Need help with Italy
 

This will be our first trip to Italy. We can use hotel points to stay in Rome. Is Rome worth a week or less? Are we missing out on visiting Tuscany and Siena? Hopefully, with a better economy, we can visit again Thanks

I do not understand--do you only have a week?
if so, stay in Rome and do a day trip by train to Orvieto.

We can add more time; however, we are trying to be cost efficient by using our points to stay in Rome. We can change our itineray if it doesn't make sense to only visit Rome. That is why I'm asking as this is our first trip, are we missing too much by only staying in Rome and how many days do we need to see Rome. We're open to all suggestions and possible itineries. Thanks

A first trip to Italy is very special!

On our first trip to Italy we went ONLY to Rome for 9 days(we are an older couple)and felt we could have stayed much longer). From Rome you can make a LONG day trip to Pompeii; you can make a much easier day trip to Tivoli to see Hadrian's Villa and the Ville d'Este.

Rome can be exhausting. Lines can be long at the Vatican to see the Sistine Chapel and climb the dome of St. Peters. The more time you have, the more relaxed you can be.

Scala Reale, which now calls themselves "Context" gives marvelous tours. You don't need to do more than one, but we really enjoyed the tour of the ancient city. http://www.contexttravel.com/rome/

Finally, there are parks (Villa Borghese), gazillions of fascinating churches (my favorite is the Church of the Capuchins on the Via Veneto with its elaborate Rococo desigss made from the bones of the deceased monks), and so many neighborhoods. The area of the Trastevere, the side of the Tiber where the Vatican is located, is a delight.

I know that many feel the urge to take in as much of a country as possible, but a week spent really exploring one city like Rome can't be beat. Besides, do not underestimate the amount of time spent unpacking, packing and traveling from place to place.

By the way, I don't know what you plan to do about accommodations, but I personally swear by apartment rentals. You have a kitchen, often laundry machines, everything you need. You aren't tied to restaurants and you can make your time your own. And in my experience, a rental is less costly than a hotel.

If I can help, write me at [email protected]

After 14 trips to Italy we are going back in Sep for 3 more weeks. It takes that long.
I did not set foot in Rome until my 8th trip to Italy--then it was a week. It takes that long.
Come back once you decide how much time you do have. I have several 2 week itineraires I will be happy to share. Oh yes, plan your first 3 trips now since you will return.

>> We can add more time; however, we are trying to be cost efficient <<

Adding more time automatically makes your trip more cost efficient. With the air fare being a constant, the cost per diem decreases the longer you stay.

If at all possible you should complement your stay in busy Rome with something quite different. For example, add in Tuscany and/or the Amalfi Coast and/or Venice.

With a better economy, you'll be back for more - as Bob says, there are many attractions to Italy and you'll only be scratching the surface this time...

Which hotel points are you trying to use?

If you are flying across the pond, stay as long as possible.
This is being frugal.

Rome deserves as much time as you can give her. I have been 3 times and always want more. Find a centrally located apartment. You want to be right in the middle of everything.
Campo di Fiore area is my favorite.

Personally, I like to mix city and country with each trip.
If time permits, Maybe you can take a daytrip outside of the city.

Let us know exactly how many days you will have in Italy, then we can advice better.

We have been in Rome at least 7 times and have only seen the surface! We like to stay near the Pantheon as it is, to us, central for walking. The Context tours that are mentioned above are really good since the maximum number on each tour is 6. These tours are a really good way to start to see Rome; reservatons can be made ahead and if the date they give on their website doesn't agree with what yuou need, contact them as they will try to meet your needs. We have done this, and they have been very accommodating.

Sienna needs lots of time. Hillsandroads.com is a good guide for that area. Luca is very fluent in English and has good suggestions about restaurants in Sienna.

Pompeii is, as stated above, a full day's tour.

Weeks can be spent in each area.

We were able to get 5 nights in May with our hotel points. I'm not sure if this enough time to see Rome. I'm fairly sure it is not. Since reservations with points are hard to come by, would you recommend the 5 nights and do another trip or venture out of Rome for a few more days? Can we get a good feel for Rome in 5 days. We would be in the Vio Veneta area. Thanks very much.

