linesout

Hey Fodorites,

So I'm hoping to go to Italy with my bf this September. The plan is to buy my ticket on my miles, and then split the cost of his. As such I am feeling rather conflicted on how this trip should go. I've only been to Milan for a few hours, so we'd be interested in most of the amazing locations Italy has to offer. We are early/mid 20s and enjoy history, architecture/scenery, good food, nightlife, and beach/coastal areas.

I would love to use my miles to buy a 9-10 day ticket: it would be pretty straightforward to fly into Venice, train to Florence, and then to Rome. However, to save money on his ticket it'd be cheaper to fly round trip, likely in and out of Rome. (Or, get a cheap easyJet flight from Rome to Venice). However, the Friday-next Sunday day tickets are naturally more expensive than, say, some Tuesday-Tuesday flights. I am wondering whether or not we can still accomplish a lot on such a schedule, or if we should bite the bullet on a more expensive ticket that lasts more days.

What kind of an itinerary would you suggest for us for 6-7 days, flying in and out of Rome? Keep it simple by doing just Rome and Florence? Heading out further to somewhere north like Cinque Terre or south to Positano?

Similarly, what kind of itinerary would you suggest for 9-10 days, flying into and out of Rome, in order to do a first-time trip to Italy justice?

Any sentiments are appreciated! Thank you.

Echnaton

Quick answer:

For 6-7 days, not more than two destinations. Travelwise, Rome and Tuscany would make sense.

For 9-10 days, three destinations are possible. In addition to Rome and Tuscany, you can stay at the Amalfi coast, visit historic Amalfi, the fantastic excavations of Pompeii, the Vesuvius and the excellent museum in Napoli. September will be a good time for the Amalfi Coast, since the crowds will have gone and weather will still be pleasant.

An alternative would be Venice, but I would save that for a future trip.

Cinque Terre might be an alternative, if you like hiking.

linesout

Thanks! I've been thinking along those lines; Venice is even doable on a Croatia/Slovenia trip. While this is my first trip to Italy, I daresay it won't be my last, right? Hehe.

Will def. look into your suggestions, and would love to hear others as well

AlessandraZoe

You still might consider spending the few extra bucks to do an Open Jaw ticket--IF it would make your overall travel plans easier, that is.

I have no knowledge of the current pricing or what your in/out city wants are, but from past experience, OJ often costs no more than RT, and even when it does not, the $$$ saved by not having to invest in extra ground transportation can make up for any $$$ extra spent in flight pricing.

krgystn

I would encourage you to extend your trip to two weeks if the ticket price is not too high. 9-10 days is not much in Italy (and this is coming from someone who was just there for 10 days.) Once you get into the groove, get over jet-lag it is already time to go home. Add a few days, who knows when you will be back?

Mimar

Usually plane tickets don't cost more for longer trips. And open jaws (multi-city) don't usually cost much more than round trip. And, with so few days, listen to what AlessandraZoe says. The trip back to Rome will cost money and take up part of your short vacation time.

With so few days I'd just do Rome and one other city. And, assuming a round trip to/from Rome, I'd travel -- by train -- to that other city on my arrival day.

I was just about to recommend the Amalfi Coast but I see Echnaton has beaten me to it. Maybe the AC instead of Florence. Unless you're fervent Renaissance art and architecture enthusiasts.

ellenem

linesout, Be sure to check flight possibilities using the "multi-city" option (into Venice or even Milan, home from Rome) on the airline websites. Some people try pricing two one way tickets, which is not the same as tickets booked "multi-city."

Also, don't forget to factor into your pricing of the multi-city ticket any extra money and vacation time spent on travel--like the Easy Jet flight or a long train ride-- as you weigh the best options. Is it worth it to you to save the money if you lose vacation time? Only you can decide best.

ekc

Definitely OJ and 9-10 days if you can do it. If you do 9-10 days, fly into Pisa or Florence, then train to Rome, then end in AC, flying out of Naples. If less than 9 days, just stick to Florence and Rome. It will not be your last trip, I promise! We did Florence/Tuscany/Rome in 10 days last September and loved it so much we are going back this October!

zeppole

>>We are early/mid 20s and enjoy history, architecture/scenery, good food, nightlife, and beach/coastal areas<<

I think you should spend the whole time in an apartment in Rome if you've only a week, with a day trip to the beach of Sperlonga.

It that seems nutty to you, or if you have a longer time, I suggest you split your time between Rome and Napoli.

An apartment in Rome will save you money and Napoli is a cheap wonderful city with great food, great art, easy access to great scenery, nightlife and an amazing history.

In fact, I'm tempted to tell you to spend all your time there -- but you might as well see Rome if you're flying in. ;-)

have a great trip!