Ann

Planning a trip to Italy that will include lots of small towns, scenic areas and I want to go to Rome and Venice but don't really have time to also do Florence. I am not that interested in Art, more so in architecture, charm, etc. Would I miss that much skipping Florence?

elaine

Ann, <BR>I don't think that anyone can answer that for you. If you've already determined that you don't have time for Florence, then don't go this time. <BR>Florence has a historic center of town, which buildings that date back for centuries. It is certainly charming even without the museums, although quite crowded (as are most places) if you are going in the summer. <BR>I have to add, that if you look at no other piece of sculpture in your life, <BR>I can't imagine giving up Michelangelo's David , but that's up to you. Perhaps some other trip. <BR>If you don't have time for everything, that's understandable. What scenic areas will you be visiting--are you staying north? If you're going through Tuscany, Florence is right there, and also Siena has a lot of architecutural <BR>beauty with a well-preserved center dating from the middle ages. <BR>I loved Florence but fell in love with Venice, so I couldn't tell anyone not to go there. It is a unique experience, but again I can't recommend going in the height of the season. Can't comment on Rome. <BR>On the other hand, I understand <BR>the need to make a trip reasonable, and if you prefer countryside and small towns perhaps all these cities (and they do have somewhat of a hectic character for a good part of the year) don't all appeal to you.

Russ

Ann, I would leave out Florence and enjoy Rome and Venice which I personally found more interesting and unique. This is espeically so if you are not into Art.

Debbie

As a person who has been to the three cities several times-leave out Florence. I have a history degree/studied french and italian art overseas in college and still am not zealous about art-leave Florence for another time! Venice is truly unique and Rome is everything that you always thought it would be!I definitely think that you should listen to your heart in traveling and your decisions in where you want to go!Have a great trip and enjoy!

pam

Agree with the above posters; skip Florence if you must miss one of the three.

jwagner

Ann, <BR> <BR>Florence is my favorite city in the world, but not just because of the terrific art. It's home to great shopping bargains, the best Italian food in any major city, and a charm and energy that I haven't found anywhere else. Do yourself a favor and at least stop by for an overnight (if you can redo your schedule to permit it). I think you'd enjoy it.

Patrick

Never having been a lover of Florence myself (although, I agree with Elaine that David is the one piece of sculpture you should not miss), I had a hard time reducing our stay there to just one night when we were joined by friends for two weeks this summer (their first trip to Italy). They kept asking why we were only going to be there one night, but three in both Venice and Rome. I tried not to give them any negative feelings, but after the trip they agreed that one night was enough. They too found it by far the least exciting of the three cities.

Susan

I wouldn't skip Florence for anything. I think it's one of the greatest cities in the world! Just did Florence, Tuscany and Rome this past July, and it was wonderful!!! Have a great trip!

lisa

All three cities are wonderful, but if you have to skip one, I definitely think you should skip Florence -- particularly since you say you're not that interested in art.

Janice

Dear Ann, <BR>What a horrible choice to have to make - but I agree with the above posters - skip Florence if you have to miss one of the three. Just plan to get back there someday!

sam ludu

Personally, I would skip Rome. If you do go there, I suggest going there early in your trip rather than late because Rome is incredibly taxing, especially after you’ve been roaming Italy for weeks. I love Florence, not only because of its incredible art, architecture, and food but also because of its proximity to Siena, Lucca, and other interesting towns, all of which are quite convenient from Florence’s train station (if you go that route). Florence can be traversed easily by foot; getting around Rome, on the other hand, is akin to a suicide mission. Despite the crush of tourists, Venice must be seen. (Burano and Torcello are special treats.) I envy anyone who takes the vaporetto (#1 or #82) down the Grand Canal for the very first time.

rob

Hi Ann - <BR> <BR>I don't know what the rest of your itinerary looks like, but I think an overnight stop in Florence, just to get a taste of it, would be ideal. You could leave Rome (by all means see Rome FIRST) in the late morning, arrive in Florence for lunch, walk around all afternoon, have a great dinner, walk around some more (Florence is great at night) and leave for Venice early the next morning. <BR> <BR>Then go back next year and see Florence more thoroughly, along with the rest of Tuscany.

Anna

I've been to all three twice and if I had to pick, I would skip Florence.