1st Trip to Italy: Advice on possible Itinerary so far
Dec 30th, 2011, 01:37 AM
#21
given your parametersI really like arodiami's itinerary.
for me it gives you just the right amount of time in watch place for a first trip, with some opportunities for down time as well. hard to do much better, IMHO.
remember you can't see everything. better to have enough time enjoy where you go than to spend [waste?] a lot of time and effort getting to the next place only to leave it again!.
for me it gives you just the right amount of time in watch place for a first trip, with some opportunities for down time as well. hard to do much better, IMHO.
remember you can't see everything. better to have enough time enjoy where you go than to spend [waste?] a lot of time and effort getting to the next place only to leave it again!.
Dec 30th, 2011, 01:50 AM
#22
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My wife and I go a bunch always cheaper to hop regional trains
seat61.com/italy car a liability in bag cities Florence in particular is one big giant speed parking trap avoid car unless you will be all in rural areas and look at eurodrive lease a far better way to go.From Venice lake Garda is an easy train a few miles west of Verona.My wife and I love Hotel Vittorio 100 euro Desanzano walk down hill from Train Station.Find my review on TripAdvisor. Have fun!
seat61.com/italy car a liability in bag cities Florence in particular is one big giant speed parking trap avoid car unless you will be all in rural areas and look at eurodrive lease a far better way to go.From Venice lake Garda is an easy train a few miles west of Verona.My wife and I love Hotel Vittorio 100 euro Desanzano walk down hill from Train Station.Find my review on TripAdvisor. Have fun!
Dec 30th, 2011, 01:59 AM
#23
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We find flying RT Milan saves us a lot on air train cheaply around from there.We did the aa.com Citi AAdvantage cards(2)
for 2 free RT recently booked closed the cards headed there in May. In big cities deals on nice hotels betterbidding.com
but we also get spg.com CCs got a Suite at the Westin Europa Regina with points with their Amex CC. Marriott and Ihg.com good CC points deals for cheap free stays om CC ponts also.
Might have look there. www.eurocheapo.com best budget site
Congrats!
for 2 free RT recently booked closed the cards headed there in May. In big cities deals on nice hotels betterbidding.com
but we also get spg.com CCs got a Suite at the Westin Europa Regina with points with their Amex CC. Marriott and Ihg.com good CC points deals for cheap free stays om CC ponts also.
Might have look there. www.eurocheapo.com best budget site
Congrats!
Dec 30th, 2011, 03:57 AM
#24
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Florence: Since you say you don't like museums, you time in Florence seems about right, if you're probably not going to the Ufizzi or other museums. Climb to the top of the Duomo, in the a.m. to avoid the lines. Take a bus to the Piazzale Michelangelo and have a drink at sunset overlooking the city.
Venice: Some people are happy with a day in Venice. Others say a week isn't enough. I think your time is OK for a first trip. Murano and Burano are each about a half day. I know it's popular to say, "Oh, just wander around Venice and get lost," but really, I think you're better off with a bit of plan as to what parts of Venice you want to see and do. Do the touristy stuff in San Marco -- have a drink while the orchestras are playing, go to the top of the tower, etc. And get to see some other parts of Venice. BTW, on rare occasion I have encountered rudeness in Venice, just as you might anywhere else. In general, people are friendly and accommodating.
Venice: Some people are happy with a day in Venice. Others say a week isn't enough. I think your time is OK for a first trip. Murano and Burano are each about a half day. I know it's popular to say, "Oh, just wander around Venice and get lost," but really, I think you're better off with a bit of plan as to what parts of Venice you want to see and do. Do the touristy stuff in San Marco -- have a drink while the orchestras are playing, go to the top of the tower, etc. And get to see some other parts of Venice. BTW, on rare occasion I have encountered rudeness in Venice, just as you might anywhere else. In general, people are friendly and accommodating.
Dec 30th, 2011, 07:11 AM
#25
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I like arodiama's suggestions but disagree about a car. Your destinations on this trip demand the train. You don't want to deal with parking a car and paying for parking in any Italian city. Not to speak of tickets for driving in a restricted zone.
Your daytrip from Florence to Siena should be by bus, which drops you in the center of historic Siena (whereas the train drops you outside the walls, needing a bus or taxi to get in).
And, I guess, your approach to Venice depends on your travel style. I like wandering around, getting lost. I think the most important thing to see in Venice is Venice itself. But I've seen most of the main sights of Venice over the years.
Your daytrip from Florence to Siena should be by bus, which drops you in the center of historic Siena (whereas the train drops you outside the walls, needing a bus or taxi to get in).
And, I guess, your approach to Venice depends on your travel style. I like wandering around, getting lost. I think the most important thing to see in Venice is Venice itself. But I've seen most of the main sights of Venice over the years.
