tzoradi

I'm planning a trip to Italy in September with my husband and I wanted some feedback on if my tentative itinerary would work or if I'd be rushing it too much. I'd also love some recommendations on places to stay, things to do, and where to eat. We're not afraid of simple accomodations but would prefer not to share a bathroom. We're hoping to spend 100 euros or less on hotels per night.

Wednesday 9/19 - arrive in Florence at 11:45am. Explore. Museums. Etc.
Thursday 9/20 - Explore Florence
Friday 9/21 - Siena day trip and return to Florence at night
Saturday 9/22 - A half day trip to Lucca and travel on to Cinque Terre that afternoon. Stay in Vernazza.
Sunday 9/23 - Cinque Terre
Monday 9/24 - Cinque Terre
Tuesday 9/25 - Travel to Rome. Explore Ancient Rome.
Wednesday 9/26 - Vatican City. Is the Pope in town by this time for a papal audience? Maybe dinner in Trastavere.
Thursday 9/27 - Explore North Rome. Go see Romeo and Juliet ballet.
Depart Friday 9/28 morning.

Thanks!

qwovadis

Looks fine to me.
seat61.com/italy
eurocheapo.com
great budget tips
We like www.metropole.it
in SML/Portofino nicer than Vernazza
www.ostia-antica.org a do not miss
1 euro on the metro from downtown
No clue bout the popes sept plans.

Have fun PM if needed.

bobthenavigator

I would not count on Vernazza even that late--it was devastated.

kybourbon

>>>Saturday 9/22 - A half day trip to Lucca and travel on to Cinque Terre that afternoon.<<<

Where do you plan to store your luggage while you see Lucca?

I would rearrange your schedule. I'm assuming you are flying out of Rome?

Arrive Florence and train to Cinque Terre for 2 nights (I would drop one of your nights here). If you are arriving from the states, you will probably be too tired to enjoy any museums that day so you might as well travel on to a further destination and do something outdoors.

After two nights in CT, train to Florence for three nights, then Rome for 4 nights.

After CT, train to Florence

tzoradi

qwovadis- Thanks for your suggestions. I'll check out those links.

kybourbon - Yeah, I was a little hesitant about whether we'd be up for museums right off the plane. But I think I'd also rather not hop on a train right after a long flight. I like your idea of doing CT for 2 nights instead though so maybe we can take the first afternoon to relax and wander aimlessly and add a night in Florence. As for our bags during our Lucca day trip, I thought we'd check them at the TI on Piazzale Giuseppe Verdi and rent bikes from there at the same time.

Has anyone checked bags in Lucca before? Was it safe/easy or a pain?

bobthenavigator - Thanks for your input. I was hoping Vernazza would be up and running by September. Have you been to CT lately? It's so sad to watch to footage of the floods. I'd still like to visit Vernazza regardless of whether or not I stay there so that I can contribute to the locals during this time of rebuilding.

Jean

http://savevernazza.com/latestupdates/

http://savevernazza.com/vernazza-january-21-2012/

tzoradi

Jean - Thanks for the link! That will be very useful!