Hi! I am in the beginning stages of planning a 2-3 week trip to Italy next March, with time in Rome, the Amalfi coast, Tuscany/Umbria and Venice. We're hoping to rent apartments for 3 night stays and also utilize the train system and public transport to avoid renting a car if possible. We've only taken tour-group tours before, in English-speaking countries, and are both excited and a little uneasy about being on our own in Italy. If anyone has any words of advice or recommendations, I would be most appreciative!

Hello Christy and welcome to Slow Travel. Your travel plans sound very interesting - I love going to the places you have mentioned.

You'll find plenty of good suggestions and recommendations on the Italy forum and I'll look forward to seeing you on there. Have you seen our 'Italy - shortcuts' page? There are trip reports, travel notes and postcards to read, as well as some great reviews.

Hi Christy,

Welcome to Slow Travel. You'll find we are a friendly lot.

I would suggest you consider renting a car in Tuscany/Umbria. The countryside is beautiful & with a car you have many more options and opportunities. I didn't find driving in Tuscany to be any problem.

I'm not sure about your idea of renting apartments for 3 days. I think most apartments rent for a week minimum. Consider perhaps an apartment for a week in each of Rome and Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast and a few days in a hotel in each of the other 2 locations.

Also, why March? It's probably a great time to visit Rome, but have you checked out the weather in the other locations? Others may be able to provide more information.

You will likely get a lot of advice and assistance if you start a thread on the Italy board.

We were in Tuscany in May 2004 for a couple of weeks - see my Tuscan Rambles TR below.

We'll be in Rome for 2 weeks in September. I'll be sure to file another Trip Report when we return.

Hi Christy,

What a great way to celebrate an anniversary. We are doing the same thing in 2008 as well!

All the regions that you are mentioned are wonderful places to visit and you really should have no trouble communicating.

I am curious why you would only want to spend only 2-3 days in a place. If you have two-three weeks I would devote a week to three places and rent an apartment in each place. Not only will that save you money, but you will really get the feel of actually being part of the community itself. Also, March in Venice and Tuscany can be rainy and unpredictable.

Please feel free to post additional questions. We are always here to help!

ALl the Best,

Welcome to Slow Travel,we celebrated our 25th Anniversary in Italy last year and had the time of our lives. We did rent a car for a portion of the trip but also used trains and boats,the combination worked out fine. We were in Venice in early March this year and it was really waarm and sunny, so you may be lucky with the weather. I am sure you will find answers to any specific questions re hotels/transport etc if you post again. Have a great trip.

Hi Christy,
In May of 2006 my husband and I spend 15 days in Italy, 3 in Venice, 4 in Florence and 7 in Rome. We stayed in a small family run hotel in Venice, a B&B in Florence and rented a apartment in Rome. We booked everything ourselves, via the internet adn this site, being Slow Trav, was invaluable as far as information. It was becasue of this site that we decided to rent the apartment in Rome. We had a great time and felt like we where part of the community. So my advice is to pick 3 places you want to go, and spend some time in each. Enjoying the outdoor cafes and local activites, in addition to the "tourist sites".

Enjoy.

Hi Christy

I have an "itinerary" from our trip last year with lots of links to places we stayed and things to see and do where we went etc. I can't seem to attach a Word doc. here, but if you're interested I can send it to you. We went to most of the places that you want to go to, so you might find some of the info useful.

You will have a great time!

Linda.

If you are going to rent apartments, there is a company called Untours that does apt. rentals. I have never used them because I cannot be away two weeks at a clip but I would seriously consider them. You can book a complete package through them.
Stasz

We were in Rome March 6-12 of this year and had wonderful warm weather. Many people are traveling Italy in what is considered the "shoulder season" you can get good airfares and hotel rates, and maybe it will be a little less crowed although I can tell you Rome was hopping the week we were there.
Best regards,
Stasz

quote:

Originally posted by Christy M:
Hi! I am in the beginning stages of planning a 2-3 week trip to Italy next March, with time in Rome, the Amalfi coast, Tuscany/Umbria and Venice. We're hoping to rent apartments for 3 night stays and also utilize the train system and public transport to avoid renting a car if possible. We've only taken tour-group tours before, in English-speaking countries, and are both excited and a little uneasy about being on our own in Italy. If anyone has any words of advice or recommendations, I would be most appreciative!

Oh, dont' worry we have survived four summers in Italy...it is a great place. Welcome to slow travel!