Hello. We are doing a DIY trip and trying to sort out best travel options. We will be leaving Venice to further explore Florence and Sorrento region and ending in Rome. trying to decide options in between.
Our original was Venice (2 nights) to Florence (2) and then it gets confusing. We are trying to decide to do florence first or last and trying to figure out best travel options (since by trains/buses). We wish to do 1/2 day to Pisa, possible stop to Lucca, and perhaps spend night somewhere in Cinque Terre and then to Sienna before heading to Pompei/naples/sorrento area then ending in rome(3 nights). Any suggestions for best travel options and perhaps hotels/B&B in any areas. Dont need luxury, just need a comfortable bed to crash and wifi (and breakfast would be a bonus).
thanks
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
After Venice, do Florence next on this route to reduce backtracking. Two nights and a full day in Cinque Terre is more relaxing than just one night, if you can spare it. If time is tight, you can skip Pisa and/or Lucca. From the Cinque Terre, you can head straight south to Naples. Rick's Italy guidebook has his hotel recommendations as well as most other practical details you will need. For train schedules, see How to Look Up Train Schedules and Routes Online (does not book tickets but schedules are easy to read and print) or www.trenitalia.com (which does).
Posted by
Tulsa, OK
355 posts
I think you may be trying to do way too much travel with too little time in between. Staying two nights any place means you have one day. Every time you change cities, you lose most of a day in the travel and getting settled. You don't say how long your trip will be but it sounds as if taking the Pompeii, Naples, Sorrento portion off might be a good idea.
You can do this type trip if you are doing a tour and have others to take care of the transportation, etc., but doing it on your own you will enjoy it much more if you stay fewer places for a longer period of time.
You could do the big three and stay longer in each of them. From Florence, you could do a day trip to Pisa, Lucca, Sienna and even CT. By staying in three places, trains would work well. The connections are easy and - if you get tickets 60 days out, very inexpensive.
Posted by
Denver, CO
115 posts
I agree, I think you may be trying to squeeze too much in. You can easily stop through Pisa in btw the CT and Florence... I wouldn't worry about spending time there.
If you don't know where to end, see which city is cheaper to fly out of, then wok your way north to south or vice versa. I would suggest more time in Florence, personally.