ITALY-2016
Jan 22nd, 2016, 11:12 AM
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ITALY-2016
Planning to visit Italy -
Rome, Venice and Pisa -only a week is available (5 days)
can we manage Rome in 3 days?
Venice -top attraction besides the gondola ride?
Rome -can it be managed in 3 days
BEST places to eat in and around Rome.
Rome, Venice and Pisa -only a week is available (5 days)
can we manage Rome in 3 days?
Venice -top attraction besides the gondola ride?
Rome -can it be managed in 3 days
BEST places to eat in and around Rome.
Jan 22nd, 2016, 11:43 AM
#2
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Yes, you can see many sights in Rome in 3 days, but certainly not all.
IMO it is too much to try and see Rome and Pisa and Venice in only 5 days. Stopping in Pisa on your way from Rome to Venice will eat up most of a day, which means you will only have 1 days in Venice.
A good guidebook will tell you about the various attractions in Venice.
IMO it is too much to try and see Rome and Pisa and Venice in only 5 days. Stopping in Pisa on your way from Rome to Venice will eat up most of a day, which means you will only have 1 days in Venice.
A good guidebook will tell you about the various attractions in Venice.
Jan 22nd, 2016, 11:48 AM
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So you have five days and want to see Venice and Pisa in two days and Rome in three.
You haven't factored in travel time anywhere. One day in Venice is pretty much pointless.
Stick to two places - Rome and Florence. You can see Pisa in a day trip from Florence.
You haven't factored in travel time anywhere. One day in Venice is pretty much pointless.
Stick to two places - Rome and Florence. You can see Pisa in a day trip from Florence.
Jan 22nd, 2016, 11:59 AM
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Why Pisa? The tower itself isn't any more interesting when you're standing near it/on it than it is in any photograph.
Of course you can "manage" Rome in 3 days, but you'll only skim the surface. 3 months, you might begin to make sense of it.
A gondola ride in Venice is an expensive cliché.
Is there a reason you are going all the way to another continent for only 5 days?
What on earth do you mean by BEST places to eat in or around Rome? Eat what? Where "around"?
Of course you can "manage" Rome in 3 days, but you'll only skim the surface. 3 months, you might begin to make sense of it.
A gondola ride in Venice is an expensive cliché.
Is there a reason you are going all the way to another continent for only 5 days?
What on earth do you mean by BEST places to eat in or around Rome? Eat what? Where "around"?
Jan 22nd, 2016, 01:20 PM
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Five days is not much time at all. If it were my trip,I'd stay in Rome for the five days (plenty to see and do and savor), or Venice for the 5 days. Since Venice is so much smaller, you can do a day trip to Verona,Vicenza or another city nearby. Or...you could do Florence, with a day trip to Pisa, if you feel you must see Pisa.
I guess the bottom line is what is your goal for this trip?
I guess the bottom line is what is your goal for this trip?
Jan 22nd, 2016, 04:32 PM
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You don't mention where you are coming from or where you are going to - so we don't know if you will be arriving and departing as part of the 5 days - or if they are in addition to the 5 days.
If you are arriving on day 1 and departing on day 5 in fact you only have 3 full days and bit of 2 others - and IMHO trying to do more than one city will result in your wasting most of your time just getting from one place to another to another to another.
If you can clarify that people can help more.
As for paces to eat - budget? And how many is "we"?
If you are arriving on day 1 and departing on day 5 in fact you only have 3 full days and bit of 2 others - and IMHO trying to do more than one city will result in your wasting most of your time just getting from one place to another to another to another.
If you can clarify that people can help more.
As for paces to eat - budget? And how many is "we"?
Feb 1st, 2016, 04:50 PM
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After researching I have decided to give 6 days in Italy. Destinations are Rome Venice and Naples. Should I travel by train or car? I was leaning towards car. Which will be cost effective? With children luggage is it convenient traveling by car or should I use trains ?
Naples top attractions?!
Naples top attractions?!
Feb 1st, 2016, 05:03 PM
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This is like doing New York, Boston and Chicago in six days. Maybe that suits your travel style, but most posters here would think that you are rushing things a teensy bit.
But at least you will be able to say that you have been there, even though you will not have seen very much.
Rome to Venice by train is about four hours.
But at least you will be able to say that you have been there, even though you will not have seen very much.
Rome to Venice by train is about four hours.
