lhopp

Earlier this year, we started planning a return trip to Italy, but work schedules and life got in the way, and we weren’t able to go. Now my husband and I are planning for May 2012. I read the postings on this board all the time, but am having difficulty deciding on an itinerary. We have a maximum of 10 nights to spend (not including travel days). We haven’t decided on exact dates yet or purchased airfare, but are planning on mid to late May.

This will be our 2nd trip to Italy, and it’s been a long time since we’ve been there. In late October 2003, we visited Rome for several nights, San Gimignano, Chianti area, Siena, Assisi and Orvieto. I don’t want to visit the same destinations this time, since there is still so much to see. I’m also excited to see Italy in a different season (Spring vs. Fall) and hopefully see flowers. As far as transportation, we're open to either trains or driving, or a combination. We like museums, wine and food, quaint inns or B&B’s, and walking around just soaking in the atmosphere. Since we only have 10 days, I’d like to limit ourselves to say 3 destinations, and be able to settle into each place a little bit.

Venice is an absolute must for this trip. So essentially, we’re building an itinerary around Venice, and trying to figure out what makes sense with that. We’re thinking 3-4 nights there, so that leaves us 6-7 nights to play with.

Some random thoughts I’ve had while trying to form an itinerary:

We considered Cinque Terre, but due to husband's intermittent knee problem, that probably isn't a good idea right now.

I suggested Florence to my husband, but for some reason, he really isn’t that interested, but he will if I really want to fit into the trip. We do like Renaissance art, and really enjoyed the churches and museums on our previous trip, so I would think that Florence would be perfect.

I’ve tried to be interested in the Lakes, but I can’t seem to get excited. They sure look beautiful in photos though, and I would certainly consider it.

I thought of Piedmont because I loved Tuscany, and they seem similar. It looks just as beautiful, and seems a like a place I can connect with. We do like driving around the countryside on our trips, even if only for a few days.

I did research Verona and Veneto region on Fodors, but I’m not 100% sure that is what we’re looking for. It sounds nice, but maybe not as exciting as some other options?

Bologna sounds really interesting. I’ve never really considered this area before, but maybe this is a possibility?

So as you can see, my head is spinning, and I need to gain some perspective.

After reading dozens of posts here on Fodor’s and going through the travel books, here are a few itinerary ideas we’re tossing around. What do you think?

Piedmont, Lake Como, Venice
Piedmont, Bologna, Venice
Lake Como, Verona/Veneto area, Venice
South Tuscany, Florence, Venice

I’m sure there are other ideas that we haven’t thought of as well. We appreciate any input, ideas and suggestions as we start to plan our itinerary. Thanks so much!

ira

Hi hop,

Venice, Lake Orta and Florence.

Florence has interesting architecture as well as renaissance art.

See my trip reports:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-in-europe.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...2&tid=34451044

Enjoy your planning.

zoecat

I suggest splitting your time between Venice and just one other area. I think you will find it much more rewarding and relaxing. The countryside is absolutely beautiful in May and the days are long. Everything is so green. I've been to all of your possiblities and like them all, but I love southern Tuscany. There is pleanty there to explore and keep you happy for a week. It would be nice to stay at an agriturismo in the countryside with a beautiful view and facilities, & not too far from a town.

I find Florence way too crowded to enjoy anytime other than winter.

annhig

hi Ihopp,

well, I'm sorry to disagree without zoecat, but I was in Florence in the middle of May and although there were a lot of tourists about, it was possible to get away from most of them, most of the time! and as well as the art and architecture, there are some terrific gardens, which are lovely that time of year.

you could spend 3 nights in Venice, hire a car, set off towards Tuscany and explore for a few days, then head for florence for the last 3 nights. [you won't want a car for that bit].

that time of year, with just two of you, you would need to book accommodation in Venice and florence, but could wing it the rest of the time.

loveners

Just an observation from reading your post: Piedmont seems to be the place that you are drawn to so trust your gut and build your trip around that.

It's possible that despite really enjoying the churches / museums first time, your hubby is worried about not enjoying them as much second time around / fears museum jade.

