My husband and I are thinking of going to Italy for around 10 days in November (over Thanksgiving). We would like to hit Venice and Florence and either Rome or Tuscany. I have been to Venice, Florence and Rome briefly 10 yrs ago but my husband has never been. I would love any advice on what cities people think we should go to, where should we stay and what you recommend doing. Also, what do people think of flying between cities instead of the train? What are the pros and cons of both? How would I go about getting tickets for either? I am leaning towards flying because I think it will be more pleasant and less time consuming. Thanks so much!

I recommend train. I advise flying into Florence (or its nearby bigger brother airport, Pisa), and spend two-three days there. Next, Rome - - only 95 minutes away, by train.

With ten days, you could spend one day in one other city (if you wish), before going to Venice. Orvieto? Bologna? Verona? You need to do some reading.

Then finish with Venice (two nights or more), and fly home from there.

Best wishes,

Rex

I would suggest pricing an open jaw ticket (into one city and out of another). Sometimes they are the same price and other time they are much more expensive. Fly into Venice (train to Verona or whatever other city), then train for Florence and train to Rome. Then depart from Rome. If you can't get a good price on an open jaw ticket, then you can do what Rex suggested.

This next trip we are taking, we are going in and out of Rome. A friend has an open jaw from two different cities and is paying the same as we are.

You say: "...what cities people think we should go to, where should we stay and what you recommend doing. Also, what do people think of flying between cities instead of the train? What are the pros and cons of both? How would I go about getting tickets for either?"
Those are the big questions. Have you searched this forum for answers yet? I suggest you come up with some plans, then post individual questions for the specific aspects of your plan.

10 days sounds like a lot but I wouldn't go to any more than 3 destinations, and possibly two if you wanted to use part of your Tuscany stay to visit smaller towns. In November you have the possibility of tracking down grape and olive oil harvests, if that interests you in Tuscany.

It really depends on whether you like relaxed traveling or would feel antsy not being on the go every day. As for which cities you should go to, the 3 you mentioned are significantly different in feel, and offer significantly day trips. You should sit down with some guidebooks and identify what appeals to you most.

I would only fly if you ultimately decide to bypass Firenze/Tuscany. Trains between the destinations you are contemplating are perfectly pleasant. Purchasing open-jaw tickets is a good idea with only 10 days.

Flying to various destinations within italy wouldn't necessarily be time-saving. When you factor in the time spent getting to/from airports, which are usually far from city centers, the security lines, etc., it's just not that convenient. Trains are definitely the way to go in Italy - relaxing, wonderful scenery, quick, and in city-center locations.