Too much time in Venice?
 

Really, this is not a dumb question. I am planning to take a two week honeymoon in Italy, beginning of July, and expect to be arriving and departing in Rome. That will leave 10 nights in Venice. I am a bit concerned that we will go stir crazy in Venice which seems like a smallish area, and don't know if it is possible to do day trips from there. Should we plan to stop over somewhere in between? Probably will take a train but have no reservation about driving a car. Whatever makes for a more enjoyable trip. Neither of us has ever been to Italy before. Any thoughts on that? Jim

Ten nights in Venice would be fine for me, but you have to weigh that against all the other things there are to see in the region. If it were my trip, I'd spend half in Venice and the other half wandering the Veneto. Settle down in Vicenza or Padua and make daytrips by car from there. There are a million things to see in the area.

"Stir crazy"

I'd advise spending at least four nights in Rome, it seems the logical thing to do, whilst Venice is popular I detest the place, smelly, crowded, expensive and hideously overrated. That said, if it's your first visit five nights will be enough, and most probably leave you wanting more.

Hi boxer,

2 weeks is perfect for Rome, Florence and Venice.

How about this?

Arrive FCO train to Rome TE. Train directly to Venice (4 1/2 hrs). Spend 3 nights.

Train to Florence (2 3/4 hr) spend 6 nights. Daytrip to Siena and daytrip to Lucca.

Train to Rome (1 1/2 hr) spend 4 nights.
Daytrip to Orvieto and, maybe, daytrip to Ostia Antica or Pompeii.

See these links

Ira?s Trip Report
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34451044

Helpful Information: Italy http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34443340

Trenitalia Tickets Online
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34465647

Gee m_k,

How could so many of us be so wrong?

I might add that we have found a room with a view and balcony overlooking the Grand Canal, which I am told is a rare find. WE will be spending much of our time in our room. : ) I am not inclined to give it up for a night in the country for views that resemble anything in the States. I am not familiar with the areas of which you speak. I have, however, seen some nice views oceanside. For instance, in Ravello on the Amalfi coast. How far is that out of the way (real world travel time, that is)?

"WE will be spending much of our time in our room. : ) "

Can we get any more vulgar? Let's not disguise what you mean here. Either you will be having cups of tea, or as an American would say "making love". Then, my dear really it doesn't matter where you will be does it?

Ira,

I guess I would like to hear your reasons for splitting the trip up, and going to the hassle of packing. Is there something special and spectacular to experience in Florence that Venice doesn't have? (Please be kind, I haven't been there...) : )

M-K, maybe its a matter of the heart! I have been places that others find romantic, say Paris, and been underwhelmed. I tend to not be so impressed by landmarks (like Disney...lol). Fortunately, my sniffer isn't the best, but I have to say my fiancee has a rather sensitive one. Would you say it smells like musty wine or sewage water? I suppose folks could differ on the first, but not the latter. Hmmm. I value the opinions.

When I think of Rome I think of traffic and smog, but Iwe would brave it (not miss it) to drive by the various ancient relics, which I figure we can do in a day or two. Wrong??

Another scenario:

3 Nights Rome
Rent Car and drive
3 Nights in Tuscany/Umbria (set up a base in a hill town villa or hotel where you can enjoy many of the other hill towns by driving to them or relax in the area where you are staying (perhaps Pienza, Montalcino, Siena...there are plenty to choose from, and there is plenty of info on this board about most all of them)
Drive to Florence and ditch the car.
2 or 3 Nights Florence
Train To Venice
3 or 4 Nights Venice
Train to Rome
Arrivederci Roma

Just a thought. Have a great time. Drink lots of wine.
((H))

M_K...vulgar? (I think I mentioned it will be our honeymoon.) Not to be another rude American, but maybe the reason you dislike Venice has something to do with your taste (and smell) for romance?

My dear I detest Disney, what on Earth gave you the idea I'd even allow its mention in my prescence? Romance isn't a place, romance isn't a thing, romance is a feeling that only two people in love can inspire between them. That's as naff as I get.

Other people have made excellent recommendations and you shun them. Who has been there, who hasn't? Please remind me, perhaps I'm a little confused.

Venice is far more touristy even, than Rome. Florence is picturesque, Venice is terribly overrated even if you will be spending most of your time in your room making out, after all you brought this up, not me, let's not be ashamed. So maybe you shouldn't bother with the hassle of packing at all and stay at home if you are going to dismiss other traveller's (i.e. not myself) opinions and endeavours to help you.

