5 days in Italy
 

Hi Folks,<BR>Please advise; we have 5 days in Italy and we've never been before. Which city? Should we plan on more than one or just stay in one place and do day trips? My husband is one of those do everything types and I would be so happy to just sit and watch the world with a glass of wine and my book. Any suggestions?<BR>Thanks so much,<BR>Misty<BR>p.s. oh, we go in October.

Where do you arrive and depart?

ROME! You can easily spend all 5 days in Rome and not even scratch the surface. It is also possible to take the train to Florence for the day too - the intercity train is about an hour and 45 minutes. You can also take tours to Tivoli or Ostia as side trips or just sit in one of the many cafes in Piazza Navona with your wine and book - you will love it.

Venice. Hands down.

Venice. Venice. Venice.<BR><BR>You're welcome.<BR><BR>P.S. Venice.

My vote is Rome. Your husband can run himself silly and you can sit at Piazza Navona, Piazza della Rotunda, or Piazza (fill in blank) with a glass of wine and people watch. Try to catch the view of the city center from Monte Gianicolo or from Castel' Sant'Angelo. Have fun!

Hi<BR>I say, like the others, pick one city.<BR>You (or just your husband) could always add in a daytrip or two if he gets restless, while you sip your wine.<BR><BR>What interests the two of you? Ancient history? The Renaissance? Art and architecture? Fine dining? Access to countryside for a change of pace? Etc, Etc.<BR><BR>Venice is my favorite by far but I have to say it is not like the rest of Italy in terms of atmosphere, expenses, transportation, an abundance of good, inexpensive restaurants, etc. In a nutshell, I love it dearly but it can turn out to be a tourist trap if you don't do any research before you go, or if you only wander in the central tourist area (around Piazza San Marco.)<BR>As I said, I love it to pieces, but not everyone feels that way. It is a unique, memorable, experience though, and in five days you'd have plenty of time for compulsive sightseeing PLUS leisurely wine-sipping.<BR><BR>Rome can be overwhelming--there is so much to see that in five days you will barely scratch the surface. It is noisy and hectic in many areas, and quite spread out, so bring very comfortable shoes. On the other hand, you can turn a few corners away from the traffic and find a building or quiet alley that is 2000 years old.<BR><BR>Florence is Renaissance art and architecture heaven, especially important if you want to see the art. Great shopping as well. It is small, and easily navigated. You can also do a daytrip or two into the countryside to see the even smaller charming city of Siena, or small towns in the Chianti area.<BR><BR>I have files on those cities; if you make a decision and want to see the file, email me.<BR>good luck

I say Venice...<BR>Not seeing Venice would be tragic !!

If you were to jump out of a plane somewhere over Italy, you would love wherever you landed. If I had my way, we'd pack up and move there - but you know these men...<BR><BR>Venice is our favorite city in the world. Tuscany is our favorite part of Italy. Florence is our favorite part of Tuscany.<BR><BR>But, to answer your question, I would fly into Rome - see it - (don't forget a tour to Pompeii), and take the short flight to Venice for a night and a day. If I had only 5 days and could see those three places, I would feel that I'd seen a decent representation of the country.

Oh, thank you so much. All of the comments are so helpful (and you all seem like very nice people who I would enjoy watching while I sip my wine.) We will be leaving from NYC and probably fly into Rome. I guess Rome would be the most economical flight? Si?