illnative

We are a couple in our early 40s - have traveled to Europe over 10 times - mainly in the "off"season (Oct, Nov, Dec) - but are going to Italy this May (late in the month). We fly into Venice and out of Rome. We went to Rome in November 2007 and spent 8 complete days just in Rome - this is our only Italy experience to date (and we loved it).

Day 1 Thu - Fly into Venice (arrive 11:30 am )
Day 2 Fri - Venice
Day 3 Sat - Venice
Day 4 Sun - Venice
Day 5 Mon - Travel from Venice to Bologna via train at some point in the day
Day 6 Tues - Bologna
Day 7 Wed - Bologna to Florence via train at some point in the day
Day 8 Thur - Florence
Day 9 Fri - Florence
Day 10 Sat - Florence to Rome via train at some point in the day
Day 11 Sun - Rome
Day 12 Mon - Flight to US from Rome

Questions - does this look like a good split of time?

We travel light and are not "super planners" - I get the lodging set, approximate travel times via train and any timed entrances we need (such as Doge's tour, etc) but other than that - we have a basic idea of what we want to do and aren't afraid to switch gears for something interesting we see along the way. We like to do a mix of historical sites, art museums and like to leave some time for just wandering as well.

We are thinking about a "food" tour of some sort in Bologna - any recommendations?

Airline tickets are bought - lodging is not - so the only thing set is the days and cities we fly in and out of.

Thanks in advance.

travelfan1

My initial reaction is it's not nearly enough time in Rome. Have you been to Rome or Italy previously? Do you have a particular interest, art perhaps, to allow more time for Florence? You're going to Bologna for food...if you don't have a particular interest in Florence my vote would be to skip it and add that time to Rome. But I'm sure other will have different opinions.........

ellenem

The OP stated they have already spent "8 complete days" in Rome. Based on that, I think you have a nice itinerary that begins to explore some other areas.

illnative

Thanks for your input travelfan1 - we spent 8 full days in Rome previously...

cathies

It sounds lovely. I know I've posted the following tip lots of times but I'll throw it in again today. I assume you will go to see the statue of David in the Accademia in Florence. Don't waste time standing in the queues during the day, just go there at about 5pm and you should only have to wait about 10 minutes to get in. The gallery is open until 7pm so you will have heaps of time. It is absolutely beautiful so make sure you don't settle for the copy in the piazza della signoria.

I think your itinerary sounds great - not too rushed etc.

Sassafrass

I think your trip sounds perfect. The only thing I might change (and it is a big might) would be not going on to Rome until Sunday, so staying an extra day in Florence and doing a day trip to Siena, or stopping for the night in Orvieto instead of going on to Rome. I say that only because you have been there, and Siena or Orvieto would give you a small town Italy experience which you have not had. One day in Rome isn't time for anything much anyway, but one day in a small town gives you a good feeling for the place.

Lexma90

I agree that it sounds like a good itinerary, though I'm a bit prejudiced because I really like Bologna. One reason is that you'll find it much less touristy than all of your other destinations.

What kind of food tour do you have in mind? Visiting the markets? You can do that on your own; they're fabulous, though it made me want to rush out and take over a stranger's kitchen to cook some of the items I saw there.

If you're into food, keep in mind that many restaurants are closed on Sunday. You might want to plan your dinners on Sundays ahead of time, and make reservations for those nights.

clayman

I would add to what Sassafrass has stated. I suggest leaving Florence after two days and moving on to Montepulciano, Pienza, or Orvieto for a couple of nights and soak up the smallness, and then on to Rome. Siena ia a great sight to see, but will be elbow to elbow with people, much like being in a large mall somewhere/nowhere. Pienza is very small, very welcoming, and central to some fantastic Tuscan scenery (and even smaller towns). If you do choose one of the hill towns, stay in the town! The rest of your itinery sounds intersting and full of new adventure. Buon viaggio!

bardo1

Looks just perfect! I wouldn't change a thing.

bobthenavigator

Nice trip--hard to critique.
I would day trip to Siena from Florence one day.

kybourbon

>>>Siena ia a great sight to see, but will be elbow to elbow with people, much like being in a large mall somewhere/nowhere.<<<

I've stayed in Siena several times and elbow to elbow was not my experience. The OP doesn't appear to have enough time to move on to parts of Tuscany and Rome after Florence.

Unless you have things you still want to see in Rome, the idea of spending a night in Orvieto might work although I try not to do one nighters. An extra day in Florence with the day trip to Siena would work also or a one nighter in Siena and catch one of the Sena buses to Rome.
http://www.sena.it/

mamcalice

I think you have a great itinerary - wouldn't change anything. And you are going at a lovely time of the year.

Bellarosa

Not sure about tours in Bologna, but we went on a tour near Parma where they made the Parma Reggiano (sp?) cheese. In Modena, you can find tours for balsamic vinegar makers, and also there should be tours of the Parma prosciuto (sp?) ham "factories". I think there's a couple of pasta factories and a chocolate factory in the area, also. Try googling these topics to find out more information. Of course, you may need a car to get to many of these places, but you may want to rent one just for a day or two.

Baxterpoo

In Venice we are spending a morning learing how to row like a gondalier. Standing up, facing forward and generally trying not to fall into the Grande Canal. We are also going on the Secret Doge's Tour that lets you into the apartments that tourists don't see on the standard tour. On a previous trip I went up the bell tower which has a wonderful view and is definately worth going up.