2452 First Time

:p Buon girono...
I am traveling to Italy for the first time with some friends. I'e always wanted to travel there and had to jump on this opportunity! We are first flying into Venice for 2-3 days, then off to Bucine (rented a villa) near Florence for 1week. Then we head to Rome for another 2-3 days to see the Vatican.
Everyone can pretty much do whatever they want, travel around to what they want to see and do.

Is there anything in between those locations that is a must see and not too far away? :confused: I know we are near a train station when in Bucine and we will take that into Florence probably every day.
Any suggestions on some wineries, restaurants, shopping? I want to buy shoes.:)
I have a list of my absolute must see's but I also want to enjoy just lounging around and seeing the countryside. I don't want to see too much as that gets exhausting.

I am going during Easter break:mid-April...anything special going on during that time? Is weather pleasant?
Any info you can give me will be greatly appreciated.
Ciao

Category
Travel & Holiday Advice

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/30/2006 - 17:06

Ciao Elva!
In Florence you do not need a car, but if you want visit the real Tuscany you need it. From Bucine you should visit le Crete Senesi, Siena, the whole Chianti area, Arezzo, Montalcino, Pienza...
I know 1 week is too short!...but consider to have a car if possible. In case let me know your personal preferences and i could help you giving some priorities in visiting...
Tuscany is really nice!
Enjoy it!
Ciao

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/31/2006 - 14:57

2-3 days in Venice, 2-3 days in Rome - I'm exhausted already thinking about how much you could see and do - not mentioning your week near Florence. All three cities have so much to offer, if you want a bit of chill time - take it and don't try to plan too much more. Most small towns have a centre with a church, square and a cafe/bar (or more than one) where you can sit and watch the world go by and soak up the atmosphere-just a point, don't forget the Vatican at Easter has a few church services going on and gets PACKED. Weather usually fantastic

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/31/2006 - 19:23

Divert to Cinque Terre (Lerci etc..), then down to Forte di Marmi (to chill on the beach) and then stop off at Lucca & enjoy a more tranquil place!

You didn't say when you're going, so I hope it's wam enough for the beach ;)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/01/2006 - 07:57

April is not a bad time to visit as Florence and Venice will not be as busy as it can get over the summer months while the weather should be pretty good. However, Rome may be packed out over Easter, however I have never been at this time so I can't say for certain.

My advice would be to make sure you spend some time outside the San Marco area of Venice, for example Cannaregio and Dorsoduro are both very pretty and much quieter where you can sample more genuine Venetian life. Try and also see Saint Mark's Square early in the morning or in the evening i.e. when it is not too crowded!

If you travel down to Florence on the train you can easily stop off at Ferrera and Bologna if you get time. Both are stunning cities and have the most amazing home made pasta! Ferrara also has some good shoe shops (I brought 2 pairs when there!). However, this may end up being too much on the itinerary.

I always think that Florence can be the most beautiful place when viewed from the surrounding hills (around Fiesole). There are quite a few Medici Villas and gardens that you can visit with wonderful views if you fancy a more gentile day, however you will need a car to get around.

I hope this is useful, and I wish you a wonderful trip.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/02/2006 - 08:19

Hi there,

The Vatican at Easter should be extremely busy... Expect long queues for the Vatican Museum (leading to Sistine Chapel) and getting squashed on St Peter's Square. I'm in Rome in 2 weeks' time (yippee!) and can check out some details for you if you wish.

As for Venice, I agree with Cath's advice - just 'get lost' in the city and you'll be amazed by what you can discover. There are lots of signs around on house corners etc giving directions to certain quarters so you don't really need to take a map at all times.

What I liked most about Venice is that it's very safe! My partner walked around the city at 5 am (no way I'm getting up in the middle of the night!) and loved it! Only street sweepers and shop suppliers out & about.

Hope you enjoy!

Stephanie