My wife and I are going to spend 3 weeks in Italy starting Sept 20. It's my 1st trip to Italy and my wife's 2nd (10 years ago).<BR>We are restricted to fly in/out through Rome and we must be in Florence from Sept. 23 to 25 due to a conference I'm attending.<BR><BR>Rome: 2 nites<BR>Florence: 7 nites<BR>Milan: 1 nite <BR>Venice 4 nites <BR>Siena 3 nites <BR>Sorrento 3 nites<BR>Rome: 4 nites<BR><BR>We tried to plan it such the we will avoid travelling (by train) during Sat/Sun....<BR><BR>Any comments and suggestions?

Hi Ray!<BR><BR>2 suggestions - how about spending 2 nights in Orvieto at the start? It's just an hour train ride from Termini & a wonderful,interesting town. 1/2 day visit to Civita di Bagnoreggio nearby is beautiful & unique!<BR><BR>Also, since all your destinations are cities, how about staying in the countryside instead of right in Siena? Siena would be easy to do as a day trip, or afternoon/evening, during your 7 days in Florence. I assume you will have some free time during the conference.<BR><BR>You will have a wonderful time. Buon viaggio!

Hello Ray,<BR><BR>Two thoughts:<BR><BR>- Why one night in Milan? I'd forget it (- it wouldn't come in my 'top 50' places to see in Italy anyway!) and have an extra day in Venice.<BR><BR>- What sightseeing do you want to do from Sorrento? There's really enough to fill a week there! E.g. Pompei, Capri, Positano, Amalfi Coast, Ravello, Naples, Ercolano, Vesuvius, Paestum, Caserta, Ischia, Procida ... the list goes on.<BR><BR>Steve

Hello Ray,<BR><BR>Two thoughts:<BR><BR>- Why one night in Milan? I'd forget it (- it wouldn't come in my 'top 50' places to see in Italy anyway!) and have an extra day in Venice.<BR><BR>- What sightseeing do you want to do from Sorrento? <BR>3 days isn't enough IMO, - there's really enough to fill a week there! E.g. Pompei, Capri, Positano, Amalfi Coast, Ravello, Naples, Ercolano, Vesuvius, Paestum, Caserta, Ischia, Procida ... the list goes on.<BR><BR>Steve

Ray: Disagree with Steve about Milan. We just spent two nights there earlier this month, not really out of choice, but because we couldn't get a flight home from Venice. We took the train from Venice to Milan and arrived there late afternoon. Had reserved time to see The Last Supper that evening, and we were both much more impressed than we had anticipated. <BR><BR>The next day we went to the Duomo and "walked among the saints." It is truly incredible and our visit was a wonderful experience. The inside of the cathedral is very beatiful too.<BR><BR>Milan is far from our favorite city in Italy, but I'm glad we were "forced" to go there. It turned out to be an unexpected pleasure.<BR><BR>j

Another vote in defense of Milan. <BR><BR>The Duomo is amazing (including walking around on the roof). Seeing a performance in La Scala is one of my all-time favorite memories of Italy. And it's the only place you can see daVinci's "Last Supper"! Great shopping (if you're into that) and good food. It's definitely worth at least a day.

I'm with Steve on Milan -- I kept thinking of all the great places that I hadn't spent one or two more nights rather than be in Milan. Yes, it's a very nice Duomo - and if can't live without seeing that and the Last Supper - then sure, spend one night there. But as much as I "love" Venice -- I might consider spending one less night in Venice, no time in Milan, and maybe doing two days in Lake Como. Or maybe add another day onto Sorrento -- Steve had a great list of time much better spent.<BR><BR>As a traveller that we ran into in Venice said to us "why are you going to Milan, it's just a big industrial city?" -- and I don't mean in the style of NYC. Depends on your taste, but with so many great things to see in Italy...as I refer to Milan - what a waste of time.

My question doesn't lie with the night in Milan, I'd probably make it two to give you a full day there. But a full week in Florence? Your conference is only two days. Why stay in Florence and go out to Tuscany. I'd say spend only an extra night or two in Florence and then get away from the hoardes of tourists there. And yes -- to go all the way to Sorrento for just two nights seems foolish. How about a night or two on Capri -- must be lovely and less crowded in September. There's a lot to do in that area. That's where I'd add those nights I'd take away from Florence. And rather than break up the Rome stays, I agree -- maybe Orvieto would be a nice place to unwind and relax after the trip. Or just do one night there before your Florence stay, then leave more time for the Sorrento/Amalfi/Capri area.<BR>And assuming you get a car in Tuscany (I would) I'd chose San Gimignano rather that Siena for the stay and do day trips from there.

