wanderluster313

Hello all! First time poster here with a question about my first trip to Italia!

I'm planning a trip in mid October with my mother, who has also never been to Italy. I will be there for 12-13 days, long enough (I think) to visit Rome, Florence, and Venice, and maybe fit in a day trip or two. My mother can only be away from work for a week, and I wanted to get opinions on whether we should split our time between Rome and Florence, or Rome and Venice (three days in each). She loves museums, architecture, good food, shopping--all the good things in life that one goes to Italy to enjoy. I would appreciate any suggestions from those who have travelled to all three cities about how best to spend our time together.

Thanks so much in advance for all your help!

Leely

My mom liked Rome and Venice best; she's always hassling me to go back with her. Seriously, she liked Florence too, but was far more impressed with Rome and Venice.

MFNYC

if your mom loves museums and architecture, than I'd say rome/florence but I doubt she'd be disappointed with either combo.

Amanda23

I agree that she'll probably love either location, but considering you mentioned that she likes museums and good shopping, I would go with Florence, as both of those things are in abundance there...

cab5s

I would do Venice/Florence. Those are the two most memorable to me.

amyb

I'm with cab5s, my choice would be Florence and Venice, especially for what she's looking for. Rome is by far my third choice preference-wise, and I think it'd be harder to tackle as part of just one week for your mother.

ira

Hi W,

Another vote for a Venice/Florence split.

You could both fly into Venice and train to Florence.

Mom could leave from Florence FLR or Pisa PSA, and you could go on to Rome.

12 days for the Big 3 is a good schedule.

Have a nice visit.

chris1234

wander,

i did all these cities within 10 days two years ago and just reposted my trip report last week. search Italy Trip Report or under my screen name and you can see my detailed report for doing all these within a week and two weekends.

Amart

Rome and Florence are "similar", so go to Rome (you shouldn't miss the Forum, Vatican, etc, )and Venice which is unlike any other city in the world. Whatever you do, try to get guides for major sites (Vatican, etc). You will enjoy the trip twice as much. Check out Context Rome.

We spent a week in Rome (Pompeii/Naples sidetrip), a short 1 1/2 days in Florence (with a good guide to help us around) and 3 days in Venice.

Jean

I think that's the first time someone has said "Rome and Florence are similar." In what way?

amyb

Hmmm....I hardly think Rome and Florence are similar at all. I think for the time allotted, Florence is much more manageable and comfortable for a first visit. Rome can be overwhelming even to repeat travelers and I'm afraid they'd not enjoy it properly trying to fit it into 3 days.

Statia

From what you said interests your mother, I agree with the Florence/Venice split. I would do Florence first and Venice second...open jaw ticket, of course.

cgord

My vote would be Venice/Siena and then you could fit in a day trip to Florence

Or Venice/Cinque Terre - way nicer than Rome or Florence

JandaO

another vote for Venice/Florence.
I remember my first time visiting
these 2 heavens on earth. AHHHHHH

Tiff

With the time she has (one week) I would have her connect with you for the Florence & Venice portion of your journey.

But truly it all depends on your interests.

One think to consider, and one of the reasons I fell in love with both cities is that they are very walkable. Rome is huge and very spread out, if that is a factor for you.

If she only has seven days, which may be 5 days with two travel days, I would either have her join you for Florence & Venice, or if Rome is a city that suits her more, I would stay in Rome the entire time.

As I just said in another thread, I wish I was there right now...
Pining away, Tiff

bardo1

wanderluster,

Agree with everyone here. Have your mom choose EITHER a week in Rome or a week that combines Florence and Venice.

Rome as part of a combination trip only makes sense if you have about two weeks (like you).

wanderluster313

hi everyone! thank you SO much for all this help and advice. it seems that the consensus is florence/rome, which i hadn't expected...

i forgot to mention something: my mother said that she is open to anything in italy but has to do one thing: see michelangelo's pieta--i know it's behind glass, and some might say it's only a statue, but it's what she wants!

question: would it be completely absurd to make a quick trip from florence to visit the pieta, or should i just plan on planning for us to be in rome for a few days, then venice (and go to florence on my own)?

Jean

Don't make a day trip from Florence to Rome just to see the Pieta. That's one precious day lost to travelling back and forth. And if your mother is really into Michelangelo, then you must take her to his home town, Florence, and see his David.

jabez

It seems that your trip should either start in Rome or Venice. Your mother shoulde have the option of Rome-Florence or Venice-Florence. You should have a different city to return from.
My preference is always Rome, but you could leave this up to your mother.
I really think that Rome needs at least 4 days, better if more. Venice can be enjoyed in a shorter period of time.
Since it's mid-October, I think that you might have less risky weather in Rome.

eliztrav

Well, if you begin in Venice, then go to Florence to cover your Mother's week, you both could then train to Rome for your final destination, let your Mother make a mad dash to St. Peter's for the Pieta, and fly home from Rome, leaving you there for your remaining days. OK, it isn't spending all the days the most efficient way to optimize sightseeing, but would allow your Mother to "do" Venice & Florence and then dash to the Pieta in Rome more or less on her way to the airport. If she wants that extra bit of travel involved....Best to let her decide on that one!