My first stab at my Italian vacation itinerary. What do you think?
 

We're not going until June 2006, but I thought I would float this trip skeleton out to see what you all think.

Fly into Florence. 3 nights

Drive to San Gimignano via Chianti. 2 nights

Drive to Orvieto. 2 nights

Drive to Spello. 3 nights

Drop off car. Train to Venice. 6 nights

Fly home from Venice.

We really want at least three full days in Venice to explore, so I could move a night from Venice to somewhere else.

For some reason I really want to stay in S. G. With all the great places to stay in the country, am I crazy to want to stay within the city walls?

So many of you love Orvieto so I really want to check it out.

Any thoughts, suggestions or comments?
Thanks,
Bill

Bill,

I think your trip sounds great. You could give a night to stopping in Verona or maybe 2 nights somewhere in the Dolomites? As much as I love Venice, 4 - 5 nights would be enough.

Buon viaggio!

Hi iam,

Looks nice.

Remember that you can fly into Pisa as well as Florence.

Here is my two cents worth. I'd add one day in Tuscany and cut one day in Venice. I would also think of basing in or near Siena, which I think affords you easier day trip opportunities. This way you can make a day trip to San Gimignano and Volterra (beautiful drive), and also another day trip to Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano. You can see Chianti on way down from Florence, and have time to explore Siena, too. Just a thought.
((H))

Actually, you could see Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano on your drive to Orvieto, if you wanted to do it that way, and have a day trip to Cortona and/or Arezzo from Siena. So many places, so little time. have fun.
((H))

I would agree with Maitaitom in suggesting that you investigate the Tuscan hill towns a little more, and as much as I love Venice, I think you can take one night off Venice and give it to Tuscany.

Five nights in Umbria (Orvieto and Spello) are also quite long unless you are planning day trips (Assisi, Perugia, Bevagna, Montefalco would be among the possibilities).

Thanks to all so far!

I was thinking that we would see parts of Southern Tuscany on our way from S.G. ( or Siena) to Orvieto.

Yes, we plan on using the time in Umbria to explore. Trevi, Norcia, Assisi and Montefalco are on the short list. We also want to go to Deruta to buy some things for our collection.

Adding another day to Tuscany sounds like a good idea.

I would like to take a day trip to Verona while in Venice.

The other thing that I am considering is on the way from Umbria to Venice on the train is to stop and spend the night in Bologna. What do you think of that idea? It would shave a day from somewhere else, but would it be worth it?
Thanks,
Bill

"Yes, we plan on using the time in Umbria to explore. Trevi, Norcia, Assisi and Montefalco are on the short list. "

Bill, My wife and I are staying in Spello for three nights next September. We just had a friend tell us Gubbio (I thought he was one of the Marx Brothers) is a good town to visit, as well.
((H))

Personally, I would not give Bologna a night. Take an early train, wander through the historic centre (cathedral etc.), have a good lunch (I would suggest Da Cesari -- not Cesarina) and get to Venice in time for a late dinner.

But without looking at a map, I'm not quite sure that Bologna is on the route from Spello to Venice...

maitaitom,
Where are you staying in Spello?

eloise,
Thanks for the Bologna feedback. It's a good idea.

-Bill

Bill,

We are staying for three nights at Palazzo Bocci.
http://www.palazzobocci.com/en/index.html

It looks nice and has received kudos here and on other websites.
((H))

Hi iam,

I also suggest a day in Bologna.

You can read our daytrip at http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34451044

ira,
Is there a place at the Bologna rail station that one can store luggage?
Thanks,
Bill

Whether your itinerary is good depends on your goals. I'm an advocate for seeing more of the country and the high points of various sites. I tire after a few churches, a few museums and about an hour of shopping. San G would not be my choice for a base, especially in June. There are only 2-lane roads in and out. I would also recommend Sienna plus fewer days in Venice.

Hi iam,

Go to http://www.bolognacentrale.it/pagine..._2&lang=en

and you will see where the left luggage is located at Bologna Centrale.