NFT: Italy Trip advice

For us. If you like small towns and hiking. Didn’t really like Florence as I was tired of looking and paintings and sculptures by that point. I was told to skip Milan and do Chique Terre and so glad we did. Also was told to skip Pisa and we saw the tower from the train, perfect.
One thing I wish we did and missed due to scheduling was the catacombs in Rome. Heard they are cool in Florence and we missed it there too.
Have fun!

and got a car service to Positano. We stayed there for about three days. It was amazing. Imo, stay there. It is beautiful. The steps will kill you if you aren't in shape. Haha. We stopped at Pompeii on the way to Rome. No reason to waste a day to do a trip to Pompeii if you are going to be driving back to Naples. Do it on the way.

In terms of the hotel price, use a travel agent. They get discounts on everything but airfare. It is worth it.

We took a car swrvice from Naples to Positano and then Positano through Pompeii to Rome. Yes, it was more expensive than other forms of transportation but I kept reading/hearing about pickpockets amd didn't want to worry about who was around me while I was trying to carry luggage around especially since it was just myself and my wife. I remember my dad telling me when my grandfather went to Naples amd this guy tried robbing him but he saw my grandfather's tattoo, apologized, and left. Haha.

I'm sure there are other ways but that is what I chose to do and I was very happy with my choices.

Venice bored me to tears after a gondola ride and St. Mark's Sq. It's realllllly touristy. Tons of tourists and groups. It's known for glass and lace and neither of which really interested me. Might consider just one day in Venice IMO.

But since you are there for a couple of days you can check out some surrounding islands like Murano and Burano or whatever the names are.

I loved Florence.the train from Venice to Florence to Rome is very easy.

I wasn't crazy about Rome overall but there is so much to see so 4 days seems good.

I cannot speak for Naples but I would spend the remaining days on the Amalfi coast instead of Naples.

Skip Naples. Visit Capri. Specifically Anacapri. Take a bus up to Anacapri, do the chairlift to the top of Mt Solaro and then eat at the bes little local pizzeria in Italy called Aumm Aumm. Locals go there to watch soccer and the best pizzza/pasta I've ever had.

to Lake Como; specifically visit the midlake towns you can take a ferry between them; Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio.

2 days is plenty for Venice.

-Is booking the Trenitalia the best way to go from city to city?

Mostly yes. I did nothing but trains my first backpacking trip and its a great, inexpensive way to see the country. They have kiosks with English language options and I dunno, to me it's just a much more worry free way to travel. Miss a train? Just catch the next one. And it feels safer never leaving the ground :)

That being said flights in Europe are DIRT CHEAP. If the train trip is more than 3-4 hours, see if there's a cheap one-way flight.

-Is it practical to stay in Naples and do a one day tour of Pompeii and then another tour of Amalfi from Naples. Don’t want to carry luggage around coast & worry about paying those hotel prices in some of those $600 hotels.

I still need to see the Amalfi coast.


-Staying 13 days, first time for us both visiting, is the following enough for each city from experience:
Venice 2.5 days (Arriving late on night so really 2 days)
Florence/Tuscany 2 days
Rome 4 days
Naples/Amalfi 3 days
Milan 1.5 days

Venice is one of a kind but I stayed 2.5 days and it was entirely too much time. You can wander aimlessly and see all of Venice in a day. By the second day it gets old wading through HORDES of tourists and being lost (maybe it's a different experience with Google Maps today, but there were no completely accurate walking maps when I went). It's a struggle to find anything that isn't a complete tourist trap. The canals are pretty, but the water is disgusting and stinky in some parts, so I had no interest in waiting hours to take a gondola ride.

Florence is one of my favorite cities in the world (there and Cinque Terre are my tops for Italy). I actually like it more than Rome, but you can't spend less than 4 days in Rome. My wife and I want to go to Amalfi next and I would think 3 days is probably going to feel rushed.

IMO, Milan should only be a stop to catch a flight (major airport with cheap tickets to/from all over Europe) or to rest before heading to Lake Como. To me, it's just a big city with lots of shopping.

So I'd spend more time in Florence and cut what you can from Milan and Venice. Just my two cents. You'll have a great time, I am jealous.

Flew into Milan; 2 days in Lake Como (Varenna) train to Venice for 2 days, train to Florence for 2 days, train to Rome for 3 days, train to Naples/Ferry to Capri/taxi to Anacapri for 4 days.

by itself (and I'm not an art lover typically). Get a reservation for it, btw. I'd add another day in Florence and take away one from Venice. I also second Cinque Terra, especially the beach town of Monterossa. Great hiking and a nice beach.

