Venice, Florence, Umbria Assisi, Perguia

If you haven't been to Florence, a day trip might be a little rushed, especially if you are interested in museums (try not to miss San Marco, it seems never to be crowded and has beautiful frescoes by Fra Angelico). Assisi and Perugia are both in Umbria; I prefer the pace of Assisi, even when it is crowded. You can walk or drive up to the Rocca Maggiore fortress and get beautiful views of the valley. I also recommend Spello, a small town only about 7km from Assisi, and Todi, which retains a great medieval character. Gubbio is also a beautiful city. If you are driving, you can base yourself in one town and do daytrips to the rest, or take buses (good transportation system). I was in Assisi last summer with friends who had a car, and we were able to park for free near the Rocca Maggiore and just walk down the nearby steps into the town (of course you have to walk back up to retrieve the car).

Florence as a day trip from where? One day for Florence seems very rushed if you like relaxing and museums. I could spend all day in the Uffizi alone, and the Bargello is also great. I'd suggest Siena for a more relaxed experience than Florence, which can get very crowded and is heavily congested with traffic -- even in the center. Assisi is charming -- a great day trip. Mathew

Are you saying you'll have two weeks in Italy and you're wanting suggestions on the itinerary for the whole time? Since you like museums, you really should spend at least 2 nights in Florence, preferably 3 or 4. I believe I've heard that 1/5 of the world's art treasures are in Florence. (And good for you for wanting to go to the Bargello - it's an underappreciated treasure. Also, I second the San Marco suggestion for Florence. I believe it's really close to the Accademia where the David statue is found.) As far as Umbria is concerned, we've only been to Assisi, but absolutely loved it. Here are some photos of our trip to Assisi in May 2008. It's worth at least 2 nights, 3 if you want to be able to relax. Stay in the historic center. It gets crowded with daytrippers from about 10 to around 4, as do all popular places Italy. I've only seen Perugia passing through on a train, but it didn't seem to have the charm that Assisi does, partly because it's so much larger. Also, you might run into some anti-Americanism there given the recent Amanda Knox trial and release. (Most Italians apparently believe she was guilty.) Happy travels.

Hi Rainie. I agree with the others. If you like museums and haven't been to Florence, I recommend at least 3 full days there. You can use the city as a base to take daytrips to other cities nearby. What's the rest of your itinerary? If you're looking to discover new towns, I recommend Lucca and/or Ravenna. You could also stop in Verona for a day between Venice and Florence.

I live in Florence right now--in one day--yikes--stay in Florence and do day trips to some of the least visited towns---so many hill towns--I will never see it all-- Slow down--breathe--and see less but enjoy more!

Thank you all for the suggestions. I have revised my itinerary. I am planning 4 days in Venice with a day trip to Verona or Padua and 3/4 days in Florence with maybe a day trip to Siena, then fly to Paris to meet up with friends for 10 days. Staying between Venice and Florence with a couple day trips seems to make better use of my time than spending such a long trip on the train to Perguia. And, I would rather visit smaller cities nearer Venice and Florence. Less time on the train is more time to sightsee. Thanks again.

Good for you. You've changed it to an excellent itinerary. FWIW, the art in Padova/Padua is more impressive than what we found in Verona. The Scrovegni Chapel is an experience not to be missed. (You'll need reservations which you can make on arrival in the train station at the TI.) And do go to the upstairs museum of paintings if you have time there. The RS Venice/Veneto book has good suggestions for a daytrip to Padova. I think the version in his Italy book is more abbreviated. Here are a few photos of our trip to Padua in May 2011, if you're interested. Can't take pictures in the Scrovegni Chapel, unfortunately. Happy travels.