment and death will keep you from returning.