rockymountain

Hi All;
Flying into Venice and out of Rome in September. Stops in Lake Como, Cinque Terre, and Florence. No kids, we like the local sites, cafes, etc. Transportation only by train, subways, etc. Any ideas or must stops? First time in Italy.

vjpblovesitaly

I think you should go to the library and get a guidebook.

bilboburgler

Gosh, well there are a bunch (>5) of walled cities that sit around the Euganian hills and then as you get to Florence there is all of Lucca, Pisa, Siena, Montepulciano, Cortina. How big a list do you want? It really depends on how much time you have to spend, I think get a copy of Rough Guide Italy and have a flick through.

annhig

How long is this trip?

rockymountain

Sorry for vague post, 2 weeks once we arrive. Obviously, a guide book is in hand, I was hoping for some off the beaten track suggestions/restaurant ideas, etc.

ira

Hi rm,

This is your first visit. Do what millions before you have done, go to the Big 3.

Next time, you can worry about "off-the-beaten-path" places.

Enjoy your visit.

Jean

Venice, Lake Como, Cinque Terre, Florence and Rome using only public transportation... all within 2 weeks. Something has to give.

Venice to Varenna (mid-Lake Como) is 4.5 hours by train.
Varenna to Vernazza is 5 hours by train
Vernazza to Florence is 3.5 hours by train
Florence to Rome is 90 minutes by train

I would drop either Lake Como or Cinque Terre, or as Ira suggests just stick to the Big Three.

downtownbrown

I count 6 stops in two weeks, plus "off the beaten path" stops in between. Suggest you rethink your priorities.

ira recommends Rome, Florence and Venice. You might consider that recommendation, plus a day trip or two to places like Siena and Verona.

bobthenavigator

Here is a start---I suggest 4 destinations:

http://www.slowphotos.com/photo/show...y.php?cat=3827

1. BELLA ITALIA: Five destinations in 15 days—car & train travel
* Arrive in Milan[MXP] & depart from Venice[VCE]or vice versa.
* Itinerary to include the Italian Lakes, Ligurian coast, rural
Tuscany, Florence, & Venice. Suggested timing is 3-2-4-2-4.
* Option: Drop the coast & rent a villa in Tuscany[ 3-7-2-3].
* Best time to go: May & June or Sept. & Oct.

2. LA DOLCE VITA: Three destinations in 12 to 14 days-car & train
* Arrival & departure from Rome[ FCO] or arrival in Naples
* Itinerary to include Rome, the Amalfi coast, and Tuscany
* Best time to go: Easter to end of October
* Option: Fly into Naples & stay at 2 locations on the coast

3. CLASSIC ITALIA: Three destinations in 12 to 14 days-car & train
* Arrival & departure from Rome—may start trip in Florence
* Destinations to include Florence, Rome & Tuscany/Umbria
* Best time to go: Anytime, but May & Oct. are my favorites
* Option: Consider a weekly rental in Tuscany/Umbri

kybourbon

>>>Transportation only by train, subways, <<<

Only place with a subway on your list is Rome.

With only 14 days, I think you need to drop either Como or CT. You don't have time for both.

Venice - 3
Como - 3
Florence - 4
Rome - 4

You will be a bit jetlagged on arrival day in Venice and might not arrive until mid-day so that only leaves you 2 and 1/4 or 1/2 days there.

Travel from Venice to Como will eat up a good junk of one of your Como days.

Florence - allowed time for a day trip (Siena? San G? Pisa?).

Rome - needs at least 4 days to hit the highlights.