Where to go in Italy March-15-20

I wasn't sure if it would be worth it to fly to Italy for such a short period of time. We are only off for a week as teachers and can't take any time before or after the break. I figured we could at least get a small taste of Italy and then go back someday.

We took our first trip to Europe last summer and fell in love. We went to Ireland, Paris/Normandy, and Barcelona. I have been wanting to go back ever since. I figured if we went to Italy in March we could save a little money and maybe not have as many people around as in say June. I guess I am looking at two days in Rome, two days in Venice, and something else. I know a lot of people will say two days is not enough but we are young and will try and make it work.

Thanks for all your help.

I've only been to Itlay a couple of times but here's what I would do:

March 15: Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum, Pantheon (Buy your tickets at Palatine Hill and then go right into the Colosseum)
March 16: AM Borghese Gardens,Spanish Steps PM Vatican, Trastevere
March 17: AM Catacombs PM Train to Venice
March 18: AM St.Mark's Basilica,PM Gondola ride on Grand Canal
March 19: AM Visit Padova, Verona PM Romantic dinner in Venice!

Rome, Venice is a long run and you can run into flooding in Venice in the Spring time. For a five day trip I would serious consider staying in Rome for five days or an open jaw into Rome and home from Milan. Three days in Rome, an over night in Florence and a late arrival into Milan and home the next day. That would be quick hit but less travel than getting to Venice. Remember your fist day in Rome will be partly wasted because of jet lag.

I have been worried about the flooding in Venice. I hear Venice is the one place I should go. Are there certain seasons where the flooding is worse? I figured March might be one of those times. What sights would you suggest in Florence and Milan?

My husband and I spent our our one year anniversary in Italy last May! We were able to see so much, more than we even hoped and we really didn't feel like we were rushing. Here's some of our itinerary, just to show you it's possible to see a lot in a week if you're up for an adventure!

Day 1:flew into Pisa, saw the leaning tower, then took the train to Florence and were able cover almost everything we wanted to see before dark
Day 2: Took a day trip to Gimignano from Florence, explored Florence more when we returned that afternoon.
Day 3: Train to Lucca, explored Lucca
Day 4: Explored Lucca, went to a soccer game
Day 5: Early train form Lucca to Cinque Terre, Hiked between the five towns, returned to Lucca
Day 5: Train to Naples, train to Sorrento, stopped at Pompeii on the way to Sorrento
Day 6: Visit family in San't Angelo
Day 7: Return to Sorrento, Day trip Positano

I'll stop there because out trip was 2 weeks, but if you fly into Rome and out of Venice I think you can fit a lot in between. We didn't spend a lot of our time in museums or doing tours so we could move at our own, fast pace, but I wouldn't change anything about our trip. We loved it so much we're going back to Italy this summer!

Don't hesitate! Go to Italy--even for one week! Frank is correct--flooding can occur in the spring but there's no guarantee either way--here's the scoop:

"Acqua Alta is a phenomenon that regularly occurs in the city of Venice, most commonly during autumn and spring high tides. It involves the flooding of the most low lying areas of Venice, or, in more severe cases, up to 96% of the City streets."

If you already have your plane tickets into Rome and home from Venice, I'd divide your between the two cities with more time in Rome. If not, then flying in and out of Rome (with a daytrip to Orvieto or some other destination nearby) is a good idea.

Enjoy your trip!!