domer83

I land in Milan in late July and fly out of Rome 7 days later. I am currently thinking about staying 3 nights in Rome, 2 nights in Florence and 2 nights in either Stressa or Sorrento. Does anyone have an opinion as to whether I should visit Sressa or Sorrento? Thanks.

Grassshopper

If you're flying out of Rome, Stressa is a long way away. Both are lovely, but they are quite different from eachother. Given your flight out of Rome, I'd pick Sorrento.

Start in Florence, then Rome, then Sorrento. Most here will tell you you're moving around too much.

sheri_lp

I haven't heard of Stressa, but I found a little tiny place called Stresa that's a little NW of Milan - is that the place you mean?

If so, maybe Sorrento is way out of your way if you only have 7 days?

PinotNoir

Stresa is a beautiful little town on the shore of Lake Maggiore. It was our last stop on a Rick Steves tour a few years ago. Lots to see and do there. Nice mountains and a very nice lake that you can ferry about to old castles, etc. If you were flying out of Milan, I'd say Stresa but Rome would be hard to get back to...

sheri_lp

But since they're flying into Milan, they could see Stresa first, then Florence, then Rome.

domer83

Thank you for all the replies. I'm thinking it might make sense to go straight from Milan's airport to Florence for 2 nights, then to sorrento for 2 nights and finish with 3 nights in Rome before flying home. In hindsight, I probably should have flown in/out of Rome.

Weadles

I think you have way too much traveling between destinations. And you're only stopping at each place for two or three days. Maybe you didn't realize how far Florence is from Sorrento? It's a very long drive, or about a half day worth of travel if you fly. Too much hassle, if you ask me.

I'd suggest you spend that extra two days in the Tuscan countryside, since you'll already be in Florence. Base first in a Tuscan town close to Florence like Radda, Greve, or Chianti, then head to Florence, and finally, the fast train to Rome. Makes much more sense, and less all over the place.

Have fun!

ira

Hi dom,

You have 6 nights in Italy and you are skipping Venice, giving short shrift to both Florence and Rome and planning to spend at least 1.5 days on a train.

I urge you to reconsider.

domer83

My wife and I have been to Venice before so that is why I was planning on skipping it this time. We have 7 nights (arriving 7/24, leaving 7/31). Any suggested itineraries for someone arriving in Milan and departing from Rome would be greatly appreciated. Celebrating our 20th anniversary. Thanks much.

Weadles

If your heart isn't set on Florence, you could:

Fly from Milan to Naples

Arrange pickup at the airport or take public transportation to Sorrento ( the drive takes less than an hour)

Stay in Sorrento and explore the Amalfi Coast and Capri for four days

Take Eurostar from Naples to Rome, or arrange private transfer from Sorrento to Rome

Spend three days in Rome

Fly home

Mimar

You'll really only have a day and a half in either Stresa or Sorrento. That's not much at all, especially for Sorrento, which is a transportation base for Capri, the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii and Herculaneum, Mt. Vesuvius, and more.

You could go directly from the Milan airport to Stresa, relax for a couple nights, maybe do the boat trip to the Borromean Islands. Or you could do your relaxing (and jetlag recovery?) on Lake Como, which is similarly close to Milan. Then continue to Florence and Rome.

But 3 stops in 7 days is a lot. Lots of people spend 7 days just in Rome. I think it would be better to just do Florence and Rome, with a daytrip or two. Plenty to do in those places.

jetsetj

kiss.

7 days

Either Stresa or Amalfi 3
Rome 4

StCirq

The mere fact that you are asking this question indicates you need to do a LOT more planning for this trip. You're asking about two completely, totally different type of destinations, as though you'd just picked them out of a hat. And way too much moving around for such a short period.

It's like asking "I fly into New York and 7 days later I fly out of Miami. Should I visit Cuba or Beaufort, NC?"

Forget both Stresa and Sorrento. Move logically north to south and spend a couple of days in Tuscany in the middle.

domer83

Thanks for all the comments about my planned itinerary. I think I will limit this vist to Rome and Sorrento. I have found a very cheap flight ($72 each) to Rome from Milan that departs three hours after we arrive in Milan. I'm thinking now that we'll stay three nights in Rome, train to Sorrento for 3 nights and then spend the last night night in Rome. Can anyone recommend an upscale (yet not break the bank)hotel in Rome? I've looked at TripAdvisor and am overwhelmed by the choices. Again, many thanks.

ekscrunchy

You need to be more precise--how much are you willing to spend on the Rome hotel?

One very popular option is the Albergo del Senato. It has only three stars but the accommodations and service are really closer to the 4-star level. The location is superb for tourists. July rates are in the euro 280 range.

http://www.albergodelsenato.it/

Weadles

Another recommendation for Albergo Del Senato. We've stayed there in one of their upper-floor rooms overlooking the Pantheon. It's a wonderful location, very walkable to much of historic Rome,(Colosseum is about a 30 min. walk) as well as the Trevi Fountain (15 minutes), and the Spanish Steps ( I think this took us a little less than 30 min.). There are tons of excellent restaurants/trattorias in the area, and also some of Rome's best gelaterias!!

Rooms at the hotel are simply decorated, and a little small unless you reserve one of the upper floor junior suites. Some come with tiny terraces and tables. But there's a lovely rooftop bar with an incredible view looking out over the Pantheon and the skyline of Rome.

Where are you staying in Sorrento??

domer83

I am looking to spend about $300-$325 per night in Rome. As for Sorrento, I am thinking about staying at the Hotel Minerva.

ekscrunchy

I stayed at the MInerva long ago. You do know that it is a walk from town, right?

domer83

I do. I'm told it is about a 10 minute walk but the views are spectacular. Do you recommend a hotel in town?