advice on itinerary
 

I am planning a 13 day trip to Italy in May
2006 for two adults. I have it figured 3
different ways, mostly contingent on whether
I can convince my c/c company to let me do an open jaw flight SFO/FCO VCE/FCO as opposed to a r/t via FCO. That being said, what would you choose? (keeping in mind the
first "day" in Rome we arrive late afternoon, so that day is a bust)
a) 4 days Rome, 4 days Florence, 3 days
Venice, 2 days Rome
b) 5 days Rome, 4 days Florence, 4 days
Venice
c) 6 days Rome, 4 days Florence, 3 days
Venice
I figure while in Florence we would take a
day trip to Pisa
Thanks in advance for your advice!
a)

B or C. Prefer B

While seeing Pisa go see Lucca, do this trip on your own. Also, take the San G. and Sienna day commercial trip tour.

You state that you get into Rome in the late afternoon. Consider doing a light walking self tour to get limbered up after your flight. Also don't sleep on the plane before you arrive. If you sleep too much, it makes it hard to sleep that night.

B

Of the proposed options, "b" would be my preference. Now, if this was my vacation, I would do a d) 5 days Rome, 3 days Florence, 5 days Venice. But, that is just me.

Anna Roz

is Lucca near Pisa? Near in that it seems from a previous poster that I could combine both into 1 day trip taken by train from Florence?

Yes, indeed you can combine both. 'twer me, I'd start with Pisa, go right to the Campo dei Miracoli, then head to Lucca, where it is much more fun to wander about.

Afternoon and evening in Lucca would be ideal. You could even have dinner before going back to Florence, or leave in the evening and have dinner in Florence.

You won't be able to spend all day in either place but it can certainly be done. To save time, you may want to taxi from the central station in Pisa to Campo, and back.

B

Hi daisy58:

I'm retyping & reposting this a my first
attempt somehow didn't post onto the board at 9:55pm.

Of the three, B.

My personal perference is 4 Rome,
5 Florence with 1 or 2 side trips,
4 Venice with 1 side trip.

An open jaw is when you fly into one place and out of different place.
So you'd fly SFO/FCO in and Venice/SFO
out.

Is there a reason why you need to return by Venice/Rome to get home to SFO? I'm from east coast sodon't know about SFO flights except you have a long
plane ride.

I agree that you should try to sleep less. After you're settled in Rome take
a late day/evening walk. It will help your body and you should sleep better.
Fresh air and walking are your biggest
allies after a long flight.

Good luck,

Di

I'd go with "C".

I think the extra day in Rome is worth it, 4 days in Florence is plenty but would be very restful considering it's not a big town and you'd have time to get away from the tourist center.

Venice is super touristy (the tourists outnumber the locals) very expensive, though something I think everyone should see once. 3 days is plenty, I was done after 2.

Happy travels.

you all are so great to help me..I'm digesting all of your ideas..now of course I'll have even more questions..
I'll get back to you soon. Thanks again!

C
The extra day in Rome will be greatly appreciated.

You can be "done" with Venice in 2 days--actually you can be done with any location in the world in 2 minutes if you want to be. But 2 days in Venice won't allow you to see even 1/2 of the wonderful sights, let alone allowing time to wander along the many quiet, non-touristy streets and canals.

HI Daisy,

Just to throw you another option, if you are willing to rent a car for 3 days -

4 Rome
2 Tuscany
2 Florence
3 Venice

I suggest this just becaue I'm one of those people who believe in a nice mix of cities and country. It gives you a better sampling of Italy.

I also am not a big fan of Florence except to see the highlights. I would return to Florence, but I would do it as a day trip rather than stay in the city. Too noisy and crowded for me (and I love Rome!)

Buon viaggio!

that sounds interesting..is driving in Italy a real option, safe and easy to navigate, not a nerve racking voyage to hell? :)

included in my days in rome, would a day trip to naples be feasable and worth it?

Hi again Daisy,

I would not take any days away from Rome on this trip. 4 is a bare minimum for a city that will bowl you over with so much of everything! Save Naples/Pompeii/Amalfi Coast for another trip.

I've driven in Italy twice now. First time Tuscany & Umbria with a navigator and second time also Tuscany & Umbria without a navigator. No problems whatsoever. Just have good, detailed maps.

I would not attempt driving in the major cities. Parking is horrible and there is no need for a car anyway with the great public transportation.

Happy planning!