alexmillne

I need ideas and suggestions for my 10 day trip to Italy

ROME: Friday (1/2 day) until Wednesday (1/2 day) = (that makes 5 full days)

FLORENCE: Wednesday (1/2) until Sunday (1/2 day) = (that makes 4 full days)

Could you tell me what is realistic to see and do... Also regarding taking day trips to Pisa or Siena or both etc... This would be my first trip to Italy

Id like to not rush that much during my trip .... I'm interested in the arts etc but I don't have the need to step into every cathedral and museum per say.. Im even more interested in beautiful scenic views to take awesome photos.

Thanks in advance

Ill be going may 12th - may 21st. Flying into and out of Rome. - wont be jetlagged as I'm flying in from Madrid

EugenioTV

Dear alexmillne, your ideas sounds good, I've a lot of things to suggest. But I'm wondering if you'll have a car or by buses. It makes the difference, because in one case you can see places almost to be discovered!

ElendilPickle

You might consider taking a fast train to Florence after you get to Rome, then finishing the trip in Rome so you don't have to worry about getting back to the airport the last day.

Lee Ann

janisj

You already posted this and received some response

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...s-florence.cfm

(To find all your posts, click on your photo and then 'profile' )

Sassafrass

You can usually not do quite as much with two half-days as with one full day, plus your count of sightseeing time is off. You can't count Wednesday as a half day in Rome and a half day in Florence because you have to account for travel time between and getting to/from hotels. You also did not account for travel time to get back to Rome from Florence and to get to the airport, etc. That total will eat up about a half day.

You still have plenty of time for a leisurely trip.

Since you are flying into and out of Rome and will have not jet lag, I would land in Rome and immediately continue on to Florence, and put all time in Rome at the end where you will be for departure. You will have travel time from Rome to Florence whenever you do it, so might as well get it done with.

This is a more accurate account of your time.

May 12, arrive Rome, continue on to Florence, late afternoon and evening for walking, perhaps seeing Duomo or Santa Croce and Ponte Vecchio.
May 13, 14, 15, Florence three full days, (day trips to Pisa and/or Sienna)
May 16, Florence, 1/2 to most of day. Take late afternoon or early evening train to Rome.
May 17, 18, 19, 20, Rome four full days, (one or two day trips to Ostia Antica, Orvieto or Villa d'Este) personal choice.
May 21, Rome and fly home

There are all the more well known things like Sistine Chapel in Rome and the Academia and Duomo in Florence, so won't list many, but since art is an interest, be sure to include:

Borghese Gallery in Rome. Amazing sculpture and beautiful building! A do-not-miss, IMHO. Reserve tickets ahead. Allow time to get there and don't be late. Tickets are timed.

Uffizi in Florence, well known of course, but research first for what you want to see or it will be overwhelming. Botticelli's are magnificent and it is worth going just for those. There is a nice cafe there also.

The National Museum at the Bargello in Florence for sculpture. I haven't been there in years, but if sculpture interests you, then go if you can.

Basilica de Santa Croce is often overlooked, but is one of the most interesting and beautiful churches in Florence, another do-not-miss, IMHO.

Of course, you will see the Pantheon in Rome, but read a bit about Brunelleschi to understand how his study of the dome of the Pantheon enabled him to build the Duomo in Florence.

Jean

Although I agree with the suggestion to train immediately to Florence on your arrival day (or fly Madrid-Florence if possible), the logistics of your sightseeing in Florence may be more difficult. Many of the main sights are not open every Sunday and Monday and/or have reduced hours those days. Think about what you want to see/do, check the open days and hours and then plot out your sightseeing day by day. You may decide there isn't enough time for two day trips or perhaps even one.

Definitely make entry reservations for any sight that offers them.

http://www.museumsinflorence.com/

MmePerdu

Florence is not my favorite city, generally speaking. If, as you imply, your interest in museums and art is limited, I'd consider a stay in a smaller city or town for half the time you currently have assigned to Florence. Maybe 2 nights, a full day, in a place such as Lucca, nearby but very different with a relaxed non-urban feel.

Have Wed. to afternoon Friday in Florence, then take the short train ride to Lucca (or another location easily reached by train or bus) for the evening and next full day (or similar time frame if you reverse your itinerary as some suggest).

You could take a day trip to another location but I find staying in a place, even for 2 nights, infinitely more satisfying.

tuscanlifeedit

I'm not sure that beautiful scenery is easy to get to from Lucca without a car.

From Florence, it's very easy to bus up to Fiesole and San Miniato al Monte as well as Piazzale Michelangelo. Pretty good scenery just minutes away.

Scenery from Rome: perhaps you can get a tour to Tivoli and Villa Adriana. Not museums or churches, but history and beauty.

Also in Rome, get up on Giancolo for more scenery and Villa Borghese gardens and park are beautiful. We love spending time there, especially on weekends when Romans are out having fun.

MmePerdu

"I'm not sure that beautiful scenery is easy to get to from Lucca without a car."

I did a day trip from Lucca to Bagni di Lucca by train and loved it. Beautiful scenery, especially from the old town and exceptionally friendly people wherever I went, apparently no tourist fatigue as there were very few other visitors the day I was there, also in May.

MmePerdu

Correction, Barga, not Bagna di Lucca.