I am just starting plans for a trip this coming April. It will be our first time to Italy and we would rather submerge ourselves and slowly take it all in rather than bouncing around every 2 to 3 days. Maybe a focus on Venice and somewhere else spanning 10 days. We are not museum people and enjoy architecture, scenery, food and wine. We originally thought we would go to the Amalfi coast, but considering the early April cool temperatures for a beach area, we are pivoting to exploring different areas and thought about Venice .. but this early on in planning can easily be swayed to another area, especially if it is in wine country! does anyone have any great itineraries they would recommend for 10 days?
Posted by
Bend, OR
1324 posts
You might want to make your decisions quickly because Italy was crowded last year and it sounds like it’s predicted to be even more so this year. Last Fall we were in Verona and Padua and really enjoyed both.
Posted by
Twin Cities, Minnesota
2104 posts
I have two suggestions for day trips from Venice. One is Ravenna to see the Basilica di San Vitale with the mosaics & next to it the Mausoleo di Gallo Placida and secondly, Padua to see Giotto's magnificent Scrovegni Chapel. When in Venice be sure to take the vaperetto to Murano and Burano to see the glassworks and lace making (and colorful little buildings.)
Posted by
Fort Myers, FL
1991 posts
Venice and Florence.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7712 posts
Ravenna is too far as a day trip from Venice ( something like 2.5 hours each way with at least 1 change )
It works well from Bologna -just about an hour no changes
Bologna has lots of day trip options as well as being a foodie location
Also great if it is rainy as there are miles of porticoes to shelter under
Posted by
San Mateo, CA
8 posts
Florence is a must for 2-3 days. I would also consider renting a car to visit the hill towns of Tuscany if you're into wine.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA area (USA)
265 posts
I think Bologna would be a good choice for the “somewhere else”, as would Florence. Just plan to see what you can and don’t fret about trying to cram everything in! Good luck!
Posted by
San Diego, California
6171 posts
You are a bit late for spring lodging, so availability may dictate your itinerary. I would avoid the weeks before and after Easter, April 20. And, avoid Rome (and the spillover to Florence expected) , due to the Pope's Jubilee celebrations. You have so many great options, and the back canals of Venice are always charming. Would you have a car in Tuscany?
RS recommends Tours by Roberto.
Venice and Tuscany would be lovely.
Enjoy!
Posted by
5665 posts
It sounds like you have an itinerary: Venice and the Veneto?
https://www.venetoinside.com/en/veneto
Posted by
OP
New Jersey, U.S.A.
23 posts
Thank you for your helpful replies! Having 10 days from March 30 - April. 8, I'm considering something like:
2 nights Venice (maybe adding a 3rd)
3 nights Bologna
3 nights Florence
2 nights Val D'Orcia
I believe we can take train from place to place. I would like to find a driver to drive us for a day around Tuscany.
Where is best cooking class? Wine & food tours? I've heard there are private homes who serve meals - I would love such an authentic experience.
Posted by
New England
751 posts
we would rather submerge ourselves and slowly take it all in rather than bouncing around every 2 to 3 days
Your new itinerary seems to be exactly what you had said you wanted to avoid.
Posted by
OP
New Jersey, U.S.A.
23 posts
You are right! The more I research, the more places I don't want to miss. Yikes! I'm going back to plan more in line with my original thoughts. !! Thank you!