To skip Rome?

[yellowtotebag]

DP and I are planning a trip travelling to various places throughout Italy for 3 weeks. Neither of us have been to Rome (DP never been to Italy at all) but we are not majorly bothered about it - there are far more countryside and coastal places we would like to visit.

I’ve had a real split of opinions when saying to my friends that we might leave Rome off the itinerary. Some have said they didn’t really enjoy it that much and could see our point of view, some said that given we’d only be able to go for 2/3 days anyway we wouldn’t have enough time to make it worth it. But then some people have said we are crazy and that it would be criminal to travel around Italy without going to Rome!

What do you all think?

I really loved both Rome and Florence. Beautiful cities with so much character. Can't wait to go back!

Rome is amazing. I would add extra time in Rome if I was you!

Ex and I went to Rome - I loved it Ex didn't.

Agree that I would skip Milan. Florence is most meaningful for art lovers and even then, a restricted range of types. Unless you are clued up on it then yes, you could skip it and not have missed anything. Pisa is not worth an overnight, you could do it in a couple of hours on the way to somewhere else. Unmissable Italy (IMO) would include Venice, Amalfi, Cinque Terre and Rome

Love Rome, Florence and the Cinque Terre.
Also Lake Orta.

I really love Rome!

The place that disappointed me in Italy was Palemo. I really wanted to go, did it as a cruise point stop. It was grim. Lacked life, just set up for the tourist boats and the mafia. Definitely wouldn't bother going there again. But tbh I probably wouldn't do Italy again - not really my kind of place. I did like a trip around Vesuvius though and Pompeii is worth a visit if you like history.

It’s busy, expensive, the traffic is a bit bonkers, if you go in summer it’s HOT and it can be hassly….but I LOVE it!!! A really atmospheric, beautiful city.

Don’t feel you have to do ALL of the touristy stuff. Choose a couple of things you fancy and enjoy a slower pace. It really is a fabulous place.

Walking around Florence feels really magical. So compact, and walkable, Renaissance treasures everywhere. Really loved it.

It's not Rome, but this place is totally amazing if it fits in with your planned route:

ilgiardinodeitarocchi.it/

I would also do Rome over Milan

I think Venice is unmissable because it's just so breathtaking but my advice is to do it as a day trip and stay in Padua, a really lovely small city about 20 minutes away by train. You can do day trips around the whole region from there and it's not as touristy and overpriced as Venice.

I LOVED Rome! We stayed there for four days. Booked a few things but spent the rest of the time wandering around knowing we’d come across things. We found beautiful gardens, chapels museums and crypts. We walked everyday at least 20,000 as we didn’t want to get taxis etc. definitely unmissable!

@StrychnineInTheSandwiches

Pisa and Milan are skippable in my opinion.

Was about to say the same. I really don't like Milan though I seem to recollect it has a very palatial railway station - or perhaps I was just glad to be leaving!

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is just that really and will make you feel slightly surreal as you stand nearby. Otherwise not a lot to say for Pisa.

I think Florence should be compulsory

Do not skip Venice unless you're going in high tourist season in which case I'd actually suggest saving it for another time altogether as it will be hot and very very crowded. It's a stunning place, utterly unforgettable but even more so in winter when you can actually move about without being jostled by the stranger next to you.

Can you get up to the area around Lake Como - very very beautiful but also very expensive don't stay unless you can get a good hotel deal.

If you want to see somewhere lovely but not always on the itineray take a look at Modena (home of balsamic vinegar!). It's beautiful and properly Italian as not so rouristy as many other places.

Siena is lovely too, if you find yourself near it!

I love Rome, you don’t have to try and see it all.
I love Italy, the Islands are fab. I think it’s my favourite European country.

I wouldn't listen to other peoples view points on Italy., as they will all vary obviously.. Just get your maps out, and choose areas that you like the look of. You can look on the internet, and see lots of information, and photo's about all areas of Italy.. You don't have to always go to the most popular and crowded tourist places, if you are an adventerous traveller.

I love Rome! The first time I went, we didn't bother with the Vatican. The forum, the Colosseum and just walking around is wonderful. So are the museums. And any number of churches with stonking works of art in them.
I loved Florence too and wasn't expecting to, but it feels quite claustrophobic at times - lots of narrow alleys, and hordes of tourists charging down them. Favourite place so far - Lucca.

Go to Rome! I went for a weekend with my husband after knowing him a couple months and it was beautiful. No itinerary just did what we felt like.
I then took my kids (11 and 13) a few years ago for four days - in summer (big mistake it is really hot) and prebooked tours of the Colosseum and Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii. Plus we walked to local churches and Trevi fountain (again don't go in summer it was a packed). Food was great and we were in a fabulous hotel. Both very successful trips.
I didn't find it dirty but it is crumbly! Took the metro a bit confusing but cheap.

Places like Florence are definitely more enjoyable outside of the summer season.

Through work I've been fortunate to go to lots of cities and holiday destinations. Rome is my favourite city ever. It seems like every time you turn a corner, there's another fantastic site to see. If you like, it's an absolute must but even if you don't. it's full of iconic sights.

I'd take a few days there though to see it properly.

Bologna is wonderful for foodies. Actually, there are some wonderful farmstays in the Tuscan countryside from which both Pisa and Florence would be accessible as day trips from opposite directions.

^^ Actually what am I thinking of - last time I was near Lake Como I was a skint student inter-railing (caught an overnight to Rome instead to get some sleep!) . I expect the accommodation is a bit more accessible to someone not pinching every last penny. Its really beautiful. Stay a little

Yabu to skip Rome. Skip Florence but do Siena. Piazza del Campo, just beautiful.

Also Venice and the boat trips to Murano. Despite the tourists and a few unfriendly locals, it really is fantastic.

Avoid the port cities on both coasts.

The train services are great in Italy for those sorts of trips - Frecciarossa (sp?) and Frecciabianco (sp?) trains, I believe. That is another advantage of staying in Rome. It is incredibly well connected via Termini Station to the rest of Italy whereas Florence is not really well connected

Rome is a bit of a shit hole in parts (much worse than I expected it to be) but there are some things that are an absolute must see. The Forum for example, the various churches and of course the colosseum. Also I realise it’s not actually in Rome but Vatican City is well worth a visit.