OK, thanks everyone, please elaborate on the thoughts/need to see Florence or Tuscany areas. I should mention that I grew up in wine country and I am looking for uniquely Italian and hopelessly romantic destination.

When you get to this hopelessly romantic destination, what would you like to do (besides stay in the room)? Sit and enjoy the view? Look at art? Tour ancient ruins? Eat well? Shop? A little insight into your interests could help us help you.

Why are you going to Venice? Is it because other people go there? Romantic destinations don't exist, I'm sure there are some people who find a nuclear power station hopelessly romantic.

Boxer12 is sadly a bland person who enjoys the basal functions of life, little evolved from those of cavemen and women. I don't think she'd like art, maybe Disney would suit you afterall?

Hi boxer,

The reason for breaking up your trip is that 10 days in Venice is great for when you are more interested in art and architecture than romance. By visiting other places, you add more venues for Romance.

Since you seem to share my aversion to Rome, how about:

You could fly into Rome, immediately train to Venice, fly or train to Naples or Salerno and visit the Amalfi Coast before returning to Rome for a night before going home.

You could fly into Rome, immediately train to Venice for a 5 nights, then go to Florence for 6 nights, train to Orvieto for 2 nights, before taking the train to Rome and the airport.

I assure you, Italy isn't Kansas.

PS: Sorry to hear you were underwhelmed by Paris. You were given a bum steer.

This thread certainly has taken on a contentious air, in a very short time!

I'll start with your title question - - yes, I think it IS too much time in Venice, especially now that you tell us that

<<I should mention that I grew up in wine country and I am looking for uniquely Italian and hopelessly romantic destination>>

Venice is romantic, but I think that both Rome and Venice are bad places for your first 24 hours in Italy. I recommend an "easy" city like Verona or Florence. Verona has the advantage that it is so close to Venice you can arrive in Venice well before noon, and this get (a) relatively full day(s) in before spending the night in Venice. For some, especially if budget is a constraint, then you might get by with as little as two days and one night in Venice - - or three days and two nights.

It IS really special, and since the first 24 hours are either fatigue-ridden, disorienting, grumpy or in a daze, I say why waste that expensive loding of Venice on the time you are not at your best to enjoy iy. I am opposed to Rome, but almost for a polar opposite reason. Rome is SO, SO intense that it is jarring to fatigued frayed nerves - - and it can set a first-time visitor to hate Rome. I think it makes for a nice ending, or if you are headed south of Rome, it works fine in the middle, too.

But you asked for hopelessly romantic... well, that has to be either Lake Como or the Amalfi Coast, I would think - - and since you have two weeks, I would give a full four days to one or the other.

So, how to string all this together? Well, I don't believe that there is one perfect way. Let's assume that you are willing/able to fly into Verona - - two nights there, two nights Venice, four nights Bellagio (Lake Como), two nights Florence, four nights Rome. It does involve a certain amount of seemingly circular travel, but that's how I would plan it for you.

Or start in Florence - - more or less same thing, except that you are left with the long haul from Bellagio to Rome, since you will have already visited Florence at the beginning; with a Florence start, you might spend three nights there (one day trip? to Siena? Lucca? the Chianti?), and then one night Verona, instead of two.

I would think that having a car fom the time you leave Venice until you arrive in Florence or Rome would be a great idea.

Whatever your decisions, congratulations on your new life in marriage, and...

Best wishes,

Rex

p.s. Se my later postings on http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34478615 about a wedding plan that will make you WEEP with envy!

OK, our interests, thats a good point. We love to go out for elegant dinner, brouse and buy artwork, antiquities, and enjoy a sunset stroll. I have lived in mountains and wine country, so that is commonplace to me. I have been to many world class beach resorts, so that is again, fairly common. We were thinking that Venice is UNCOMMON, ie., UNIQUE, and ROMANTIC. Don't confuse "uncommon" with "unpopular." I am well aware of the 'tourist' factor. To put unique in perspective, I mean for me, vineyards are beautiful but not unique (to me).

Hi boxer,

Have you considered the Villa San Michele in Florence?

http://www.villasanmichele.com/web/o...a1a_splash.jsp

What's "Brouse"? Lots of bridges, lots of people, I hate it, do Capri, Amalfi, Positano so much more relaxing. Mind you I do those places, my dear stay with the crowds in Venice, and spend your time in your room hopelessly in love with each other.

