I will be traveling to ITaly, for the first time, the first 2 weeks of Sept. Milan (2 days) to Florence (5 days) to Rome area (3 days). Although I really want to see the traditional "touristy" venue, I want to see and enjoy the local culture!
Can anyone make some suggestions for seeing the antiquity AND enjoying the local culture within my short timeframes?

Hi C,

Have you looked up these cities under "destinations"?

Is there a reason why you are spending 2 days in Milan and none in Venice?

Where is the Rome "area"?

I haven't booked my hotel in or around Rome --- I want to see the city, but will be day tripping to Naple and Pompeii

Hi C,

Naples and Pompeii are not in the Rome area.

With only 3 days in Rome, I wouldn't suggest a daytrip to Pompeii.

What are your plans for your 5 days in Florence?

There are a lot of "italy Pros" on here who can give you detailed info but just a couple of comments since you haven't booked anything yet.

- Are you going to Milan for a particular reason?
- Where are you flying in to/out of?
- If Pompeii is important to you you probably need to cut 2 days from Florence and add them to Rome

and finally - you might want to re-post with a better title. "First Trip" could be asking anything about anywhere in Europe.

At the risk of repeating what janisj has already said, please see http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34816296

Best wishes... (and welcome to the Europe forum)...

Rex