Hi

Start with Florence, Tuscany and Rome Lots to see and do, lots of history, beautiful scenery etc. Here are my trip reports:
Florence: http://gardkarlsen.com/florence_italy_travelogue.htm
Rome: http://gardkarlsen.com/rome_italy.htm

Happy planning

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

The whole country is wonderful and it is tempting to try to do too much. I think you are wise to pick two or three places for a first trip.
I would recommend picking just two of the "big three" but which two is not so easy. Personally I would choose Rome and Florence with a few day trips from them to more rural areas. But if you asked my husband he would say Rome and Venice (and a lot of other people on the forum certainly agree that Venice is in the "not to be missed" category). I do think Rome is a must and that it is much most enjoyable if you spend at least a week there.

Since you are planning extended stays in a few places, you should definitely consider renting an apartment. Good value for the money compared to hotels.

You have received lots of varying advice. In St. Cirq's defense, she's right that we could give more useful advice if you gave more information. Art, architecture and culture are available everywhere in Italy, and there are dozens of don't-miss places!

But, tell us more. Do you want to rent a car for part of the trip, or are you adamant not to do that? Do you enjoy big cities? Do you want a combination of cities and country? Do you want the coast (either Cinque Terre or Amalfi)? People can make suggestions all day long, but they'd be more to the point if you told us more.

If you don't want a car, I would fly into Venice and stay there 4 nights, train to Florence for 4 nights with 1 or 2 daytrips to Tuscan towns, then train to Rome for 5 nights and fly home from there. But maybe that doesn't appeal to you at all!

In defence of St Cirq, it is difficult to see such a question (No matter how well intentioned) without a slight grimace.

It is like asking "I want to see all of the US, I have two weeks - is one day enough for New York?", and if the answer is "yes, providing you only want to have your photo taken at the Statue of Liberty and on top of Empire State Building"

I have been fortunate enough to visit Italy about twice a year for the last 6 years, and havn't began to see all of the "must sees", I could easily spend two weeks just in Rome, Florence or Venice.

Take the advice of others on this thread, pick two or three places and concentrate on them. Italy has the way worming it's way into your consiousness if you let it. It is better to see some of the must sees and enjoy them than try and see too much and hate the whole trip.

And wherever you go, stay long enough to soak up the atmosphere of the place. I suggest renting an apartment in each of two places. Shop in the little local grocers and street markets for your food. Sit at a cafe in the piazza and watch Italian life. If you are in a big tourist city wander away from the "sights" and into a neighborhood with few tourists to feel the difference. (This is a must in Venice, for sure!)

Then if you want to see something else, take a day trip but come "home" to your apartment at the end of the day and relax.

Charnee

I agree that Rome and Florence are "must see" for anyone interested not only in art and architecture, but in history as well. Just remember to book a "tranquil" inside room, as the streets are noisy and you will feel like you are trying to sleep in a bowling alley. Don't go sleeveless or wear shorts. Italy is very particular about that. I would book an apartment in Florence and take the trains to Rome or Venice, as I have found Florence much cheaper to rent than Rome or Venice, which is outrageous in price. Florence is very compact, easy to walk almost anywhere, as long as you stay in the city proper. Metro in Rome, walking in Florence. Book reservations for the big museums in Florence several days ahead. Watch out for pickpockets! Had to deck one on the Metro in Rome...don't think he appreciated looking at the floor...

Thanks again for all of your replies, as you have given us a great place to start. In reply: We (two adults) live in a big city and enjoy big cities, particularly European. We also loved the south of France and the small towns, so making a decision about what not to miss can be tough. If it is possible (and it appears that it is) to see Rome, Florence and Venice all in one trip, I think that is where we will start, with a couple of day trips from there. We are not averse to renting a car, but I think we would prefer to take the train from city to city. Perhaps we will rent a car in Florence for a day trip or two, but are open to any other ideas.

There are many daytrips you could take from FLorence that would not need a car.

Pisa and Lucca can both be done by train while Siena, San Gimignano are easy to reach by bus. The local bus to Fiesole is a short trip up into the hills that is well worth doing.

Based on this additional information, I would definitely recommend the itinerary I suggested above.

Susan P., Just to let you know, we have decided to follow your itinerary (albeit backwards). Flying into Rome, spending 5 days, then a train to Florence for another 5 days, then on to Venice for 4 days.

Are considering some of the side trips from Florence, including Sienna. Without a car should this just be a day trip or should we stay one night in Sienna? Can we easily travel from Sienna to Venice without a car, or will it be necessary to double back to Florence to catch the train?

A daytrip from Florence to Siena is better done by bus. Siena is a hilltown and the bus stop is in town while its train station is outside town down the hill. It is easily done as a daytrip. I would not bother to change hotels for just a one-night stay, but you may feel differently.

Yes, to get from Siena to Venice by train you will probably pass through Florence.

A gondola ride in Venice was like heaven to me.

The Cinque Terre for 4 days, Venice for 4 days, and either Florence, Rome or Umbria for the last seven days.
Lake Como is fantastic but you probably will not have time.

I think 3 places is plenty as you lose a day each time you move to another city. Just my humble opinion and having just completing a four week trip to Italy.