Husband and I are going to Italy (our first time) for our anniversary in October 2017. I've been wanting to go for years and am so excited we are finally doing it! I got Fodor's Italy guide book for a Christmas present and I'm overwhelmed reading so much! Now I'm not sure, as first-timers, whether we should take a guided tour or go it on our own.
The places we'd really like to see are Florence, Pisa and Tuscany area, Rome, Naples, Pompeii, maybe Capri. Not sure if this is realistic given our time frame. Also wondering if we can do this all flying in and out of Rome or should we fly to one destination and fly out of another. Can we stay in Florence and make day trips to Pisa and Tuscany and then stay in Rome and make day trips to Naples and Pompeii? Any other suggestions?
I have always wanted to see the statue of David and other Renaissance art so Florence is a must. Also interested in food and culture and history. Planning is starting to feel overwhelming. I'm wondering if I should just use a travel agent and if so, any good recommendations?
I appreciate the guidance!
The places we'd really like to see are Florence, Pisa and Tuscany area, Rome, Naples, Pompeii, maybe Capri. Not sure if this is realistic given our time frame. Also wondering if we can do this all flying in and out of Rome or should we fly to one destination and fly out of another. Can we stay in Florence and make day trips to Pisa and Tuscany and then stay in Rome and make day trips to Naples and Pompeii? Any other suggestions?
I have always wanted to see the statue of David and other Renaissance art so Florence is a must. Also interested in food and culture and history. Planning is starting to feel overwhelming. I'm wondering if I should just use a travel agent and if so, any good recommendations?
I appreciate the guidance!
slwf Merry Christmas!
Planning your first trip to Italy (and it won't be your last) is so exciting! Yes, it might seem a bit overwhelming, but there is no need to use a travel agent. You have all the experts you need right here.
First question: Does the 10 - 11 days include your travel days? On a very short trip like this, every hour matters in planning.
Second: Keep reading that guide book and know that even if you had 10 weeks, you can't see it all.
Third: Realize that moving between destinations take some time. Staying within Italy, it can take a 1/2 day. Or more, or less, but it does take time. For a short trip, the less you move, the more you see.
Fourth: Yes, it's great if you can fly open jaw. Into one city and out the last. More efficient use of time on a short trip.
Start by reading of the guide book. Start making a list of what you would like to see and where.
My first suggestion to you based on where you want to visit is Fly in to Rome, go directly to Florence.
4 nts Florence, 1 day trip to Pisa and maybe Lucca, easily done by train
3 nts Tuscany (rent a car when you leave Florence)
drop the car before Rome
3 or 4 nts Rome
A mix like this will allow you to enjoy each destination without rushing and let you get a feel for the great cities, history and art as well as the gorgeous countryside. A good sampling of each.
If you choose to include Naples, Pompeii and Capri, you will have to give up Tuscany. I personally would choose Tuscany for October. Driving in the countryside is a breeze and the best way to visit the hill towns.
You will get tons of advice and suggestions here, but only you can set your priorities and decide what you most want to see on this first trip. You will return, so enjoy and don't make yourself crazy rushing!
Buon viaggio!
Planning your first trip to Italy (and it won't be your last) is so exciting! Yes, it might seem a bit overwhelming, but there is no need to use a travel agent. You have all the experts you need right here.
First question: Does the 10 - 11 days include your travel days? On a very short trip like this, every hour matters in planning.
Second: Keep reading that guide book and know that even if you had 10 weeks, you can't see it all.
Third: Realize that moving between destinations take some time. Staying within Italy, it can take a 1/2 day. Or more, or less, but it does take time. For a short trip, the less you move, the more you see.
Fourth: Yes, it's great if you can fly open jaw. Into one city and out the last. More efficient use of time on a short trip.
Start by reading of the guide book. Start making a list of what you would like to see and where.
My first suggestion to you based on where you want to visit is Fly in to Rome, go directly to Florence.
4 nts Florence, 1 day trip to Pisa and maybe Lucca, easily done by train
3 nts Tuscany (rent a car when you leave Florence)
drop the car before Rome
3 or 4 nts Rome
A mix like this will allow you to enjoy each destination without rushing and let you get a feel for the great cities, history and art as well as the gorgeous countryside. A good sampling of each.
If you choose to include Naples, Pompeii and Capri, you will have to give up Tuscany. I personally would choose Tuscany for October. Driving in the countryside is a breeze and the best way to visit the hill towns.
You will get tons of advice and suggestions here, but only you can set your priorities and decide what you most want to see on this first trip. You will return, so enjoy and don't make yourself crazy rushing!
Buon viaggio!
