We decided yesterday that we *are* going to go to Italy in October, so we're about to start our planning (it's late for us; we're usually completely locked in six months before we go anywhere). We've been to Italy before, so we have lots of ideas and avenues to pursue.

But one question to begin: given our itinerary, does anyone have a directional preference? We want to do a week in Venice, a week in Umbria and three days in Rome, and we're leaning toward starting with Venice and working our way south. I'd love to hear opinions on what Fodor-ites think is the best way to go.

Thanks. I'm sure I'll be back with other questions once things get under way.

Well, of course you will get lots of opinions and ideas, so here is my 2 cents:

I would do the same!

Last trip, started in Venice, went to Rome because we needed to meet people there, and then to Umbria. Ultimately ended up in Rome again.

But logistically we would have done Umbria between Rome & Venice if it could have worked that way for us.

I like ending my trips in a big city, since I don't live in one...

Hi K,

I prefer into VCE and out of FCO.

Better flight schedules

You get used to Italy before you hit Rome.

Also in October I would move from North to South as the weather gets cooler..

The "conventional wisdom" on this board seems to be to start in Venice to ease into Italy...there are fewer "must dos", it's more relaxed in Venice, etc.

That, however, is exactly why we did Rome first and Venice last. I knew that at the first of the trip we would be all excited and energetic and ready for action-packed days. I knew that as the trip ended, we'd be more tired and more burnt out on museums or churches. It worked out really well for us.

Thanks to everyone who responded to my question. As it turned out, our itinerary was determined by the availability of the accommodations we were interested in. So it will be:
1)Arrive Rome, pick up car, drive to Umbria (just outside Assisi) -- this is OK for us; we've done the get-off-the-plan-and-into-the-car routine several times before, in other countries.
2)one week in apartment on farm in Umbria
3)one night somewhere between Umbria and Venice
4)Venice; drop off car; six nights in Venice apartment
5)Train to Rome: four nights in B&B
6)home

I will be asking lots of questions as time goes on (including soliciting suggestions for #3 above), but just wanted to get back to you who answered me with my thanks. If you think this is a good itinerary, let me know. If you don't -- don't let me know! It's too late! (No worries; we know it's good.)

Sounds like a good final plan, kagoo.

What about a night in Bologna as your in-between night?

Actually, in October & with a car, a guidebook (I like Alastair Sawday's Special Places to Stay - Italy for some great off the beaten track suggestions)and a cell phone to call ahead from the road, you could wing it for that stop. Nice sometimes to have that unplanned night.

But of course that depends on how you like to travel!

Where are you staying in Umbria & Rome?