Novice needs help with Italy itinerary
Apr 27th, 2016, 05:20 PM
#21
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Well son's interest is climbing Mt Vesuvius if not too hot! DH is very interested in exploring Pompeii and Herculeneum and both would like to do a boat tour around the islands and possibly visit Capri. All of this points to the Amalfi region rather than Tuscany. Are the summer months the worst time to visit the Amalfi area because of the heat? Almost everyone here so far has recommended we skip this area but that seems to be where they have a keen interest.
While I like the art museums, DS and DH have less interest. I read there is a Galileo museum in Florence too which I am sure is less crowded than the Uffizi.
However if we are coming into Venice, the logical progression is Venice-Florence-Rome.
Should we just visit Florence after Venice and skip seeing Tuscany in order to allow more time and a slower pace for the rest of it? Or should we skip Florence too? I would hate to do that. Florence to me is a "must see".
How many days ideally is needed for Rome for a first time visitor?
Same with Florence--how many days should be allocated and not be rushed?
We don't plan on going in August--probably more like July but I don't know if that makes any difference with regards to crowds and heat.
DH and DS interests don't help to narrow down the itinerary either!
Agree have to factor in travel time between each place which eats up a half day to a full day each time.
While I like the art museums, DS and DH have less interest. I read there is a Galileo museum in Florence too which I am sure is less crowded than the Uffizi.
However if we are coming into Venice, the logical progression is Venice-Florence-Rome.
Should we just visit Florence after Venice and skip seeing Tuscany in order to allow more time and a slower pace for the rest of it? Or should we skip Florence too? I would hate to do that. Florence to me is a "must see".
How many days ideally is needed for Rome for a first time visitor?
Same with Florence--how many days should be allocated and not be rushed?
We don't plan on going in August--probably more like July but I don't know if that makes any difference with regards to crowds and heat.
DH and DS interests don't help to narrow down the itinerary either!
Agree have to factor in travel time between each place which eats up a half day to a full day each time.
Apr 27th, 2016, 05:30 PM
#22
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Sassafrass we were posting at the same time. Yes Pompeii, Herculaneum and a boat trip with a swim is high on their list.
We have initially allocated 5 nights for Rome but only 2 nights for Venice. I know you can spend a month in Rome and not get to see everything but should I take a day away from Rome and allocate it to Venice?
So hard to narrow down when the wish list is so long. Help us make this reasonable.
We have initially allocated 5 nights for Rome but only 2 nights for Venice. I know you can spend a month in Rome and not get to see everything but should I take a day away from Rome and allocate it to Venice?
So hard to narrow down when the wish list is so long. Help us make this reasonable.
Apr 27th, 2016, 05:32 PM
#23
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I am commenting based on OP's first post and first reply. I can only speak to the portion of your first mentioned itinerary that involves Venice and Florence. Have not been farther south in Italy myself. That being said, we (2 adults) were in Italy for two weeks. We spent the first week in Florence and did day trips from there in order to avoid moving so much (also, free hotel using points helped in that decision). Siena was our favorite town in Tuscany and is a very easy day trip from Florence. Pisa and Lucca were very easy day trip from Florence as well. We also hired a private driver/guide to go to a couple wineries and other hill towns not as easily accessible by public tranportation. San G, while not necessarily over crowded when we were there was not as "magical" as I wanted it to be. I honestly liked it better looking at it from across the valley while sitting at the winery sipping a glass of Vin Santo, but I digress.
We spent 5 days in Venice, and loved every minute of it. We even "cancelled" our plans to take any day trips (except Burano/Murano) out of Venice so we could fully enjoy the island.
Regarding how "hectic" the trip is...I say, "You do you." I have taken very leisurely vacations and I have done the point to point as well. They are all great trips in there own way and for different reasons. I am currently in the midst of planning a self-drive to the UK, and I hesitate to post on here and get advice because I know too many people will lose their mind as this is one of the "road trip" style. Point being...it's your vacation and your time. As long as your expectations are appropriate you'll have a great time.
We spent 5 days in Venice, and loved every minute of it. We even "cancelled" our plans to take any day trips (except Burano/Murano) out of Venice so we could fully enjoy the island.