Great advice above. If you can fly into Pisa and out of Rome it would make life easier. Limiting yourself to the itinerary above would be a fantastic trip, easy to plan and gives you enough time in each area to enjoy. If you had a few extra days I would add them to Rome.
No need for a travel agent...we can help you out!
No need for a travel agent...we can help you out!
Thank you both so much for your advice! I've spoken with a friend who has been many times to Italy and she said we should not miss Venice. I've had other friends say Venice was the pits. ugh!!! This is getting harder and harder!
We have 10 days in Italy, not including travel days. So now I'm thinking fly into Venice and fly out of Rome. Itinerary would looking something like:
Day 1 -- arrive Venice late morning
Day 2 -- Venice
Day 3 -- leave Venice in the am arrive in Florence
Day 4 -- Florence
Day 5 -- Rent a car and leave Florence, heading toward Pisa/Tuscany...not sure where we should stay
Day 6 -- Tuscany
Day 7 -- Tuscany
Day 8 -- leave Tuscasny drive to Rome (drop off car somewhere!)
Day 9 -- Rome
Day 10 -- Rome
Day 11 - Fly out of Rome to home
Comments? Advice? Does anyone see any adjustments I should make? Perhaps add another day to Florence and take away a day in Tuscany?
While in Tuscany, I did see one seaside town that looked interesting, Viareggio. My husband and I love beaches and beach towns, even when it's too cold to get into the water. So if it's worth it, I'd like to explore one of the coastal towns.
Thank you so much for all your help. Planning this is turning into its own adventure!
We have 10 days in Italy, not including travel days. So now I'm thinking fly into Venice and fly out of Rome. Itinerary would looking something like:
Day 1 -- arrive Venice late morning
Day 2 -- Venice
Day 3 -- leave Venice in the am arrive in Florence
Day 4 -- Florence
Day 5 -- Rent a car and leave Florence, heading toward Pisa/Tuscany...not sure where we should stay
Day 6 -- Tuscany
Day 7 -- Tuscany
Day 8 -- leave Tuscasny drive to Rome (drop off car somewhere!)
Day 9 -- Rome
Day 10 -- Rome
Day 11 - Fly out of Rome to home
Comments? Advice? Does anyone see any adjustments I should make? Perhaps add another day to Florence and take away a day in Tuscany?
While in Tuscany, I did see one seaside town that looked interesting, Viareggio. My husband and I love beaches and beach towns, even when it's too cold to get into the water. So if it's worth it, I'd like to explore one of the coastal towns.
Thank you so much for all your help. Planning this is turning into its own adventure!
First visit to Italy, I suggest your not renting a car. Stay in Venice, Florence and Rome. Even then you have only 7 full days on the ground. Viareggio is a doable day trip from Florence taking 1.5 hours.
You can look up train schedules here using italian city names:
http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en
Were you to scrap Venice [and pick up another full day, total of 8], the idea would be to fly Rome/Rome and head to Florence directly, 1.5 hours on the train once you get to town. This is what I would advise a friend to do. There are several possible day trips from Florence, Orvieto from Rome.
You can look up train schedules here using italian city names:
http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en
Were you to scrap Venice [and pick up another full day, total of 8], the idea would be to fly Rome/Rome and head to Florence directly, 1.5 hours on the train once you get to town. This is what I would advise a friend to do. There are several possible day trips from Florence, Orvieto from Rome.
We are in Venice now for 9 days and find it magical. You can see our pics here
https://www.flickr.com/photos/pug_gi...57674400954854
We also love Tuscany and have spent a few weeks there, mainly over the holiday season. You can see our pics here
https://www.flickr.com/photos/pug_gi...57639164500734
We spent Easter in Rome earlier this year, pics here
https://www.flickr.com/photos/pug_gi...57665848910040
My top tip is less is more. In your short time I would pick two places max. Otherwise you spend more time and money in transit seeing less rather than experiencing the places you are visiting.
Happy planning!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/pug_gi...57674400954854
We also love Tuscany and have spent a few weeks there, mainly over the holiday season. You can see our pics here
https://www.flickr.com/photos/pug_gi...57639164500734
We spent Easter in Rome earlier this year, pics here
https://www.flickr.com/photos/pug_gi...57665848910040
My top tip is less is more. In your short time I would pick two places max. Otherwise you spend more time and money in transit seeing less rather than experiencing the places you are visiting.
Happy planning!
While in Tuscany, I did see one seaside town that looked interesting, Viareggio>
My friends always go to Viareggio for a few days on their Italian sojourns - they love -I've never been but I put stock in what they say.
Day 8 -- leave Tuscany drive to Rome (drop off car somewhere!)>
Orvieto if possible or Chiusi if not would be perfect -then take train into Rome. Montepulciano is a sweet hill town near Chiusi.