"But you asked for hopelessly romantic... well, that has to be either Lake Como or the Amalfi Coast, I would think - - and since you have two weeks, I would give a full four days to one or the other." Rex, can you elaborate? Slower pace, I presume? Fresh air? Scenic vistas?

Ira, I am still a little vague on the benefits of Florence. I have a general notion that is a visually appealing place. Why do you recommend that particular location and hotel?

As far as finances, which someone mentioned, I don't think $260E a night in Venice is expensive. I have seen a 5 star on Amalfi coast that was $900E a night and think that is a bit much.

You're far too picky, go to some cheap motel, stay in your room, have an elegant dinner, go back to your room, have an elegant dinner, go back to your room.... think of the money you will save!

Ira, a quick look at Villa St. Michelle and its pretty impressive. Some beautiful pics of Florence that say a thousand words.. OK, I think we should have to see a bit of Florence. : )

Now, what about Lake Como? I shall have to explore that idea.

Rome, I don't mean to suggest I dismiss it. More interesting are the comments that seem to put Rome and Venice on a par as far as pace and congestion. Is that true? Maybe I need to research Venice more. The photos, and webcams, of course, never seem to show the congestion.

My husband and I went to Venice and I have to agree it is overrated. Expensive and people are not as friendly as Florence. I will find the web site I used for Florence and send it... used to be charmingflroence.com but is has since changed. I have a few hotels that were incredible - and reasonable ! The food was wonderful, the people fabulous. They have a great market on the weekends which are good for all types of things - esp leather. There are walking tours of the city that offer spectacular views (again, I will check my book and tell you the name of the book - fits in your back pocket and is wonderful). You can also take day trips from there - to Siena, Bologna, etc. I have been to Florence twice for long weekends and never tire of it, its food, wine, people and scenery !

mlh, thanks, that would be appreciated.

I have to say I am surprised at the overall reaction to Venice as a destination. Of course, the reason for my question is that I wondered if it would be worthwhile to stay 10 days. My typical vacation is 10-14 days, as I find 7 days to short. I don't usually 'eurotrip', my term, ie., string destinations together. It is interesting to me that virtually everyone suggests doing that, particularly on a honeymoon. Hmmm.

As far as Paris, I have only been there on business and overnight en route to Africa. Although I found Africa far more interesting, I didn't get to experience Paris with a lover. I am sure that would make all the difference, but since I have been there, don't want to consider it for a honeymoon. Go figure.

<<Slower pace, I presume? Fresh air? Scenic vistas?>>

Yes, yes, and yes. and even more than that... world-class architecture (Villa Balbianiello), world-class restaurants (Villa d'Este), and delightful shopping, boating, and oh... I babble on.

Villa San Michele? Yes, yes and yes. Excellent suggestion, ira...

And don't let ANYone talk you out of Venice... unless you would also be talked out of all the other great tourist destinations in the world - - where a lot of other DO, indeed, congregate. Unique? You betcha. Uncommon? as a five-leaf clover.

Definitely go to Venice, it is truly magical. My hubby and I stayed there for part of our honeymoon last May. We adored it. There is no other place like it, it is like being in a postcard.

Saying that though, I dont think I would choose to spend 10 days there. We also went to Assisi in Umbria and fell in love with the Umbrian countryside. Its a wonderful place. I would spend maybe 1/2 the time in Venice, and half the time in a quieter place. Rex always gives good advice, any suggestions he has would be great!

Best of luck and congrats on your upcoming wedding!

"little evolved from those of cavemen and women..." WHAT?

For ease of travel, why not visit Rome for a few days either upon arrival or before leaving Italy? Rome is a wonderful historic (and modern) city and really much different from Venice. I love Rome, but then, I am a big city person.

Venice is romantic (provided you aren't there in the heat of the summer). You will love it. Be sure to spend some time outside your room and defintely venture to the areas beyond St. Marks (while St. Marks is magnificent, the surrounding area is touristy). There are also the islands of Murano and Burano nearby or Padua about an hour away. There is plenty to keep you interested in Venice for at least 5 days. That leaves 5 other days for Rome as I mentioned or a few days in Florence which is easily reached from Venice en route to Rome by train or vice-versa.

The Amalfi coast is OUTSTANDING but
a bit out of the way from the itinerary you have planned - but in 2 weeks, it could be done.

Trifle yourself not, boxer12, over the drool and incoherent ramblings that come out of the mouth of a misanthrope.

