Would like to plan a 2 week trip to Italy w/ my husband for September, 2008. We have already been to Rome, Florence, Venice and Cortona. Any suggestions for other wonderful places in Italy. What about the Northern Italy Lakes Region? Any specific small towns that you would stay in? I am thinking of tying Switzerland into the trip. Any suggestions and/or comments would be greatly appreciated.
Would like your help on creating an itinerary for Italy
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The Lakes region is a great way to tie in Switzerland. From Lake Como you can go to Lugano. While the south end of Lago Maggiore is Italy and the north end is Switzerland (Locarno). Each lake has it's loyal fans. Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of them. Orta is a lovely little spot for a few days.
On one trip we spent 2 nights in Orta, 3 on Lago Maggiore and then took trains and busses to the Engadine to St. Moritz. It was a great trip.
Maximize your time by flying open jaw (in one place and out another).
See if this helps:
BOB the NAVIGATOR’S FAVORITE ITALY ITINERARIES
UPDATED AUGUST, 2006
After 23 trips to southern Europe 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/showgallery.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.
I was going to respond but bobthe navigator blew me away. I can only say go to Tuscany for a week.