Help with planning a trip
 

Hi everyone,
My husband and I r going to Italy, leaving NY on May 7th and arriving in Rome on May 8th and leaving Venice back to NY on May 21.

Once we arrive in Rome we r taking a train to see my family in Cosenza for a couple of days. We plan to take the train, from Cosenza, back to Rome on May 10 or 11. After that I am stuck. From what I gather, we would want to stay in Rome at least 5 or 6 days, if not longer. But opinions seem to vary on Venice. Should we try to see Florence or Milan? Example, spend 5 days in Rome, 3 days in Florence or Milan, and 2 days in Venice? Or should we just stick to Rome and Venice and forget about the rest? Sorry about the long message, but the more books and websites I read the more confused I get. Thanks.

Forget Milan altogether--nothing wrong with it, but it pales in comparison to what Rome, Venice, and Florence have to offer the visitor.

Assuming you have 10 days and you are a big fan of the Renaissance:

Rome-4
Florence-3
Venice-3

If you are not a big fan of the Renaissance:

Rome-5
Florence-2
Venice 3

---or---
Rome-4
Florence-2
Venice-4.

In re, Venice: We spent 4-1/2 days there on our first visit and could have used 6. We didn't even have time for the Accademia, the Guggenheim, the Arsenale/Naval Museum, or any of the other lagoon islands.

People who tell you that Venice only needs 1 or 2 days haven't done their homework. They think Venice is entirely encompassed in a 3 or 4 block wide area on the P. SAn Marco side of the Grand Canal. Hey, you can knock that off in just a few hours, right? Wrong.

Rufus gives good advice. I'd vote for option three. And between now and then, try not to get distracted by other places to go. If you can settle in to those three great cities, it will be a wonderful trip. J.

Hi manna,

I agree with Rufus, and suggest Option no. 1.

Good summary Rufus !
I would opt for # 1 so I could do a day trip to Siena by bus from Florence.

Thanks for the advise. It is hard not to get distracted. The more I read the more places I want to go. I was just looking at one of my travel books and I started thinking, "Hey, Campania sounds great!". Anyway, thanks again, Milan is off the list.

Hi manna,

Pick an itinerary and stick with it. You will go back again.

One of our posters says that you need at least 16 weeks (I think) to see Italy.