Feb 2nd, 2016, 12:29 AM
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Traveling with kids, I think your original plan for Venice, Pisa and Rome is better. The tower at Pisa is certainly more than you have seen in pictures, and it is a particular "wow" at night when it is lit up. In addition, the tower, the cathedral and the bapistery all together have many educational aspects, as does all of Pisa, being a very old universtiy town. So it is a good short stop with kids, even though it is a detour between Venice and Rome.
Go to Pisa by train from Venice. Leave Venice after lunch so that you arrive in Pisa later in the day, when the crowds are bit thinner, and spend the night there so you can see the tower at night. You can see much of the tower area when you arrive and, if your kids are old enough, suggest they climb the tower in the morning (you will need to make a reservation, I think).
From Pisa, take the train to Rome.
Naples is a very complicated and large city that is not easy to figure out on a short stop. In addition, even if you come from a city with crazy traffic, Naples traffic is very intense, and it makes it hard when you are with kids.
Go to Pisa by train from Venice. Leave Venice after lunch so that you arrive in Pisa later in the day, when the crowds are bit thinner, and spend the night there so you can see the tower at night. You can see much of the tower area when you arrive and, if your kids are old enough, suggest they climb the tower in the morning (you will need to make a reservation, I think).
From Pisa, take the train to Rome.
Naples is a very complicated and large city that is not easy to figure out on a short stop. In addition, even if you come from a city with crazy traffic, Naples traffic is very intense, and it makes it hard when you are with kids.
Feb 2nd, 2016, 12:48 AM
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<Naples is a very complicated and large city that is not easy to figure out on a short stop. >
This is nonsense. If you want to visit Naples then you, like many thousands of others, can certainly figure out hotels and their proximity to metro stops. Naples has a very easy, brand new metro that skirts the historic centre where most tourists choose to visit. You board Metro Line 1 at the same train station you would arrive from Florence (Pisa). Two/three stops later you are in Naples' Historic Centre where most tourists choose to go. It is very straightforward. Don't be dissuaded if it fits in with your plans.
<In addition, even if you come from a city with crazy traffic, Naples traffic is very intense, and it makes it hard when you are with kids.>
Naples traffic is no more 'intense' than any large city. In fact, if you choose to stay somewhere in Naples, say, the Lungomare, you will be in a pedestrian zone and cross a couple of streets to get there - that have pedestrian lights (and yes, the traffic does obey the lights). If you choose to stay in the Historic Centre, the traffic goes at walking pace as the roads are too narrow for speed. The only thing you need to be mindful of are motor bikes and that's simply a matter of listening and looking at intersections. Not overly difficult. Plenty of people take their kids to Naples and live to tell the tale. Again, don't be deterred by overly alarmist information.
This is nonsense. If you want to visit Naples then you, like many thousands of others, can certainly figure out hotels and their proximity to metro stops. Naples has a very easy, brand new metro that skirts the historic centre where most tourists choose to visit. You board Metro Line 1 at the same train station you would arrive from Florence (Pisa). Two/three stops later you are in Naples' Historic Centre where most tourists choose to go. It is very straightforward. Don't be dissuaded if it fits in with your plans.
<In addition, even if you come from a city with crazy traffic, Naples traffic is very intense, and it makes it hard when you are with kids.>
Naples traffic is no more 'intense' than any large city. In fact, if you choose to stay somewhere in Naples, say, the Lungomare, you will be in a pedestrian zone and cross a couple of streets to get there - that have pedestrian lights (and yes, the traffic does obey the lights). If you choose to stay in the Historic Centre, the traffic goes at walking pace as the roads are too narrow for speed. The only thing you need to be mindful of are motor bikes and that's simply a matter of listening and looking at intersections. Not overly difficult. Plenty of people take their kids to Naples and live to tell the tale. Again, don't be deterred by overly alarmist information.
Feb 2nd, 2016, 01:03 AM
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Even with six days, you should stick to 2 main destinations.
As several have noted above, we still don't know what your arrival and departure plans are - (where and when during the day) and that will factor into how much time you will have "on the ground".
As several have noted above, we still don't know what your arrival and departure plans are - (where and when during the day) and that will factor into how much time you will have "on the ground".
Feb 2nd, 2016, 01:06 AM
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Even with six days, you should stick to 2 main destinations.
As several have noted above, we still don't know what your arrival and departure plans are - (where and when during the day) and that will factor into how much time you will have "on the ground".
