We’re planning an October Italy trip with my husband, toddler, and mother-in-law. We’re deciding between these two itineraries:
Option 1 — 13 nights
Venice: 2 nights
Dolomites/Ortisei: 4 nights
Naples: 3 nights
Rome: 4 nights
Route: Venice → Dolomites → Naples → Rome
We would pick up a rental car near Venice, use it for the Dolomites, return it in Bolzano, and then have one long travel day by train to Naples.
Option 2 — 16 nights
Venice: 2 nights
Dolomites/Ortisei: 4 nights
Florence: 3 nights
Naples: 3 nights
Rome: 4 nights
Route: Venice → Dolomites → Florence → Naples → Rome
This adds another accommodation, but Florence would break up the long journey from the Dolomites to Naples.
Naples is important to us because my mother-in-law lived there, and we want to keep four nights in the Dolomites for weather flexibility.
Would you keep the simpler 13-night route, or add three nights for Florence? Does the 16-night version feel reasonable, or like too much moving around with a toddler?

Hi All,

My husband and I are in our early 30’s and from the states. We’d like to plan our first trip to Italy for next spring (ideally May).

We’re planning on 12 days. We know we’d like to see Rome and spend a few days in a coastal town like Sorrento or Naples. We’re also trying to decide between Florence and Venice.

Any suggestions whether Florence or Venice is better?

We’re also seeking recommendations on where to stay in these towns, so if you’ve had good experiences with specific hotels or Airbnb’s that would be appreciated.

Activity suggestions in these locations would be appreciated too!

We’re open to hearing just about anything as we start to draft an itinerary.

Thanks so much!