Venice, Florence, Tuscany area, then Rome

Posted by RC (Fort Myers, FL) on 07/30/19 06:56 PM

I am going to start to plan a trip to Italy, but a little more in depth this time.
I cruised the western part some years ago just to get a feel (you don't stay anywhere long on a cruise).

It would begin with flying into Venice, stay a couple days and then a cruise, debarking in Venice.
Then take a train to Florence (suggestions welcome please) and spend a few days.
Leaving Florence, I thought I would pick up a rental car and meander the Tuscany area.
I have no clue where to go there, or how long to stay.
A friend recommended San Gimignano as a base to work from in the Tuscany area.

Then drive to Rome, drop car and spend time on foot exploring Rome.
Fly home from there.

Time frame is spring 2020.
2-3 days in Venice, then a 7 day cruise elsewhere, 3-4 days Florence, 3-4+ days Tuscany(?), and 4-5 days in Rome (19-23 days total).

I know this is really general in context, but just trying to formulate at this point.
I have spent several weeks in other counties (all of UK) driving without issue, but heard Italy to be possibly more difficult.
Any feedback is very much appreciated.

Thank you in advance...…...RC

Posted by RJean

New York, NY

07/30/19 07:10 PM

1586 posts

Hi RC,

As you mentioned , you will train immediately to Florence once you return from your cruise. Spend 3 days in Florence then rent a car to explore the Chianti region. https://www.autoeurope.com/car-rental-santa-maria-novella-rail-station/

Here are some notable tuscan towns and accommodations that might be of interest to you.

The towns of Greve, Arezzo, Panzano, Pienza and Castellina are good to set up a base. You can spend 4 days in that region.

Here are some lodging options:

https://www.agriturismoilcasalino.it/en-us

https://www.poderespedalone.it/

https://www.mormoraia.it/farmhouse_san_gimignano_tuscany.php

https://www.vicchiomaggio.it/

www.castellolaleccia.com/index.php?lang=en

https://www.agriturismo.it/en/farmhouse/tuscany/siena/AziendaAgricolaPodereScannelli-7690083/index.html

Then you can drive back to Florence and return the rental car at the Florence train terminal (Stazione di Santa Maria Novella) then hop on a train to Rome and spend 4 days there before you fly home.

Posted by ChristineH

Gettysburg PA

07/30/19 07:13 PM

7303 posts

Pick up RS Tuscany book
Get car as you leave Florence and return as you leave Tuscany-Orvieto and Chiusi are good options then train to Rome

Read up on ZTLs, IDP etc
Lots of info here on this forum

We have driven in UK, Ireland, France, Germany and Italy
We found driving in Italy-Tuscany/Umbria to be not much different than France, Germany etc
At least they drive on right side of road as opposed to UK!

Posted by Suki

07/30/19 07:14 PM

11651 posts

Why not add those seven cruise days to explore more of Italy by land? If going out of Venice, you would see Croatia, Montengro. Make those countries a different trip.
Spend more time in Tuscany or Umbria. There are many better places than San Gimignano in Tuscany to use as a base; it gets mobbed with bus tours. Look at Siena and the pretty Chianti towns nearby of Greve, Panzano, Castellina, Radda, Gaiole, etc. Or head to Montalcino, Pienza. Do not stay anywhere two nights as that only gives you one day, unless it is necessary..
Driving in Italy is not difficult and it is necessary for Tuscany! There are autostradas which resemble Interstate highways in the US. The Italian drivers actually are excellent but may tailgate you to say "get over" in the slow lanes. Tuscany is rural for the most part. I find driving in the UK more difficult due to driving on the other side of the road. turn the car in Rome or at FCO so you don't have to schlep luggage on and off Italian trains.