As several have noted above, we still don't know what your arrival and departure plans are - (where and when during the day) and that will factor into how much time you will have "on the ground".
Feb 2nd, 2016, 02:15 AM
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I just read that after this trek around Italy you plan to fly to Spain and do another series of 3 places in 6 days. And that you're arriving from London to Italy. And that you have two children 9 and 11. This is really starting to sound like one of those dragging the kids all over hell's half acre trips. For what? I doubt any of you will remember much about this trek other than train stations and airports. When will you stop and enjoy the sights? Seven cities in three separate countries in 13 days, with kids???? I cannot imagine this being any fun for any of you. Be sure to film the meltdowns.
Feb 2nd, 2016, 05:13 AM
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FYI, I didn't write this. I found it first hit on a simple google search for "Naples traffic"
"NAPLES – Step onto the streets of this historic Mediterranean port and you find yourself in a vehicular nightmare.
"Cars, trucks, buses and motorcycles mix and move with seemingly zero regard to lanes, signals or signs. Mopeds weave among moving vehicles, often against traffic. Pedestrians risk life and limb as drivers pay little attention to painted pedestrian crossings. A cacophony of horns fills the air, even into early morning hours.
"And sidewalks? They’re jagged, narrow and regularly violated by illegally (but unticketed) parked cars and cycles.
"Stepping into this chaos following his election a year ago, Mayor Luigi de Magistris took a fascinating first step....
http://citiwire.net/columns/naples-i...stion-horrors/
As for St Cirq's family life and the pleasure she takes in young people, we've got the picture by now. Ignore the scolding and slapping and bitterness. Just an internet style, I guess.
"NAPLES – Step onto the streets of this historic Mediterranean port and you find yourself in a vehicular nightmare.
"Cars, trucks, buses and motorcycles mix and move with seemingly zero regard to lanes, signals or signs. Mopeds weave among moving vehicles, often against traffic. Pedestrians risk life and limb as drivers pay little attention to painted pedestrian crossings. A cacophony of horns fills the air, even into early morning hours.
"And sidewalks? They’re jagged, narrow and regularly violated by illegally (but unticketed) parked cars and cycles.
"Stepping into this chaos following his election a year ago, Mayor Luigi de Magistris took a fascinating first step....
http://citiwire.net/columns/naples-i...stion-horrors/
As for St Cirq's family life and the pleasure she takes in young people, we've got the picture by now. Ignore the scolding and slapping and bitterness. Just an internet style, I guess.
Feb 2nd, 2016, 09:05 AM
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I did not realize until several posts down that you were traveling with children and also going to Spain. I see now you have three threads going about the same trip, each one giving bits of info.
It will probably be best to stick with this one thread so posters get the whole picture and can give the best advice over all. Keep revising your plan as needed on the same thread. Give as much information as possible.
What country are you coming from?
How long your flight is to Europe is important in planning the first day in case you will have jet lag.
Are any tickets already purchased?
Helps to know arrival and departure airports and time of day.
When are you going? Spring? Summer?
Exact dates/days including arrival and departure days.
Just an aside. I have personally met StCirq. (Had dinner with her in Washington DC once) She is a lovely person with a lifetime of experience traveling with children. People often ignore gentle warnings. We all want to hear Yea! Your plan is great! Run with it! Sometimes we need a blunt warning.
Anyway, you need to seriously evaluate travel time and don't just say the time in the train or plane. Allow time for getting from hotel to station or airport and time from station to next hotel, etc. especially with kids, it will take a bit longer.
Can you hit all the places on your list? Can you go to Venice, Pisa, Florence, Rome, Naples in 6 days? Yep! Will you experience or remember much? Probably not because nearly half your time will be spent in travel.
Big, very important question. How much of your precious time do you want to spend on planes or trains versus actually being someplace, seeing things, doing things? IMHO, 50/50 doesn't seem like a good balance, but you have to decide that.
Day 1 - Arrive Venice (afternoon, morning, night?) check in walk around.
Day 2 - Venice - 1 day
Day 3 - Travel to Florence (allow 3 hours door to door). Stay close to train station. Check in. Hop on the train to Pisa. Back to Florence for dinner. (At least 1/2 day travel)
Day 4 - See Duomo and walk around Florence for a couple of hours. Get luggage from hotel. Catch train to Rome, taxi to hotel (allow two & 1/4 hours minimum, door to door) Mid-afternoon to evening in Rome.