This may be a crazy suggestion (I haven't done it myself) but it is only 545km from Piedmont to Trieste. There's an interesting trip on Trieste (only a few days old). I was also browsing my Italia magazine last night featuring Trieste and it looks gorgeous. Do a bit of googling and see if it suits your interests.

Have fun with the planning.

zoecat

annhig, how dare you disagree with me!

bobthenavigator

In your 10 days I see these 3 destinations---arriving in Venice and flying home from Milan:

Venice---4
The Dolomites--3[ or, Alba, Piemonte]
Lago Como[or Lago Orta]--3

Hard to go wrong in that part of the world.

huubjurgers

Hi, we were in Venice for the Biënnale (great!) and stayed in a wonderful villa just 15 min. from Piazza di Roma (go to www.casavillagardenia.com) with the busstop opposite, trainstation 5 min. Buy a 48 hours (or more )ticket for all public transport (public boats incl) at the tabac shop on the corner: The 'lady of the house' is wonderful (ask her advice) as are the rooms (perfect breakfast incl). You won't regret your days there!
Even when the Biënnale isn't in 2012 ( we go back in 2013 for that ànd Villa Gardenia) go to the part 'Arsenale' just for the (old) harbour buildings away from the 'hussle'...
I have more (Venice) tips for you, feel free to contact me ([email protected])
You'll have a great time there (try to take the boat in the evening sun through the Canal Grande...breathtaking!)
Ciao

annhig

annhig, how dare you disagree with me!>>

LOL zoecat - in fact I said that I disagreed "without you" what ever that means.

sadly huubjurgers' perfect B&B is not in Venice itself which would mean i would not want to stay there - backwards and forwards to Venice on a bus does not appeal.

Lexma90

If you like Renaissance art, then Florence really seems the logical choice. But I understand your not wanting to "force" hubby to go there. As much as people make fun of Rick Steves, we (my hubby and I) like his videos, and find them useful in helping us decide what would be interesting to us. View that (available free on hulu), or any other videos you can find or get from your local library, to see if that makes him more or less interested.

We found the Piedmont much like Tuscany in terms of cute little towns to drive to. Less to see, IMHO, in terms of churches and historical/cultural interest than in Tuscany. But fabulous food, different from Tuscan and better, IMHO again (though I love Tuscany as well). If you're not inclined toward the Lakes, don't go. We've visited them a bit, and they just didn't interest us like other areas of Italy have.

I love Bologna, it's a nice little city with great food and people-watching at cafes, enough culture, art and history for a couple of days and easy day trips from there, but it sounds like there are other places that interest you more for this trip.

lhopp

Thanks everyone for your replies.

I like the idea of Southern Tuscany and Venice a lot, perhaps staying in Montepulciano or Montalcino and making daytrips.

I also like Bob the Navigator's suggestion of the Lakes, Piedmont and Venice. We did some research this weekend, and my husband also likes Piedmont as well. He wants a place for a few days that we can enjoy small villages and sit on the terrace with some wine and cheese and just relax and take in the views. I assume Piedmont or Tuscany would be perfect for that.

Lexma90: we also have the Rick Steves videos and watch them again once in a while when planning a trip. We are definitely still considering Bologna as well.

Question: the Veneto area: I've read a few comments that the area is quite industrialized and not attractive - is that the case? We were also considering Verona, and maybe a few days in Asolo or Bassano del Grappa before Venice, but I don't want to be centered around a very industrial area during this trip. Thoughts?

ekc

lhopp - so glad you are considering the Veneto! We spent 3 nights in Asolo last month and LOVED it! The highway driving can be industrial (like almost everywhere) but driving between the towns on the "backroads" the scenery was charming! Although we stayed in Asolo (tiny adorable town), I would have been happy staying in Bassano also. There is so much to see in the area and the food and people are wonderful, I would highly recommend it!!

lhopp

Thanks ekc. I saw your postings on the Veneto area, and that's what got me considering it as a possibility. We like driving on the backroads as well, if possible, so it sounds like that would be ok.

We are considering this area because we can have a slower pace, focusing on the area around Venice vs. having to travel toward Venice from Piedmont or Tuscany. But we are still so undecided.

Where did you stay in Asolo, and how did you spend your time in the area?