Why does everyone congratulate newly or soon to be wedded couples?

It's insincere courtesy, while you do not wish them any harm, and do indeed want them to be happy, you're largely indifferent. If they were to divorce, you would not be heartbroken, I'm sure.

Harsh criticisms aside, it's quite obvious that the original poster has done very little research prior to starting this thread. Ira, Rex and others, you are almost being too kind with your advice, considering how little research the original poster has obviously done.
My advice to original poster Jim is to go to library or local bookstores, get some books on Italy and start reading. Also do a few google searches! Then, come back with your questions.
You also seem to make snap judgments, i.e., you say were underwhelmed by Paris, yet you later say you were only there overnight on business.

Thank you all for the best wishes! I think its sweet.

I think I shall propose (to my lovely and highly evolved fiancee)an early checkout from Venice to go for a couple nights in Amalfi then back to Rome for a couple nights.

But what about Florence?

then again, maybe go direct to Capri for a few nights to get our groove on, then jet up to Florence for four or five, then Limo (so we can keep our groove on (sorry to be so vulgar M_K...not)) around to various towns for sightseeing, then jet to Venice for a few romantic evenings, then waste ourselves for a few days in Rome before "Arrivaderci Roma."


Next question, is that too much traveling for our honeymoon?

Hmmm...This is getting difficult and will require a lot more planning than I anticipated.
: )

m_kingdom: It may be insincere courtesy, but let's face it, ANY sort of courtesy on your part would be welcome.

boxer: I have to agree with Howard. You haven't done much work on this trip, and now that it seems you're going to be in more than one place, well, you're just going to have to.
On the one hand, you say you've never been to Italy before. On the other, you are dismissing good advice from people who have. So stick your nose into a bunch of travel guides in some depth and you'll soon be able to draw some conclusions on your own.

I truly appreciate everyone's advice. I have spent hours on the internet and you see that in spite of it, I am not set on a plan. There are just too many factors to just give me the logistics of a proposed trip. I appreciate the links and specific suggestions the most, especially from other honeymooners. I welcome any additional thoughts. That's all for now.

My wife and I spent a week in Florence and a week in Venice. Neither stay was long enough to see all we had wanted, but our interests are heavily into art, architecture, and history. Florence has all three, with great cuisine, and shopping that many praise (my wife is not into shopping!), but is a bit hectic because of all the traffic. Venice, while compact, has untold riches to explore, and should be even more pleasant if M_K is not going to be there.

On a two week honeymoon, I would suggest you limit yourselves to two destinations, or you will lose too much time to packing and moving.

Boxer, congrats on your upcoming wedding! I personally love Venice...have only been once, for two short days, but am planning for a week there in Sept. I don't think 10 days is too much, and especially on a honeymoon, wouldn't want to be packing and moving every few days. But if you think 10 days is too much, what about spending a few days around Bolzano? I'm considering that as our stop after Venice. Looks like beautiful scenery, very relaxing. Just another idea for you to consider!

Anne

Thank you Anne. Any favorite links to that area?

Thanks for your input Cleveland...I was beginning to think I was crazy not wanting to jitterbug around Italia.

I found a nice looking hotel in Florence, in the city center area, called HOTEL MONNA LISA A GREAT HOTE. It is not rated anywhere I can find, but pics look elegant and quant. Anyone know of it? (I found it on travelocity if you want to look at it.) Its about $350 USD a night. Is this a good area for elegant restaurants, museums, shopping?

Sounds more expensive than necessary for Florence... but it's your money.

Not that there is anything wrong with this... but the attacks that you have not done much research, Jim... are coming from the fact (I think) that you are thinking out loud and posting here simultaneously...

I get the feeling that your problem is not that you haven't done any research... you need to spend one hour laying out to your fiancee some of the stuff that has moved you the most...

and then start ASSIMILATING...

Hi boxer,

As Rex suggests, it is time to start focusing.

Venice, Amalfi Coast and Rome is too much.

Did you read my trip report? We spent six full days in Florence with an additional 5 days for daytrips.

Just what is your budget?

For a "hopelessly romantic" hotel in Florence, I highly recommend the Hotel Torre di Bellosguardo, although it books up way in advance. It's an old palazzo up on a hill with beautiful gardens and pool with a FANTASTIC view of Florence and the Duomo. I can't think of a more perfect place to honeymoon.
Best wishes!
Marcy