Yes, 5 days is good !
The train to Florence is only 1:40--spend some more time there with a day trip to Siena.

We have 5 days in Rome at the Marriott the Via Veneta area. If we want to Florence for a few days, should we train it or rent a car? I heard that Siena is wonderful. Can we get ther from Florence without a car? How many days would you recommend in Florence? Finally, any recommendation on hotels in Florence and can we train it back to Rome's airport. Sorry for all the questions; however, this is our first time and I'm trying to surprise my wife with this trip as an anniversary present.

147747,

You are a dear to try and plan for your DH.
5 days in Rome sounds great.

How many more days do you have in Italy?

Correction : DW

Witout getting too personal, I lost my job 2 years ago and my wife has been great on watching the money going out. I used to travel very often..over 90% of the time. That's why I'm using my Continental and Marriott points. We haven't taken a real vacation in years and I know she always wanted to see Italy. So, I'm looking to get to get the best bang for the buck without being cheap and aware of funds. Our time is open, our funds are somewhat limited. To answer your question, we could probably add a few days. Thanks

All the suggestions are very much appreciated. If we decide to continue to Florence can you recommend any nice hotels. Can we take a train fron Florence to Siena and back? I would guess that we could take a train back to Rome's airport from Florence. What we don't want to do is try and see everything quickly as we have in previous trips. Based upon what I've read, there will be more trips in the future. Is Florence pushing it and should we just try and enjoy Rome for 5 days. Thank you all.

147747,
Between Florence and Siena the bus is better. See http://www.sitabus.it/sita-toscana/Firenze-Siena07.pdf
The Siena train station is about 2km from the center, the bus station is in town. The Florence train and bus stations are very close.
The train from Florence to Rome airport probably won't work for a morning flight.

Henry

Between Siena and Florence you want to take the bus (70 minutes). You could train, but you would have to take a bus from the Siena train station to the old town. The bus drops you in the center. You catch the bus near Florence SMN train station and they run hourly except on Sundays. Make sure you take the one that doesn't stop in San G as that is the slow bus. The bus schedules are on Siena Mobilita.
http://www.sienamobilita.it/EN/index.html

If you want to travel to Siena from Rome, you can use the Sena bus.
http://www.sena.it/index_e.htm

What is your hotel budget and are you planning to stay in Florence or Siena?

I thought of staying 3 days in Florence and doing a day trip to Siena if this makes sense. Thanks.

hi 147747,

for what it's worth, IMO you deserve a nice rest in the countryside after the hustle and bustle of rome. don't try and do Florence as well - there's no chance you'll take it all in at one go.

why not rent a flat in an agriturismo in umbria after Rome? -it'd be a lovely contrast and May is a great time to be in the italian countryside.

http://www.bellaumbria.net/country_house_Umbria.htm

regards, ann

Can anyone tell me how to get train tickets and cost from Rome's airport to Florence and from Florence back to Rome's central train station. Thank you.

From Rome's airport you will have to train to the main station in Rome (11€ per person). They depart every 30 minutes and travel time is 30 minutes.

From Rome Termini to Florence SMN will cost about 36€ per person one way for the fast trains. You can take slower trains cheaper.

Trenitalia is Italy's main train system. There are a few regional train systems in some areas too.
http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/inde...0080a3e90aRCRD

Which hotels can you recommend in Florence that's fairly priced, conveneient to the train station and is a nice place to stay. Thank you.

What's your hotel budget for Florence?

$150-$200. I would prefer to spend less if possible. Since we will be coming by train, I thought the area around the station would be convenient even though I understand it can be hectic. Has anyone heard of Albani Hotel? It seems to be on a less than attractive street;however,it gets some decent reviews. Thanks.

ttt

Sorry I can't help answer your question about hotels in Florence.

Trentitalia has different types of trains, the trains that are fastest on the Rome to Florence service are the Eurostar trains. The station you want to travel to in Florence is Firenze SMN stn. When booking tickets try to purchase a discounted amica fare, this will give you 20% off regular prices.

I stayed at Alloro B&B (between the train station and Duomo) in September. It's on a quiet street with an interior courtyard. I paid 60E for a single. The rate I got (e-mailed asking about a room) was cheaper than on their website.
http://www.allorobb.it/Eng/index.html

You do not need to stay near the train station in Florence. Central Florence is small and walkable, so any hotel within the city center will work for you. I'm not a fan of the area near the station.