Dec 30th, 2011, 10:08 AM
#26
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Niente has good points, and definitely Duomo climb and Piazza Michelangelo(take an extra hour to visit San Miniato al Monte 200 yards away - read about it). And definitely look out for the parking and ticket traps. Still dealing with a 100E ticket from Florence (one year ago) that was a mix up. My hostess is clearing it up. By the way, her apartments in the Arno/ Ponte Vecchio area are spectacular (http://www.sansebsuites.com/LENG/C4050-1/hhcm-Home.html).
I am planning my next trip with buses. I have checked out the SENA bus lines (http://www.sena.it/) partner of the Euroline company (http://www.eurolines.it/Home/59-1-en.html). I am so impressed with the low cost and options. Some rides are express for a bit more. Either way, less than a third of the price of train rides. And most stops in the center of the cities and towns. Less stress - no tickets, no ZTL, and no expensive parking garages - up to 40E per day in Florence!
I like Qwovadis idea of Lake Garda.
I am planning my next trip with buses. I have checked out the SENA bus lines (http://www.sena.it/) partner of the Euroline company (http://www.eurolines.it/Home/59-1-en.html). I am so impressed with the low cost and options. Some rides are express for a bit more. Either way, less than a third of the price of train rides. And most stops in the center of the cities and towns. Less stress - no tickets, no ZTL, and no expensive parking garages - up to 40E per day in Florence!
I like Qwovadis idea of Lake Garda.
Dec 30th, 2011, 11:23 AM
#27
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I think you need to study up a bit before coming to Italy.
The more time you spend before leaving the more you will enjoy your time here.
Check out your local library, guide books, a few films@ the history, art, land. I've lived here 46 years now and am still scratchin the surface.
The more time you spend before leaving the more you will enjoy your time here.
Check out your local library, guide books, a few films@ the history, art, land. I've lived here 46 years now and am still scratchin the surface.
Dec 30th, 2011, 11:26 AM
#28
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Stcirq I'm glad you posted as you expressed my thoughts perfectly.
Jerseygirl I'm glad to see that you are going to spend a few days in Venice. My experience has been hat people who whizz through Venice in half a day or so, inevitably report back that they didn't like Venice. It is definitely worthy of a few days and a day trip from Venice is a good idea.
Jerseygirl I'm glad to see that you are going to spend a few days in Venice. My experience has been hat people who whizz through Venice in half a day or so, inevitably report back that they didn't like Venice. It is definitely worthy of a few days and a day trip from Venice is a good idea.
Dec 30th, 2011, 11:36 AM
#29
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As Venice lovers are aware, to really enjoy Venice, you really have to stay ON Venice (not in Mestre or elsewhere), so you can stroll around at night and in the morning at your leisure. Daytime in Venice can be miserable with mobs of tourists and long lines, but if you get off the main drag and away from the tourist hot spots you can avoid some of the crowds. I did a few-hour stopover (after two previous longer trips to Venice) last September in Venice off the train one Sunday afternoon and found obnoxious mobs of tourists and long lines, but once I headed over to the Ghetto, they were all gone!
Dec 30th, 2011, 12:55 PM
#30
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If we stay 4 nights in Venice, are there any other day trips anyone would recommend? We are planning a day in Verona to "get away" from the crowds and was wondering if there was another great day trip to take so we can enjoy Venice in the morning and night.
Dec 30th, 2011, 01:32 PM
#31
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Or should we keep it at 3 nights stay and just one trip to verona? Also, we will be in florence for 4 nights (1 night will be a rehearsal dinner and another day will be all wedding) We will prob only have about a full day and half to explore. Is this going to be ok for people who don't want to spend all their time in museums? Im wondering if a trip to Sienna is even possible unless we leave Venice sooner?
We will stop in Pisa heading to the italian Riviera to see the tower. I think we have decided on Santa Margherita as our base so we can visit Portofino. (we really want to see it and spend some time relaxing there and taking in the views)
For our first trip to Italy do you think this is ok? I want to make sure our itinerary is great for a first trip and always love the advice you all give. I just don't want to have doubts or wish that we went some place else.....but i think the places we want to travel to are some amazing places to see...what do u all think?
We will stop in Pisa heading to the italian Riviera to see the tower. I think we have decided on Santa Margherita as our base so we can visit Portofino. (we really want to see it and spend some time relaxing there and taking in the views)
For our first trip to Italy do you think this is ok? I want to make sure our itinerary is great for a first trip and always love the advice you all give. I just don't want to have doubts or wish that we went some place else.....but i think the places we want to travel to are some amazing places to see...what do u all think?
