We know that time of year is hectic. We want to be more relaxed than running around trying to see all the sights. Opted for more natural outdoor beauty over museums. However, we are willing to see 1 or maybe 2 must see museums or sights in each city. Example: we do want to see the Statue of David in Florence. We average 4 full days in each city, with the exception of Pisa and Florence, 2 and 3 full days respectively.
My question is this, what are the 1 of 2 must see spots in each place? (We are hiking in Cinque Terra, but still open to any suggestions).
Mahalo everyone!
Posted by
Chicago
8228 posts
Posted by
OP
97 posts
Thank you Jazz Travels
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32396 posts
What hiking are you planning to do in the Cinque Terre? One other activity you may enjoy there would be to take the Ferry (weather permitting) from Monterosso to Porto Venere and have a look around there for a few hours. Seeing the five towns from the water provides a different perspective. On the way back, you can either stop in Riomaggiore and then take the train back to Vernazza, or just get off the boat when it stops in Vernazza. You may also want to have a look around Levanto.
Posted by
OP
97 posts
Mahalo Ken!
Posted by
8453 posts
Rome deserves 5 days and Florence 4.
Some places on your itinerary have too many days.
Pisa is a one day visit(in fact you can see the sacred compound in half a day-that is all worth seeing in Pisa), Siena is a one day visit. You could add Lucca, it is another half day city. Cinque Terra is nice, but I don't see four days there. Venice you can do in 3 nights. Consider adding Ravenna for one day.
Use TripAdvisor for things to do in each place.
Sorry, but you miss a lot if you skip some museums. You must see the Vatican Museum to see the amazing Sistine Chapel. DO NOT miss it. Don't miss the Piazza Navona, Trajan's market, Trajan's Column, the Coliseum, Forum, St. Peter's, Castel St. Angelo (Hadrian's mausoleum), the Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Appian Way, and more.
Academia Museum is where you see the David statue. You can do Florence on your own, it is a great city to walk.
Posted by
Treasure Island, Florida, USA
267 posts
Florence: The Accademia is open late on Tuesdays in September, many people do not know about this. We went at 7 PM and were practically alone with David! Also, not sure if they have this every year in Sept, but we happened upon an exhibition of ambulances, right in the square by the duomo. It was incredible to think of these cars (which doubled as hearses when the patient didn't make it lol), traveling the mountainous terrain to transport their charges.
Vernazza: We went in September also, and rented a modest boat for a half day. We felt like the king and queen, watching the packed ferry and gloating that we were on our own. So beautiful from the water. We packed a lunch and motored slowly from village to village, even stopping at a hidden waterfall for a swim (the boat guys gave us a map and pointers). All for under 100 euros. Assuming you're comfortable with operating a small boat (get one with shade!) Go down to the dock to make (very casual) arrangements. Nordest Boat Rental.
Posted by
OP
97 posts
Thanks Joan and geovagriffith!