We have never been to Italy and plan on going next September. Our plan was to go for 3 nights in Rome, 2 nights in Monterosso, 3 nights in Florence, 2 nights in Siena and 2 nights in Venice for a total of 12 nights. Does this sound feasable or is this trying to fit too much in that length of time? Thanks!

Ciao

I've never been to Cinque Terre but I would be inclined to cut Monterosso out and add it to Venice and Rome or Florence if you want to do a bit of Tuscany. September is a beautiful time to go - go the second half. I would leave Venice last - crowds would have reduced by the end of September.

Buona ventura

i don't think that Cinque Terre is a must see and it would not be in my itinerary for such a short visit. this is assuming that you don't have a specific reason for visiting.

however, i would avoid packing your holiday with all cities. italian cities are fantastic and vibrant but visiting several italian cities in series can be punishing IMO and i think people lose appreciation for them when visited in this way.

i would replace CT with another non-city destination for 1/2 of the time. if you are interested in this, i'm sure that you can get a lot of good suggestions but since there are so many non-city options (lakes, mountains, seaside, tuscan villages/farms, umbria, etc, etc) it doesn't make sense to recommend without knowing your interests.

Hi eh,

5 cities in 12 nights?

That's a lot of packing an unpacking. Also keep in mind that you lose 1/2 day each time you change locations.

I suggest leaving the CT for another visit.

I wouldn't split Florence and Siena, but would stay in one or the other.

I suggest Rome (4), Florence or Tuscany (5) and Venice (3 nights).

Enjoy your visit.

We just returned from our 5th trip to Italy where we finally got to Cinque Terre for a couple of days in late September. Based on what I had read here, I wasn't sure we would enjoy CT but I found it to be well worth 3 days. If you are interested in hiking and spending a lot of time outdoors, I would include CT. If you are not active travelers, I don't recommend CT. I suggest 3 nights in Rome, 2 nights in CT (we preferred Vernazza), 4 nights in Florence with a day trip to Siena, and 3 nights in Venice.

I'm with Ira.

Oh, I just realized I should say why "I'm with Ira."

You clearly state that this is your first time to Italy. The CT is pretty much an invented tourist destination. Italians and especially Germans visited to hike before US visitors discovered it.

Years ago, my mother insisted we take her there. She kept her eyes shut the entire time. Well, almost. It jusn't wasn't right for someone who loved Italy, but wasn't interested in outdoor and hiking pursuits. Perhaps you are.

Even if you, I think you should explore the best of Italy a little before you seek out lesser destinations. The scenery is pretty there, but I can name 10 places in Italy, off the top of my head, with prettier scenery. And more historic, architectural, and/or spiritual importance.

Name those places - inquirying minds want to know!

Places I like better than Monterosso and that I think are more significant.

Bellagio/Varenna/Como

Pienza/San Quirico d'Orcia

Assisi/Spello

Positano/Amalfi/Ravello

Santa Margherita Ligure/Portofino

Lago di Garda: Sirmion/Limone

Verona

Lucca

just a few...

Hi E,

I agree with the others. I liked the Cinque Terre, but wouldn't consider it a must for a short trip.

I think it's a good idea to mix your trip with cities/countryside. Based on my 3 trips to Italy and having been to all the places you want to visit I would:

4 nights Rome
3 nights Tuscan countryside (not Siena, get a car if you can)
2 nights Florence
3 nights Venice

Buon viaggio!

eheights, in April we did a vert similar trip. It is very doable. We were able to see everything we planned to (other than the things that closed because of the Pope's passing). We loved CT! Perfect spot for down time and we also stayed in Monterosso. I would have liked more time in Rome and obviously we didn't see EVERYTHING in the other cities but it was a good first taste. We will go back. I would be happy to share any info you are looking for!

Motorcity,
What hotels did you stay in and where? Right now we are considering Hotel Santa Maria, Forty Seven or Residenza Cellini in Rome, Villa Steno or La Spiaggia in Monterosso, Residenza il Villino in Florence, Palazzo Ravizza in Siena and Locanda Sant' Agostin or Metropole in Venice. Thanks for any info! [email protected]

We stayed at Residenza Cellini in Rome, Residenza de Pucci in Florence, Villa Steno in Monterosso and La Calcina in Venice. We LOVED Cellini! All of the other hotels were very, very nice too. No complaints. They were all nicely furnished with private baths.

They only complaint we has was de Pucci in Florence...the breakfast was very, very light. Nothing hot and no cappucino. Our last morning they would not put out breakfast early for us nor would they give a credit for not eating because we had to leave early to catch our train. Otherwise, the room was really nice, large and quiet.

We had the same issue in Rome and Monterosso but both place put breakfast out early for us and were very accomodating.