Dec 30th, 2011, 01:42 PM
#32
jerseygirl, the other "day trip" i would suggest is out to the islands of the lagoon.
you could start your day [early as you like] at the Rialto market -make sure you get there early enough to see the best of the fish - then head up to the fondamenta nuove to get the boat out to Murano or Burano. there are various ways to see the islands - we weren't particularly interested in glass blowing, so we went straight to Burano and then had a wander round the streets lined with colourfully painted houses before getting the little ferry to Torcello, where you can see the cathedral with its wonderful 900 year old mosaics. Then lunch on the island, or back to Burano as you wish.
finally get the boat back to Venice, stopping off in Murano or not; we chose to get off but I'm not sure I'd bother again. instead, you might do what we did another time and get off at the "giardino" stop on the way back to San Marco and walk back through Cannaregio - mostly very interesting and off the beaten track for a lot of the way.
that way you should avoid most of the crowds during the day but have enough time to enjoy Venice once they've gone.
another "day trip" that we did whilst not leaving Venice at all, was hopping across the to the giudecca from the Zattere, then walking along [barely anyone around] and getting another boat to san giorgio to climb the campanile [just as good as the one in piazza san marco but half the price and 1/4 as crowded]. then back again to San marco.
if you are going to do these sorts of trips, a vaporetto pass for the length of your stay will pay for itself very quickly.
or as Andrew says, there are plenty of corners of Venice itself where the tourists rarely venture. the Ghetto, parts of Dorsoduro and Cannaregio, can be very quiet.
please don't short-change yourself on Venice - it is a stupendously beautifully place, and you may find that you don't even want to leave it to see Verona. if you aren't really museum people, you may well find that a day and a half in Florence is enough - and if so, you can always go back!
I think that what you have planned is excellent - please don't get hung up on the search for the "perfect trip" - trust me it doesn't exist!
you could start your day [early as you like] at the Rialto market -make sure you get there early enough to see the best of the fish - then head up to the fondamenta nuove to get the boat out to Murano or Burano. there are various ways to see the islands - we weren't particularly interested in glass blowing, so we went straight to Burano and then had a wander round the streets lined with colourfully painted houses before getting the little ferry to Torcello, where you can see the cathedral with its wonderful 900 year old mosaics. Then lunch on the island, or back to Burano as you wish.
finally get the boat back to Venice, stopping off in Murano or not; we chose to get off but I'm not sure I'd bother again. instead, you might do what we did another time and get off at the "giardino" stop on the way back to San Marco and walk back through Cannaregio - mostly very interesting and off the beaten track for a lot of the way.
that way you should avoid most of the crowds during the day but have enough time to enjoy Venice once they've gone.
another "day trip" that we did whilst not leaving Venice at all, was hopping across the to the giudecca from the Zattere, then walking along [barely anyone around] and getting another boat to san giorgio to climb the campanile [just as good as the one in piazza san marco but half the price and 1/4 as crowded]. then back again to San marco.
if you are going to do these sorts of trips, a vaporetto pass for the length of your stay will pay for itself very quickly.
or as Andrew says, there are plenty of corners of Venice itself where the tourists rarely venture. the Ghetto, parts of Dorsoduro and Cannaregio, can be very quiet.
please don't short-change yourself on Venice - it is a stupendously beautifully place, and you may find that you don't even want to leave it to see Verona. if you aren't really museum people, you may well find that a day and a half in Florence is enough - and if so, you can always go back!
I think that what you have planned is excellent - please don't get hung up on the search for the "perfect trip" - trust me it doesn't exist!
Dec 30th, 2011, 03:20 PM
#34
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I think your trip sounds great.
Sometimes I recommend people stop off the train between Venice and Florence in Bologna to have a meal at very least, because the food in Bologna is amazing. (Venice isn't known for its cuisine.) Your train will stop there anyway on the way to Florence...but in your case, I'll bet you will have a lot of bags as you have to go to a wedding, so it might not be worth the hassle.
Sometimes I recommend people stop off the train between Venice and Florence in Bologna to have a meal at very least, because the food in Bologna is amazing. (Venice isn't known for its cuisine.) Your train will stop there anyway on the way to Florence...but in your case, I'll bet you will have a lot of bags as you have to go to a wedding, so it might not be worth the hassle.
Dec 30th, 2011, 06:12 PM
#35
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Annhig's advice is spot on. Do Burano, Torcello, and San Giorgio using your Venezia pass. We love the Dorsoduro area. Most residents live there and it is way less touristy. There are great B & B's there too. Many are already booked for Sept. Expect to pay top dollar; peak season. Try Villa Maravege http://www.pensioneaccademia.it/index.asp on the Grand Canal.
We had such a great time in Verona and since you are not going to Rome, I still recommend you go there. It has a spectacular Colosseum and old winding roads with mountains in the background. The Romeo and Juliet thing is touristy but interesting and romantic. Take the bus or train. Fares are cheap; fast train 20E and slower is 7,30E. Check http://www.trenitalia.com
I also discovered a great blog last night http://www.roninrome.com/ . He provides "coaching" and helps plan every detail. His specialty is new timers like you guys. Look into it.
We had such a great time in Verona and since you are not going to Rome, I still recommend you go there. It has a spectacular Colosseum and old winding roads with mountains in the background. The Romeo and Juliet thing is touristy but interesting and romantic. Take the bus or train. Fares are cheap; fast train 20E and slower is 7,30E. Check http://www.trenitalia.com
I also discovered a great blog last night http://www.roninrome.com/ . He provides "coaching" and helps plan every detail. His specialty is new timers like you guys. Look into it.
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