After 1 week in Switzerland we will have 15 nights in Italy. Our interests mostly revolve around experiencing our surroundings, the local culture/people and cuisines, with moderate amounts of time visiting the attractions. Here is where our itinerary stands:
- 1 night at Stresa or Milan after train trip from Lauterbrunnen on a Wednesday, September 25.
- *2 nights Cinque Terre... even with crowds as it has been on our list for years! Not sure where yet -
- *7 nights to split between Florence, Umbria and Rome. Want at least one night to experience evening in
an Umbrian town. *Nights 2-9 are still not reserved so open for suggestions.
- 4 nights in Tuscany with car at La Bruciata (reservation made)
- last night Rome for early flight out next morning.
(The folks at La Bruciata were graciously willing to reserve for less than their usual 7 nights but only for certain nights. Thus we chose to not save Rome until the very last 3 nights).
I look forward to your thoughts and suggestions! Much appreciated, Debbie
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8359 posts
We really enjoyed our afternoon and day around Orvieto. And it was a quick 70 minute ride into Rome for our flight out of FCO.
Posted by
11653 posts
Spend two nights in beautiful Spello, Umbria for a perfect introduction to this area.
Posted by
Washington DC
28425 posts
I thoroughly enjoyed spending two weeks in Orvieto for language classes, so I can vouch for it as an overnight destination. However, I'm certain Assisi and Spoleto are lovely in the evening as well. Perhaps looking at the travel time can help with your decision.
Posted by
8443 posts
We are planning a week long trip to Umbria that will include Orvieto, Spoleto, Assisi and Perugia at a minimum.
If you have 7 nights to divide between Umbria, Florence and Rome, you are taking on too much. Rome deserves 4-5 days and Florence 3. You need 3-4 days just to touch base with Umbria.
If you haven't been to Italy then you are underrating Rome. It is an amazing place with a lot to see. CT is good, but it is not up on the top of my Italy list. Rome, Florence and Venice are the big three and not even mentioning the Naples area.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
I agree that splitting seven nights between Florence, Rome and Umbria is, as the Italians would say, "pazzesco." That's especially true if your goal is to "experience the surroundings." How can you experience them when you're packing and traveling for a good chunk of the time? YMMV, of course.
Posted by
OP
Washington State
17 posts
Thank you all. It seems to be a common idea to slow down! Perhaps we will choose to not carve out any overnights at Cinque Terre. Instead, add nights to Florence and Rome with the intent to make a day trip to CT from either city. We would want to catch a late train back to our home-base. In addition, is it reasonable to train from Lauterbrunnen to Florence in one day? We had thought of staying 1 night in Stresa.
Again, I appreciate your insightful responses. Deb