I am planning a trip in October with 3 nights in Venice and 3 in Rome to fullfill a dream for my 73 year old mother. We are on a limited budget, flying into Venice and out of Rome, with a rail transfer between cities and purchased hotel stays thur Gate1 Travel. Any suggestions on day side-trips from either city to see Tuscany area, particularly would like to get away from touristy area and enjoy the slower pace, and/or consider tours of how they make balsamic vinegar, olive oil, drink some good wine, etc.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
The Tuscany region is not close enough to Rome or Venice to make for an easy day trip. You'll end up spending all your time on the train, traveling there and back. Plus, to really enjoy Tuscany you need to rent a car. Much better to enjoy the two WONDERFUL cities that you're going to be in for those days. (You picked my two favorite Italian cities.) There are plenty of non-touristy areas in both Rome and Venice.
Get the RS books for each and have a wonderful, wonderful time.
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA
2030 posts
I personally think 3 nights in the two cities, both of which are so filled with amazing sites, will prove to be overwhelming (in a good way) and really exhaust you and probably your mother as well.
Is your rail transfer a non-stop between these cities? If not, doing a separate side trip to Tuscany from either city will be kind of a waste of time, and further exhaust you. If you can arrange to stop at Orvieto on your way to Rome, rather than go back to it from there, this would be a nice side-trip -- It is a lovely Etruscan hill town.
Posted by
boulder, colorado
192 posts
You will have plenty to do with only 3 days in each city. When in Venice stay away from the Rialto area and Piazza San Marco during the 9:00 t0 5:00 hours when all the day trippers are in town. The rest of the city will be tourist free and wonderful. After the crowds have left you will have the main sites all to yourselves. When in Rome venture across the river to the Trastevere area - far less tourists.