Really need advice - trying to plan 7-8 days in Italy
Aug 26th, 2011, 06:55 PM
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Really need advice - trying to plan 7-8 days in Italy
Hello. I'm really hoping to get some good advice to help me plan my 40th birthday trip next year. My partner and I are planning to take a cruise that departs from Rome (Civitavechia) and goes to Greece and Turkey. I figure since we're going all that way, I want to tack on several days before the cruise to see what I missed in Italy the first time around. Some background: In 2008, we took a Western Med cruise that "introduced" us to Italy. I say introduced because while I fell in love with Italy then, what we saw was at breakneck speed, and I feel like we barely scratched the surface.
We did not get to Venice at all, and I would really like to be able to see at least the highlights of this fascinating city that I've heard about my whole life. We made it to Pisa on the way to Florence. It falls in the "been there, don't need to go back" category for me. In Florence we ran around like chickens with our heads cut off - dashing here and there snapping pictures. We did spend several hours in the Santa Croce church and the piazza there. We barely had time, though, to see the Duomo, Giotto's Bell Tower, and the Ponte Vecchio. No museums at all. We were there on a Monday.
In Rome we managed to see the Colosseum, the Roman ruins (Pantheon, etc.), Trevi Fountain, spent 1 1/2 hours in the Vatican Museum and saw the Sistine Chapel, and stood in St. Peter's square. Due to a papal ceremony, we did NOT get to enter the basilica, a major disappointment for me. We also had another day where we docked in Naples, and we drove the entire Amalfi Coast and visited Sorrento and Pompeii that day.
So, what do I hope to accomplish this trip? I MUST go to the Uffizi, see the David at the Accademia, and shop on the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. I'm also intrigued by the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens, and I'm sure there are scads of things I'm missing? I loved Florence and have looked forward to going back since 2008.
Always been intrigued by Venice but don't know exactly what the must-sees are there. I know I want to see St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace, and I love blown art glass, so Murano has always been on my radar as well. As for Rome, aside from revisiting Trevi Fountain and seeing the inside of St. Peter's, I don't feel as pressing a need to spend a whole lot more time there. Maybe because it was raining most of the day we were there, and the city seemed so crowded and dirty to me. But I'm sure there are 101 magical things there to see that we missed as well.
So how do I split up my nights to maximize my time here? Probably 8 days is the most we'll be able to add on to our cruise time. We plan to take the high-speed trains between the cities. I'm struggling with this simply because I feel we may never get back to Italy. My partner wasn't nearly as taken with it as I was, and I think he's going back so soon just to indulge me. Plus, we're not exactly rich and will have to save for a year just to make this trip happen. So I want to make sure I see and do everything on my list in case this is it for me.
Please help! Also, if you could give me approximate train travel times and costs as well as what we might reasonably be expected to spend for hotels in each city, that would be a great help, too!
We did not get to Venice at all, and I would really like to be able to see at least the highlights of this fascinating city that I've heard about my whole life. We made it to Pisa on the way to Florence. It falls in the "been there, don't need to go back" category for me. In Florence we ran around like chickens with our heads cut off - dashing here and there snapping pictures. We did spend several hours in the Santa Croce church and the piazza there. We barely had time, though, to see the Duomo, Giotto's Bell Tower, and the Ponte Vecchio. No museums at all. We were there on a Monday.
In Rome we managed to see the Colosseum, the Roman ruins (Pantheon, etc.), Trevi Fountain, spent 1 1/2 hours in the Vatican Museum and saw the Sistine Chapel, and stood in St. Peter's square. Due to a papal ceremony, we did NOT get to enter the basilica, a major disappointment for me. We also had another day where we docked in Naples, and we drove the entire Amalfi Coast and visited Sorrento and Pompeii that day.
So, what do I hope to accomplish this trip? I MUST go to the Uffizi, see the David at the Accademia, and shop on the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. I'm also intrigued by the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens, and I'm sure there are scads of things I'm missing? I loved Florence and have looked forward to going back since 2008.
