Italy - 14 day trip - First Visit - Need Help
Jul 30th, 2012, 12:38 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Italy - 14 day trip - First Visit - Need Help
I am visiting Italy with a friend in October, first visit for both of us.
We have 14 full days altogether (not including travel days).
This is what we have planned so far, using some tips from fellow fodorites.
Fly into Venice, spend 2 days.
Then possibly take a train from Venice to Verona, then to Cinque Terre, then to Pisa enroute to Florence. How much time would we need for this? Is there a train?
Spend 2 days in Florence. Then from Florence, take day trips or bus or get a tour to Siena, Arezzo, Perugia, Assisi, Umbria (or some of these towns)? How much of this area can one cover in a day? Should we be staying in Siena?
I was thinking we could possibly visit some of these places on our way to Rome. We would prefer not to rent a car - is this doable?.
Spend 3-4 days in Rome (is this enough?).
From Rome, then travel down to Pompeii, Salerno, Isle of Capri.
Then back to Rome to fly home from there.
What are the logistics of doing a trip like this. Should we be doing EITHER Cinque Terre OR Capri/Almalfi and if so, which should we choose? I read in another post that it is the rainy season in CT in October. Looking forward to your comments.
We have 14 full days altogether (not including travel days).
This is what we have planned so far, using some tips from fellow fodorites.
Fly into Venice, spend 2 days.
Then possibly take a train from Venice to Verona, then to Cinque Terre, then to Pisa enroute to Florence. How much time would we need for this? Is there a train?
Spend 2 days in Florence. Then from Florence, take day trips or bus or get a tour to Siena, Arezzo, Perugia, Assisi, Umbria (or some of these towns)? How much of this area can one cover in a day? Should we be staying in Siena?
I was thinking we could possibly visit some of these places on our way to Rome. We would prefer not to rent a car - is this doable?.
Spend 3-4 days in Rome (is this enough?).
From Rome, then travel down to Pompeii, Salerno, Isle of Capri.
Then back to Rome to fly home from there.
What are the logistics of doing a trip like this. Should we be doing EITHER Cinque Terre OR Capri/Almalfi and if so, which should we choose? I read in another post that it is the rainy season in CT in October. Looking forward to your comments.
Jul 30th, 2012, 12:54 PM
#3
ok you have 14 days, and your trip looks like this:
Day 1 - fly into Venice spend 2 days [do you mean nights or days? - to give you a full day, you need 2 nights]
Day 3 - train to florence. this will take roughly 2 hours, give or take. you have time to stop off in Verona, not to go to the CT and Pisa as well without another overnight stop.
2 whole days in Florence plus a day trip - that takes you up to
day 7 - train to Sorrento. [will take 4 hours ish] use as base for Pompeii, Capri, Salerno.
Day 11 - train to Rome [2 hours] stay for rest of trip. gives you 3 1/2 days there.
I've put Rome at the end as it is where you are going home from and putting it at the end avoids splitting up the Rome leg of the trip. I would avoid the CT as the weather might be iffy and Sorento is that bit further south so the weather may be better, plus it gives you Pompeii.
IMO you do not have time for Arrezzo, Perugia or "Umbria" - which BTW is a province of Italy rather than a city so it's huge. You definitely don't have time for that. you may be able to fit Siena in as a day trip from Florence - get the bus from the bus-station next to the train station.
Day 1 - fly into Venice spend 2 days [do you mean nights or days? - to give you a full day, you need 2 nights]
Day 3 - train to florence. this will take roughly 2 hours, give or take. you have time to stop off in Verona, not to go to the CT and Pisa as well without another overnight stop.
2 whole days in Florence plus a day trip - that takes you up to
day 7 - train to Sorrento. [will take 4 hours ish] use as base for Pompeii, Capri, Salerno.
Day 11 - train to Rome [2 hours] stay for rest of trip. gives you 3 1/2 days there.
I've put Rome at the end as it is where you are going home from and putting it at the end avoids splitting up the Rome leg of the trip. I would avoid the CT as the weather might be iffy and Sorento is that bit further south so the weather may be better, plus it gives you Pompeii.
