JerryM

My husband and I are planning a driving trip through Italy either in April or early June. Several years ago we did an 18 day tour visiting the tourist sights in Rome, Florence, Venice, Bologna - you get the picture. We liked this because we did see the important areas. We would like to see more of Rome, and drive through the country sides. We also visited the lake regions a few years back also. I am a cooking teacher in a high school and I am very interested in food and wine. We also like quaint areas, small hotels. etc. I would like help on planning for this trip. Any suggestions?

ira

Hi J,

Now is the time to go to the library and get some guide books.

After you have decided where you want to go and for how long, we can help with the details.

Also see Helpful Information: Italy 2
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34568596

bobthenavigator

Here are some ideas--look at the Village sampler. Big difference in where to go in April versus June.

BOB the NAVIGATOR’S FAVORITE ITALY ITINERARIES
UPDATED AUGUST, 2006
After 23 trips to southern Europe, and having developed more than 160 customized TRIP PLANS for others, I am now older and hopefully wiser. Here is an updated version of my favorite itineraries & my “Bella Italia” photo gallery. I hope you enjoy.
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/Umbria

4. SICILIAN CHARMS: Five destinations in 15 days—car travel
* Connections to Catania & Palermo via Rome or gateway city.
* Itinerary to include Taormina, Siracusa, Palermo & more.
* Best time to go: March to November—May is best for flowers
* See: http://www.slowtrav.com/tr/tripreport.asp?tripid=634

5. THE VILLAGE SAMPLER: My favorite venues for those who enjoy natural beauty and quaint, small villages. Arranged north to south.
* Arrive Milan & depart Rome—car travel-- 3 nites per location
* Itinerary to include Lago Orta, Castelrotto/ Ortisei[Dolomites],
Portovenere[Liguria], Montalcino[Tuscany], & Spello[Umbria].
* Best time to go: May to October for the lakes and Dolomites
* Option: Pick 3 out of 5 and stay longer in Tuscany/Umbria.

GreenDragon

Wow, bob, that's great info!

I'm also in the embryonic stages of planning an Italian trip for me, DH and my parents (in their 60s) for late September 2008. We want Venice, Tuscany and Rome, perhaps 4 days in Venice, a week in Tuscany, and 4 days in Rome. Any suggestions?

We love history and art, not big wine drinkers in general, though I like sweet wines and my DH likes 'Italian Feet Wine'. We're thinking of starting in Rome so we can relax more as we get on with the trip.

Sorry for hijacking thread, but Bob's info is just SO good!

missypie

Do you own the DK Eyewitness book on Italy? When I'm trying to learn about destinations in a country that are a bit off the beaten path, I buy the Eyewitness Guide to that country and spend a few weeks (or even months) absorbing it all. The colored pictures and descriptions of so many places always help me make a list a milelong of things I want to see.

bobthenavigator

That is very doable, but be sure to book the air open jaw---into Rome and home from Venice or reverse.
Also, you will want a car for Tuscany and you need to plan how and where to get it. The real question will be to define " Tuscany". I always suggest reading a guide book first---I like the TOP 10 TUSCANY by Reid Bramlett. See his favorite hill towns---I concur with most of his points. Good luck !

Henry

Send me an e-mail and I will send you information on Tuscany hilltowns.

Henry

LoveItaly

Hi Jerry, you might want to do some research about the region of Piedmont, it sounds like it might be want you are looking for. Best wishes in planning your trip.