OK. Thanks to all the info here on Fodors, we are now almost done with the planning part. We have our flights, are booked for 5 days in Rome, three days in Venice, and now need advice for the final three days in Italy. Should we go back to Rome,(our flight leaves from Rome and we can't change) or try to see another city. We are there at the end of May. I am not sure about day trips out of Rome to other cities or whether we will need more time in Rome. Any suggestions would help. Thanks.

You could train from Venice to Florence, stay there 2 days and then train back to Rome for your final night before flying home, to give you a chance to see the third city of the trinity of Italy.

I also think Florence is a good idea, considering the ease of train travel between Rome, Venice and Florence.

But take a look at a map, or think about something in Italy that you have always wanted to see. Assisi would be a good choice. A lot of people here love Orvieto. Perugia. Bologna. Anywhere with an easy train connection. I like Verona and I am anxious to return there. So many choices.

But I think that after 5 days in Rome, you don't really need to go back for two more if you have never visited Italy before.

>>>our flight leaves from Rome and we can't change<<<

Have you though about staying in Rome at the end of your visit, instead first thing?

I would think about taking the train to Florence after you first arrive in Rome, stay 3 days (is that 2 nights?), then train to Venice, then train to Rome for your final 5 days (4 nights?)

Thanks for the suggestions. I would have been smarter to go the Florence-Venice Rome route, but I got the booking fever, and am now locked into the Rome-Venice thing with an open 3 nights at the end of our trip. Maybe we will just go back to Rome and do day trips by rail. Thanks. gladrod

hi galdrod,

unless you are locked into your accommodations, I would seriously consider changing your itinerary to put the furthest place ie Venice first.

as the other poster says, as soon as you arrive in Rome, get the train to Venice [you can get on the train, certain in the knowledge that if you go to sleep, yuo won't miss your stop] and stay there for your 3 nights.

I would then get the train to somewhere on Lake garda, and relax for 3 days, using the boats to get about.

then catch another train to Rome,
ready for the fray.

3 cities in 10 days is a recipe for disaster, IMMHO - you won't remember what you saw where, and you'll need another holiday at the end of it!

good luck,

regards, ann

Hi Gl.

If it is possible, I suggest that you change your Rome hotel to your last 5 days.

Arrive Rome. Immediately train to Florence - 3 days.

Go to Venice.

Go back to Rome, fly home.

If you can;t change your booking, stop off in Florence for 2 days and spend your last night in Rome.

Enjoy your visit.