Day 6 - Rome - 1 day
Day 7 - Fly to Malaga, pick up car, drive to Granada. (One day lost to travel.)
Day 8 - Granada - 1 day
Day 9 - Drive to Córdoba, tour Córdoba (stay the night or drive on to Seville) question of leaving luggage in car? See my suggestion below*****
Day 10 - drive to Seville?
Day 11 - depart for home?
If you are not going to spend the night in Córdoba, (and for your particular trip I wouldn't just because it would be only one night, which gets tiring),
*****I would take the highway straight away from Granada to Seville. It is an easy, direct drive. You will have the afternoon and evening in lovely, old Seville. The next day, take a day trip by train (about an hour) to Córdoba. Easier with the kids, no parking, no luggage.
That is
Venice, 2 nts.
Florence, 1 nt.
Rome, 2 nts.
Granada, 2 nts.
Seville, 2 nts
The above is just for planning purposes, not knowing arrival, departure, etc. keep in mind, you usually need to spend the night before departure in the city of departure. So, if you are departing from Madrid, on day 12, spend the night of day 11 there.
You are now asking about Malaga and Naples. There are hundreds of great places.
I will not tell you which are best. The problem is trying to see too many places that are not close enough for short travel times. I love Naples, but it is another big, busy city, and you are going right by Florence, which, IMHO is one of the most beautiful cities anywhere. It has so many things to see. Yes, it is crowded, but so is Naples, Venice, Rome. At least Florence is compact and easy to walk around if you get even a couple of blocks from the Duomo. You simply can't logistically do all these. I wouldn't, but if you skip Venice and Pisa, then you could see Rome and Naples, both big, busy cities. BTW, my own kids and my students all absolutely loved Venice.
It will probably be best to stick with this one thread so posters get the whole picture and can give the best advice over all. Keep revising your plan as needed on the same thread. Give as much information as possible.
What country are you coming from?
How long your flight is to Europe is important in planning the first day in case you will have jet lag.
Are any tickets already purchased?
Helps to know arrival and departure airports and time of day.
When are you going? Spring? Summer?
Exact dates/days including arrival and departure days.
Just an aside. I have personally met StCirq. (Had dinner with her in Washington DC once) She is a lovely person with a lifetime of experience traveling with children. People often ignore gentle warnings. We all want to hear Yea! Your plan is great! Run with it! Sometimes we need a blunt warning.
Anyway, you need to seriously evaluate travel time and don't just say the time in the train or plane. Allow time for getting from hotel to station or airport and time from station to next hotel, etc. especially with kids, it will take a bit longer.
Can you hit all the places on your list? Can you go to Venice, Pisa, Florence, Rome, Naples in 6 days? Yep! Will you experience or remember much? Probably not because nearly half your time will be spent in travel.
Big, very important question. How much of your precious time do you want to spend on planes or trains versus actually being someplace, seeing things, doing things? IMHO, 50/50 doesn't seem like a good balance, but you have to decide that.
Day 1 - Arrive Venice (afternoon, morning, night?) check in walk around.
Day 2 - Venice - 1 day
Day 3 - Travel to Florence (allow 3 hours door to door). Stay close to train station. Check in. Hop on the train to Pisa. Back to Florence for dinner. (At least 1/2 day travel)
Day 4 - See Duomo and walk around Florence for a couple of hours. Get luggage from hotel. Catch train to Rome, taxi to hotel (allow two & 1/4 hours minimum, door to door) Mid-afternoon to evening in Rome.
Day 6 - Rome - 1 day
Day 7 - Fly to Malaga, pick up car, drive to Granada. (One day lost to travel.)
Day 8 - Granada - 1 day
Day 9 - Drive to Córdoba, tour Córdoba (stay the night or drive on to Seville) question of leaving luggage in car? See my suggestion below*****
Day 10 - drive to Seville?
Day 11 - depart for home?
If you are not going to spend the night in Córdoba, (and for your particular trip I wouldn't just because it would be only one night, which gets tiring),
*****I would take the highway straight away from Granada to Seville. It is an easy, direct drive. You will have the afternoon and evening in lovely, old Seville. The next day, take a day trip by train (about an hour) to Córdoba. Easier with the kids, no parking, no luggage.
That is
Venice, 2 nts.
Florence, 1 nt.
Rome, 2 nts.
Granada, 2 nts.
