My husband and I and another couple of two want to go to Italy for one week next Jan or Feb. (this is the only time we can all go, plus its the off season). Now, I know it'll be a little cooler and drearier at that time, but thats all we can go. Anyway, I was wondering what the best kind of trip was. We were thinking of visiting Rome, Venice, Florence/tuscany. Or I heard that the Alfami (sp) coast is nice and we should go there instead. I guess I'm wondering what would be reasonable in seeing all that we could w/o feeling rushed in a weeks timeframe. I'm also not against staying in one place and making day trips if that is more cost effective. We've never been to Italy so we don't know how long each place would take to see. We are interested in sightseeing mainly. Maybe some winetastings? I think the other couple and my husband are interested in things like the colessium or ancient rome. I like medieval type things. So should we go south or north? Pick one city or a couple?

I would pick one or two places. If you do one you could do a day trip or two. Amalfi Coast would probably be better in warmer weather. I was there in early December one year and it was nice, but I was not looking beaches or anything like that.

You should probably get a guidebook and start from there.

How many days will you actually be there 5 or 7?

Is this your first trip to Italy.

Assuming this is your first trip to Italy and you are limited to one week, I would not stay in more than two places. The big three- Rome,Venice,Florence-are very well served by rail and easily used. Pick two locations and try to get air travel that is open jaw--in one place and out another. This will save backtracking to get your return flight.

While the Amalfi coast is nice, it is virtually shut down during your travel timeframe-- and besides its the dead of winter. "Tuscany" can be toured from Florence but not by rail--cars are a must whether by private tour guide or hire. This is where the classic winetasting venues are found but there are plenty of opportunities everywhere.

You need to get a travel guide and determine the priorities of your group. Pick the two best locations and figure out your must-sees and the necessary timelines. My guess is you will have a great time and will want to schedule a return. Remember--you can't see everything (even in two locations) in a one week trip. Paul

Good advice from macanimals . I would choose only two places and enjoy them at a slower pace. How about Rome plus Florence.? Certainly a week is not much to visit these two fantastic destinations. The train connection is excellent between both cities. Or you can fly to Florence take the train to Rome and depart from Rome back home. This will save you money and time.
The train in Florence leaves you inside the city also in Rome although the termini area is not the most charming.
There is so much between Rome and Florence that you will have your hands full.

Hi C,

You have only one week, in Feb. That's City weather.

Definitely the wrong time of year for the Amalfi Coast or the Cinque Terre.

A: Fly into Venice - 3 nights, train to Florence - 3 nights, fly home from Pisa PSA or Florence FLR.

B: Spend a week in Rome and vicinity.

Enjoy your visit.