Is this Itinerary Unrealistic? Why?

Kitty: We've talked about this already via PM. It looks fine, IMO, some travelers like you want to move around more than old geezers like me. So it looks okay, except for the train from Madrid to Varenna is 20 to 25 hrs so you want to fly that leg as well. Allow for flying to take most of a day, to the airport, wait, pick up baggage, to the hotel, etc.

Kitty, I don't think you are planning too much. But, what's with the Madrid-Barcelona-Madrid thing?

On the face of it you are spending half a day on a flight that is unnecessary by breaking your Madrid stay in two parts.

Ken,

Sorry, I typed Madrid when I should have typed Milan. We are flying from Barcelona to Milan then taking the train to Cinque Terre. Does that make more sense?

So you really think this is doable?

Kitty

Way doable. But two nights too many in Milan...

Doug,

Your not the first person this week to tell me to basically skip Milan. Can you tell me why? I'd really appreciate the input.

Kitty

We liked Milan but I agree that one night and part of two days is enough. Have you considered verona for two nights insteaqd of Milan? Audrey and I loved it and wished we had more time there... and it is on the way to venice. George

It's not that Milan is an awful hellhole - it's not (far from it). It's a nice city with some interesting sights (and if you're into shopping for fashion, give it an extra star). It's certainly worth a brief visit.

The problem with Milan is that it's not Venice, or Rome, or Siena, or.... in other words, Milan is OK, but there are other detinations not so far away that are just way better and more interesting. If you've already been to all the other great spots in Italy, then by all means plan a few days in Milan. But if you're spending a few days in Milan but you're not getting to Venice, the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, Rome, etc., etc., then you're giving Milan too much of your time. It's just a question of priorities.

Let me add to the chorus... this itinerary is very reasonable, if you have enough money. Go for it!

Okay guys, based on all your input and from a couple of other post here is what I'm planning. I buy the tickets Monday so this is your last chance to change my mind.

10/15 Fly to Paris: See Eiffel (& at Night), Louve, Sacre Coeur, Walk alot, eat alot, Notre Dame, and if I'm not too tired, Versaille. 5 nights

10/21 Fly to Madrid: Get bearings, Walk the Puerta Del Sol and see Royal Palace, Eat Tapas, Eat more, Visit friends, and if the mood strikes, take a bus/train to Toledo. 4 nights

10/25 Fly to Barcelona (will consider train per recommendations): Get bearings, Walk La Ramblas/Gothic Quarter, Picasso Museum, Parc Güell, and eat. 4 nights

10/29 Fly to Venice: Sleep, eat, walk, talk to locals. Maybe a Gondola for a splurge. 4 nights

11/2 Train through Tuscany to LeSpezia. Do the coast from CT to Lerici. Lots of walking. 5 nights

11/7 Get back to Milan (probably train possibly fly from Pisa). Duomo, shopping, walk, eat. Say goodbye to Italy. Hopefully not forever. 2 nights

11/9 Cruise for one week to Greece.(We just love cruising and I may need the rest by this point.)

Sounds quite do-able...almost relaxing! ;) Personally, I'd chop a day off Barcelona and Venice, and cut Milan altogether in favour of a couple of days in Rome. But hey, it's your holiday. I think you've made some excellent choices, time-wise. You should be able to get an excellent sampling of life in those spots. And, biased as I am....I still think Spain will draw you back for your next trip!

I think your tour sounds like a lot of fun too. 4-5 days in a city will get you most of the main tourist sights seen. I agree with the Milan detractors. It is a nice city, but 2 days would be enough. If you were planning on seeing the Last Supper painting though, make your reservations ahead of time. Perhaps look for a good walking tour to show you some sights that the rest of us don't know about. It is a truly a shopping heaven. Anyway, I don't think it sounds wacky at all. Find good walking tours in each city for your first day and that will get you oriented and give you great tips for the rest of your stay in that city. Your hotel will be sure to recommend some good ones. That is what front desks are supposed to do.

Forget Milano- an entirely forgettable place, anyhow, and you have a fine itinerary and should enjoy your trip. Buon Viaggio e buona fortuna!