IMO you do not have time for Arrezzo, Perugia or "Umbria" - which BTW is a province of Italy rather than a city so it's huge. You definitely don't have time for that. you may be able to fit Siena in as a day trip from Florence - get the bus from the bus-station next to the train station.
Jul 30th, 2012, 12:58 PM
#4
Way, way too much in 14 days.
I would spend 4-5 nights/3-4 days in Venice. Rather than change hotels, you could make a day-trip to Verona. IMO, you need the first day to adjust to the time.
Then I would spend at least 5 nights/4 days in Florence, making a day-trip to Siena (by bus) and possibly a second day-trip to either Arezzo or Bologna (by train). IMO, there's a lot to see in Florence.
Train to the CT, stopping in Pisa for a few hours along the way (store your luggage at the Pisa Centrale station). If you want to climb the Tower, make a timed reservation. Stay 2 nights/1 day in the CT.
Train to Rome for the remainder of your days. Make a day-trip to Pompeii or Ostia Antica.
Fly home.
I would spend 4-5 nights/3-4 days in Venice. Rather than change hotels, you could make a day-trip to Verona. IMO, you need the first day to adjust to the time.
Then I would spend at least 5 nights/4 days in Florence, making a day-trip to Siena (by bus) and possibly a second day-trip to either Arezzo or Bologna (by train). IMO, there's a lot to see in Florence.
Train to the CT, stopping in Pisa for a few hours along the way (store your luggage at the Pisa Centrale station). If you want to climb the Tower, make a timed reservation. Stay 2 nights/1 day in the CT.
Train to Rome for the remainder of your days. Make a day-trip to Pompeii or Ostia Antica.
Fly home.
Jul 30th, 2012, 02:02 PM
#5
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 527
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would lessen the stops (accomodations) It would certainly be tedious, to say the least, to visit many towns and cities carrying luggage with you on trains or buses.
I would divide holiday as follows, taking into consideration your preference to visit the places you mentioned, and that you are going to have at least 14 nights in accommodation since you mentioned that you have also another 2 travel days at your disposal (so in total do you have 14 or 15 nts?):
3 nights Venice - doing a day trip to Verona during this time
5 nights in accommodation close to Pisa, from where you can easily make day trips to the Cinque Terre (in October the CT would be literally dead, many restaurants, hotels, shops etc closed, so a day trip would be enough) a visit of course to the Pisa tower, and maybe a day trip to Florence, Lucca, Siena or even San Gimignano - according to your preference.
3 nts Sorrento Take express train or low cost airline flight (check out Ryanair or Easyjet) from Pisa to Naples and basing yourself in Sorrento - where the hydrofoil departs to Capri - spend a whole day in Capri, and spend another whole day to visit the beautiful Amalfi Coast. After last night is over ,take train to Pompeii as early in the morning as possible, visit the Pompeii ruins and Basilica close by, and in the afternoon take train or bus to Rome.
3 nts Rome - if you have another night in total I would do the extra night in Rome, making it 4 nts
Fly home
I do not think you holiday is long enough to also visit towns/cities in Umbria, like Perugia and Assisi. Maybe to fit them in you would have to skip a visit to Cinque Terre, and base yourself instead of a location close to Pisa, in a location near or to the south of Florence, where you would be based in a central position to be able to reach some towns and cities of Tuscany and also of Umbria (Umbria is a region in Italy, and Perugia and Assisi are located in Umbria).
I am assuming that you are not the type that likes relaxing holidays, but likes to visit lots of places in one holiday, have lots of energy for it, lol, and do not mind doing lots of travelling.
I would divide holiday as follows, taking into consideration your preference to visit the places you mentioned, and that you are going to have at least 14 nights in accommodation since you mentioned that you have also another 2 travel days at your disposal (so in total do you have 14 or 15 nts?):
3 nights Venice - doing a day trip to Verona during this time
5 nights in accommodation close to Pisa, from where you can easily make day trips to the Cinque Terre (in October the CT would be literally dead, many restaurants, hotels, shops etc closed, so a day trip would be enough) a visit of course to the Pisa tower, and maybe a day trip to Florence, Lucca, Siena or even San Gimignano - according to your preference.