For lots of great info on trains check www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com (check their online European Planning & Rail Guide for Tuscany possibilities by car or train and bus) and www.ricksteves.com.
My friends always go to Viareggio for a few days on their Italian sojourns - they love -I've never been but I put stock in what they say.
Day 8 -- leave Tuscany drive to Rome (drop off car somewhere!)>
Orvieto if possible or Chiusi if not would be perfect -then take train into Rome. Montepulciano is a sweet hill town near Chiusi.
For lots of great info on trains check www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com (check their online European Planning & Rail Guide for Tuscany possibilities by car or train and bus) and www.ricksteves.com.
slwf,
Ah! You are already falling into the trap of adding a fourth destination. Don't do it! Absolutely do not try to do more than 3. Even that will be quick.
My first trip to Italy was actually a ski vacation. We flew into Venice and went directly to Cortina where we skied for a full week. Returned to Venice and .....
2 nts Venice = 1.5 days
2 nts Florence = 1.5 days
1 long day of train travel to Praiano on the Amalfi Coast to visit boyfriend's relatives and see Pompeii
3 nts Praiano
2 nts Rome
It was a whirlwind trip, I was sick as a dog the entire time, and I would never recommend this to anyone. Fortunately, I learned. Please listen to our advice....
Ah! You are already falling into the trap of adding a fourth destination. Don't do it! Absolutely do not try to do more than 3. Even that will be quick.
My first trip to Italy was actually a ski vacation. We flew into Venice and went directly to Cortina where we skied for a full week. Returned to Venice and .....
2 nts Venice = 1.5 days
2 nts Florence = 1.5 days
1 long day of train travel to Praiano on the Amalfi Coast to visit boyfriend's relatives and see Pompeii
3 nts Praiano
2 nts Rome
It was a whirlwind trip, I was sick as a dog the entire time, and I would never recommend this to anyone. Fortunately, I learned. Please listen to our advice....
We are at the end of a 5-day stay in Venice and it is one of our most favorite places on earth (and we have traveled the world over). It is absolutely magical. Don't miss it. Spend at least 3 days here. At least. We have had 5, and it's not even close to enough.
I like the rest of your trip, but don't go to the Amalfi Coast, do what you intended to do to begin with. You will see plenty of water in Venice. I'm looking out the window right now onto the beautiful lagoon, and beyond lies the Adriatico.
I like the rest of your trip, but don't go to the Amalfi Coast, do what you intended to do to begin with. You will see plenty of water in Venice. I'm looking out the window right now onto the beautiful lagoon, and beyond lies the Adriatico.
All your advice is very helpful and I greatly appreciate everyone's input. Jamikins, your pictures are amazing!
OK, we are going to have 10-11 non travel (flight in/flight out) days, although we will have travel days within the country. We can be flexible on the 10 or 11 so of course I'm already sure we'll stay for 11 days! lol.
I think we are going to stay in only three cities--Venice, Florence, Rome--and make day trips from Florence and Rome.
I've been reading until my eyes are bloodshot today! So much to learn. I am not one who needs to burn my hand on the stove myself to learn that it is hot. I trust the advice of the experienced, which is why I am posting.
My H and I are in our mid-50s and pretty active, so all the walking won't be a problem for us at all. H doesn't know the first thing about Renaissance art or architecture, but he's a great sport and knows how I've always wanted to see Florence and the statue David, along with so many of the beautiful museums and churches. I am encouraging him to read and learn a little before we go so that he will have a greater appreciation for what we will see.
What H does like is food! We are both adventurous eaters so we are looking forward to some fabulous meals. Any restaurant recommendations are welcome, BTW!
We are also looking forward to soaking up the culture, people watching, historical tours, wine tasting, and shopping.
We have a fairly healthy budget for this trip and don't want to skimp on anything that would be worthwhile and worth the price, even if a bit expensive. On the flip side, we are also open-minded and adventurous travelers and don't mind going off the beaten path to discover a treasure and/or save a few dollars!
It might be helpful to also know we are American and don't speak a lick of Italian. I know just enough Spanish to find a bathroom and order another beer in my Southern accent. lol. I am wondering how much Italian I can learn in the next 10 months (if anyone has suggestions for a cram course, please let me know!) or it will really be necessary?
Anyway, I will probably have a million questions. I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to respond. I am reading and absorbing everything!
OK, we are going to have 10-11 non travel (flight in/flight out) days, although we will have travel days within the country. We can be flexible on the 10 or 11 so of course I'm already sure we'll stay for 11 days! lol.
I think we are going to stay in only three cities--Venice, Florence, Rome--and make day trips from Florence and Rome.
I've been reading until my eyes are bloodshot today! So much to learn. I am not one who needs to burn my hand on the stove myself to learn that it is hot. I trust the advice of the experienced, which is why I am posting.
