Florence And Rome - How Many Days?

[DeeRus]

It's been decided, or the wife told me, we're going to do a wee bit of a tour of Italy next summer for the family break - will have our daughters aged 17 and 13.

We've already booked the flights out to Venice and staying there for 2 nights.

The plan is to then visit Florence and then Rome, finishing down south, around the Amafi Coast.

We had planned on only the 1 night in Florence and 3 in Rome but quite a few have said they'd do at least the same number of days in Florence, if not more, as Rome.

Has anyone got experience of visiting both and what's their views?

(Would also plan a quick trip to Pisa for the Leaning Tower as well)

Thanks in advance of any input/views

[arbroath55]

We spent 2 nights in Florence and covered most of the central area, it is a walking city and most of what you want to see is in the central area, on that trip we flew into Pisa and took the train to Florence, as easy as walk out the terminal, turn left and there`s the station. Train time was about an hour and Florence station is on the edge of the central area.

Had been to Pisa 30 years earlier, you only really go to see the tower.

Rome we did as a separate 2 night trip and covered a lot of ground, was worth pre booking a Colosseum guided tour as it saved q`ing for an hour as the guide takes you right in.

Other trip we did was in and out of Milan Malpensa airport and picking up the train to Lake Como ( about an hour ) and staying in Como and doing the lake trip to Bellagio. Stunning scenery

[rabmania]

At least 3 days in Rome, 2 in Florence. Just back from my umpteenth trip to Rome, and I'm still finding new gems. I don't queue for anything, there's plenty of stuff the hordes don't go near. Don't walk past an open church anywhere in Rome, the art is everywhere. On Friday I was in the pantheon and six other churches before the crowds were about (breakfast at 7- tourists and especially cruise groups don't tend to get up at that time) and had them pretty much to myself. Round the corner from Navona I had my breakfast st the bar of a local cafe- 2 euros. Braw.

[hoodster]

We went to the Amalfi Coast area this year (based in Sorrento) and got the train to Rome via Naples. We spent a night/2 days in Rome and just tried to see the obvious things, one thing I would say is that it was (beginning of August) punishingly hot, which did affect the experience. If you are going to the Vatican book ahead as otherwise you will be stuck in a queue in the blazing heat for a good while. The queue at the Colosseum for pre-booked tickets was enormous but the queue for walk up tickets was about a fifth the size for some reason. Take water into the Colosseum as they only have the hoses/taps nowhere to buy any. The Trevi Fountain was shut.

Next year we are going to fly into Venice for a couple of nights and then back down to Sorrento for a while again. One good thing this year about the Sorrento area (we also went last year) is that there is a new air conditioned train that runs from Naples to Sorrento and only stops in Ercolano and Pompeii, it cost a lot more than the Circumvesuviana but if you have ever been on that service (especially with luggage) you will know why you might want to pay extra for something better (!)

I found the inter city trains (Frecciarossa?) to be really good, the advance fares for business class were only a few Euros more than for standard and they were kitted out with big leather seats and good air conditioning. We left it late to book so ended up paying more than we should have, so if you are getting these trains keep an eye on the trenitalia website for fares being released. Reservations are compulsory but its just a matter of printing off your ticket and getting on the train or showing the reference number to the conductor on your phone.

[Goozay]

Flew into Pisa and got the train to Florence - didn't bother with the Leaning Tower. Spent 3 nights in Florence then got the train down to Rome for 4 nights.

Both Florence and Rome were amazing, but quite different. It was in November so definitely off-season.

Florence is a good bit smaller so you can get your bearings pretty quickly. Best things we did was go up the bell tower beside the Duomo and walked up a hill that allowed you to look back over the city. We also ate really well and the ice cream in particular seemed to be their favourite dish!

Rome was different because its a much bigger city and gets a ridiculous amount of tourists so has quite a few chancers looking to rip you off. The inside of a lot of the churches are incredible and The Pantheon, Vatican City, The Coloseum and The Forum are all must-sees.

Because its big, busy and full of chancers looking to rip you off you need to keep pretty street wise when you're in Rome. I enjoyed my time there but I wouldn't describe it as relaxing.

As well as being busy it will likely be roasting hot in both Florence and Rome. Your trip sounds really good (well done the wife!) but make sure you leave enough time for the Amalfi coast to unwind after the excitement of Rome.

[scottincarlisle]

Spent a week based in Florence years ago. Used it to go to Siena, San Gimignano & an afternoon in Pisa.

Also flew into Pisa & jumped on train to Florence. Easy & cheap.

You can catch a bus from Florence up to lovely town called Fiesole to get away from the hustle & bustle. Overlooks Florence IIRC.

[Toepoke]

Is it her new record? What's happened to The Machine?

[scottincarlisle]

Is it her new record? What's happened to The Machine?

It's quite catchy The Machine are soooo last year.