Always been intrigued by Venice but don't know exactly what the must-sees are there. I know I want to see St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace, and I love blown art glass, so Murano has always been on my radar as well. As for Rome, aside from revisiting Trevi Fountain and seeing the inside of St. Peter's, I don't feel as pressing a need to spend a whole lot more time there. Maybe because it was raining most of the day we were there, and the city seemed so crowded and dirty to me. But I'm sure there are 101 magical things there to see that we missed as well.
So how do I split up my nights to maximize my time here? Probably 8 days is the most we'll be able to add on to our cruise time. We plan to take the high-speed trains between the cities. I'm struggling with this simply because I feel we may never get back to Italy. My partner wasn't nearly as taken with it as I was, and I think he's going back so soon just to indulge me. Plus, we're not exactly rich and will have to save for a year just to make this trip happen. So I want to make sure I see and do everything on my list in case this is it for me.
Please help! Also, if you could give me approximate train travel times and costs as well as what we might reasonably be expected to spend for hotels in each city, that would be a great help, too!
Aug 26th, 2011, 07:33 PM
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This may be an overly obvious question, but if you're so entranced by Italy, have you considered NOT taking a cruise, but instead spending that time IN Italy, Greece and Turkey?
If you have 8 days (does that include your arrival day and departure day?), and you're not as taken by Rome, then spend the bulk of your time in Venice and Florence. I happen to love Rome, but as always, like most of us, you have a finite amount of time and more than enough wonderful options of great ways to fill that time. So if you want to spend more time elsewhere, just do that.
In Venice, we (and others) feel that the primary "must-sees" are wandering around the city, just taking in the combination of old buildings and canals. There are bunches of interesting churches (Santa Maria dei Miracoli is a good one to google, for its beauty), the Accademia has very good art as well.
Go to trenitalia for travel times between cities (put in any date in the next month to get approximate times). Fly into Venice and end up in Rome for the beginning of your cruise.
As for costs, it really depends on what you want to spend. To grossly generalize, I'd say around $200/night for 2 people for a decently-nice hotel in a good location that's close to lots of the places you'll want to see, probably a little bit more in Venice, and depending on the time of year you'll be there. Though I'm sure there are Fodorites who can suggest places just as good for a lot less money, but that's about what we spend, more or less.
If you have 8 days (does that include your arrival day and departure day?), and you're not as taken by Rome, then spend the bulk of your time in Venice and Florence. I happen to love Rome, but as always, like most of us, you have a finite amount of time and more than enough wonderful options of great ways to fill that time. So if you want to spend more time elsewhere, just do that.
In Venice, we (and others) feel that the primary "must-sees" are wandering around the city, just taking in the combination of old buildings and canals. There are bunches of interesting churches (Santa Maria dei Miracoli is a good one to google, for its beauty), the Accademia has very good art as well.
Go to trenitalia for travel times between cities (put in any date in the next month to get approximate times). Fly into Venice and end up in Rome for the beginning of your cruise.
As for costs, it really depends on what you want to spend. To grossly generalize, I'd say around $200/night for 2 people for a decently-nice hotel in a good location that's close to lots of the places you'll want to see, probably a little bit more in Venice, and depending on the time of year you'll be there. Though I'm sure there are Fodorites who can suggest places just as good for a lot less money, but that's about what we spend, more or less.
Aug 26th, 2011, 08:05 PM
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The quick answer:
4 days in Venice and 4 days in Florence.
Venice hotels roughly $300 night
Florence hotels roughly $200 night
Train between the two is about $40/person one-way.
You will have NO PROBLEM finding enough to see snd do with 4 days in each. In fact, there will be sites you'll miss as you run out of time.
4 days in Venice and 4 days in Florence.
Venice hotels roughly $300 night
Florence hotels roughly $200 night
Train between the two is about $40/person one-way.