Hello Ray,<BR>Your itinerary sounds pretty good.<BR>Personally, I would add more time to Sorrento. There are so many things to do there - Amalfi Coast, Iscia or Capri, Pompeii/Mount Vesuvius. I stayed 4 nights. I got everything I wanted to do done, but could have easily stayed longer and done more.<BR>I only stayed 4 nights in Rome and personally that was enough for me. Maybe you could take a day or two from Rome and add to Sorrento?<BR>I stayed right in Siena, but as others suggested I think it would be nicer to stay in the country side.<BR>Hope you have a great trip.

Hi Dayle! <BR><BR>I am Amy, Raymond's wife ;-) We are dividing the research work and I told him to start with fodors.com. After my research on Venice accomodation, Raymond told me to do some research on Sorrento and I found his posting! <BR><BR>Anyway, I like the idea of staying at the countryside at Tuscany as I see this as a good way to see the country and its people. Do you have any recommendation on places to stay in? <BR><BR>Amy

Sorry, Dayle. I am still learning the system here. I will get the name and address right this time.

Hi Amy! We stayed at Hotel San Sano, which isn't really a hotel, but more of an inn located in a restored stone village house. We absolutely loved it! Do a search under my name or try "I'm Guilty & Ashamed" for my trip report. There are many, many wonderful choices for both Tuscany & Umbria!<BR><BR>Also, I'm sorry I didn't read Ray's post correctly! I would vote with the other posters in NOT spending a whole 7 days in Florence. I think after 2 days of conference & maybe 2 more of pure sight seeing, you will be ready to go on.<BR><BR>

I printed Dayle's trip report and keep it in my Italy planning folder. It certainly has good information in it. It will be in my record as great reference ;-)<BR><BR>I have another question for all the frequent Italy travellers out there...<BR><BR>I heard that it is not a good idea to use standard size or oversize suitcase if we are going to hop around Italy and especially taking the train. How big a problem/inconvenience is this?<BR><BR>I was also told that the pullman style suitcase may not be very mobile when it comes to cobblestone streets because of the small wheels amd those heavy duty camper backpack with metal frame is the way to go? I am a bit confused on what is the best way to travel on our own for 3 weeks.<BR><BR>I also heard from two friends that in order to travel light, I have to pack old clothings that I am ready to throw away during the trip. I guess that is if we purchase things on the trip. Any advice on travelling light and not to have pictures of ourselves in our painting or gardening outfit?

Hi Raymond & Amy,<BR><BR>Another vote for trading in several of your nights in Florence for San Gim., or maybe Montalcino or Montepulciano. You may be happy staying in a smaller town after all those cities.<BR><BR>Re: packing, there are many, many threads about this. Try a search, or try one another topic under Travel Talk, 'packing & accessories'. I wouldn't throw away things as I go, though; just take less. Coordinate all your clothes and minimize, and buy something if you need it. Wheeled luggage is very handy (remember, train stations and hotel interiors are generally not cobblestoned) but keep it easily manageable - and pack a spare duffel bag for extra purchases!

Thanks for the advice on packing. After I posted the message, I found several threads on packing and commuting in Italy. I printed out "silly luggage question" and keep it in my folder. <BR><BR>It will be a challenge to live on a 22" carry-on for 3 weeks. I can see myself doing that for 1 week in summer time when clothings is lighter. Besides, I am bringing a SLR camera, flash and films which will take up at least half of a suggested daypack. <BR><BR>I will be spending one week at New Orleans next week, it will be a good exercise for my packing skill.

Thanks for the advice on packing. After I posted the message, I found several threads on packing and commuting in Italy. I printed out "silly luggage question" and keep it in my folder. <BR><BR>It will be a challenge to live on a 22" carry-on for 3 weeks. I can see myself doing that for 1 week in summer time when clothings is lighter. Besides, I am bringing a SLR camera, flash and films which will take up at least half of a suggested daypack. <BR><BR>I will be spending one week at New Orleans next week, it will be a good exercise for my packing skill.