3 nts Sorrento Take express train or low cost airline flight (check out Ryanair or Easyjet) from Pisa to Naples and basing yourself in Sorrento - where the hydrofoil departs to Capri - spend a whole day in Capri, and spend another whole day to visit the beautiful Amalfi Coast. After last night is over ,take train to Pompeii as early in the morning as possible, visit the Pompeii ruins and Basilica close by, and in the afternoon take train or bus to Rome.
3 nts Rome - if you have another night in total I would do the extra night in Rome, making it 4 nts
Fly home
I do not think you holiday is long enough to also visit towns/cities in Umbria, like Perugia and Assisi. Maybe to fit them in you would have to skip a visit to Cinque Terre, and base yourself instead of a location close to Pisa, in a location near or to the south of Florence, where you would be based in a central position to be able to reach some towns and cities of Tuscany and also of Umbria (Umbria is a region in Italy, and Perugia and Assisi are located in Umbria).
I am assuming that you are not the type that likes relaxing holidays, but likes to visit lots of places in one holiday, have lots of energy for it, lol, and do not mind doing lots of travelling.
Jul 30th, 2012, 04:33 PM
#6
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,886
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
IMHO you basically have a tour of the train stations of Italy. Way too many places to ever see them all. And in late Oct the CT and Amalfi are off season, hotels and restaurants are starting to shut down, sights are open shorter hours - and yes you will have some rain (you'll find out how mush after the triap.
In 2 weeks you shuold have no more than 4 hotels and can put in a couple of day trips (1 each from 1 or 2 of the cities - not 1 or 2 from every city) and that is still moving fast in terms of 1) seeing major sights and 2) having any time at all to enjoy la dolce vita (and why go to Italy just to rush madly from one place to another?)
In 2 weeks you shuold have no more than 4 hotels and can put in a couple of day trips (1 each from 1 or 2 of the cities - not 1 or 2 from every city) and that is still moving fast in terms of 1) seeing major sights and 2) having any time at all to enjoy la dolce vita (and why go to Italy just to rush madly from one place to another?)
Jul 31st, 2012, 03:26 AM
#7
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 527
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Agree with you nytraveler that OP should not do more than 4 stops, they are more than enough, as it is a hassle to catch trains every time.
I would agree that Cinque Terre would be dead in October and in my opinion would not warrant more than a day's trip, but I think that OP would really enjoy going to Pompeii/Amalfi coast area for a few days - it is a unique place, scenary is magnificent and different from the other stops, and there are plenty of sights/places to choose from.
There would still be plenty of restaurants that open all year (even hotels) and there would be much less choas than during the peak Summertime when there would be long queues to wherever you go, and traffic jams on the roads. We had visited Amalfi Coast in December of 2010, the weather was so sunny and beautiful and we managed to fit in everything as no time was wasted in queueing etc - we had a great time. There was even no queue at the ticketing office for ferry to Capri, nor near the Pompeii ruins ticketing office, or at Grotta della Smeralda, etc. The employees were telling us what long queues there would be up to the road in Summer. I would only go to Amalfi Coast in the peak of Summer if I would want to do some swimming as well during the vacation. I am sure there would be still tourists visiting in October, but quieter than the peak season.
In OP's case I would base myself in Sorrento to be close to the ferry service in its harbour, and as it has good train connections to Naples, etc.
But of course this type of holiday would apply to those who like and do not mind travelling around places and taking trains, and not basing themselves in one particular area. Each to his own I guess.
I would agree that Cinque Terre would be dead in October and in my opinion would not warrant more than a day's trip, but I think that OP would really enjoy going to Pompeii/Amalfi coast area for a few days - it is a unique place, scenary is magnificent and different from the other stops, and there are plenty of sights/places to choose from.