Regarding how "hectic" the trip is...I say, "You do you." I have taken very leisurely vacations and I have done the point to point as well. They are all great trips in there own way and for different reasons. I am currently in the midst of planning a self-drive to the UK, and I hesitate to post on here and get advice because I know too many people will lose their mind as this is one of the "road trip" style. Point being...it's your vacation and your time. As long as your expectations are appropriate you'll have a great time.
Apr 27th, 2016, 07:13 PM
#24
"Should we just visit Florence after Venice and skip seeing Tuscany in order to allow more time and a slower pace for the rest of it? Or should we skip Florence too? I would hate to do that. Florence to me is a "must see"."
"How many days ideally is needed for Rome for a first time visitor?"
"Same with Florence--how many days should be allocated and not be rushed?"
It isn't possible for others to answer these questions for you. There is no "ideally" that fits everyone. You have to do the work of determining your priorities (Tuscany v. AC), finding out what you want to do everywhere and much time that would take (based on your interests, not ours), deciding how fast you want to travel, how much unstructured time you want to set aside, etc. You can go all-out for 14 days straight, see all that you can see, go to as many places as you can see, heat be damned. Or you can accept that you can't fit everything you'd love to do into 14 days and then make the tough choices.
"How many days ideally is needed for Rome for a first time visitor?"
"Same with Florence--how many days should be allocated and not be rushed?"
It isn't possible for others to answer these questions for you. There is no "ideally" that fits everyone. You have to do the work of determining your priorities (Tuscany v. AC), finding out what you want to do everywhere and much time that would take (based on your interests, not ours), deciding how fast you want to travel, how much unstructured time you want to set aside, etc. You can go all-out for 14 days straight, see all that you can see, go to as many places as you can see, heat be damned. Or you can accept that you can't fit everything you'd love to do into 14 days and then make the tough choices.
Apr 27th, 2016, 07:38 PM
#25
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Jean that's why I am asking for advice so I can listen to others opinions who have seen these places before to help in making those tough choices. I admit my wish list is grand and want to hear other's opinions to better gauge how to pace ourselves.
We have taken three trips to the UK already and I know first hand that things don't always go to plan. On our first trip son ended up at University College Hospital having a bout of food poisoning. So original plan to go visit Oxford and such was dashed. We did make it back a couple of years later and focused on Oxford etc. then.
But in my planning everyone gave good advice on how many days would be good to see certain places and sights.
Sometimes the fun experiences are when you go off the planned itinerary. I understand that but it is good to have a general idea. When we went to visit the National Portrait gallery son much younger then saw a sign that advertised a free art class. We did that and he had a fun time--we didn't make it to see the museum contents but we enjoyed doing the art class.
I also remember going to Greece when younger in June and it was 100 F degrees outside. The minute we stepped outside all I wanted to do was go back inside the hotel and not see anything. I am assuming the heat and humidity in Italy is about the same that time of year in the summer given the proximity of Italy to Greece.
So given that kind of climate how best to pace ourselves and what is recommended to see in limited time?
I have read other's posts that say Rome needs a minimum of 5 days to appreciate it. Of course the ultimate decision is ours to make but it helps to have some advice along the way.
We have taken three trips to the UK already and I know first hand that things don't always go to plan. On our first trip son ended up at University College Hospital having a bout of food poisoning. So original plan to go visit Oxford and such was dashed. We did make it back a couple of years later and focused on Oxford etc. then.
But in my planning everyone gave good advice on how many days would be good to see certain places and sights.
Sometimes the fun experiences are when you go off the planned itinerary. I understand that but it is good to have a general idea. When we went to visit the National Portrait gallery son much younger then saw a sign that advertised a free art class. We did that and he had a fun time--we didn't make it to see the museum contents but we enjoyed doing the art class.
I also remember going to Greece when younger in June and it was 100 F degrees outside. The minute we stepped outside all I wanted to do was go back inside the hotel and not see anything. I am assuming the heat and humidity in Italy is about the same that time of year in the summer given the proximity of Italy to Greece.
So given that kind of climate how best to pace ourselves and what is recommended to see in limited time?
I have read other's posts that say Rome needs a minimum of 5 days to appreciate it. Of course the ultimate decision is ours to make but it helps to have some advice along the way.
Apr 28th, 2016, 01:16 AM
#26
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If art isn't high on the list, I would spend two nights, maximum three, in Venice and one, maximum two,in Florence, leaving Venice early in the morning so you'll have most of the day in Florence. I would recommend a maximum of four nights between the two. People will say you need a week for each of these cities, but they don't have your constraints.
