Hi there, I'm starting the initial phase of researching for a trip to Italy for 3 weeks in May 2010 and was wondering if anyone has some suggestions. My husband and I are late 20's looking to enjoy the countryside, wineries, architecture, art and history, and of course food..We basically want to enjoy as much as possible and are wanting to see venice, rome, tuscany, the cinque terre and the amalfi coast. We understand that sounds like a lot, but are open to change plans, as we have just started our research. Thank you!

Fly into Venice and start there while you get over jet-lag for about 4 days, then Florence by train for 3 or 4, then train to the Cinque Terre for 3, then train to Rome for the rest of the time and fly home from there. You can take a couple of day trips from Rome. There is so much to see in Rome, that even though I am not a fan of big cities, I want to go back and spend more time there. You will not regret the time!

I would skip tuscany and Amalfi this time and plan another trip for them.

Think about staying in apartments if you are in a place more than 3 days.

My suggestion is to start with Bob's Five Favorites...

http://www.bobthenavigator.homestead.com/

Thank you for your suggestion, we are big wine fans, so really do want to include Tuscany...we may just do less time in Venice, 2-3 days. We were also thinking of renting a car after we've stayed in Florence. Is a car a better idea than train? Possibly because I've heard that the train schedules are ever changing and we may spend more time trying to catch a train than by just driving outselves.
I appreciate any suggestions! Thanks again.

You'll certainly want to rent a car if you want to tool around the Tuscan countryside. You'll definitely NOT want one in Rome, Venice, Florence, or Cinque Terre.

Not sure what you mean about train schedules always changing. I suppose that's true just about anywhere in the world. At any rate, I've taken trains all over Italy and never run into a problem with trains that just arbitrarily didn't show up.

Grazie Tuck !
Better you than me.

3 weeks in May is perfect. That much time gives you some flexibility.

<<Is a car a better idea than train? Possibly because I've heard that the train schedules are ever changing and we may spend more time trying to catch a train than by just driving ourselves.

The places you will want to visit in Tuscany (countryside, wineries) are not usually near train stations. Even hilltowns are often more accessible by bus. Siena is a better bus hub for Tuscany than Florence. If you really want to wander in Tuscany, a car is better.

Hi Rt,

If you repost with "Italy" in the title, you will get more help.

I wouldn't do the CT and the AC in the same trip - too much of a muchness.

Since everything else is N of Rome, skip the AC for your next visit.

Thank you, I'll repost with new title to include Italy.

Also, another question, for a budget, not including airfare, would $10,000 be enough for 3 weeks?

See my budget article at the link above.