Italy in 15 days
May 20th, 2011, 03:33 AM
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Italy in 15 days
Hello happy travelers 
My husband and I are going to Italy
We have only 15 days and want to see as much as we can!
We LOVE the NATURAL beauty of countries and want to check out the Dolomites, Lake Como and Cinque Terre. My husband also wanted to visit Crete!!
Oh I know I have my work cut out for me - but how exciting to plan such a trip!
We do want to check out some of the cities... but I don't want to go overboard with time spent in cities.
What kind of itinerary do you think would work for us? (I'm all ears for suggestions
We may get a car... but were considering the rail system... any advice there too?
I know its good and bad to have a car there... and renting it in the states first can save money... so I want some advice on that PLEASE!
My husband and I are going to Italy
We have only 15 days and want to see as much as we can!
We LOVE the NATURAL beauty of countries and want to check out the Dolomites, Lake Como and Cinque Terre. My husband also wanted to visit Crete!!
Oh I know I have my work cut out for me - but how exciting to plan such a trip!
We do want to check out some of the cities... but I don't want to go overboard with time spent in cities.
What kind of itinerary do you think would work for us? (I'm all ears for suggestions
We may get a car... but were considering the rail system... any advice there too?
I know its good and bad to have a car there... and renting it in the states first can save money... so I want some advice on that PLEASE!
May 20th, 2011, 03:40 AM
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Congrats!
Go a lot just got back no clue bout your budget but
prefer trains and the north in 2 weeks places I like
dolomiti.it Cortina
stressa.org
bellagio.info
sirmoine.com
venice-toourism.com
Train around stay flexible
seat61.com
Otel.com best hotel site cash back 10% Facebook DC currently
Car is a hassle in cities expensive have done it
Not worth it for me.
insuremytrip.com always cheap wise for me
Happy Travels!
Go a lot just got back no clue bout your budget but
prefer trains and the north in 2 weeks places I like
dolomiti.it Cortina
stressa.org
bellagio.info
sirmoine.com
venice-toourism.com
Train around stay flexible
seat61.com
Otel.com best hotel site cash back 10% Facebook DC currently
Car is a hassle in cities expensive have done it
Not worth it for me.
insuremytrip.com always cheap wise for me
Happy Travels!
May 20th, 2011, 03:41 AM
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May 20th, 2011, 04:53 AM
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If you plan to spend most of your time visiting the areas you mention and other rural destinations, a car helps (although you don't need/want a car for Cinque Terre).
In addition to the sites mentioned, you should vary your itinerary a bit by visiting a city or two. Since you will be in the north, perhaps Florence or Venice. Venice and surrounding areas have lots of natural beauty.
Crete (Greece) is a bit out of your way and might best be saved for another trip.
In addition to the sites mentioned, you should vary your itinerary a bit by visiting a city or two. Since you will be in the north, perhaps Florence or Venice. Venice and surrounding areas have lots of natural beauty.
Crete (Greece) is a bit out of your way and might best be saved for another trip.
May 20th, 2011, 06:01 AM
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I agree about the trains being 100% better for going to cities. Also, Trenitalia offers "mini" tickets and when bought in advance are nearly half the price for seats especially if you opt for the non-refundable reservations (these particular tickets do not have to be validated at the station, so you can just hop on the train and settle into your reserved seat). I found the uniformed agents who are stationed near and on the platforms are helpful, courteous and often speak some English.
If you want to combine a city with a lovely rural walk, I'd suggest Florence. The city itself is very compact, but can be frantic if you stay right in the very center. I would suggest the Oltrano district on the other side of the river.
Just outside the city gate called the Porta Romana, there is a beautiful walk along a broad and gently winding uphill road called Viale Nicolo Macchiavelli. It leads eventually down to the lovely and not crowded Bardini Gardens or up to the exquisite church of San Miniato. This is not a seriously challenging hike, but just a way to go for a long stroll and relax in exceptional scenery with breathtaking views of the city and countryside. After a break from the frantic traffic and narrow sidewalks of the historic center, you'd be refreshed and ready to see the greatest Renaissance art and architecture in Italy, have some wonderful food and explore the ancient back streets of a nearly perfect urban space.
If you want to combine a city with a lovely rural walk, I'd suggest Florence. The city itself is very compact, but can be frantic if you stay right in the very center. I would suggest the Oltrano district on the other side of the river.
Just outside the city gate called the Porta Romana, there is a beautiful walk along a broad and gently winding uphill road called Viale Nicolo Macchiavelli. It leads eventually down to the lovely and not crowded Bardini Gardens or up to the exquisite church of San Miniato. This is not a seriously challenging hike, but just a way to go for a long stroll and relax in exceptional scenery with breathtaking views of the city and countryside. After a break from the frantic traffic and narrow sidewalks of the historic center, you'd be refreshed and ready to see the greatest Renaissance art and architecture in Italy, have some wonderful food and explore the ancient back streets of a nearly perfect urban space.
May 20th, 2011, 09:58 AM
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If I had 15 days on the ground in Italy:
Fly into Venice and spend 4 full days.
Then rent a car and explore the Dolomites and Lakes for 6 or 7 days.
Get on a train and spend the rest of the time in the 5 Terre and a couple of days in some other Tuscan town (or day trips).
We've had good experiences with autoeurope.com and gemut.com for European car rentals.
Fly into Venice and spend 4 full days.
Then rent a car and explore the Dolomites and Lakes for 6 or 7 days.
Get on a train and spend the rest of the time in the 5 Terre and a couple of days in some other Tuscan town (or day trips).
We've had good experiences with autoeurope.com and gemut.com for European car rentals.
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