There would still be plenty of restaurants that open all year (even hotels) and there would be much less choas than during the peak Summertime when there would be long queues to wherever you go, and traffic jams on the roads. We had visited Amalfi Coast in December of 2010, the weather was so sunny and beautiful and we managed to fit in everything as no time was wasted in queueing etc - we had a great time. There was even no queue at the ticketing office for ferry to Capri, nor near the Pompeii ruins ticketing office, or at Grotta della Smeralda, etc. The employees were telling us what long queues there would be up to the road in Summer. I would only go to Amalfi Coast in the peak of Summer if I would want to do some swimming as well during the vacation. I am sure there would be still tourists visiting in October, but quieter than the peak season.
In OP's case I would base myself in Sorrento to be close to the ferry service in its harbour, and as it has good train connections to Naples, etc.
But of course this type of holiday would apply to those who like and do not mind travelling around places and taking trains, and not basing themselves in one particular area. Each to his own I guess.
Trending Topics
Jul 31st, 2012, 06:07 AM
#8
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 74,699
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Raz,
A. You want to fly into one airport and out another so that you don;t have to double back.
B: You have a lovely opportunity for 4 nights in Venice, 4 nights in Florence and 5 nights in Rome. Why mess it up with extraneous side trips?
If you want to visit Verona, take a train from Venice.
If you must see Pisa, take the train from Florence.
See the ruins of Ostia Antica and the Hill Town of Orvieto from Rome.
The CT and the AC will both be there next time. See one or the other on a given trip.
Enjoy your visit.
There are reasons why millions of people visit the Big 3 each year.
A. You want to fly into one airport and out another so that you don;t have to double back.
B: You have a lovely opportunity for 4 nights in Venice, 4 nights in Florence and 5 nights in Rome. Why mess it up with extraneous side trips?
If you want to visit Verona, take a train from Venice.
If you must see Pisa, take the train from Florence.
See the ruins of Ostia Antica and the Hill Town of Orvieto from Rome.
The CT and the AC will both be there next time. See one or the other on a given trip.
Enjoy your visit.
There are reasons why millions of people visit the Big 3 each year.
Jul 31st, 2012, 06:22 AM
#9
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would devote a little more time to the Amalfi Coast. Once you get there you will wish you had more time. Lots of little towns to explore. Capri is a mixed bag. If you are going to spend at least one night there then you can experience the "real Capri", but it is less than enthralling for a single day because it turns into a shopping mall for tourists. The ferries drop of hordes off people each day around 10 am and that take them home at 6 pm. For those 8 hours Capri is very different than it is after the last ferry has left. The driving on the peninsula is treacherous and very slow. A good option is to travel by water, such as hydrofoil or ferry. Sorrento is a good base for this, although it is not the most beautiful town. Ravello and Positano win that award. The AC is an enchanting part of Italy, and will be even better when you are going because there will be fewer tourists.
As for Rome, I have done it in 2 days, and as long as you are not hell bent on seeing "everything" you can certainly hit the highlights. The historic center is fairly compact and easy to navigate. You can walk most of it, and if you have to get taxi, they are affordable.
As for Rome, I have done it in 2 days, and as long as you are not hell bent on seeing "everything" you can certainly hit the highlights. The historic center is fairly compact and easy to navigate. You can walk most of it, and if you have to get taxi, they are affordable.
Jul 31st, 2012, 06:54 PM
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you all for your helpful comments and tips. I agree, we are wanting to pack too much in. But when you have never been to a place, you feel like you have to see most everything because you don't know if you'll get back...
We value ALL of your comments and suggestions and will have to study a little more to fine tune our itinerary. Once we do that, we will put it out for your comments again.
We value ALL of your comments and suggestions and will have to study a little more to fine tune our itinerary. Once we do that, we will put it out for your comments again.
