I am planning a round the world trip, in which Italy is my main priority and the inspiration for going. While I appreciate that if I spent the rest of my life in Italy, I couldn't see it all, I wonder how long is enough to get a really good feel for it ? So far my Italian experience is limited to 2-3 days in Cinque Terre and 1 day in Milano. I was thinking about devoting around one month, but wonder how long you guys think would be ideal for my trip. Unfortunately money is an issue, as when my money runs out I must settle down. So, we will be attempting to keep costs down. However, judging from the mere three days we spent in Cinque Terre in September, it's going to be quite hard. <BR> <BR>Any advice would be appreciated. <BR>

3 weeks <BR> <BR>or 3 weeks and 55 minutes (if you include Pisa)

Hi Jacquie, Just keep in mind that parts of Italy are very expensive but you will get more "bang for your buck" by staying in the small towns and less touristy areas and so will still have the Italian experience. I would stear clear of Venice, for example,and if you've been to Milan, it's not worth spending the money to return.Know that the Cinque Terre are no longer the quaint out of the way fishing villages they were a few years ago. You might want to look at a budget travel book--the Berkeley Guide is a good one. Another suggestion is to try to travel with several others and find a weekly rental accomodation somewhere centrally located on/near a bus/train line. Go off season, if possible. I could stay there for several months, but know my money would run out! I think the 3 week suggestion is probably reasonable, but seeing you are from Australia, I know you like to take long vacations. We will host a young couple here in SF who will be in the U.S. for 2 months beginning Jan 1st. They too are on a budget and have managed it by signing up with a college student tour. Any chance of that? Any part of Italy is wonderful and each is different from the next. Research Apulia, Bologna, Padua, Parma, Ferrara for less touristy places. Enjoy.

3 weeks, 8 hours and 55 minutes if you add on Milan

<BR>If you haven't seen the "big three", I'd suggest allowing two days for Venice, 3 for Florence and 5-7 days for Rome. Then concentrate on smaller outlying towns.