After 25 years of marriage and no divorce or murder, my better half and I are flying from NZ to Venice for 2 days, then 14 day cruise (2 ships) docking at Bari, Katakolon, Izmir, Instanbul, Debrovnik, Barcelona, Tunis, Valletta, Messian, Civitavecchia, Genoa. We have tacked a spare 7 days on at the end to do something...had thought about flying to London to maybe do London and Paris, but also considered just winging it in Italy - Tuscany perhaps?.
We love architecture, wine and food (who doesn't!) - don't speak any languages other than English, very easy going and good natured, flip a coin at the next intersection kind of style. 'He' thinks he will be happy to drive, if we decide that's what we want to do. We finish up in Genoa 3rd Nov and have no plans until we fly out of Rome on the 11th. Way too many options - any thoughts, good experiences -tips.
Thanks Sharon
7 Days in Italy - suggestions?
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I wouldn't go to London and Paris if you need to return to Rome. Too much time would be lost moving around.
I'd set off in the general direction of Rome. There are many options by train, or you could rent a car and return it before you reach Rome. Weather could be iffy, so you should be prepared clothes-wise.
If it were my trip, I'd train to Florence for a few days and then train to Rome for the remainder. There are several easy day-trips from both if the weather cooperates. You could even stop at Pisa for a few hours on the way from Genoa to Florence and/or stop in Siena for a night or two on your way from Florence to Rome, using public trans all the way.
While October is still beautiful, warm and mild in the Mediterranean, in November it starts to get chilly and rainy.
London and Paris will be cold, dark, drairy and rainy. Tuscany would be natural option to explore historic cities, medieval art and architecture - if you will still be hungry for these things after seeing historic cities , medieval art and architecture in Venice, Bari, Katakolon, Izmir, Instanbul, Debrovnik, Barcelona, Tunis, Valletta, Messina and Rome.
Perhaps you will be craving for something different. Think about a short train ride (3:10) from Genova to Nice and spend your seven days at the Cote d'Azur. Weather will still be beautiful in the beginning of November and definitely warmer than in Tuscany. Seawater will be warm enough for swimming and snorkeling.
On the Cote d'Azur you find an abundance of modern art, enough history (if you will not be totally fed up by this at the end of the cruise), spectacular scenery, beaches, promenades, hiking trails, easy living and excellent food and wine.
Look here whether you find it appealing:
http://de.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Datei:Esterel-7.jpg&filetimestamp=20071222143612
Parma is great with lots going on for food n wine tastings etc..
http://gustoitalia.wordpress.com/
I think you could do a nice leisurely drive south from Genoa along the coast to about the area of Pisa, then turn inland and stay a couple of days in Chianti, then drive south along the secondary highways through Val d'Aosta and down to Lago di Bolsena, see Civita di Bagnoregio and end in Orvieto. Then take the train into Rome for the end of the trip.
A couple of questions, have you been to Italy before? November is a great time to be in Florence if you are an art lover, the tourists are few and the Italians get the chance to enjoy their own museums in peace. So the queues for the Uffizi, Pitti Palace etc are miniscule. I adore Tuscany and Florence in particular, there are so many beautiful villages and towns to enjoy. Siena, Arrezo, Lucca, Via Reggio, San Gimignano are easily reached by regional train which is relaxing and enjoyable and for most about a one hour journey. Also much cheaper than renting a car. No need to book in advance, just check the timetables on the Trenitalia website. Also when there last I took a day trip by coach for a change and we visited Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa, made even more enjoyable because we also had a lunch stop at a farm close to SG and feasted on their own wine, pasta, vegetables, meat and dessert. We had a lovely group and it was one of the most enjoyable days of my life. If you are interested I can tell you the details. As for driving, the roads are great, you could work out a loop taking in the same three stops as above but also some small villages as well and maybe a few vineyards. Sounds like heaven to me.