I and my family are planning a trip to Venice, Florence, Tuscany and the lake country. I thought 2 days in Venice, 2 in Florence, 2 outside of Florence (Sienna, etc.) and 2 in the lakes region (Bellagio?). Then we're going to drop our son in Paris (he's 18). Any suggestions? I know this may be impossible, but we'd like to find places that are charming and not totally overwhelmed by tourists like ourselves. Also, we'd like to do some hiking. Any help would be appreciated.

I would cut out the lakes, and stick to 2 days in Venice and the rest using a small Tuscan town as a base to see the rest of Tuscany. I also think it would be impossible to avoid being overwhelmed with other tourists unless you are going out of season in, say, January or November. Whatever you decide to do I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time regardless.

I agree that knowing what month you're contemplating makes all the difference. And then I might recommend consolidating also (assuming you have to cross an ocean to get to Italy, since adjusting to/recovering from that usually consumes the better part of a day) to two changes of accommodation, rather than three (i.e., 3 places rather than 4).

Venice to Florence (and points further south and west, like Siena) - - or Florence to Bellagio is futher than you think - - especially when there is so much good to experience on a beeline directly between Venice and Lake Como (or slightly north).

Best wishes,

Rex

windwalker: Be mindful that it will take two and one-half hours to drive from Venice to Florence, forty-five minutes from Florence to Siena and four and one-half hours from Siena to Bellagio. So, unless you have extra days for travel, you won't have two days in Florence and Bellagio. But if you have two full days at each, that isn't too bad for a first trip. You will rise early, move pretty consistantly and go to bed late to attempt to see "everything". But it isn't terrible if that is what you really want to do.
Also, be mindful that everyone reacts to long flights differently. We hit the street running and we try to get into local time as quickly as possible. So, even that first day is a regular touring day with dinner at the usual time and "to bed" as close to normal as possible. Been doing it for years and it works for us.
The places you have chosen are among the most popular in the world. So, you are going to have tourists around you. Just the way it is unles you go in winter (wouldn't advise it). My wife was in Education for years and we always had to take our vacations in July/August, the biggest tourist months. You know, it never really bothered us. Just a little planning helps mitigate the problem; e.g., museum pre-arrangements (go right in at an appointed time); early in the day or late in the afternoon where tour buses are prevalent (usually, they don't start arriving until ten and clear out by four); take advantage of the lunch period (twelve to two?) and do something during that time (we typically picnic on what we find at a market or deli).
After going all day, we always have a really nice liesurely, relaxing dinner in a place we think we will like; bottle of wine for sure.
Travel is mostly fun. It is different for everybody. Some want to savour an area at length. Some want to see as much as they can and move pretty consistantly. Some mix it up based on the attraction at hand (that's close to us). You will soon find your preferences (perhaps you already know them). Anyway, have a great trip.

Thank you all for a quick and detailed response. This is very helpful. I think we will narrow the trip down to Venice, Florence, and the surrounding hill country (Sienna, San Gimigiano). Any suggestions for places to stay?

Hi ww,

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