14 Days, Milan to Rome, Lots of Questions
Mar 26th, 2011, 05:51 PM
#1
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14 Days, Milan to Rome, Lots of Questions
Hi
This is my friend's first trip outside of the United States and I'm trying as hard as I can to make it great. However, I've never been to Italy and have no idea where to start and what tourist traps are actually worth it. We fly in to Munich and out of Rome. Although we haven't booked tickets yet, so that could change.
We plan on going in June and all we've figured out is that we would like to visit Venice, Florence, and Siena. Does anyone have any other cities that would be good for a first time short trip? Also, for trenitalia would it be better to buy a carnet or buy tickets as we go? Finally, is it worth staying in Milan for a day or two? My friend lives there and would like us to visit, but from all I've read, it doesn't seem like anyone recommends staying there.
Thank you,
Jen
This is my friend's first trip outside of the United States and I'm trying as hard as I can to make it great. However, I've never been to Italy and have no idea where to start and what tourist traps are actually worth it. We fly in to Munich and out of Rome. Although we haven't booked tickets yet, so that could change.
We plan on going in June and all we've figured out is that we would like to visit Venice, Florence, and Siena. Does anyone have any other cities that would be good for a first time short trip? Also, for trenitalia would it be better to buy a carnet or buy tickets as we go? Finally, is it worth staying in Milan for a day or two? My friend lives there and would like us to visit, but from all I've read, it doesn't seem like anyone recommends staying there.
Thank you,
Jen
Mar 26th, 2011, 06:15 PM
#3
Your title says Milan to Rome, but you wrote you're landing in Munich. Which is it?
You're thinking of a 14-day trip and mention 6 places (if you include Munich). That's too much.
I like Milan, so I'd say it was worth spending some time there. At least one night. If I had a friend to visit, it would be a no-brainer.
IMO, you should decide between Florence-Siena and Venice before Rome. My choice would be Florence (and the many possible day trips), but you really need to figure this out yourself. There is no wrong answer, only different personal interests.
You're thinking of a 14-day trip and mention 6 places (if you include Munich). That's too much.
I like Milan, so I'd say it was worth spending some time there. At least one night. If I had a friend to visit, it would be a no-brainer.
IMO, you should decide between Florence-Siena and Venice before Rome. My choice would be Florence (and the many possible day trips), but you really need to figure this out yourself. There is no wrong answer, only different personal interests.
Mar 26th, 2011, 06:43 PM
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Sorry, I meant Milan.
So Milan, Venice, Florence, Siena, Rome.
Going from Milan to Venice and then to Tuscany would be too much? Or should we do Milan, Florence (and trips several days) then finally Rome? Are many of the day trips from Florence good for hiking?
Thank you for the help
So Milan, Venice, Florence, Siena, Rome.
Going from Milan to Venice and then to Tuscany would be too much? Or should we do Milan, Florence (and trips several days) then finally Rome? Are many of the day trips from Florence good for hiking?
Thank you for the help
Mar 26th, 2011, 07:21 PM
#5
I still think the choice between Florence-Siena and Venice is one you have to make.
Five hotels/bases in 14 days would be at least one too many for me.
If you're not planning to spend any time in Milan, then I would look into flying into Venice or Pisa. Even round-trip in/out of Rome would make more sense.
How do you define 'hiking'? You could walk from Florence up to (or down from) the hilltown of Fiesole. The most direct route is about 3.5 miles one way. You can walk on the top of Lucca's old city walls. One circuit is about 2.5 miles. If you go to Pisa, you can walk from the train station and then climb the Leaning Tower.
Five hotels/bases in 14 days would be at least one too many for me.
If you're not planning to spend any time in Milan, then I would look into flying into Venice or Pisa. Even round-trip in/out of Rome would make more sense.
How do you define 'hiking'? You could walk from Florence up to (or down from) the hilltown of Fiesole. The most direct route is about 3.5 miles one way. You can walk on the top of Lucca's old city walls. One circuit is about 2.5 miles. If you go to Pisa, you can walk from the train station and then climb the Leaning Tower.
Mar 27th, 2011, 08:42 AM
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I will hope to stop in Milan, I just got worried because so many people on forums said it wasn't worth it. It's also several hundred dollars cheaper.
My friend and I figured we'd just go to Tuscany and not Venice. Do you have any suggestions on day trips if we base in Florence? There are so many cities in the area, all beautiful.
By hiking, we were more thinking 15 or 20 miles. Although those ideas sound nice, not quite what we were going for. We were hoping if the weather is in our favor we could spend a day or two just hiking. (I guess that makes my five city tour even less possible)
Sorry for all the questions.
My friend and I figured we'd just go to Tuscany and not Venice. Do you have any suggestions on day trips if we base in Florence? There are so many cities in the area, all beautiful.
By hiking, we were more thinking 15 or 20 miles. Although those ideas sound nice, not quite what we were going for. We were hoping if the weather is in our favor we could spend a day or two just hiking. (I guess that makes my five city tour even less possible)
Sorry for all the questions.
Mar 27th, 2011, 09:26 AM
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We will also be in Rome in June. (Not that I am an experienced European traveler, but,) If you really want to hike, you should consider a stop in the Alps. Maybe someone could advise you on beautiful locations in the Italian Alps for hiking that would put Venice nearby. For trains, there are (I understand) "medium speed" trains from Milan to Venice and "higher speed trains" from Venice to Rome. Otherwise you will spend the entire day on the train.
If you don't really have to "hike" (or what we call a hike, in the Colorado Rockies or California Yosemite trails), I believe you will get much more than your 15-20 miles walking Venice, Rome, etc.
If you don't really have to "hike" (or what we call a hike, in the Colorado Rockies or California Yosemite trails), I believe you will get much more than your 15-20 miles walking Venice, Rome, etc.
Mar 27th, 2011, 09:39 AM
#8
Yes, a day or two of true hiking would probably dictate the rest of your itinerary. You might want to buy a guide book that focuses on hiking in Tuscany.
http://www.amazon.com/Tuscany-Sunflo.../dp/1856912175
http://www.amazon.com/Explorers-Guid...ref=pd_sim_b_1
In terms of day trips from Florence, consider Bologna, Siena, San Gimignano, Lucca, Pisa, Montecatini Terme, Arezzo, all easy by public trans. Or join a guided tour of Chianti wineries.
http://www.amazon.com/Tuscany-Sunflo.../dp/1856912175
http://www.amazon.com/Explorers-Guid...ref=pd_sim_b_1
In terms of day trips from Florence, consider Bologna, Siena, San Gimignano, Lucca, Pisa, Montecatini Terme, Arezzo, all easy by public trans. Or join a guided tour of Chianti wineries.
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