My H and I are in our mid-50s and pretty active, so all the walking won't be a problem for us at all. H doesn't know the first thing about Renaissance art or architecture, but he's a great sport and knows how I've always wanted to see Florence and the statue David, along with so many of the beautiful museums and churches. I am encouraging him to read and learn a little before we go so that he will have a greater appreciation for what we will see.
What H does like is food! We are both adventurous eaters so we are looking forward to some fabulous meals. Any restaurant recommendations are welcome, BTW!
We are also looking forward to soaking up the culture, people watching, historical tours, wine tasting, and shopping.
We have a fairly healthy budget for this trip and don't want to skimp on anything that would be worthwhile and worth the price, even if a bit expensive. On the flip side, we are also open-minded and adventurous travelers and don't mind going off the beaten path to discover a treasure and/or save a few dollars!
It might be helpful to also know we are American and don't speak a lick of Italian. I know just enough Spanish to find a bathroom and order another beer in my Southern accent. lol. I am wondering how much Italian I can learn in the next 10 months (if anyone has suggestions for a cram course, please let me know!) or it will really be necessary?
Anyway, I will probably have a million questions. I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to respond. I am reading and absorbing everything!
Florence, Venice, and Rome in that time will give you just a taste of each place. I would do as someone suggested and truly look at what YOU want to see, and make your itinerary from there. If you are truly sticking mainly in those cities, English speakers are easy to find, and knowing just the basics in Italian will get you through.
If I were planning, I would stick to just two of the cities and take side trips. Just our preferred way of travel-it DOES take some time to travel between places, more than you might realize, no matter what mode of travel you choose. We have mainly used the trains, but driving is fine as well over there.
When we based in Florence one year, we used Tuscany Car Tours to take us out into the hill towns for an amazing day of sightseeing. I would highly recommend them, and will use them again when we return.
Enjoy your trip!
If I were planning, I would stick to just two of the cities and take side trips. Just our preferred way of travel-it DOES take some time to travel between places, more than you might realize, no matter what mode of travel you choose. We have mainly used the trains, but driving is fine as well over there.
When we based in Florence one year, we used Tuscany Car Tours to take us out into the hill towns for an amazing day of sightseeing. I would highly recommend them, and will use them again when we return.
Enjoy your trip!
We have ironed out our itinerary and I have hotels booked.
We will fly into Venice from Charleston, SC. We are staying three nights in Venice at Antiche Figure. http://www.hotelantichefigure.it/. Would love recommendations for some restaurants. We will be celebrating our anniversary this weekend.
Then we will take a train to Florence and then spend three nights at Hotel Alessandra. http://www.hotelalessandra.com/. We plan to take a day trip to Pisa. Any tour suggestions?
Then we will take a train to Rome and stay four nights at Hotel Ponte Sisto. http://www.hotelpontesisto.it/en/. We will probably try and squeeze a day trip to Pompeii while in Rome before flying out and back home.
We don't have any tours booked in these cities yet. I'll work on that next. We are most interested in art, history, culture and food. Any tour suggestions for any of these cities is greatly appreciated. I am so glad we are doing this on our own and not going through a guided tour company. We ALMOST went that route until I came here and was encouraged by many to do this on our own!
I am so freaking excited I can't stand it!!!
We will fly into Venice from Charleston, SC. We are staying three nights in Venice at Antiche Figure. http://www.hotelantichefigure.it/. Would love recommendations for some restaurants. We will be celebrating our anniversary this weekend.
Then we will take a train to Florence and then spend three nights at Hotel Alessandra. http://www.hotelalessandra.com/. We plan to take a day trip to Pisa. Any tour suggestions?
Then we will take a train to Rome and stay four nights at Hotel Ponte Sisto. http://www.hotelpontesisto.it/en/. We will probably try and squeeze a day trip to Pompeii while in Rome before flying out and back home.
We don't have any tours booked in these cities yet. I'll work on that next. We are most interested in art, history, culture and food. Any tour suggestions for any of these cities is greatly appreciated. I am so glad we are doing this on our own and not going through a guided tour company. We ALMOST went that route until I came here and was encouraged by many to do this on our own!
I am so freaking excited I can't stand it!!!
Sounds like a great trip, slwf. I'm planning a roughly similar trip with my daughter who reallly wants to visit those three cities.
I've been using Pimsleur cds from the library, plus a little bit of Duolingo app daily for Italian. Even though you can get by in English, so much nicer to have at least a few solid phrases.
I've been using Pimsleur cds from the library, plus a little bit of Duolingo app daily for Italian. Even though you can get by in English, so much nicer to have at least a few solid phrases.