You might consider an apartment in Florence- it may be cheaper and give you more space-

http://www.residenzailcarmine.com/

A great B&B, very central-

http://www.inpiazzadellasignoria.com/inglese/home.php

You can do a forum search for other Florence hotel recommendations from other posters.

I like Annhig's suggestion of staying the in Umbria countryside. It would be the perfect contrast to Rome and you can't beat Umbria in May.

My wife is really looking forward to Florence and a day trip to Siena if it make sense timewise. I would expect on another trip to spend more time in the countryside. We have made reservations at the Hotel Casci in Forence. Thank you all for your help and suggestions.

Is a day trip to Siena easier from Rome or Florence? We are in Rome for 5 days and Florence for 3 days. We don't expect to be driving; rather, using trains and buses. Thank you

From Florence--about 1:20

Are ther any tours in Rome (Vatican/Sistine Chapel) and/or Florence that are worth the money? The main feature seems to be the time savings by not waiting in line? Thanks.

You could consider staying in Siena and making a daytrip into Florence. Siena might be a little cheaper and you can look over the walls onto the Tuscan farmland, maybe do a bus trip into the countryside. That would give you a change from the city.

On the other hand, if you love Renaissance art and architecture, stay in Florence.

Which museums are a must see in Florence? Would you take the Vatican and Sistine Chapel tour sponsored by the Vatican?

We're landing in Rome at 7:45 AM then taking a train to Florence. We have three nights in Florence and then we will train it to Rome for 5 nights and then fly home. We have in the past rushed through our vacations so as not to miss anything and it becomes a blur. As much as we would love to see Siena, considering our itineray should we pass on Siena and just focus on Florence and Rome?

Hi 14,

>considering our itineray should we pass on Siena and just focus on Florence and Rome?<

I would, this time.

Have you considered visiting Orvieto from Rome, for the hill town experience?
http://www.orvietoonline.com/

((I))

Yes, if you're trying to get over your rush-around syndrome, then just stay in Florence. There's more than enough for 2 days.

Regarding museums in Florence, everybody here on Fodor's adores Michelangelo's David in the Accademia. And the Uffizi is one of the premier art museums in the world for its collection of Renaissance paintings. You really need a reservation for the Uffizi. Here's the site for making reservations at all the Florence state-run museums: www.b-ticket.com/b-ticket/Uffizi. There are also tours available.

In Rome the one place I think a guide makes a big difference is the Forum. All you see is fragments of buildings, pieces of marble carvings and broken columns. You don't really know what you're seeing without a guide.

I sort of cringe when I see all these postings with itineraries for a city. I like to keep all the options in mind, and pick according to the weather and how we feel (especially if jetlagged). But some things require reservations.

ya, don't be too rushed in Italy. five days in Rome with three days in Florence is a lot as it is. you will enjoy it!

147747 - I have stayed at Hotel Casci in Florence five times in the past 10 or so years. It is marvelous. It is not fancy but it IS immaculately clean, has fabulous bathrooms (try to ask for room 10) and the people who run this small B&B and incomparable to any other place I have ever been. Nothing is too much trouble for them and they WILL bend over backwards to help you with anything you need. Ask them by e-mail to make reservations for you at the Accademia (David) and Uffizi museums (these are musts). Breakfast is large and filling and their location cannot be beat. Right in the middle of the city but still quiet and pleasant (Don't be put off by the fact that it looks like an office building - they are on the second floor).

Since you will have limited time and not be renting a car, I do recommend using Luca as a guide from www.hillsandroads.com. He is the reason we fell in love with the Tuscan countryside so many years ago when we used him for two separate touring days when visiting with my Mom and sister.

He is a wonderful and intelligent young man who will tailor your touring day to what you like, abilities, interests, etc. He is a wealth of information, can take you to some wineries as well, a safe and courteous driver. He picked us up from our hotel at the appointed time in the morning and dropped us back there in the evening (at Hotel Casci). His rates are hourly and so you can choose to take a full or half day tour.

Let me know if there is anything else specific you would like to know, happy to help.

Have a wonderful trip, Italy is magic!!