I'm not sure Franco has been on Fodor's recently. There are lots of reviews for apartments on slowtrav and TA. This one has several reviews here on Fodor's.

http://www.vrbo.com/283439

Review of the apartment I linked on Kristina's 2008 Rome report with pictures.

http://www.wired2theworld.com/our-travels/europe/rome-march-2008/

"Hi Franco, you seem to be the Italy expert here on Fodors. "

The last time Franco posted was in July . . . Instead of calling out one Fodorite who may or may not even see your post, why not ask for help from anyone?

janis, when searching for apartments in rome here on fodors, a thread with over 440 posts came up. Franco was the one who seemed to know a ton about Italy. That is why I specifically called out to him.
I was hoping other knowledgeable fodorites would chime in.

ky, will check out your links! Thanks!

kybourbon, great apartment and great blog! Thanks again!!

I agree with janis. You will likely get more people clicking your thread if you aren't directing it at one person.

You would also get better responses if you state your budget.

>>>Do you recommend visiting Florence and Venice or would you recommend another part of Italy instead, perhaps the Italian Riviera?<<<

I don't think anyone can tell you that without knowing your interests.

You are right Girlonthego: seeing it all in two weeks would of course be absolutely impossible even in a rush, Italy is not just Rome,Venice Florence. Italy is mountains, seas, lakes, countless of cities and towns with gorgeous historical centers. Of course you have to choose very few sights(for instance Venice, Florence,Rome with a day trip to either Siena from Florence or Padua or Verona from Venice could make a full two-weeks trip and could be enough for a first Italy trip )
Here I post a link to a website about Italy which suggests the "perfect two weeks itinerary " So, it may be worth taking a look at that.



http://www.italylogue.com/planning-a-trip/italy-itinerary-the-perfect-two-weeks.html

Thanks Feda! The itinerary looks good!
Might consider a longer stay in cinque terre since I have the daughters on the trip.

kybourbon, budget? That is a good question. Not sure what it will be yet. I am thinking for 5 or 6 nights in Rome in an apartment, we would spend approx 1800-2000 USD. 2bedroom/2bath would work the best.
Hotels, I will have to see since we will need two rooms in each place. The kids aren't little anymore! I have some hilton and marriott points and may be able to use some in Venice.

We are not museum people, but will do the Vatican and some churches and famous sights. We all like to eat. Girls will want to shop some. We are active. So, a bike tour or something like that would be cool. Also, I think a cooking class would be something we would all like.

How about a wine class
http://www.vinoroma.com/

We are in Rome now. I would highly recommend Trastevere. We are staying in a small apartment (just 2 of us). However the owner has a larger apt. in the same area. Here is a link to his website. Angelishouse.it. He ha been very easy to deal with!

My first visit to Rome was just a little over a month ago. I read a lot of what was posted on this site before going. Kybourbon was especially helpful to me when I had very specific questions. Time to say thanks very much.

I second the wine tasting suggestion at Vino Roma! We had a blast and the ancient wine cave below the store are so cool.

I recommend Elizabeth Minchilli for food tours or a workshop. She offers workshops on olives, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and grappa. She also offers all kinds of food tours, depending on what you like. For us, it was a great way to learn about an area of Rome, the history and the food! She also has an excellent food app..
http://www.elizabethminchilliinrome.com/p/food-tours.html
http://www.elizabethminchilliinrome.com/p/food-workshops.html

If you aren't a museum person, check out Villa d'Este in Tivoli. Beautiful fountains everywhere! It's a short train ride from Rome. We loved it. Check out their site and click on the photogallery to see some of the fountains.

http://www.villadestetivoli.info/storiae.htm