You will have NO PROBLEM finding enough to see snd do with 4 days in each. In fact, there will be sites you'll miss as you run out of time.
Aug 26th, 2011, 08:20 PM
#4
Fly into Venice or Milan (whichever is cheaper or better connected for you) and out of ? (where does your cruise end?). If you fly into Milan, you would train into Milan (10-15€) and switch trains for Venice (about 30€). Spend a couple of nights and train to Florence (make sure it's not a Monday 
); train to Rome for the last couple of days. You can train to Civitavecchia for under 10€ (takes about an hour) to catch your cruise.
In Rome, I would attempt to book the Scavi tour once you know which dates you will be there. Depending on time of year, you might also like the Vatican Garden tour. Rome lists 235 historic churches in the center so you might want to include a few besides St. Peter's.
http://www.060608.it/en/cultura-e-sv...rico-artistico
I would also include the Borghese for Rome although there are lots of other museums (Capitoline would be good too).
I would try to wander some of the neighborhoods such as the Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere.
I think you will easily fill your Florence time with your list, but if you don't, you might consider a day trip to Siena (easy by bus) or another hill town nearby.
); train to Rome for the last couple of days. You can train to Civitavecchia for under 10€ (takes about an hour) to catch your cruise.In Rome, I would attempt to book the Scavi tour once you know which dates you will be there. Depending on time of year, you might also like the Vatican Garden tour. Rome lists 235 historic churches in the center so you might want to include a few besides St. Peter's.
http://www.060608.it/en/cultura-e-sv...rico-artistico
I would also include the Borghese for Rome although there are lots of other museums (Capitoline would be good too).
I would try to wander some of the neighborhoods such as the Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere.
I think you will easily fill your Florence time with your list, but if you don't, you might consider a day trip to Siena (easy by bus) or another hill town nearby.
Aug 27th, 2011, 05:27 AM
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Our cruise leaves out of Rome on Friday, August 24, 2012 and returns there on Labor Day - September 3, 2012. We'll need to head right to the airport and come home that day. I'm thinking leaving Columbus, Ohio, on the Saturday prior to the cruise (or maybe that Friday). That would give us Saturday arrival and allow us 6 nights.
Is it possible to buy blown art glass in Venice proper without going to Murano? I honestly haven't done a lot of research on Venice. I'm only going by what I've heard from others. A gondola ride is supposedly touristy, overpriced, and can be missed. Can someone tell me more about the Scavi tour in Rome?
I'd really love to hear people's personal preferences of what they would choose to see and do in these cities under these time constraints. I never thought about flying into Milan if it is cheaper. That's a good tip, although if we're not planning to stay in Milan it would add more train travel time just to get to our first destination. But maybe it's short travel time?
Please keep the recommendations coming. This is helping me structure this portion of our vacation.
Is it possible to buy blown art glass in Venice proper without going to Murano? I honestly haven't done a lot of research on Venice. I'm only going by what I've heard from others. A gondola ride is supposedly touristy, overpriced, and can be missed. Can someone tell me more about the Scavi tour in Rome?
I'd really love to hear people's personal preferences of what they would choose to see and do in these cities under these time constraints. I never thought about flying into Milan if it is cheaper. That's a good tip, although if we're not planning to stay in Milan it would add more train travel time just to get to our first destination. But maybe it's short travel time?
Please keep the recommendations coming. This is helping me structure this portion of our vacation.
Aug 27th, 2011, 05:46 AM
#6
Most flights back to the states will depart early so I doubt you could dock and get to the airport to make your flight on the same day.
Milan and Rome have international flights while other airports such as Venice usually require a connection in Europe. As a result, flights don't typically arrive early if you have to connect. There are a few seasonal flights such as Delta JFK/Pisa.
If there is a lot of difference in price, you may just want to book r/t Rome and train to Venice upon arrival.
Milan and Rome have international flights while other airports such as Venice usually require a connection in Europe. As a result, flights don't typically arrive early if you have to connect. There are a few seasonal flights such as Delta JFK/Pisa.