Then I would head south to Sorrento, which is a good base for the things you want to do. If you stay on the Amalfi Coast itself, visiting Pompeii and Herculaneum will be a slog. For your purposes, you'd need a minimum of four nights there: one full day for Pompeii and Herculaneum (and climbing Vesuvius isn't a great idea). One full day for Capri, and one full day to see the Amalfi coast, if possible by boat from Sorrento. If you stretch it to five nights, you could spend two in Naples or Sorrento, to see Herculaneum and Pompeii, and three nights somewhere on the Amalfi coast that has boat service to Capri. I myself would prefer to stay put.
Then head to Rome for the last portion of your trip.
You say you have 14 "touring days", which I assume means 15 nights in Italy. So that would be four nights between Venice and Florence, split as you wish, four or five nights in Sorrento, and the rest of the time in Rome.
Then I would head south to Sorrento, which is a good base for the things you want to do. If you stay on the Amalfi Coast itself, visiting Pompeii and Herculaneum will be a slog. For your purposes, you'd need a minimum of four nights there: one full day for Pompeii and Herculaneum (and climbing Vesuvius isn't a great idea). One full day for Capri, and one full day to see the Amalfi coast, if possible by boat from Sorrento. If you stretch it to five nights, you could spend two in Naples or Sorrento, to see Herculaneum and Pompeii, and three nights somewhere on the Amalfi coast that has boat service to Capri. I myself would prefer to stay put.
Then head to Rome for the last portion of your trip.
You say you have 14 "touring days", which I assume means 15 nights in Italy. So that would be four nights between Venice and Florence, split as you wish, four or five nights in Sorrento, and the rest of the time in Rome.
Apr 28th, 2016, 07:10 AM
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Bvlenci
Yes that sounds good. You say you don't recommend climbing Vesuvius. May I ask why? Is it too steep and strenuous especially in the height of the summer heat? Son has studied earth science and learned about the plate tectonics and such so expressed an interest in seeing and climbing it but I am interested in reasons why that is not such a good idea.
Does it make sense to skip Venice this time and save it for a future trip?
Do Amalfi--Florence--Rome and not see Venice? When a first timer usually decides to visit Italy--the usual three cities are Venice, Florence and Rome. I am torn between wanting to see the highlights most first timers want to experience and also seeing the individual interests of my group which is leaning toward Amalfi.
Yes that sounds good. You say you don't recommend climbing Vesuvius. May I ask why? Is it too steep and strenuous especially in the height of the summer heat? Son has studied earth science and learned about the plate tectonics and such so expressed an interest in seeing and climbing it but I am interested in reasons why that is not such a good idea.
Does it make sense to skip Venice this time and save it for a future trip?
Do Amalfi--Florence--Rome and not see Venice? When a first timer usually decides to visit Italy--the usual three cities are Venice, Florence and Rome. I am torn between wanting to see the highlights most first timers want to experience and also seeing the individual interests of my group which is leaning toward Amalfi.
Apr 28th, 2016, 07:38 AM
#28
Amalfi in peak season.....
Vesuvius, if you are going up, take a BIG bottle of water each and go up when it opens (8:30) you should aim to be leaving by the time the hordes from the fat boats in the harbour turn up after breakfast. (when you see them you will know who I mean).
If the kid is into geology maybe http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...al-hot-springs would interest or http://www.mapitout-tuscany.com/2014...gs-map-of.html
Vesuvius, if you are going up, take a BIG bottle of water each and go up when it opens (8:30) you should aim to be leaving by the time the hordes from the fat boats in the harbour turn up after breakfast. (when you see them you will know who I mean).
If the kid is into geology maybe http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...al-hot-springs would interest or http://www.mapitout-tuscany.com/2014...gs-map-of.html
Apr 28th, 2016, 08:46 AM
#29
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You could just do Rome and the Amalfi coast, basing in Sorrento for the latter. And do a day trip by train from Rome to Florence. Or add in time in Tuscany, picking a spot with bus or train access for a day trip into Florence.
In Italy it's important to be in your departure city the night before your flight; things happen: strikes, traffic jams, breakdowns. So fly out of either Rome or Naples. Or Pisa if doing Tuscany.
