Italy 2013
 

Hello folks,

We have been planning a trip to Italy next year (End of April/Beginning of May). It would be our first trip. Below is the itinerary that we have been thinking of:

1. Fly into Rome
2. Rome (5 nights) - 1 day trip if possible
2. Florence (5 nights) - 2 or 3 day trips
3. Venice (2 nights)
4. Fly out of Venice

My wife wants to extend the visit to 15 nights and visit Spain (Only Barcelona) also but after reading on this forum it seems hard. Do you guys think we could do this if we go for 3 weeks? I understand there are no set rules on how many days need to be spent in each city. I love history, archaeology and nature (small/rural towns).

Your input on this is much appreciated.

Thanks,
Sahith.

If you add a week to your trip you could easily visit Barcelona. You'd want to check flight availability and perhaps re-arrange the order of your trip, depending on how easy it is to get flights from Venice or Rome to Barcelona.

My choice if I had a 3 weeks trip would be to stay in Italy and see more of that country.

Stay in Italy---tons to see.
I would add a day to Venice.

"I love history, archaeology and nature (small/rural towns)."

Then don't add another big city but spend the extra time exploring small/rural towns in Italy. And, yes, you should add time to Venice. Two nights is only one full day.

I agree with the advice of all of the prior posters, most significantly that if you like small towns and rural areas, then go for 3 weeks and spend some time in the Italian countryside.

Also, flights leaving Venice for North American (if that's your home) tend to leave very early in the morning. Consider flying into Venice and out of Rome.

There is an overnight ferry service between Italy (departing not far from Florence) to Barcelona as well - the romance of a boat ride, save a night in a hotel and arrive in Barcelona relaxed.

bobthenavigator is correct; there is so much to see and do in Italy. We have been to Barcelona twice and I really like it, but as this is your first trip, I wouldn't rush away from Italy in order to spend a few days there.

On our first trip to Italy (2000) we spent a week in Florence alone and didn't see everything. We have now been to Italy eight times (including multiple trips to Florence and Rome), and have a ninth trip planned for 1Q2013, and I find that there are new and different things to do each time.

I think I would add the week in Italy instead of Spain too, maybe Siena for 3-4 days Florence and Rome,Venice and Florence. Also, the advice to start in Venice and end in Rome is excellent.

1. Fly into Venice
2. Venice 3 or 4 nights
3. Florence 3 nights
4. Siena 3 days - day trips to San Gimignano, Pisa. eat lunch at a agritourism farm
5. Rome (5 nights) - 1 day trip if possible
Fly out of Rome

Imo, definitely need more time in Venice, because -

1 day - St. Marks area - St Marks, Doges, Tower, Correr Museum.

1 day - Walk to Fondamenta Nove from St. Mark's. It is a lovely walk thru residential areas & small local businesses (yummy bakery). Then board vaporetto to Cemetery Island - don't miss this; it is special. Some tombstones are so old they are in Roman numerals. There is also a non-Italian section which we found fascinating. The crypts are art forms with stained glass & statues. The Venetians are attentive to their dearly departed & almost all of the grave sites are covered with fresh bright flowers. Of course, we are very respectful of the locals; photos only if no one is around, & it is a grand photo op. Then board vaporetto for Murano & definitely include a glass factory visit & have lunch. Then if you have strengh left, board vaporetto to Burano - if not, you need another day. The colorful houses are so special & such great photo ops.

1 day - Early a.m. visit to the Rialto market. Walking tour, including the Jewish Ghetto & area. Dinner in St. Marks Sq, romantic free dance between the dueling bands & in the light of the beautiful basillica, & then a romantic gondola ride.

1 day - Free time to enjoy as many Venice neighborhoods as possible. We always save time to stroll all over the St. Elena area - such a gorgeous & peaceful local area. Definitely stroll thru some local groceries & notice the prices & food offerings. Lots of neighborhood parks around with park benches - sit a while & enjoy watching the local activities. Be sure to sitesee in the glass & mask shops.

One museum that we would never miss is one that I cannot remember the name! I love it because I spend so much time staring at the bust of the "Veiled Woman" - fascinating. Other Fodorites will know the museum name.

Hubby enjoyed the Naval Museum, & we both enjoyed the gondola repair shop - only one left & long generational history.

Enjoy your trip planning & your trip.

Julie
P.S. Our favorite eating spot is Ostia Tana behind the Naval Museum. It is a small place; not fancy, just local; has outside & inside seating; the plateful of spagetti with meat sauce is too much to eat & only costs between 10-12 euros. The pizzas are huge & good. The folks there are so nice.

nice plan, Julie.

to your list i would add the Church of the Frari and the Scuola di san rocco - both near each other and near the Rialto market.

and the island of Torcello which you reach by ferry from Burano. I would rather go there, than to Murano, to be honest.

Annhig - All of our trips & we never made it to Torcello - big regret. Always meant to, but never made it - so much to do, so little time!

Julie

oh julie - what a shame. the time we went it was in fog, and then as we sailed across the lagoon the fog lifted and you could see the dolomites behind it - perfect!

When I told my husband I was booking 6 nights in Venice he said, "Well, people I've talked to said that a couple days is more than enough." I guess when I responded emphatically, in less than a nano-second,"Well they're wrong!" he could see no point in arguing ;o) With 6 nights I am already thinking of things I will have to let pass on this first trip...planning already for future stays!

well done, hanabilly. you will indeed be making lists of the things you've missed.

if you want to see how we filled our week in Venice, just click on my screen name for the link to my trip report.

Ditto for me - a couple of Venetian trip reports if you click on my name.

Thanks for the great inputs folks. I found out that there is a flight out of Venice to NY around noon. We are planning to take that. Also I added one more night to Venice.

My updated itinerary:

1. Fly into Rome
2. 5 nights in Rome - 1 day trip to Naples?
3. 5 nights in Florence - 2 or 3 day trips
4. 3 nights in Venice
5. Fly out of Venice