Hello, I was wondering what the best 8-day itinerary for Italy would be? I've never been, and am debating about spending more time in Florence v. Rome. Timing is late October.

Hi pinky,

The best 8 day itinerary is 4 days in Venice and 4 days in Florence.

I second Ira's suggestion. I love Rome but with 8 days you can do only 2 of the "Big 3" comfortably and Florence and Venice would be my choice - 4 days each.

In late Oct. I would do Rome and the Amalfi coast--a mix of culture and scenery.

As the first few posters clearly show, it's a matter of personal taste. However, note that all three recommendations have one thing in common: They each suggest visiting only 2 destinations for an 8-day trip.
I'd opt for Rome and Venice for a first trip.

I'd do Rome-Florence..I definitely would not do Venice and, no, it is not a matter of personal taste as all are beautiful and important to see.. It is a matter of Venice being out of the way from the other 2 and other than the seeing city itself, there is a lot more to see between Rome and Florence... Alternately you can do, as someone mentioned, Rome-Amalfi Coast..

So, after Rome:

alternative 1 : Florence, Siena, San Gimigano, Pisa and the rest of Tuscany, by car...You get to enjoy the cradle of Renaissance and all that history and art- you know, Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Ghiberti and such; Then you go to see Siena's Palio (medieval horse races); then you see the world's first medieval skyline in San Gimignano (yes, before the Big Apple); then you go see the leaning tower of Pisa; and, on the way, try few wine-tastings and bring few bottles back home from the region that is, arguably, Italy's most important winegrowing- Chianti..It is Italy's answer to the French Bordeaux...


alternative 2: Napoli, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Sorrento, Capri, Positano, Ravello, Amalfi.. All these considered prime Italian riviera (along with Portofino and Argentario/Punta Ala). See a ancient Roman city almost intact, burried by erruption of the Vesuvius; go to the famous, posh island of Capri; then visit top Italian riviera destination fot few days of sea and sun - Positano or Amalfi- and Ravello for the views...Buy perfumes and lemon brandy -limoncello..

Buon viaggio!

We just returned from a Rome/Florence trip which was wonderful. Rome is great if you are looking for ancient sites and history. If you are looking for art and architecture, I would recommend Florence. This was my first trip to Italia so I can't say anything about Venice or Amalfi. We thouroghly enjoyed both cities. The food, sites, and people were all as we had expected. If you have at least 4 days in Rome I recommend a side trip to Pompeii. That was one of my favorite parts. We did all the typical sites: Vatica, Pantheon, Forum, Colleseum, Palatine Hill. Most of the ancient sites you can do in one day easily as they are very close to each other. You have a enviable choice to make. Good luck.