As a (former) NYer, I wasn't crazy about Rome, although the Vatican (again, get a reservation so you don't stay on a line around the block), Forum, Colosseum and the Plazas were special. We did 3 days and felt that was enough. (And it will be boiling hot there.)

Have a great time. I want to go back there ASAP.

rather than pay for the tour audio, download Rick Steves podcasts for free for whatever sight you are seeing.

Just did a two week trip, Venice, Florence, Positano, Rome. Venice was the lowlight if you will. Not much to do and touristy as hell.

I would just worry about flights and hotels now. Trains you can figure out there honestly, it’s easy to manage.

too much. Pompeii can be done in 2 hours and you can do it as a stop to the Amalfi coast. In fact, you can do both from Rome instead of Naples. Naples has pizza and the musuem but certainly not as compelling as Rome.

I’d do an extra day in Florence for sure. One day to Cinque Terre, one day for Tuscany (Siena, Pisa, San Gimignano), and two full days in Florence.

Rome: 2 days; book private tour through best of rome tours. Started at Colosseum ended in vatican, was brought to an amazing local spot for lunch where the grandma literally rolled the past you wanted when you ordered it. Ad Hoc is an awesome restaurant, not local, but amazing tasting menus and they hook you up for whatever occasion you are celebrating.

Florence/ Tuscany: As much time as you can afford to spend... We fell in love. So many nooks and crannies to explore. Day trip to tuscany through tuscan wine tours was magical. Buca Mario is a great spot for dinner. So many magical spots in florence. We stayed at the degla orifi hotel right on the ponte vecchio.

Venice: BLAH

is a good port to cruise in and out of, so you can always check it out that way. I’d cut one day out of Venice and one out of Naples, add both to Florence.

not to try to do so much but instead stay in one or two places and get into the lifestyle. Florence and Positano are wonderful and you can take a day trip out into Tuscany from Florence (Go to Vinci for Lunch) and to Capri from Positano.
Italy from the water is great.

You will have to carry bags around on 6 of your 14 days. You can't see Italy in 14 days. Don't even try. Cut out Milan...One full day in Venice is enough.

6 days should be spent in Florence and Tuscany. Rent a car leaving Florence and drive around Tuscany for a few days. 4 days in Rome at the very least.

Save Naples and South for another trip or completely blow off Northern Italy if you have to go south. Don't try and see it all...slow down and really enjoy a few places. Getting lost in Tuscany was the best part of my trip with my wife.

was in a small village in Tuscany, The chef said he would just cook we didn't even order. He comes out with this platter of pasta in butter sauce covered with shaved truffles. It was unbelievable

either on the Amalfi Coast or Capri.

In comment 14005297 Matt M. said:

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either on the Amalfi Coast or Capri.

This for sure, and rent a car to drive around, the experience is nothing like driving here... Amalfi, Ravelo, Positano, Sorrento and Capri... Awesome

For 3 weeks. We have Naples for 2 days. Then Amalfi for 5. Brindisi/Lecce area for 7 and then we chose Ischia over Capri because it is supposed to be less touristy/expenssive (for 6 days). We have a car on the main land for 2 weeks. Girlfriend is pregnant so we are doing a lot of relaxing stuff. Italy is a pretty cheap destination from Denmark so we are taking our time and staying in a smaller area.

the notion you are overscheduled. A day in Venice should be fine. I'd either skip Milan altogether or if you rent a car, drive through it and Cinque Terre on the way to Florence. If you aren't driving, take a train through Bologna to Florence and briefly stop off.

On the transportation, since you have so many stops, you might want to look into renting a car. My last rental there was dirt cheap - much more economical than the train, but I get if you don't want to drive. Give you more flexibility

As for Rome, I think the 4 days is fine. I stayed a week last time and still have things I'd like to see.

My suggestion would be to cut out Milan. Cut down Venice to a day. And add that time back to Florence/Amalfi Coast/Rome

You can walk all around in one day, and do the tours/sites on day 2. Don't need any more time than that. Amalfi and Positono are nice, you could spend another full day in either one and be done. Just take the boat there, the busses take forever and got me car sick.

On Naples there really isn't anything there. I'd stay on the Amalfi coast, or do Capri, instead. Also Pompeii is really jsut a 1/2 day tour type of deal.

Rome is fantastic, my favorite. You can easily do 3 days there: Vatican 1 day, Old Rome another, Central Rome a third (Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Navona, Popillo, etc.). Florence is a 1 day type trip also.

