midwifetraveler

Hi, I am traveling to Italy for 2 wks in early April, with many cousins but I may do some independent traveling. they plan to stay 2 full days in Rome, then take train to Padua for 2 nights and make day trip to Venice, then head to Arezzo where we have rented a villa and will take day trips through out Tuscany and Florence. I was thinking of maybe an extra day in Rome (3 full days), skipping Venice which I saw in my 20's, and staying 2 nights in FLorence alone and then heading to base Villa in Arezzo for remainder to trip. Am I making a mistake by not going to Padua/Venice, or take the extra day in Rome and FLorence. Also what day trips are recommended from Arezzo . Lucca? Ravenna? Firara?
I would also love to take a cooking class. Thanks for suggestions. We will rent a car in Tuscany

bobthenavigator

Do you have a good map or guide book?
None of those are near Arezzo.

Your plan seems feasible but certainly a personal choice.
Tell your cousins that seeing Venice from Padua is not a good idea.

macanimals

You definitely need to look at a map and plot out your intended daytips. Use the Viamichelin.com website to determine driving distances and times to your various daytrip destinations. And be aware that Arezzo has restrictions on driving ( ZTL ) and parking.

Lucca from Arezzo is probably not practical--Good luck.

midwifetraveler

thanks. Yes I have FODORS book on Tuscany. SHould I spend time with them in Padua or stay longer in rome and Florence/?

SassTraveler

Padua is small and can be done in an afternoon. Lovely because it's Italian but beside that, not that interesting. I would spend your valuable time elsewhere. In the same general area and much more interesting is Verona.

Sienna's a must do. Cortona and San Giminano very picturesque. I personally love Perugia.

Venice is everything you think: romantic, beautiful... but also expensive and crowded. It's very small and can be done in a day or two. I'm going in March. Taking the train from Arezzo.

Good luck enjoy.

HappyTrvlr

Make sure you see the frescoes in the cathedral in Arezzo.

Nonconformist

From Arezzo Perugia and Assisi are both easy train trips.