Hello, traveling to Italy and wanted to know what smaller cities for day trips that are worth visiting and adding to our itinerary. we are starting in Venice 4 nights then Florence 4 nights and ending our trip in rome for three days. I was thinking of visiting Sienna,lucca, or maybe pisa for a day trip while staying Florence. Any tips and suggestions would be appreciated!
Posted by
San Diego, California, USA
1110 posts
You're hitting the "big 3" which is the classic first Italian trip for good reason.
Given how much time you have I don't think you have much time for too many side trips but if you're going to take one I'd suggest Siena from Florence. Siena is the classic day trip from Florence because it is easily reached by train or bus and both gets you a look at the beautiful "hill town" city of Siena but also gets you at least a teaser look of the Tuscan countryside.
Pisa allows you to see the famous tower and Lucca is pleasant but to me Siena is easily the best choice in this situation. It is usually the memory of Siena that sparks everyone's second planned trip to Italy that will include Tuscany.
The only suggestion I might make is moving a day from Venice to Rome, but it is up to you. I love Venice but Rome arguably has the most sights of any of the three cities. You say three days in Rome if you are there for four nights like the other cities then that's probably fine, but this would still be a change I might suggest.
You're definitely on the right track. Have a great trip!
=Tod
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you! Yes I was debating about taking a day away from Venice but not sure. It’s our first time visiting Italy and we want to enjoy not rush anything. Thank you for your tips very helpful!
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7187 posts
Welcome!
How many NIGHTS do you have in Italy? A 13 day trip would need 14 nights. Counting trip in nights gives you a better overall picture.
Bare minimum
Venice 3
Florence 3 add a night for each day trip
Rome 4
13 or 14 nights- no more than 4 locations- each location change east up at least a half day
Venice 3 or 4
Florence 4 or 5 with 1 or 2 day trips- you can combine Lucca and Pisa on 1 day trip or Siena needs a full day
(if you would like to spend time IN a hill town- Orvieto works well- it is in Umbria but beautiful and on the way to Rome- 2 nights there)
Rome 4 (or 5- you can never have enough time in Rome!)
Are you flying home from Rome?
Your previous post indicates you are flying in to Rome then flying onward to Venice- if that's the case definitely give Venice 4 nights- that first day will be a blur but with 4 nights you still have 3 good full days.