Finally an area that we loved was the fingers up on the Tuscany coast (well not exactly but close). These are Portofino, Santa Margharetta, and Rafallo. Much like the Amalfi Coast, and you can take a boat between each place.

In comment 14005340 PatersonPlank said:

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You can walk all around in one day, and do the tours/sites on day 2. Don't need any more time than that. Amalfi and Positono are nice, you could spend another full day in either one and be done. Just take the boat there, the busses take forever and got me car sick. On Naples there really isn't anything there. I'd stay on the Amalfi coast, or do Capri, instead. Also Pompeii is really jsut a 1/2 day tour type of deal. Rome is fantastic, my favorite. You can easily do 3 days there: Vatican 1 day, Old Rome another, Central Rome a third (Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Navona, Popillo, etc.). Florence is a 1 day type trip also. Finally an area that we loved was the fingers up on the Tuscany coast (well not exactly but close). These are Portofino, Santa Margharetta, and Rafallo. Much like the Amalfi Coast, and you can take a boat between each place.

By the way, this Portofino area is just above the Cinque Terra area mentioned above by some. So the whole region is beautiful. Much prefer that to Milan. Skip Milan and do this, or even Lake Como I guess.

Here's my fave things and a couple of tips

First off I'd say hire a car and drive unless you're really not comfortable. You're going to see so much more and have so much more flexibility and the distances aren't huge.

Secondly there's loads of good cheaper hotels in Italy. Tripadvisor is your friend here, the ratings are ususally a very reliable guide. Equally you can pay primo $ for something nothing special.

1. Lake Como...truly beautiful place. Absolute must see. Skip Milan completely it sucks and just head for the lake.

2. Amalfi Coast is fantastic. Positano is my fave of the towns but the drive is the real star. A convertible here is amazing. Capri is a must visit as well. Give Naples a wide berth and certainly don't wander round it looking like a tourist.

3. Florence is beautiful and I love Tuscany. Food and wine are spectacular. Montalcino, Montepulciano etc.

4. Rome is fantastic obviously. So much to do. It's probably the most beautiful city in the world.

5. Portofino, Camogli, Cinque Terre - These are all beautiful and a drive down the west coast is a must.

6. Venice - You have to see it once but agree keep it to a day. Try and buy some Amarone whilst there (the Masi family stuff is my fave).

Disclaimer: I don't mind driving and my holidays are rarely relaxing. I'm pretty determined to see as much as I can. With that in mind this is an aggressive but do-able agenda.

Day 1 – Land get to Venice
Day 2 – See Venice
Day 3 – Drive to Rome. Stop off en route in Siena and Montalcino to break up this 8 hour bear
Day 4 – Sightsee
Day 5 – Sightsee
Day 6 – Drive to Sorrento/Positano
Day 7 – Sightsee the Amalfi
Day 8 – Go to Capri
Day 9 – Drive from Naples to Florence (5 hours). Sightsee Florence
Day 10 – Sightsee Florence / Explore Tuscany
Day 11 – Drive Florence to Portofino. Sightsee Cinque Terre en route
Day 12 – Drive Portofino to Lake Como (stay Bellagio or Tremezzo area)
Day 13 – Sightsee Lake Como

Hope this is helpful.

Do one day in Lake Como, or even Swiss Alps. Half a day to roam around and see the Last Supper.

in the late 70's. I said "Pop how was Venice" he say's " Just like Seaside Hts"

so much to see and do in Rome so 4 days is about right for your first trip. I would spend one of those days at the Vatican; you'll need the entire day. Be sure to book a tour as you'll learn a ton plus skip the lines.

But be ready for crowds especially at all the big tourist attractions. We went 3rd week in September and we could barely get to the Trevi Fountain. Also booked tours for the Coliseum and the Forum. Obviously more expensive than self-guided but worth every penny imo.

Rick Steves is a great resource. We took his pocketguide with us; indispensable.

I found these apps to be useful while we were there: Currencies for Euro to USD; Mobile Pass; Translate and Wifi Map.

But get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. I had a Chase Sapphire card that I upgraded to the Chase Sapphire Preferred care which has an annual fee but was worth it otherwise you'll waste a ton of money trying to find the best exchange rate.

... "non-touristy" things, head to Trastevere. IMO its the best part of the city - kind of like the Greenwich Village part of Rome (but more low-key)

... that you're trying to do to much in too little time....but in this case, the advice you're getting is spot on.

Been to Italy a bunch of times, often in two-week blocks.

