My husband and I are recent emptynesters. We've decided to celebrate our recent emancipation by vacationing in Italy, with a sidetrip to Switzerland (Lucerne & Zurich), from October 21 through November 5, 2005. Although this is our first time to travel to Europe alone (just the two of us... previous travels were always with kids and friends), we opted to take the risk of exploring the beautiful and romantic Italy on our own (versus joining tour groups) for the flexibility and freedom of choice and change.
Our plan is to stay 4 nights in Rome (our port of entry from USA), 4 nights in Florence (day trips to Sienna and Pisa), 3 nights in Venice (daytrip to Padua), and 3 nights in Lucerne, with Zurich as port of departure.
Considering travel time, we would effectively have just 3 days each in Rome and Florence, and 2 days each in Venice and Lucerne. That said, we are now seriously considering blowing off Switzerland and spending the whole vacation time in Italy instead, (even if it will cost $100 to change flight itinerary). Does this sound like a better idea? Or should we just stick to the plan? 2B or not 2B, this is the question.
BTW, we will be staying in convents in Rome (Padri Trinitari) and Florence (Suore Sant'Elizabetta), and an ex-convent (we were told) in Venice (Hotel Bellearti). Can anyone share his/her experiences and thoughts about these lodgings?
Hearing from all of you, well travelled Fodorites, will be very much appreciated.

How are you planning to travel around? Car/ train?

FYI a rail trip from Venice to Lucern would take between 6.5 and 7.5 hours with at least one change. The length of the trip will depend on which type trains you actually take. Check schedules on www.trenitalia.com [click on the "English" version]or www.bahn.de [click on "International Guests"]

I don't think there are many "budget" flights between Venice and Switzerland;(www.whichbudget.com) there may be something between venice (Marco Polo) and Geneva which would require a further rail trip to reach Lucern.

On the plus side the scenery between Venice and Lucern might be of interest.

With only a couple of days to spend you may be better off lengthening your time in Italy but others may offer different opinions.

While the train trip from Venice to Lucern is long, the ones between Rome and Florence and between Florence and Venice are under three hours so you don't necessarily have to loose much of a day. If you take an early train you could be in your next hotel by noon and still have most of the day. I've been to all the places you mention and I think your original plan sounds fine. The train through Switzerland is beautiful and can't be thought of as wasted time, it's part of the experience.

Splitting your time just between the Italian cities would not give you "too much" time but I don't think you'll feel shortchanged if you keep your plan and go to Switzerland.

Hi T,

>..we are now seriously considering blowing off Switzerland and spending the whole vacation time in Italy instead,...<

An excellent idea. I would fly into Venice (or Milan) and out of Rome or into Rome and out of Venice(or Milan).

An alternative, if you do RT from Rome, is to train immediately to Venice (you can sleep on the train) and then return via Florence.

Enjoy your visit.

I've never been to Lucerne but 3 days in Rome, 3 days Florence (with a day or two to Hill towns), and 2 days in Venice is more than enough time to explore. Around the same time we're going to 4 different Cities in 10 days, so you'll be fine

Hi. I'd leave your open-jaw ticket just the way it is. I think Lucerne will be a lovely contrast to your Italian experience.

The train trip from Venice to Lucerne is indeed long (but I can vouch for the Swiss part being beautiful). You might consider breaking the journey by staying one night in Lugano. (Take a day off of Florence or Rome perhaps.) Get an early start so you've got the afternoon there. That's my two cents. It looks to me like you folks have a healthy solution to emptynesting. Yea, you! J.