In Italy it's important to be in your departure city the night before your flight; things happen: strikes, traffic jams, breakdowns. So fly out of either Rome or Naples. Or Pisa if doing Tuscany.
Apr 28th, 2016, 10:21 AM
#30
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Well maybe I'm not the best judge, because I've never climbed Vesuvius, but one reason I've never climbed it is that I've heard that there's very little to see. The people who said this may not have the ability to appreciate it as your son would. The heat is another reason, combined with the fact that there's a steep hike of about half a mile at the end. You would need good footwear.
Your son might appreciate even more a visit to the Campi Flegrei, which is a volcanic field spread over a wide area, which can be seen easily at Pozzuoli.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phlegraean_Fields
That I have seen, and there were half a dozen volcanic fumaroles all spouting steam at the same time. That's something you won't see anywhere else, except maybe in Iceland. Best of all, there's nothing to climb. The caldera of the volcano is now basically at ground level, with part of it under the sea.
There is a local train from Naples that stops near the main part of the fields at Pozzuoli.
Your son might appreciate even more a visit to the Campi Flegrei, which is a volcanic field spread over a wide area, which can be seen easily at Pozzuoli.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phlegraean_Fields
That I have seen, and there were half a dozen volcanic fumaroles all spouting steam at the same time. That's something you won't see anywhere else, except maybe in Iceland. Best of all, there's nothing to climb. The caldera of the volcano is now basically at ground level, with part of it under the sea.
There is a local train from Naples that stops near the main part of the fields at Pozzuoli.
Apr 28th, 2016, 11:22 AM
#31
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Billboburgler and Bvlenci--Wow! Interesting things the average tourist certainly will have never heard of--thank you.
We are supposed to be cutting stuff out though not adding to my already exhaustive list
That volcanic field also appears to be about 30 minutes away from the Naples Archeological museum. Has anyone been? Do you recommend? It's supposed to have the artifacts from Pompeii. Keeping to a theme here.
Mimar--I am leaning toward just doing Rome-Amalfi-Florence. Of course I would like to see Venice too. Would it be strange for a first time visitor to skip such a major venue as Venice?
We are supposed to be cutting stuff out though not adding to my already exhaustive list
That volcanic field also appears to be about 30 minutes away from the Naples Archeological museum. Has anyone been? Do you recommend? It's supposed to have the artifacts from Pompeii. Keeping to a theme here.
Mimar--I am leaning toward just doing Rome-Amalfi-Florence. Of course I would like to see Venice too. Would it be strange for a first time visitor to skip such a major venue as Venice?
Apr 28th, 2016, 05:41 PM
#32
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We have been to the Archeological museum in Naples and really enjoyed it, thought it was well worth seeing.
It's not strange to skip Venice on your first trip..it's your trip, you do what you want. See Venice on another trip.
There is a lot you want to see in only 14 days and it will be hot everywhere you go so don't forget to think about time to just relax or the fact that you might want to lie down in your room in the middle of the day for a rest.
It's not strange to skip Venice on your first trip..it's your trip, you do what you want. See Venice on another trip.
There is a lot you want to see in only 14 days and it will be hot everywhere you go so don't forget to think about time to just relax or the fact that you might want to lie down in your room in the middle of the day for a rest.
Apr 29th, 2016, 07:50 AM
#33
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My first trip to Italy included only a northern section--Florence, Siena, lake, Cinque Terre. No problems leaving out Rome and Venice on that trip and we (adult couple) had a great time without feeling that we missed out.
Another year, my niece and I visited Rome, Orvieto, Sorrento (Pompeii and Herculeum), and Venice on my second trip (I had to go to Milan for work too). While we enjoyed it all, I think we would have had a better trip if I had still put off Venice-- travel time could have been put into more time on the AC.
Another year, my niece and I visited Rome, Orvieto, Sorrento (Pompeii and Herculeum), and Venice on my second trip (I had to go to Milan for work too). While we enjoyed it all, I think we would have had a better trip if I had still put off Venice-- travel time could have been put into more time on the AC.
Apr 29th, 2016, 07:53 AM
#34
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Forgot--we stopped in Naples at the museum between Rome and Sorrento. I thought it was interesting, but a bit overwhelming and tiring if you try to study the entire collection. My niece who was studying archeology could have spent the entire day there.
