First time to Italy ... my husband and I like to shop, eat, walk, and drive around. Not big on museums. Rome is not high on my list. Any suggestions for mid-week or can I just drive 'til we stumble onto somplace nice and expect to be able to get a reservation? We are flying in and out of Milan and renting a car this July.<BR>Current plan:<BR>2 nights Bellagio<BR>1 night Verona<BR>2 nights Venice<BR>3 nights ???<BR>2 nights Florence<BR>1 night Milan<BR>

Sounds like too ambitious an itinerary to me. You'll need more than 2 nights in Bellagio to see the sights: Bellagio, Varenna, Como, all the villas along the lake, etc.<BR>You could also easily spend two nights in Verona--lots of sights to see, plus great shopping, and maybe a chance to see the opera in a Roman stadium.<BR>Venice, again, would warrant at least 3 nights. And to do Florence in two would mean missing a lot as well.<BR>If I were you and I had 11 nights, I'd spend 4 nights in Florence, 3 in Venice, 3 in Bellagio, and the last night in a hotel by the airport. Or maybe don't try to cover so much ground and cover fewer areas, spending some time in the Tuscan countryside after you see Florence, and then choose one other main destination.

You are driving, which means that you'll pay for parking and rental car use while you are in Venice. One approach might be to take a train to Venice immediately upon arrival in Milan. Stay 3 nights in Venice and then rent a car upon departure. From there, go to Verona for 2 nights, then to Florence for 3 nights. Finally, go to Bellagio for 3 nights and then return to Milan, which will be an easy drive, for your last night before departure. I wouldn't try to insert another stayover spot into the itinerary, because you'll find lots of interesting places as you drive around. But do make reservations unless you enjoy the thrill (and possible delays) of looking for a place to sleep during this busy season.

Hi Mary Rose!<BR><BR>My only comment is not to make assumptions about cities/places, like Rome. Italy will constantly surprise you.<BR><BR>On my first trip, I didn't care if I saw Rome so we only planned a day and a half there. I thought it was just a crowded, dirty, smoggy city.<BR><BR>Wrong - I loved Rome and was blown away! Can't wait to go back & spend at least a week just in the city.<BR><BR>Buon viaggio!

Suggest you add the charming cities of Lucca and Siena.

I can echo Dayle's experience. Seeing Rome felt sort of like a duty, and my husband and I decided to include it in our itinerary just because it's there. We were both totally surprised at how much we loved it. It's a beautiful, vibrant city. Can't wait to get back there. Don't miss Rome!

Okay ... So I am extending Venice and Florence ... drive through Verona on the way to Venice. Use Florence as a base camp for a visit to Sienna or Lucca. Not sold on Rome ...yet.<BR>New plan:<BR>2 nights Bellagio<BR>3 nights Venice<BR>2 nights Verona or Rome<BR>3 nights Florence<BR>1 night Milan

I'll get flak for this, but I'm rooting for your original plan. I lived in Italy for 7 years and adore all the places you mentioned...but I don't like Rome. I've tried, many times, and the art treasures are hard to turn down. But I say go with your instincts!

Skip Rome. It's too far south to reach and still have a little time there. Save it, if you feel like you missed something, for another trip. You have enough - or too much - here already. I'd cut one of the nights in Florence and spend it in Siena or Lucca. Make reservations if you find a nice-sounding hotel in advance - it's very frustrating and time-consuming to find the one you'd counted on full!