Myself, 22 year old, and my friend who is 23 are backpacking through Europe starting the 29th of this month (August). We will be in Italy for about 8 days and are wondering where and for how many days we shoud spend our time. Neither of us are majorly into art or history, but we do appreciate some. We mostly enjoy beautiful landscapes, culture and of course touristy destinations such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. So far we are thinking Florence, Rome and Venice and we are contemplating visiting Greece for 2 days. We will have a rail pass as well. If anyone can offer any suggestions on other places to go or to cancel one of the previously listed places, or let me know of any particularly nice hostels or cheap hotels, it would be much appreciated! Again, we don't plan on spending much time in museums, only a couple major ones will do.
Thanx so much!
~Linzy

8 days is not a lot of time esp if you are dealing with jet lag. I would not attempt 3 different cities unless you really have 8 full days ie NOT the day of arrival or departure. If you do the city route sugggest 2 of these 3 biggies.

Visiting Greece ? 8 days is a short time even for visiting two cities in Italy.... . You cannot go to Greece by train from Italy in two days..you don't want to be the two days in the train, do you ?

With such a short time, I think you should limit yourself to one or two cities. How about just Venice and Florence? There's no time for three Italian cities plus Greece.

3 cities in Italy plus 2 days in Greece in 8 days, well I don't think that's possible really.

How about Venice and Rome? Where are you flying into and out of?

Hi L,

Before you buy a railpass enter your itinerary at www.railsaver.com and click "only if it saves money".

I also suggest that, for only 8 days, you visit two cities and forget Greece. I would go to Florence and Venice.

Florence & Venice will more than fill your time.

I agree-I would not do more than 2 cities, picking a combination such as Rome and Florence, or Florence and Venice, for instance. Or, stay in Rome and do some day trips to Florence, Pompeii, Sorrento, etc. That way, you don't have to keep checking in and out of hotels or hostels. Three cities is way too much, not even considering Greece!