bumkin2bfit

I traveled to Italy 2 years ago for 2 weeks and was in Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Florence, Lucca and Sienna. Loved the trip and now I am planning a trip with my husband who declined to go last time. He has no idea where or what he wants to go/do. We are going with a small group (10 people) to Florence late October and will be there for 7 days with day trips to Sienna and Venice. I don't want to fly all that way and spend only a week. Interested in spending either more time in Italy or going to Spain or Croatia. My husband has never travelled overseas or much at all. I want to add on at least a week to 10 days before coming home. We also have an option of adding on 4 days in Rome after Florence. I love pretty much everything experience wise. Art, history, architecture, hiking, outdoors, food, wine, ruins etc. He doesn't have any idea what he is interested in and has no real knowledge of any of the countries but is willing to try anything. Willing to rent a car if necessary if in the country side. Have experience on Trenitalia and comfortable with that.

I would really appreciate any advice and suggestions to help plan this trip.

loriweg

I can't give you an advice. I wasn't there myself. But I'm interested in a holiday there as well and in a mean time I would like to get married with my fiancee. Do you know, maybe, how difficult is to get married in Italy?

bumkin2bfit

I have no idea. Why don't you search on the website and if you don't find something, submit a post with your question. I am sure someone must have some info.

jgg

bumkin- I completely agree with you about wanting to stay longer if you've flown all the way there - I'm usually just settling in at the one week mark! Well, since your husband seems fairly open for everything I think you should think about what you would like to do most. I haven't been to Croatia so can't speak to that. But have been to other parts of Italy - Bologna, Piemonte, Dolomites and heading to Italy on Sat. for our 4th trip to Italy (2nd time in Venice, first time in Sorrento, and 3rd trip to Rome).

At that time of year I think the Piemonte region would be ideal - also easy fast train from Florence to Bologna if you wanted to do that.

We have also been to Barcelona and Andalucia in Spain. Spain is definitely my second favorite country after Italy (I might even enjoy the food better there - though the rest of the family disagrees, as much as they love the Spanish food). I would start reading up on other people's trip reports, etc. and decide what perks your interest.

To get you started, here are some links to my blog with lots details of what we did and pictures from some of the places I mentioned:

Andalucia: http://www.fromhometoroam.com/catego...ope/andalucia/

Barcelona: http://www.fromhometoroam.com/2012/06/barcelona/

Bologna: http://www.fromhometoroam.com/2012/08/bologna-2010/

Piemonte: http://www.fromhometoroam.com/2012/0...t-acqui-terme/

wanttogo

I would spend at least a few days in Rome-such a major city should not be missed if you are so close.

Also, I would not go to Croatia at that time of the year because it is difficult to get around. you would need to rent a car, I think.

Have a great time!

RobIm

Love Italy. Love Rome. It seems to me that more time in Venice would be good. You can see our experiences in Italy at www.rimerson.com. It also has suggestions on places to stay though our Rome place was a little unsophisticated for most people.

dugi_otok

I would take the option of adding on 4 days in Rome after Florence. Then I would fly to Paris from Rome for 6 days.

If you wanted to try something really different. You could go to Rome for the 4 days and then fly to Dubrovnik for 6 days. While in Dubrovnik you could take day trips to Kotor and Mostar and nearby islands.

danon

Late October in Dubrovnik for six days?
Not a good idea IMO....
Leave Croatia for another time ...late spring to summer.

ira

Hi B,

I suggest taking DH on a visit to Italy and show him what he missed not going with you.

>We are going with a small group (10 people)...<

My best wishes to you.

Lexma90

Definitely add more time to your trip to Italy!

What does your DH enjoy doing during vacations? Does he like to relax on a beach, or spend time in museums? Even if he's not traveled much, he probably knows how he likes to spend his free time. That should give you some clues as to what kinds of things he'd enjoy in Italy / Spain / Croatia.

Use the internet and/or public library to watch videos (Rick Steves are good) of the possible places you'd visit - we've found that very helpful in deciding whether we'd enjoy a place or not.

dugi_otok

Sorry danon.The best month to visit Dubrovnik is September, but October is popular with locals and foreigners alike when rentals are plentiful and inexpensive. Temperatures high 60s to low 70s.In 6 days you can see 3 countries and surrounding islands. 3 days would be enough for just Dubrovnik.

Leslapins

If you stick with Italy, consider doing more of Southern Italy if you haven't already done so -- you mentioned Naples but have you done Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Isle of Capri...loved, loved, loved it, wish I could go back sometime soon! Maybe even some Italian Riviera, though October might be a little chilly.

bumkin2bfit

I really appreciate your replies and they are of great help. I showed him some photos from jgg's trips and to spain and italy. He has decided he would like to see what i did and more. So planning from trip between 14-21 days and I will do it myself.
Florence, Sienna and Lucca (as day trips), Venice, Bologna, Bellagio and Rome. he seemed apprehensive about Rome but I loved it. Just different than everywhere else. South will wait for later and Spain and Croatia. He doesnt much like to travel but is better when he isn't pushed for time. I plan on Florence 5-6 days, Venice 3 days, Bologna 2 and Bellagio 2, Rome 4 days. That doesn't include some travel days. Can't wait!

kja

I thought Croatia deserved at least 3 weeks - not counting time just across its borders.

I thought seeing central and southern Spain deserved 3.5 weeks and have at least 2 more 3+ week trips in the plans for other parts of Spain.

Italy offers numerous options. I think it would be to your advantage to pursue them - less travel time, less need to get used to different languages and customs, etc.

Lexma90

If by saying DH doesn't like to travel, you mean, he gets stressed (negatively) by too many new places, too much movement, that's good he knows that about himself. If that's the case, then maybe two-night stays are not the best option. Then add one night to Venice, and choose between Bologna and Bellagio (depending on whether he likes spending time on a lake or not) and spend three nights in those locations. In terms of day trips from Florence, if trips outside the city each day aren't pleasant for DH, then you can just change your plans.

In terms of Rome, if he's not so interested because he doesn't like the prospect to city bustle and noise, point out that unlike cities in the U.S., there are within Rome that aren't so noisy and have less travel. The historical center vehicular traffic is restricted, many piazzas don't have any such traffic, and there are lots of cafes to just sit back and enjoy the people-watching.

Our 17yo son has had some anxiety issues when travelling, and he (and we) are figuring out what stresses him. In DS' case, it's too many activities at crowded venues and too much rushing around. So we leave extra time for catching trains, try not to rush through train stations (sometimes difficult to avoid); we think about which places we will all like the most, and visit at times when there are fewer people.