elainelamb

My husband and I are planning to visit Italy next year (2015) between end April to early May, perhaps for 2 weeks. We will be travelling from Asia and hoping to include a 5 day journey on the Orient Express, if possible, of which the first journey will begin in Venice. Prior to embarking on the train journey, we would like to see a bit of Florence, Tuscany, Amalfi Coast and Venice. I am not familiar with the extensive geography of Italy and would be grateful if I could get some advice, tips and recommendations on how this can be made possible and what should our trip include in terms of sights, places to visit, things to do etc. It will be my 40th and we hope to make it really fun and fulfilling. Many thanks in advance!

nytraveler

It would help if we had an idea of your interests - to know if we should reco more cities or countryside or beach or ? I don;t see Rome on your list and unless yo.u have been there before I would NOT miss it - for at least 3 days

WWK

I'm a bit confused by your post. The two weeks is prior to the Orient Express part of your trip, right?

If so, here's a general itinerary just to give you some ideas: Fly into Naples ( IF POSSIBLE).

Private transfer to hotel on Amalfi Coast for four nights ( we like Positano best).

Transfer to Naples. Fast train to Rome ( 70 minutes).

Three nights in Rome.

Eurostar to Florence. ( 1.5 hours)

Three nights in Florence with a side trip to Tuscan hill towns and/or Pisa/Sienna.

Three or four nights in Venice.

Orient Express.



Three

elainelamb

Thank you guys! Sorry if I wasn't too clear with my query.

The whole holiday trip will be for two weeks, yes. And the Orient Express will be part of the two weeks. Have been to Rome and Milan so will leave those two out

I was wondering if it was possible to do Tuscany, Florence and Amalfi Coast before spending about two or three nights in Venice, then embarking on the OE. What are the distances between Tuscany, Florence and Amalfi Coast? Does it make sense to cover all three in terms of their geographical location and travel time before we get to Venice and get on the OE?

Many thanks again.

Mimar

The Amalfi coast is out of your way as well as being a little difficult to get to. The other places you mention, Tuscany and Florence (which is in Tuscany), are in northern Italy not far from Venice. Look at the train times at www.bahn.de to see how long it takes to travel between cities. Rural Tuscany is best seen by car.

There are online maps, specifically Google Maps, viamichelin and mappy, that can help you see where these places are in Italy relative to Venice.

elainelamb

Oh and nytraveler, we don't mind a bit of beach, countryside and city.. basically a little bit of everything..with food and shopping too of course!

Thank you!

Sassafrass

With only two weeks total, you may have to eliminate something. The Amalfi Coast is so stunning, I would spend five days there rather than the Orient Express. However, that particular train experience does seem fun.

nytraveler

The time you are going is just the beginning of the season for the Amalfi coast. We have gone in May a couple of times and love it since it is less crowded, driving is easier and it's not so unbearably hot as in summer. But the temps may be cool for swimming/beach - although our hotel pool was fine both time - but it was more like May 15 - not end April.

In just 2 weeks doing AC, Florence, Tuscan, Venice and the Orient Express is too much - one has to go IMHO.

WWK

I agree with nytraveler. Something has to go. Unless you're an art enthusiast, I would quickly drop Florence and Tuscany in favor of the Amalfi Coast. May is a perfect time to go- well before the crowds- and it's one of the most stunning and delicious (food!!!) places in Italy.

elainelamb

Hi again everyone! I finally got my itinerary sorted, except the Florence/Tuscany/Amalfi Coast bit.

Basically flying from Paris to Florence (most likely unless there is a better idea?). Only 3 nights in Florence then off to Venice on a train. Venice for 2 nights before we embark on the Orient Express. It would be mid May.

Would be grateful if I can get a good idea on which one to choose - Florence, Tuscany or Amalfi Coast, knowing I won't have that much time at all. I would love to do some sightseeing, vineyards, food, and a bit of art. Of course beach would be great but only if possible.

Thank you all!

kja

"Would be grateful if I can get a good idea on which one to choose - Florence, Tuscany or Amalfi Coast, knowing I won't have that much time at all. I would love to do some sightseeing, vineyards, food, and a bit of art." With these interests and with just 3 nights (if I'm understanding you correctly), I'd say Tuscany, with maybe a day in Florence itself. JMO.

Sassafrass

Heading out from Venice, visit Tuscany first, including Florence.

Mimar

As well as being out of your way, the Amalfi area has a lot to see. In addition to the coast towns of Positano, Ravello and Amalfi, there's Pompeii, Capri, Naples, Herculaneum, Mt. Vesuvius, Paestum.... Save it for another trip when you have more time.

elainelamb

We've just returned from our trip over a week ago. It was fantastic. We had the most wonderful time in Florence prior to our journeys in the Orient Express. Then we set our foot in beautiful Venice, followed by Prague. Just wish we had more time in Prague. Will definitely go back!

Thank you all for your help and ideas. Totally appreciate them all!

Elaine