markland

After a few false starts, we're (mid 50's) finally going to Italy. We're planning on getting there October 8th and returning on October 24th (16 nights).

At this time, our idea is to start in Rome and end in Venice. We could do it the other way around, but doing it this way gets us 1:10 minutes to change planes in Frankfurt going home, while arriving in Venice we only have 50 minutes (a bit worried about less than an hour, especially if the plane is late getting in from Canada). So that's more of a logistical decision.

I'm also thinking it might be better to get Rome "out of the way" so to speak. Plunge right in and hopefully mellow out as we go, and as we become less energetic.

So perhaps 4/5 nights in Rome, 4/5 nights Amalfi (somewhere, that'll be another post), 3 nights Florence, 1 night Assisi, 3 nights Venice.

So how does this sound as a general rough idea?

Is there any reason to start in Venice over Rome?

Is weather the third week in October still nice? I don't like the heat at all, 10 - 15C would be perfect.

Are boats and ferries still operating this time of year, I'm thinking Amalfi and Capri?

Thanks for any help and advice - feel free to critique all you want

bobthenavigator

Look at the returns from Venice. They are often very early and that is a real hassle at that airport. I would do:

Venice--4
Florence--3[ day trip to Siena by bus]
AC[ Sorrento or Positano]--4
Rome---5

That is also north to south that late in Oct.

Have fun planning !

joannyc

You may have better weather if you fly into Venice and out of Rome... going from the colder north to the warmer south.

This order may work better:
Venice
Florence
Assisi
Amalfi Coast
Rome

aprillilacs

Rome is exhausting, exciting, congested, loud, fabulous . . . you name it. I was glad, on our first trip to Italy, that we started somewhere a little less overwhelming. I agree with Bob--if it were my trip I would start in Venice and end in Rome. October should be a great month to travel in Italy, though all my experience is in March-June.

sarge56

Markland, I know 16 days sounds like a lot, but I really think your plans are way too ambitious. I believe you would be much better off not changing hotels more than twice. So pick three places you really want to see.

Personally, I think a good first trip is Venice/Florence/Rome. I agree with aprillilacs that starting in Venice is a more "easy" entry into the Italian way of life. I always say that Venice is a long nap on the veranda and Rome is like 10 cups of coffee on a Monday morning.

Many of us who (for one reason or another) have to both come and go through Rome will train to Venice as soon as we touch down. Especially because many international flights get in early in the morning.

As a matter of fact, my daughter and I leave in exactly two weeks. We land in Rome on a Wednesday morning at 8am and we will be in Venice before 2:30pm. We will take the train from airport to Rome Termini (main train station). From there, a "bullet" train that leaves Rome at 10:45am and gets us into Venice by 2:30pm. We will get to relax and nap on train, helping us to overcome jet lag.

We will spend five days Venice, two in Florence (with a day trip to Tuscany with a private guide) and then a week in Rome.

I'm not suggesting you do exactly the same (this is our second trip), as I would suggest 3 days Florence with a possible day trip to Siena. But Venice on front end and Rome on back end is my suggestion. (I would also say a minimum of 4 nights Rome. You cannot begin to imagine the wonders found there. They are literally on every corner.)

Whatever you decide, I'm very excited for you both. Italy, in my humble opinion, is the most wonderful place on Earth. And you can pick up a wealth of information on this site. Please read several Italy trip reports. And please stop by your local bookstore to browse through travel guides. Buy one that suits you. (I love DK Eyewitness Travel Guide. I have one for each of the cities listed above. Fabulous!)

Buon Viaggio

PS When we were last in Italy, we were there from 16 October thru 24 October and the weather was great. Sunny but cool most of the time (60 degrees Fahrenheit) with cold and rain for a couple days in Rome (42 degrees Fahrenheit). So I think you'll like it then! And fewer crowds, too!