Hi Amy!<BR><BR>You are doing some good planning. It will pay off for you!<BR><BR>Trust me, if I (female) can do a 3 week Italy trip in a 22" + small cosmetics case - so can you. You will be extremely thankful to those who advise this!<BR><BR>I also like good photography, but sacrificed & took only a small automatic with built in zoom. I do take 1 roll of film/day & do use it all.<BR><BR>I am SO jealous....

I agree with all of the posters re: 7 nights in Florence -- much too long. Stay in the countryside of Tuscany instead -- you'll find the names of some great places to stay in Radda in Chianti, for example, if you do a search on this forum. From Radda, you can easily do a day trips to Sienna, San G -- I also love the medieval, hilltop town of Volterra, where alabaster is mined and made into gorgeous pieces of artwork, sculptures, light fixtures, etc.<BR><BR>I also agree with the poster who suggested Lake Como instead of Milan. While Milan does have the Last Supper and the Duomo, Milan is a very industrialized city, and lots of very "un-Italian-like" architecture. Think huge, ugly concrete buildings. After seeing places like Rome and Venice, you will probably not be impressed by Milan itself. Yes, you will enjoy seeing the Last Supper; the Duomo is pretty, but you will be seeing plenty of beautiful churches elsewhere in Italy.<BR><BR>So, that's why I second the idea of going to Lake Como -- you will see an incredibly beautiful part of Italy -- the Italian Alps -- that is very, very, very different from the other parts of Italy on your itinerary. In particular, I would recommend Bellagio -- simply heaven on earth, IMHO. Bellagio sits on a high piece of land surrounded on three sides by the lake; across the lake, the Alps begin at water's edge and raise straight up into the sky. It is magical. From Bellagio, you can take day trips on the numerous ferries that go around the lake. (Think of the ferries as buses or subways on water -- they go everywhere and often.) Lots of gorgeous towns, gardens, etc. to visit along the Lake. Bellagio itself has an interesting garden (can't remember the name, but is within walking distance of the town) as well as a Rockefeller-owned place that artists, etc. win (?) the opportunity to spend a year at -- this place is at the top of the Bellagio summit -- utterly spectacular views from there. The grounds are open to visitors only on certain days of the week.<BR><BR>

FYI - here was our Itinerary:<BR>5 nites Rome (Sept 9 onward)<BR>3 nites Naples (Pompeii, Capri, museum)<BR>Overnight to Venice (uggghhh!)<BR>2 nites Venice<BR>3 Nights Florence (day trip Pisa)<BR>3 nites Tuscany with car<BR>3 nites Milan via Carrara.<BR><BR>The trip Naples to Venice was awful; why would that train be PACKED on a Monday night? If you aren't the hardy type, reserve first class...<BR>We rented a car, stayed on Bellago near Orvieto. One day we went to Orvieto and Bagnoregio, one day San Gimingiano, one day Sienna; we spent a day driving to Milan via Carrara. The car cuts a huge amount off your travel time and lets you see things that the trian can't in the smaller towns.<BR><BR>Hoe you enjoy your trip.

I am hack from New Orleans for a week long conference. I managed to live off Raymond's 20"!!! I just came back today with two more bags - conference materials and some overflow goodies. I definitely recommend a good overflow bag. I am using a Samsonite one which I picked up from a sale. I also highly recommended the travel socks and body towels from Tilley Endurables. I picked those up the day before my travel and I tested them out this past week. I don't like to use hotel towel so I invested in a travel towel. The 18"x36" body size towel rolls up to slightly bigger than a toilet paper tube and it is very absorbent. The socks really dry overnight. The travel underwear is good too... dry overnight. After this experience, Raymond will get some supplies from that store too.<BR><BR>In this experience, I brought clothings for fine dining, freezing conference center, 30C+ outdoor, a SLR, cell phone and PDA charger, toiletries in zip lock bags, evening bag and slides. Raymond said jeans will take up too much space so I skipped that. I didn't have to iron a thing and still looked presentable for dinners. <BR><BR>I think I am off the original topic here but I would like to report the successful experience ;-)<BR><BR>Raymond and I were busy with work this past week but we will do our homework and really have to firm up the plan asap. I think if dirving in Italy is manageable, we will try that since we get the flexibility and can stop if we want to take break or see something interesting. I guess we will have to look into International driver's license too.