Aug 1st, 2012, 09:24 AM
#11
I agree, we are wanting to pack too much in. But when you have never been to a place, you feel like you have to see most everything because you don't know if you'll get back...>>
Raz, we've all felt like that. but what happens is that you actually experience less because you are spending so much of your limited time inside trains or cars, rather than actually seeing and doing stuff. that's why it's a good idea to rationalise where you go and cut down the number of destinations, so that you maximise the time you get to enjoy yourselves!
Raz, we've all felt like that. but what happens is that you actually experience less because you are spending so much of your limited time inside trains or cars, rather than actually seeing and doing stuff. that's why it's a good idea to rationalise where you go and cut down the number of destinations, so that you maximise the time you get to enjoy yourselves!
Aug 1st, 2012, 12:03 PM
#12
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RAZ,
I support Ira's suggestion. I am not nearly as accopmpished or experianced and "Italy Traveler" as most of the people who respond to this Forum; however I had such a good time my first trip (Venice Rome Florence) I am planning my 3rd visit to Italy in 6 years for May of 2013.
I also understand your position of wanting to see everything just in case.... I feel fairly safe in saying that a Venice, Florence, Rome focus will be the most efficient use of your time and expose you to a lot of the wonderful aspects of why people visit Italy, i.e food, art, history, science and a wonderful change of scene.
I suspect you will keep in mind these 3 "venues" are also the "beaten path" as far as tourism goes in Italy. You can find hidden gems in these locations if you research using books like "Italy for the Gourmet traveler by Fred Plotkin. I have another favorite book about walks in Venice by an English author I cn not remeber but will dig it out and post here later. Lastly I found that visiting these "big 3" whetted my appetite for more and drove me to save and plan for return trips. Good luck.
I support Ira's suggestion. I am not nearly as accopmpished or experianced and "Italy Traveler" as most of the people who respond to this Forum; however I had such a good time my first trip (Venice Rome Florence) I am planning my 3rd visit to Italy in 6 years for May of 2013.
I also understand your position of wanting to see everything just in case.... I feel fairly safe in saying that a Venice, Florence, Rome focus will be the most efficient use of your time and expose you to a lot of the wonderful aspects of why people visit Italy, i.e food, art, history, science and a wonderful change of scene.
I suspect you will keep in mind these 3 "venues" are also the "beaten path" as far as tourism goes in Italy. You can find hidden gems in these locations if you research using books like "Italy for the Gourmet traveler by Fred Plotkin. I have another favorite book about walks in Venice by an English author I cn not remeber but will dig it out and post here later. Lastly I found that visiting these "big 3" whetted my appetite for more and drove me to save and plan for return trips. Good luck.
Aug 1st, 2012, 02:57 PM
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, I value all of your comments. It is looking like most think we should just center around the "big 3" and day trips, not try to extend ourselves too much. It is against my nature not to cover as much ground as possible on my trips, however, it is looking like we might be wise to "cover more ground" in or near the big 3 to make the best use of our time. If only one had weeks and weeks instead of only 14 days...
Rolohof_duvall, I will look forward to knowing the name of your Venice walks book. The gourmet traveller book also looks interesting, though I think this trip, books about walks in the cities may be most appropriate.
Thanks!
Rolohof_duvall, I will look forward to knowing the name of your Venice walks book. The gourmet traveller book also looks interesting, though I think this trip, books about walks in the cities may be most appropriate.
Thanks!
Aug 1st, 2012, 04:24 PM
#14
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,886
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There is "covering the ground" - speeding through on a bus and seeing the outside of a few major buildings - and there is "covering the ground" as in spending 2 hours in the Forum instead of 4. The latter will give you at least a small taste of the ancient government center of a city that has been operational continuously for more than 2500 years. It will give you the beginning of an understanding of people that lived a busy and sophisticated urban life - with amenities that were lost to most of europe for almost a thousand years after the fall of Rome. If you are not going to rome for this type of appreciation - or fine dining, or renaissance art - then I don't get the point of going.
IMHO - if you want to do the former you are better off saving your money, and watching a good travel video of Italy followed by a nice italian dinner in the town you live in.
IMHO - if you want to do the former you are better off saving your money, and watching a good travel video of Italy followed by a nice italian dinner in the town you live in.
