kelli

Hi my husband and I have a maxumum of seven days of vacation and I'd really like to go to Italy. We enjoy looking at scenerey and nature the most with some city visits. In most places we wouldn't bother with museums, but I know that there are some amazing ones in italy. Can you suggest a possible location for us to spend our week.<BR>Thank you.<BR>Kelli

Duck

Kelli,<BR><BR>We are going to Italy the end of this month (my 3rd visit ~ wife's 2nd). You could not go wrong by spending the majority of your time in either: Lake Como area or Amalfi Coast.<BR><BR>I would read about these destinations and listen to the other opinions you will receive.

a--z

Start in Florence. Stay a couple days, and then head out with your rent car to explore the lovely, scenic and smaller towns of Tuscany.<BR><BR>Or fly into Rome. Again, a short city visit to explore a few hilights. Rent a car and drive down to Amalfi coastline.<BR>

Betsy

1. Amalfi Coast<BR>2. Southern Tuscany<BR><BR>I agree with either (but not both) of A--Z's suggestions. Just don't try to cover too much in seven days. Italy is to be savored!

BOB THE NAVIGATOR

Lots of great choices. I would do the Lakes and Dolomites if you really want the best scenery. Hope this helps.<BR>SO, YOU WANT TO SEE ITALY !<BR>FIRST, GET A GOOD MAP ! Having planned more then sixty personalized itineraries to southern Europe and Italy, I have learned that the best trip plans start with a good map. It takes about six weeks to see most of Italy, and that does not include Sicily.<BR>So, any typical two week sojourn requires a geographic orientation and thoughtful planning to optimize the total experience. The temptation is to try to see too much,and that is a big mistake. My advice is to limit yourself to FIVE DESTINATIONS OR LESS for any two week itinerary. Perceive Italy as geographic regions and plan accordingly. Here is a menu to help you to plan well. Let your total time<BR>in Italy, and a good map, determine your feasible choices !<BR><BR> THE BEST DESTINATIONS IN ITALY---BY CATEGORY---NORTH TO SOUTH<BR><BR>REGIONS OF NATURAL SPLENDOR:<BR>1. The Lakes of Lombardy/Piedmonte [ Maggiore, Como, Lugano, Orta]<BR>2. The Dolomites/Lake Garda [ Cortina, Ortisei, Merano, Riva del Garda]<BR>3. The Ligurian Coast [ Portofino, Cinque Terre, Portovenere]<BR>4. Tuscany/ Umbria [ quaint and historic hill towns]<BR>5. The Amalfi Coast [ Sorrento, Positano, Ravello, Capri] <BR><BR>THE HISTORICAL ART CITIES:<BR>1. Venice & Veneto [ allow 3 days---more if you include Vicenza, Verona et al]<BR>2. Florence [ it all happened here--plan for 2 days just in Florence]<BR>3. Siena [ deserves a full day, perhaps as a day trip from Florence]<BR>4. Rome [ the Eternal City demands 5 days---some would say two weeks]<BR><BR>ROMANTIC RESORT DESTINATIONS:<BR>1. Bellagio [ the best of Lago Como]<BR>2. Cortina [ the Vail of Italy--ski resort in heart of the Dolomites]<BR>3. Portofino/ Santa Margherita [ splendid sea-side venue]<BR> 4. Positano [ the best location to explore the Amalfi coast] <BR> 5. Taormina [ fabulous sea-side location in Sicily]<BR> 6. Ravello [ la dolce vita above the Amalfi coast]<BR> <BR> <BR><BR><BR> <BR>

eileen

Both the Lake district and the Amalfi Coast are special. I feel that you should consider the weather in the Lake region at the time of your stay. When I was there it was chilly and rainy, and for me, it put a damper on the experience. <BR>Eileen

beth

Kelli, <BR><BR>that is a big question. Italy is big. I think the list above is pretty good. I think you need to decide what city you would like to see and then what countryside. They definately pair up. <BR><BR>Florence/tuscany/Umbria<BR>Rome/Umbria/Tuscany/Amlphi coast (too much to 7 days though, pick two places)<BR>Venice/lake country<BR>Milan/lake country. <BR><BR>You can not go wrong with any of these. Get the Eyewitness guide to Italy and just look though it. <BR><BR>If it was my first trip I would pick Florence/Tuscany/Umbria but that is just a matter of personal taste.<BR><BR>Happy travels

Joyce

Venice is the most scenic location I ever visited, not just in Italy, but anywhere.<BR><BR>I am not a professional photographer, and only occasionally take photos when visiting other places. In Venice I became an obsessive photographer. Almost every street was so beautiful I felt compelled to try capturing the views on film. If you are looking for great scenery, I can think of no better place to visit.<BR>

zootsi

I would do 5 nights in Tuscany & Florence, 2 nights in the Cinque Terra area. Beautiful countryside, and a nice contrast.

Shar

My vote goes to Tuscany or Umbria. The rolling green hills, small hill towns and both cover a variety of sites. The Italian Riviera is also beautiful especially the small city of Camogli which is over the hill from Portofino. But for 7 days, I'd stick with Tuscany - Florence, San Giminagno, Siena, Cortona and everything in between. I'm jealous. Italy is my favorite. Shar