suggestions for Italy

[Amby 490]

in two weeks I'm renting a car in Turin and making my way over to Venice. I have 8 days. I really have no clue what I want to do or see. Suggestions on places to stop/see/eat/stay along the way?

[Otto 83]

Something that came to mind - you'll be in Italy during part of the World Cup - I'd find a local hang-out to watch Italy play Paraguay (June 14) to get the Italian experience.

That'd be cool (if you're into that). If you're not - be prepared for lots of activity after the game that day/night.

[Amby 490]

Something that came to mind - you'll be in Italy during part of the World Cup - I'd find a local hang-out to watch Italy play Paraguay (June 14) to get the Italian experience.

That'd be cool (if you're into that). If you're not - be prepared for lots of activity after the game that day/night.

I'm not really into soccer but it would be an interesting experience. I will definitely look into that! Thanks

[Jenn! 918]

I would highly recommend visiting the Cinque Terre. It's a series of 5 small villages on the Italian Riviera. Very quaint and picturesque. Kind of like the Amalfi Coast but with fewer tourists.

In fact anywhere along the Ligurian coast there is awesome, but I'm partial since that's where I lived. Portofino is really nice, definitely worth a stop. If you're looking for less touristy places along the coast, let me know and I can suggest a few.

If you're going from Torino to Venezia, you might as well stop and see Milano. Maybe catch an opera at La Scala? That's one experience I'm sad I missed.

There are some nice towns around Torino - Asti comes to mind (spumante!). I wasn't a huge fan of Torino itself.

If you make it to Genova I have tons of restaurant recommendations. In three years there I ate out a lot (too much!). I'll tell you which places have the best pesto or focaccia or fritto misto or....sigh. nom nom

I'm so jealous! I haven't been back since 2006 and I would love to go again very soon.

ETA: good point about the soccer! last time I was there I was at a wedding while Italy was playing Germany in the semi-finals of the WC. They had a TV set up downstairs and all the men disappeared. Craziness!

Edited May 30, 2010 by Jenn!

[Amby 490]

Jenn - thanks for all the suggestions! I'm totally up for more non-touristy towns because I am not touristy at all. This trip was for my sister, but she's going home early so I'm doing it on my own now and have no clue what to do. All suggestions are welcome!

[Fandango 1,440]

Amby, pls be extra careful!

[alienlovechild 75]

in two weeks I'm renting a car in Turin and making my way over to Venice. I have 8 days. I really have no clue what I want to do or see. Suggestions on places to stop/see/eat/stay along the way?

Pisa is a little further south but it's still pretty cool to see an iconic structure like the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person.

Watch out for fog on the Po River. Italian drivers drive like maniacs even in dense fog.

[natty bumppo 297]

in two weeks I'm renting a car in Turin and making my way over to Venice. I have 8 days. I really have no clue what I want to do or see. Suggestions on places to stop/see/eat/stay along the way?

remember the expression ... "when in rome ..."

[Ban Hammer 13,643]

do not go see the leaning tower of pisa. knowing your ability to be clumsy, you'll trip and run into it and knock it over.

[Welshcookie 17]

Awww...I wish I was back in the UK already to accompany you to Italy! I love Venice although of course it is tourist hell, but somehow that is all forgotten when you are there....stay safe and enjoy!

[Amby 490]

Awww...I wish I was back in the UK already to accompany you to Italy! I love Venice although of course it is tourist hell, but somehow that is all forgotten when you are there....stay safe and enjoy!

thanks welshie! I seriously think I will spend only my last day in Venice because I get really annoyed by touristy people. my flights leaves pretty late in the day so I think I'll be fine with just one day there.