Also ate some good pizza somewhere nearby.
Also ate some good pizza somewhere nearby.
Apr 29th, 2016, 08:42 AM
#35
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I visited Italy a number of times before moving here, but I didn't go to Venice on any of those trips. I first saw Venice a few years after I moved here.
One thing about leaving something for the next trip is that it's a big motivation to actually make the next trip.
One thing about leaving something for the next trip is that it's a big motivation to actually make the next trip.
Apr 29th, 2016, 09:31 AM
#36
There is a long trip report of the trip my wife and I took in 2012, Rome and Sorrento. Click my screen name and you will be able to find it under trip reports. The Sorrento portion chronicles our day in Pompeii and Herculaneum, our trip to Capri, and our time in Naples, and mirrors the latest advice you have gotten about the Amalfi Coast area, and, yes, I know that Sorrento isn't actually on the Amalfi coast, but it is a great hub for seeing everything in the area without the torture of the bus system.
Apr 29th, 2016, 10:41 AM
#37
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<<We are thinking of 14 touring days and want to cover a huge area.>>
WHY?
You do realize, I hope, that you could rent a lovely place in any number of places in Italy for 14 days, or two places for 7 days each, take daytrips and see innumerable sights, still have a great vacation, and actually enjoy yourselves instead of the constant packing up and moving on...
I just do not understand why people want to go to parts of the world where the whole point of living is relaxation and enjoyment of the small, important things in life and want to rush through it like a storm.
WHY?
You do realize, I hope, that you could rent a lovely place in any number of places in Italy for 14 days, or two places for 7 days each, take daytrips and see innumerable sights, still have a great vacation, and actually enjoy yourselves instead of the constant packing up and moving on...
I just do not understand why people want to go to parts of the world where the whole point of living is relaxation and enjoyment of the small, important things in life and want to rush through it like a storm.
Apr 29th, 2016, 11:07 AM
#38
Technically do-able but extremely hectic. It will be an exhausting trip & one big blur of all the places you quickly passed thru.
Skip Venice? Of everything on your list that is the ONE thing I would keep for sure!!
Skip Venice? Of everything on your list that is the ONE thing I would keep for sure!!
Apr 30th, 2016, 05:44 AM
#39
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Suze--While of course I would like to see Venice and that's why it was on my list originally when asking my family what they are most interested in--Pompeii and the Amalfi area seems to win out.
AJPeabody thanks for pointing me toward your trip report--very interesting. I took some notes.
If we skip Venice--then how about
Rome- 5 nights
Sorrento 5 nights
Florence 5 nights
Is this better?
How to juggle transport in between them? I read that there are some flights going direct from the US to Pisa so maybe can start in Florence or end in Florence.
So one option Florence to Sorrento--long train ride through Naples or Salerno and end in Rome to be closer to return airport?
Or round trip Rome--then what would be a logical order if there is one?
I need some more suggestions here.
I read some pretty horrible stories about the Naples train station--unsavory characters trying to steal you bags, groups of pickpockets etc. I also read there is a bus that goes direct from Rome to Sorrento but that would take 3 and a half hours. What do you recommend?
There is a train to Salerno--is that station any better? But then how would you transfer with luggage from Salerno to Sorrento doesn't seem feasible at all.
This still needs a lot of work--that's why I am starting real early and appreciate all your helpful advice!
AJPeabody thanks for pointing me toward your trip report--very interesting. I took some notes.
If we skip Venice--then how about
Rome- 5 nights
Sorrento 5 nights
Florence 5 nights
Is this better?
How to juggle transport in between them? I read that there are some flights going direct from the US to Pisa so maybe can start in Florence or end in Florence.
So one option Florence to Sorrento--long train ride through Naples or Salerno and end in Rome to be closer to return airport?
Or round trip Rome--then what would be a logical order if there is one?
I need some more suggestions here.
I read some pretty horrible stories about the Naples train station--unsavory characters trying to steal you bags, groups of pickpockets etc. I also read there is a bus that goes direct from Rome to Sorrento but that would take 3 and a half hours. What do you recommend?
There is a train to Salerno--is that station any better? But then how would you transfer with luggage from Salerno to Sorrento doesn't seem feasible at all.
This still needs a lot of work--that's why I am starting real early and appreciate all your helpful advice!
