Hello all you experts

We fly into Rome via Air Canada,from Seattle,early on the 16th and back out of Rome on the 27th, around 11:15, I see the 27th as a wash, and realize that not much will be accomplished on the 16th either. RT w/Rome was just way cheaper than open jaw, although I have seen it work (BT-store.com) in the past. I have read and learned much from this forum. I know that I will tour with hillsandroads to see the Val d'Orcia area, Montalcino and a few wineries, thank you so much for the info! Friends who have been to Rome, and who I trust, are sure that we will want to see the big sites and get out. I also have learned, thanks Ira, that Florence is a terrific base for traveling to Cortona, Bologna, Siena, S. Gimignano, Pisa, Lucca and beyond. I know that there are buses outside Santa Maria Novella train station that can take us on additional wine tours for a reasonable price. I know to reserve ahead for the popular attractions. One thing I need to make clear, we will not rent a car for this trip, it is way too expensive and my husband does not drive a manual, I am not comfortable driving manual on hills. We both have done quite well in the past using metro and trains, especially in France.

Is there any way that makes sense, to see Rome, Florence and Venice within this time frame? My instincts tell me "no" - to concentrate on Rome and Florence this time around but I want to be sure I am on the right track. We are flexible and open to suggestions, except for the car issue. I am thinking, for a future trip, flying into Switzerland and train through the Alps, see the lake country and visit Venice.

One more thing, from people who have been there, is the Cinque Terre overrated? This is one place that is within close striking distance and I have read from this forum that one night is sufficient.

To anyone who responds, thanks you very much. Actual experience is so valuable.

We just got back from a trip = one leg of which was

Venice 4 nights
Florence 3 nights
Rome 4 nights


We arrived in Venice in the early afternoon (flew in from Paris), and took trains.

I think it is very do-able. Can't see everything in that time - but it isnt' so much that you will feel rushed.

Pam

I agree that you can do Rome, Venice and Florence in 11 days, but not if you plan on also going to the many places you listed (i.e. Cortona, Bologna, San Gim., PIsa, etc.) You probably need to determine if you want to do just the big 3 cities or also have time to visit smaller towns. If you want to see the smaller towns as well, probably just do Rome and Florence and leave Venice for another time.

Don't shortchange Rome. There is more to Rome than just the major sites. Take some time to really experience it. We loved it!

Hi Soupnazi,
NO soup for you!
(Ok, sorry I HAD to get that out of the way.)

One quick question for you, how much cheaper was the RT in and out of Rome vs. the open jaw.
I LOVE the open jaw, trust me you won't want to back track, but I suppose if it was either back track or not go to Italy, then I would backtrack.
Let's get that question out of the way first, then proceed.
Just as a head's up, I think you could do it, as Pam did, I don't think I would do any day trips then, just concentrate on the R, F, & V.

If you arrive in Rome on the 16th in the AM, you can do a lot in the afternoon.

Arrival afternoon: you can see the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piaza Navona, Castle San Ageloe in the afternoon. This will get the blood flowing after a long flight as well as wake you up.

Rome 3.5-4.5 days
Florence 2-3
Venice the rest

You can either leave real early in the AM and take the train to the next town, or leave in the afternoon, or evening.

Possible side trips
Pompeii: full day from Rome
Lucca & Pisa: 3/4 to full day from Florence.
Dan G. and Sienna 3/4 to full day from Florence.

Whatever you decide, do not rush so fast that you see and enjoy nothing. Get a map and plot you days treks. Take taxis to the starting point of the days activities.

Hi soupnazi, in that you are flying in and out of Rome and with the other places you will be visiting I personally would skip Venice this trip and save it for your next trip that you mentioned. If you were say flying into Rome and out of Venice then of course that would be a different story. Others will probably have various opinions of course as we all have different travelling styles. I personally prefer to enjoy each place and not feel rushed. And every time you move on to another location you do lose a part of that day. Best wishes to you regarding your decisions.