If there is a lot of difference in price, you may just want to book r/t Rome and train to Venice upon arrival.
Aug 27th, 2011, 05:58 AM
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Art glass is everywhere in Venice. Everywhere. The quality varies from high-quality authentic Murano glass to cheap glass actually made in China. You will have no problem finding glass to buy.
The Scavi tour at the Vatican is a tour of the necropolis underneath St Peter's Basilica. A months-in-advance reservation is required.
The Scavi tour at the Vatican is a tour of the necropolis underneath St Peter's Basilica. A months-in-advance reservation is required.
Aug 27th, 2011, 05:59 AM
#8
>>>Can someone tell me more about the Scavi tour in Rome?<<<
If you enter Scavi tour in the search function, you will pull up lots of threads about it. It's a very limited availability tour. You give the Vatican your dates and you either get in or not.
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/in...040112_en.html
If you enter Scavi tour in the search function, you will pull up lots of threads about it. It's a very limited availability tour. You give the Vatican your dates and you either get in or not.
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/in...040112_en.html
Aug 27th, 2011, 06:05 AM
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I wouldn't fly into Milan or even Pisa unless there was a considerable savings. Remember you will have to pay for the train to Venice and take the time to get there. And you don't have that much time. So fly into Venice. (See if you can get a window seat; Venice from the air is fascinating.) And then take the Alilaguna shuttle boat into town, another nice experience.
And, yes, there are shops in Venice proper that sell blown glass.
You really only have 5 days. Maybe 3 nights/2 days in Venice, 2 nights/1 day in Florence and one night/one-half day in Rome. Leave extra time in Venice to get over jet-lag. And you have to make it to St. Peter's this trip.
It would be so much better if you had more time. Maybe your partner would like Italy better at a slower pace.
And, yes, there are shops in Venice proper that sell blown glass.
You really only have 5 days. Maybe 3 nights/2 days in Venice, 2 nights/1 day in Florence and one night/one-half day in Rome. Leave extra time in Venice to get over jet-lag. And you have to make it to St. Peter's this trip.
It would be so much better if you had more time. Maybe your partner would like Italy better at a slower pace.
Aug 27th, 2011, 06:08 AM
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Florence is my favorite city in Italy. In addition to the Uffizi and Accademia, some of our favorite museums are the Bargello, the Museo del Operal del Duomo which has much interesting and beautiful are from the Duomo, and San Marco for the Fra Angelico murals. I also recommend the Palazzo Medici Riccardi which has a wonderful mural of the Procession of the Magi in its chapel.
Don't shop on the Ponte Vecchio. It is just a lot of expensive jewelry. The central market is much more fun.
I agree with the previous poster who advises that it is so much better to see and experience a country if you don't visit it on a cruise. For you next trip, plan it yourself and you will get to see and do what you want in your won time.
Happy travels.
Don't shop on the Ponte Vecchio. It is just a lot of expensive jewelry. The central market is much more fun.
I agree with the previous poster who advises that it is so much better to see and experience a country if you don't visit it on a cruise. For you next trip, plan it yourself and you will get to see and do what you want in your won time.
Happy travels.
Aug 27th, 2011, 06:51 AM
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Keep in mind that late August will be quite warm (ok, hot) in Italy. Also, that's the time that many Italians take their summer vacations. Tourist sites will be open, but more restaurants than usual will be closed.
With 6 days, fly into Venice, stop in Florence, and end in Rome. You won't have much time.
I'm very interested in art, primarily paintings, and history. I've been to all the places that you're considering. Given that, I would spend my time in Venice and Rome, visiting every location I could that had either mosaics or paintings - and there are quite a few!
With 6 days, fly into Venice, stop in Florence, and end in Rome. You won't have much time.
I'm very interested in art, primarily paintings, and history. I've been to all the places that you're considering. Given that, I would spend my time in Venice and Rome, visiting every location I could that had either mosaics or paintings - and there are quite a few!