Seville, 2 nts
The above is just for planning purposes, not knowing arrival, departure, etc. keep in mind, you usually need to spend the night before departure in the city of departure. So, if you are departing from Madrid, on day 12, spend the night of day 11 there.
You are now asking about Malaga and Naples. There are hundreds of great places.
I will not tell you which are best. The problem is trying to see too many places that are not close enough for short travel times. I love Naples, but it is another big, busy city, and you are going right by Florence, which, IMHO is one of the most beautiful cities anywhere. It has so many things to see. Yes, it is crowded, but so is Naples, Venice, Rome. At least Florence is compact and easy to walk around if you get even a couple of blocks from the Duomo. You simply can't logistically do all these. I wouldn't, but if you skip Venice and Pisa, then you could see Rome and Naples, both big, busy cities. BTW, my own kids and my students all absolutely loved Venice.
Feb 2nd, 2016, 09:36 AM
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My two cents on Naples. The first time I went, following directions from other people, I was a bit overwhelmed (traffic was chaotic and taxi drivers were crazy), but I fell in love with the people and vibe of the city. Next time, I got a map and got myself around, walking, using busses, etc. The city center is really beautifully designed and great for walking. You do have to be open to a culture that is different from Northern Italy. I have come to prefer it. I always seem to have more interaction with local people than in other cities. Never have I met kinder people anywhere.
IMHO, there are some wonderful things you could see in only a day. Naples as an experience requires more of you.
IMHO, there are some wonderful things you could see in only a day. Naples as an experience requires more of you.
Feb 2nd, 2016, 10:56 AM
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Of course a 'simple Google search' will come up with negativity - and a random column written for American audiences cowering under the directive of Rick Steves and his ilk who have been less than flattering about Naples in the past. The writer's credibility was lost for me after he referred to the 'Comorro' - couldn't even do a simple Google search and get that right.
That column was also written in 2012 - four years ago. There has been a considerable change in the city since then - Via Partenope being closed to traffic for example. Metro Line 1 coming into operation, the closure of the lower end of Via Toledo to traffic
But of course choosing information that suits your argument and point of view is easily done with a simple Google search.
That column was also written in 2012 - four years ago. There has been a considerable change in the city since then - Via Partenope being closed to traffic for example. Metro Line 1 coming into operation, the closure of the lower end of Via Toledo to traffic
But of course choosing information that suits your argument and point of view is easily done with a simple Google search.
Feb 2nd, 2016, 11:46 AM
#20
well, I'm going to agree with both Sandralist [about Naples] and St C about the pace of this itinerary. [is this a fodder's first?]
but my main point is - you don't have time to go to Naples. You just about have time to do what Sandralist says, which I agree is the most efficient use of your time - leave Venice after lunch [your second morning could start with a visit to the Rialto market with its wonderful displays of produce, particularly vegetables and fish] and proceed to Pisa, which once the tourist and hawkers they attract have gone, is a sheer delight for the eyes, [and the kids will love the Tower - who wouldn't? - especially when it's lit up at night when it looks quite ghostly] then get the train to Rome, either via Florence, or by catching the Genoa to Rome train which goes through Pisa Centrale. [perhaps slightly longer, but no need to change trains]
Then Rome - our kids, rather older than yours, were entranced with the sheer size of the buildings. of course, it is just about conceivable that yours will be bored with Rome but frankly in the time you've got, I can't see how, or how you could possibly fit in the time to get to Naples, let alone see any of it.
Your kids are young, Europe will still be here when they are a little older.
but my main point is - you don't have time to go to Naples. You just about have time to do what Sandralist says, which I agree is the most efficient use of your time - leave Venice after lunch [your second morning could start with a visit to the Rialto market with its wonderful displays of produce, particularly vegetables and fish] and proceed to Pisa, which once the tourist and hawkers they attract have gone, is a sheer delight for the eyes, [and the kids will love the Tower - who wouldn't? - especially when it's lit up at night when it looks quite ghostly] then get the train to Rome, either via Florence, or by catching the Genoa to Rome train which goes through Pisa Centrale. [perhaps slightly longer, but no need to change trains]
Then Rome - our kids, rather older than yours, were entranced with the sheer size of the buildings. of course, it is just about conceivable that yours will be bored with Rome but frankly in the time you've got, I can't see how, or how you could possibly fit in the time to get to Naples, let alone see any of it.
Your kids are young, Europe will still be here when they are a little older.
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