If you're going to for two-weeks, pick three cities, at the most, and immerse yourself as much as you can in those locations. Dump the luggage and explore...

The food is pretty much great wherever you go.

(I don't agree with the negative Milan comments either. It's the most cosmopolitan of all Italian cities and has the best food of them all IMO).

Milan is just pretty much to spend last night there when getting back to the states.

Narrowed down to Venice, Florence/Tuscany, Rome & Amalfi Coast. Going to Venice for 1.5 days basically now on the advice.

How hard is it regarding the train - should I book the refundable or non-refundable?

Also any idea on the hopping from city-to-city using the ferry on the AC - should I just stick to one hotel instead of lugging my luggage from city to city there?

must see, but then that's it.

The train is incredibly easy, but we always book ahead anyhow

We always stay in as few hotels as possible, find it much more relaxing than jumping around

Don't forget to see Pompeii when down by the coast if possible. With a good guide, it's unforgettable.

and book the refundable if you want the option to switch times at the last minute.

And Tuscany is easy as a day trip from Florence. We did Tuscany and Venice as day trips from Florence and Pompeii/Amalfi to limit hotels and we were happy we did.

Either rent a car if you plan on staying nights in different cities or choose one central location.

You could also spend your last night in Venice and just take the train back to Milan from there depending on your flight times.

how limiting it can be with luggage.

If you take the train, you're hauling luggage the entire time.

Look at the cost difference between the train and a car. It isn't much if anything at all and you have a lot of flexibility driving.

I'd recommend Cinque Terre as an alternative.

HTH

In comment 14005759 OliverG84 said:

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Milan is just pretty much to spend last night there when getting back to the states. Narrowed down to Venice, Florence/Tuscany, Rome & Amalfi Coast. Going to Venice for 1.5 days basically now on the advice. How hard is it regarding the train - should I book the refundable or non-refundable? Also any idea on the hopping from city-to-city using the ferry on the AC - should I just stick to one hotel instead of lugging my luggage from city to city there?

I personally wouldn't bother booking train tickets before you arrive. Maybe just your first train out of the airport to save some time. It's easier and more flexible to just book at the station kiosks. If you're traveling to another city, it's easy enough to just stop by the train station a day or two before to pick up tickets. But that's me, I don't like locking myself into a time until I need to.

In comment 14005897 FatMan in Charlotte said:

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how limiting it can be with luggage. If you take the train, you're hauling luggage the entire time. Look at the cost difference between the train and a car. It isn't much if anything at all and you have a lot of flexibility driving.

There are pros and cons to both. I like being able to look at the scenery and kick back instead of having to focus on the road. And given how the Italians drive in the city, I wouldn't want that stress either. We always have a big bag each, but with multi directional wheels it's easy to get to and from the station and public trans.

Including the last ten months. All of Italy is filled with tourists, so buckle up - but Venice does not assimilate its visitors very well, which makes it tough to navigate. Rome's bigger and thus is better equipped for the onslaught. Florence is somewhere in between.

My best piece of advice for you is this: stay in the lovely old university town of Padova instead of Venice. See Giotto's Arena Chapel (by appointment only) and the pilgrimage church of Sant'Antonio with Donatello sculptures inside and outside the basilica. Prices will be literally half those of Venice for everything from hotels to restaurants to museum entry fees.

Then take the 20 minute train into Venice for your day trips, returning to Padua when you feel like it.

You'll appreciate leaving the Epcot Center that Venice has become, and you'll love the "real" experience of staying in Padova.

Was great. Very relaxing, and a great trip through beautiful countryside.

Going to take train from Naples to Sorrento area and then stay there three days...how is area? Hotel recommendations?

Assuming from there we can take tours of Amalfi and/or Capri.

history, check out Ravenna.

Perfect for an overnight trip. Amazing historical mosiacs, good restaurants, and not overcrowded with tourists. Really underrated place.

will be $600/night or more in peak season. Sorrento is cheaper, but is close and convenient enough to the rest of Amalfi coast, and Capri as well. If possible, do one night on Capri, very different after cruise crowds leave at night.

An even cheaper alternative would be Salerno.

In comment 14007895 Jim in Hoboken said:

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will be $600/night or more in peak season. Sorrento is cheaper, but is close and convenient enough to the rest of Amalfi coast, and Capri as well. If possible, do one night on Capri, very different after cruise crowds leave at night. An even cheaper alternative would be Salerno.

Yep, nothing wrong with Sorrento. Its very nice, same with Salerno. You can visit Amalfi and Positano by boat for a day trip.