Rome alone or add somewhere else?
 

We have 8 nights planned to go to Italy next May. Initially I was thinking about just staying in Rome, but now am wondering if we should do 2-3 nights somewhere else. We could either do this via train or rent a car. What would you suggest and where would you go?? Thanks. I should add that I have only been to northern Italy...Milan and Venice.

Rome is so full of wonderful things to see and do, I wouldn't take a day away from it. Still,if you feel like you'd like a change of scenery, Florence, Pisa, Orvieto, Assisi and Naples are all good day trips by train.

Rome is full of treasures, but it's a pretty demanding place
You could spend 5 nights there, 3 nights elsewhere--Florence, Siena, Orvieto.

If we went to the area around Orvieto, what towns would you stay in? Is there enough to do to spend 2 nights in Spoteto? and one in Orvieto. I guess if we took the train to Orvieto and stayed there one night we could rent a car for 2 days and spend the other two nights ??

This question is aa much about you as it is about Italy. You've gotten a taste of Italy, would you like to see what is enthralling (to many of "us") about the smaller towns of Italy? Would you make a vacation of 8 nights in New York City? I would not, though many would, and neither their take on city vs. smaller towns - - nor mine - - is one better than another.

Best wishes,

Rex

Take the train to Pompei, great place to spend a day or two, and some nice small hotels near the entrance to the site. Or train up to Florence for a day or two. If you are really going to spend a lot of time in museums and churches, the 8 days in Rome is good if you've never been there. You could do the major sites in 4-5 days and spend 1-2 days in Florence. Florence is a must if you've never been there.

Hi,

Since you will only be in Rome for 8 nights, I suggest that you use it as your base and do day trips. One day to Orvieto, one day to Naples/Pompeii or Pompeii/Sorrento, one day to Pisa.

Eight days is long enough to see Rome and spend a few nights elsewhere....I suggest Sorrento or Positano. It would give you a chance to relax from the hectic pace of Rome. And it's absolutely beautiful. From Positano you can take days trips to Amalfi, Pompei, and Capri.

I know that history and art buffs who spend most of their time in museums and churches will disagree, but I think 8 days in Rome for the typical tourist is too intense. If you don't want to travel too far, I'd agree with the above suggestion of Siena or Orvieto for a few nights.

I would definately take the time to go to Venice even if it is just for one night. It is like no other city I have ever been too. It is great and well worth the trip.

Rome is in the center so you can visit other parts easily. Someone has mentioned southern Italy such as Naples and Sorrento. On the other hand it's also easy to visit Florence.