One week Italy- November
 

Hi, so this is my first trip to Italy and It will just be my brother and I. We are two guys in their early 20s and we have to travel the third week in November. We already have plane tickets to NYC to leave from as our departure city, but now we are trying to figure out where to fly in/out of for our 10 day Italy trip (2 days travel). We were thinking of flying into Rome and out of Milan because of decent airfare, but are open to any suggestions. We also didn't know if perhaps we should try to stay out of northern Italy in the third week of Nov. because of the weather...

Any suggestions or advice on planning our trip would be awesome!
Thanks,
Will

3rd week Nov will be poor in the North and most of Italy, Sicily is the most likely to be pleasant. Days are also short.

If I had this opportunity and I was going to tough out the weather then I'd do Rome, Florence, Milan with roughly 2 whole days in each.

Since it's your first trip get to understand the protocol at coffe bars

Hi Will,

Check out
Fly into Venice, 3 nights,
Train to Florence - 3 nights
Train to Rome - 2 nights
Fly home.

Enjoy

I would do 3 nights Venice (your first day will be in a fog from jet lag) then two nights Florence and three in Rome. So much to see in Rome! Unless you are huge art fans and want to see as much of it as possible in Florence.

Actually, I would even take a day from Venice and add it to Rome, but that would be my preference. Others may disagree.

I have been to Italy many times and do prefer the cooler months of October and November as I am from Chicago. I am returning this November as well. A few years ago we were in Milan then up north to Lago di Como in November and the weather was wonderful. You will need a light jacket and a scarf. Please, no heavy knitted "sports" scarves, after all you are in Europe. Personally, if you are two brothers in your twenties, I would skip Venice as that town is romantic. Unless of course it is your dream to see Venice, then of course go. Florence is spectacular as is Rome. Try not to fit too much in. Florence, Rome and Milan are easy to travel to by train. A good suggestion is to fly in to Rome then home from Florence or Milan. If you are going to Florence, make sure you reserve in advance your tickets to the main museums. Rick Steves travel books has the info and numbers needed. Go to your local library for those books. I hope this helps. Enjoy!!

The protocol in bars, whether you are having a drink or a coffee.

There are three prices, posted on the wall.
Cheapest – have your coffee standing at the bar (al banco).
More expensive – have your coffee at a table inside (al tavolo)
Even more expensive – have your coffee at a table outside (terrazzo) if the place has outside tables

It is poor manners to order your coffee at the bar, and then take it to a table. Tips are not expected.

Honestly, as two young guys on your first trip, I think you should take the airfare bargain, then plan from there.

There must be things you've always wanted to see in Italy. What are they?

yes, Will, it will be easier for us to offer advice if we know what types of things you and your brother enjoy. Is it scenery? Food? Art? History?

Of course, I'm one of those people who feel that anyplace in Italy is better than anyplace not. :)

Go for the bargain tix. I think 4 nights Rome, 3 nights Florence, 2 nights in Milan. But you will get 100 more suggestions. :)

You have the time- go to your local big box book store. Find the travel section. Look through the travel guides on Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice and Italy in general. Then decide what you think you must see on this trip.

I would never advise less than 3 days in Rome, though. You can hardly get Vatican city done in that amount of time, let alone the rest of Rome.

One other suggestion. Since you have a short stay in each city, DO try to budget for a private or semi-private tour guide to take you through your most-desired site. You will get SO much more out of your trip.

There is another thread on this site that you can search for that reviews tour guides we have all used in Italy. Worth a look. My personal favorite in Rome, Francesca Caruso. Group tours with Context Rome.

Buon viaggio! You will fall in love and start planning your next trip before you are even home!

Thanks for all the advice everyone, it's really helpful!

@Sarg56- we're probably interested primarily in history and food, not exactly art fanatics.

@Tuscanlifeedit- I would really like to see the amalfi coast in particular, but I wasn't sure how it could fit into my schedule

Also, to be more clear we have 10(2 travel) days in Italy from nov. 18-27

Hopefully this clears up my "wish list", happy to hear any suggestions!