Realistic italy trip?

Question

This forum is fantastic. I'd like to get your opinion on which locations I can/should cut out from my trip as this will be my first time in Europe. I'll be flying into Venice and out of Rome.

The plan is Venice -> Milan -> Cinque Terre -> Pisa -> Florence -> Rome. With all the things to do in each city, this schedule may be a little ambitious and will need your experience for guidance!!

Will one ticket purchase for an italy pass (http://www.eurail.com) be sufficient? any other site recommendations?

I will be traveling alone so mobility and flexiblility will not be much of a concern. Of the cities mentioned, which do you recommend going/not going to?

This will all be within 4 days, I threw in Pisa just to check out the leaning tower since it's on the way from Cinque terre -> Florence from milan (which i could skip and change things)

Thanks in advanced!

Answer 1

Well Cinque Terre and Pisa can be done in one day.  pisa only thing there is the leaning tower and cinque terre a morning in the villages is not that hard as its not a place with alot to see.

but definatly if u had to cut out a city it would be milan, unless your into fashion then that would be big place to go.

Answer 2

"This much madness is too much sorrow..." (Neil Young)

Italy is to be savored, not dashed through like a lunatic Americano. Land In Venice and breathe in its wonders and magic and then decide if you want to enjoy where you are or go traipsing here, there and everywhere. You do NOT need a eurail pass-a total waste of money. Pay as you go. If you want to move on from Venice, hop on the train to Florence and then it depends on who you are and what matters to you-going to Rome carries intensity and wild drivers, etc. Going to Cinque Terre means chilling out on nature and relaxing. Pick one or the other. They are both magnifico in very different ways. Four days is not a time for covering a country. It can be done, but you will have spent it on trains.

Answer 3

Ok, you're joking right?  Did you mean 4 weeks instead of 4 days.  Just the rail from Venice to Milan will be about 3-3.5 hours.  I really think you need to go to the nearest AAA office and talk to someone face-face.  If you only have 4 days, you should only stay in one city, like Rome and do a day trip to pisa or florence.

Answer 4

Hello,

You are talking about 6 cities in 4 days?  This really is not do-able.  You will end up spending most of your time on the train getting from city to city and not really seeing these wonderful cities.  

You should split your time up between 2, maybe 3 cities.  I would definetly see Venice and Rome.  Two days in each will be fine.  If you want to do three, throw in Florence.  

I have been to Italy so many times I have lost count.  These cities are far enough apart to make it a full day excursion to get from one to the other.  Spending time waiting for your train to get to the station is no fun so you should limit the amount of trips you make.  There is too much to see in each of these cities for you to just skim over them.  

If you start in Venice, get your train ticket for Rome (or Florence) your first day there.  Get as early a train as you can.  From Venice to Rome is 4.5 hours.  My advice would be to spend two wonderful days exploring these cities.  Your plan is way too  ambitious for 4 days.   It is even too ambitious for 10 days.  That type of trip is really for someone spending the summer in Italy.

Look at it this way,  it gives you another reason to go back.

Donna

Answer 5

Four days! Too little time to do much at all. What time will you fly into Marco Polo (Venice)? If you get there early in the AM then you can take a water taxi straight to San Marco (baggage????)..... see the Basilica and the Doges Palace.... the take a taxi (or vaporetto) to Santa Lucia (Venice's train station) to hop onto a train (3 hour ride) to Milan. Check into your hotel and go see the Duomo. Next morning on the train to Cinque Terre...... Pisa..... book into your hotel in Florence. On day 3 run thru Firenze...... and on an evening train to Rome, day 4. Do the important things in Rome and fly out of Italy.

Look at the site below for more train information. I suppose it would best for you to have one ticket for the entire trip..... though you will have reservations on the Eurostar trains. And you should take the Eurostars because they are generally faster and more efficient.

You may skip Cinque Terre and go to Pisa and immediately to Florence in order to spend more time there.

Please tell us abt your trip when you return. Fare well.

Answer 6

It depends on your interests. Of the places you've listed, I'd skip Milan because there's less of historical interest there.

This isn't really very realistic for a four day trip though; you'll spend a lot of time on trains and little time seeing anything. Venice - Florence - Pisa/Lucca - Cinque Terre - and Rome works via train if you have more time. With only four days, you would be better off cutting out Cinque Terre (unfortunately) and possibly Pisa. If you do go to see the Leaning Tower, I'd recommend going in the morning and spending the rest of the day in Lucca. The old town there is fairly extensive. There's a good summer festival there as well.

I've never used eurail passes but I've heard that some people say they had to pay a supplement for some trains. I live in Italy and just buy tickets at the station when I travel. I use the night trains a lot for long distance travel.

You can use the trenitalia site to check train schedules for your trip: http://www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html

Answer 7

I wanna go with!!!  My family originated from Sicily.  Termini Immerese, to be exact.  I have been trying to talk my hubby into planning a trip to see my homeland but he is stubborn and doesn't like to fly.  Oh how I wish I was going with you...You must write me and tell me all about how your trip was!  Sorry I couldn't help with your question.  Have a wonderful vacation!

Answer 8

To crazy man!  Italy needs to be savoured.  I've never spent less than 3 weeks there.  I second the Venice-Florence-Rome, but even that is to ambitious for such a small period of time.  Can you extend your holiday at all?  I hope you are not country hoping.  

NOthing to see in Cinque Terre?  For shame!  That's the beauty of this place.  The hike alone takes 4-5 hours depending on your pace, especially if you stop at the top of the stairs for a beer on the way to/from Corniglia(sp?).  The towns are so charming you'd want to spend the day exploring them.  Then you would want a day to relex on the beach.  

Pisa could be done on the way from CT to Florence. I've done this twice.  Although climbing up the tower is alot of fun, and I recommend it. You do need a reservation for this though.

PM me if you'd like help....