Aug 27th, 2011, 07:22 AM
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Re; Scavi Tour
This is an email of mine that has some links that go into detail about the site. Regards, Walter
========================
Hi Zach,
My post about the St. Peter's Necropolis Scavi Tour is 5yrs old and some of the Links are dead (mostly the stpetersbasilica.org which have just changed their URL slightly).
But below are the important ones which will get you thru my post on Fodors about the tour.
Read thru the entire post because some other info was added later, use my post just to get a gist of what might have happened back then (skip over the other info like booking & taking the tour, etc).
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...2&tid=34888402
BUT FIRST read this chapter on the discovery which will get your bearings on the site.
http://www.ucd.ie/cai/classics-irela.../Curran96.html
Now with a general idea of this site you might want go into detailed reading with photos and illustrations.
www.saintpetersbasilica.org/Necropolis/Scavi.htm Click-on the Links on the website.
On the WALSH Book Link be sure to click-on (Complete Text Here). Besides reading or browsing the book itself be sure to also
*definitely* check-out the 'List of Photographs' and the 'Illustrations in the Text' sections.
The same goes for the GUARDUCCI Book Link, click-on (Complete Text Here) and check-out her 'IllUSTRATIONS'.
Also the 'Map of the Vatican Necropolis-Scavi' is interactive with info on the necropolis.
DIAGRAMS www.stpetersbasilica.org/images.htm TOMB PHOTO; http://www.stpetersbasilica.org/Conf...omb/Wall_G.jpg
I'm an Atheist and I believe this is the tomb of St. Peter purely based on the facts with no bias either way.
Of all the historical sites and objects I have seen this was the most moving I have ever experienced.
IMO this is the only existing physical link (with very good proof) to Jesus Christ, who I definitely believe was an historical figure. Regards, Walter
This is an email of mine that has some links that go into detail about the site. Regards, Walter
========================
Hi Zach,
My post about the St. Peter's Necropolis Scavi Tour is 5yrs old and some of the Links are dead (mostly the stpetersbasilica.org which have just changed their URL slightly).
But below are the important ones which will get you thru my post on Fodors about the tour.
Read thru the entire post because some other info was added later, use my post just to get a gist of what might have happened back then (skip over the other info like booking & taking the tour, etc).
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...2&tid=34888402
BUT FIRST read this chapter on the discovery which will get your bearings on the site.
http://www.ucd.ie/cai/classics-irela.../Curran96.html
Now with a general idea of this site you might want go into detailed reading with photos and illustrations.
www.saintpetersbasilica.org/Necropolis/Scavi.htm Click-on the Links on the website.
On the WALSH Book Link be sure to click-on (Complete Text Here). Besides reading or browsing the book itself be sure to also
*definitely* check-out the 'List of Photographs' and the 'Illustrations in the Text' sections.
The same goes for the GUARDUCCI Book Link, click-on (Complete Text Here) and check-out her 'IllUSTRATIONS'.
Also the 'Map of the Vatican Necropolis-Scavi' is interactive with info on the necropolis.
DIAGRAMS www.stpetersbasilica.org/images.htm TOMB PHOTO; http://www.stpetersbasilica.org/Conf...omb/Wall_G.jpg
I'm an Atheist and I believe this is the tomb of St. Peter purely based on the facts with no bias either way.
Of all the historical sites and objects I have seen this was the most moving I have ever experienced.
IMO this is the only existing physical link (with very good proof) to Jesus Christ, who I definitely believe was an historical figure. Regards, Walter
Aug 27th, 2011, 09:38 AM
#14
Since Walter's post 5 years ago, the Vatican has put an interactive virtual Scavi link on their website. It's not the most user friendly, but you can move around the passages using your arrow keys.
http://www.vatican.va/various/basili...i_english.html
http://www.vatican.va/various/basili...i_english.html
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