Aug 1st, 2012, 05:11 PM
#15
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
raz,
I found it! Venice for Pleasure by JG Links. I would clasify it as a guide book more the a "travel book". I took tremendous pleasure reading it as well as following his walks. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Check out Plotkin, it is more tn just about food. He covers certainly restaurant and trattorias, but also food fairs, markets vinyards, farms,shops, cooking schools, bakeries and al sorts of good info.
Buon Viaggio
Rolo
I found it! Venice for Pleasure by JG Links. I would clasify it as a guide book more the a "travel book". I took tremendous pleasure reading it as well as following his walks. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Check out Plotkin, it is more tn just about food. He covers certainly restaurant and trattorias, but also food fairs, markets vinyards, farms,shops, cooking schools, bakeries and al sorts of good info.
Buon Viaggio
Rolo
Aug 2nd, 2012, 09:51 AM
#16
i can second the recommendation of Venice for Pleasure - a great read. you could also look out for Jan Morris's book on Venice which is quite short but very informative.
as for the speed of your trip - I think you're getting the idea now - less is actually more!
as for the speed of your trip - I think you're getting the idea now - less is actually more!
Aug 2nd, 2012, 02:52 PM
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
rol,I have found "Venice for Pleasure" at our local library.
It looks like I can get any of these books online, though none of them are at my local ChaptersIndigo book store.
annhig, which Jan Morris book are you referring to - I have found "Venice" and "The World of Venice"?
Thanks! raz
It looks like I can get any of these books online, though none of them are at my local ChaptersIndigo book store.
annhig, which Jan Morris book are you referring to - I have found "Venice" and "The World of Venice"?
Thanks! raz
Aug 6th, 2012, 06:51 AM
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, we have taken your advice and pared down our trip considerably. We spent the weekend confirming B&B's for the "big 3" for our 15 nights. This is our itinerary so far, we are flexible for what we do in these cities and day trips.
Fly into Venice, arrive 12:50pm -4 nights(3 days), (?day trip to islands,or?hill towns), train to
Florence 5 nights(4days)-(day trip to ?Luca/Pisa, ?Sienna), train to
Rome 6 nights(5 days)- (day trip to ?Orvieta)(1),
day in Vatican City(2),
day touring Colliseum/Forum/Pallantine Hill)(3),
day Piazza Navona,Pantheon(early), Santa Maria sopra Minverva, Campo dei fiori (flea market), Borghese Gallery,Trevi fountain, Spanish Steps(4)
-not necessarily in that order
Fly out of Rome @ 3:10pm last day.
These are only ideas so far, as now that we have decided on the cities and booked our accommodations, we can take some time to decide on this itinerary. We would like your opinions and suggestions. Thanks!
Fly into Venice, arrive 12:50pm -4 nights(3 days), (?day trip to islands,or?hill towns), train to
Florence 5 nights(4days)-(day trip to ?Luca/Pisa, ?Sienna), train to
Rome 6 nights(5 days)- (day trip to ?Orvieta)(1),
day in Vatican City(2),
day touring Colliseum/Forum/Pallantine Hill)(3),
day Piazza Navona,Pantheon(early), Santa Maria sopra Minverva, Campo dei fiori (flea market), Borghese Gallery,Trevi fountain, Spanish Steps(4)
-not necessarily in that order
Fly out of Rome @ 3:10pm last day.
These are only ideas so far, as now that we have decided on the cities and booked our accommodations, we can take some time to decide on this itinerary. We would like your opinions and suggestions. Thanks!
Aug 6th, 2012, 06:57 AM
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I should mention we are arriving on a Saturday at 12:50 pm, so will leave Venice on a Wednesday & arrive Florence same day,
leave Florence on a Monday and arrive Rome same day,
leave Rome 3:10pm on a Sunday.
We are in Italy beginning of October.
leave Florence on a Monday and arrive Rome same day,
leave Rome 3:10pm on a Sunday.
We are in Italy beginning of October.
