Cindy_Donaldson

First time in Italy! Flying into Rome and staying for 3 weeks. I want to go to Venice, Cinque Terre, Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast if there is time. Traveling by train and car - although the complete itinerary is very vague right now. we are very flexible travelers in that we don't need everything completely planned yet I've heard some things are a must schedule such as some museums, the Vatican etc.

Looking for advice on where to stay - what to book ahead and what to find along the way.
Flying into Rome. I would also prefer to spend more time outside the major cities

Also - not sure what to pack!! Want to go light.

would love any and all ideas

shaizme

I would say pack lightly. I wish I had. Especially in Venice going over the bridges. There were men carrying luggage over the bridges for a "tip". I was more than happy to oblige them. We stayed in apartments in both Rome and Venice. VRBO.com. I like them better than hotels. As far as pre-booking, if you want to go to the Vatican that is a MUST. It's a little bit more but you dont have to wait in line if your booked as part of a tour. The line the day we went was atleast a city block. We walked right in. Only bad thing is your part of the tour inside. Most was fine but towards the end we wanted to linger more so we "lost" our tour. Our tour guide was upset when he finally found us. The Bourghese museum must also be booked in advance.

tuscanlifeedit

I would book accommodations ASAP, unless you are referring to dates in 2013. I've just booked over that period for clients and many of my choices were already gone for this September/October.

I would also pin down the itinerary so that you can book these places to stay.

We can certainly help with suggestions of you can name a price. Words like cheap, moderate, so many stars, mean nothing. You have to name an actual figure in the currency of your choice to get some real recommendations here.

At your time of year, I always suggest traveling from north to south to maximize good weather.

If you already have your tickets, I guess you are going and coming from Rome. If not, I would suggest flying into Venice and out of Rome.

If you have your air, land in Rome and go straight to Venice.

My first choice would be the Amalfi Coast over the Cinque Terre, but that's me. So pretending this is me, I would probably pick up a car in Venice, drive to a base in Tuscany, stay a week with lots of driving, make my way to the AC, then end in Rome since you are, I assume, flying out of Rome.

Some museums need to be booked, but I would worry about that after getting rooms.

Try searching here for the many packing threads.

Cindy_Donaldson

Thanks for the Great tips! I haven't booked any hotels yet and now you have me worried!

nytraveler

Early Sept is the Venice film festival and the city is totally packed - with prices double the usual. Check the Venice convention center to see when there are meetings - and go on other dates.

tuscanlifeedit

Do you fly on 9/21? Or land? You ought to be OK with the Venice leg first, as the Film Festival ends on September 8.

Don't be worried, but do get going.

Cindy_Donaldson

arriving in Rome on the morning of 9/22. Starting checking out apartment rentals on vrbo.com and there are many nice ones still available - great tip and I think we will go this route vs. hotels!

kybourbon

>>>As far as pre-booking, if you want to go to the Vatican that is a MUST. It's a little bit more but you dont have to wait in line if your booked as part of a tour.<<<

You don't have to book a tour with the Vatican. You can book an entry only ticket (lets you skip the lines) and stay as long as you want. If you do book a tour with them, you can still stay in the museums after the tour is finished (unless you book the tour that leaves the museum and goes to St.Peter's also).

http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/do

Venice, Florence and Rome are always crowded. If you don't book hotels in advance for those cities, you should at least have a list of possible hotels. It's not fun spending your time trying to find somewhere to stay.

As for car rental, you can't drive in the center of many cities (Rome,Florence,etc.) as they have ZTL zones (restricted to residents only). Even small hill towns will have some ZTL. You need to learn the Italian signs.
http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/road_s..._signs_cr2.htm

Cindy_Donaldson

thank you for the driving tips! We wouldn't want a car in the major cities but to really explore the country side. Thank you also for the Vatican link! I've got much to do!!!

amer_can

Hot, Hot, Hot...Hat,Hat, Hat...not shorts for churches,or sleevless tops. Maybe even a tiny battery operated fan. If you do wear shorts take a sarong to wrap around and a cool shirt with short sleeves.. Not all hotels, hostals, B&B's have AC..Cinque Terre is awesome and the hop on hop off train is the way to go..

amer_can

Sorry I read the dates wrong. But Sept. can still be hot..

charnees

September-October temperatures will be variable, from hot to comfortable to a bit cool. So layers are advisable. You will also encounter some rainy days (sometime heavy rains) in that period. Don't take an umbrella but buy a cheap one in a tourist shop and then leave it when you go home.

If you are going to rent a car, be sure to go to an AAA office and get an International Driving Permit. It is basically a translation of the into on your driver's license, but you need it in Italy if you are stopped, or have an accident.

NoCaliGal

Think skirts. They are cooler' and also you look a little more presentable when you need to.
Italian women wouldn't be caught dead not looking good.
I carried a foldable wrap or shawl which i could jam in my purse and take out in case it got chilly. Doubles as a robe if you're packing a carryon only. You will do more walking and toting that suitcase than you think; perhaps even running for a train.
Get yourself a guidebook with lots of detail. If you know in advance what day museums are closed, or when churches close up in the day, you will save a lot of aggro.
You've got time to learn some Italian...get a CD or DVD and start talking. It really adds to enjoyment.
Buon viaggio!