Jeanna

We're planning a 12-day trip (including travel time)to Italy at the first of June, flying into Milan from the States. I don't think we'll be able to pack Rome, Venice & Florence all into one trip . . . my question: which 2 out of 3 should we visit?? We'll be renting a villa for a week, then we'll have a couple of nights in which we're thinking about driving over into Switzerland. Thanks for your help!!

janice

I can't believe I'm going to say this - skip Venice. Depending on how in-depth your sight seeing is, Rome can fill a week easily, and I understand from friends on this forum that the same is true of Florence. Assuming that you don't plan to spend a day or two in Milan (the Duomo, the Last Supper) your time is already shot. I love Venice, don't get me wrong - it's my 2nd favorite city in Europe, and a sight like no other. But I don't want you to have to whiz through it in a day or two, and in June, it's kind of warm, crowded, and not at it's glorious best. Plan a return trip to Venice, and I'll happily deluge you with advice!

Stephanie

I hate to say it too but skip Venice. I just returned from a 10 day trip to Italy. We spent two days in Venice, four in Florence and four in Rome. Do NOT skip Rome. Rome was more than I had expected and was wonderful. Florence was great but Rome was spectacular!! If you can coordinate it, maybe spend one day in Venice but I wouldn't spend anymore time there. Venice is very neat to see but can easily be done in a short time. Have a great trip!!!

kate

I agree with the previous 2 postings, although you're bound to get responses from people who prefer Venice. Everyone has their favourite Italian city. It depends on your interests. <BR> <BR>My favourite is Florence, for the art and culture, although that's partly due to the fact that I discoveredit when I was an art student. Rome is incredible for the history. Venice was everything I expected whereas Rome and Florence continue to amaze me.

Heather

Jeanna, my first question is where is the villa that you are renting for a week? Taking two travel days off of your itinerary, that means seven days at the villa and three days to relocate. Is this correct? Since you've commited to renting the villa and are flying into Milan, I'm guessing that it is in the northern part of Italy. If so, I would do Florence/Tuscany and Venice. If it is middle/southern Italy, I would do Florence/Tuscany and Rome. Or, are you planning on doing the cities as daytrips from your villa?

Rex

I'll put in a vote to skip Rome - - just to be contrary. Rome has the most abundant air travel connections (though it probably only barely beats Milan), and it is the easiest to work into a subsequent trip. You're not proposing NEVER returning to Italy, are you? GASP! <BR> <BR>And Rome fits well with Campania, or Greece or Sicily - - better than the other two. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR> <BR>

Jeanna

Thanks for all of your input! In reply to Heather's question, we haven't actually rented the villa yet; we're still looking, but we are renting one for sure (somewhere)! We've just gotten our plane reservations and are trying to do research now to decide where all we should go.

Dawn

I'll agree with Rex also. I'd save Rome for another time, and also add in Naples and the amalfi coast for a few more days. You really need 3 full days in Venice to scratch just the surface. Of course, everyone's interests are different.

Julie

I'll go with skipping Rome since it is so much easier to get back to than the other two choices. You can often get good cheap one week visits to Rome, but I haven't seen any to Venice or Florence. <BR> <BR>Super hard choice though. Glas I'm not required to make it.

BOB THE NAVIGATOR

The Navigator will always opt for the option that makes the most geographic and logistical sense. You made your choice when you booked into Milan. With <BR>11 days in Italy you can do Florence, Venice and parts of Tuscany--thats it. <BR>I have no idea where a villa rental fits into this scenario.

Mark

Jeanna, <BR>I think the most memorable things you can do in Italy is take gondola (or even a private water taxi) through Venice in the early morning or evening. I is beautiful, but after that there's not that much to do. Rome and Florence are must. The Vatican, Sistin Chapel, Colesium, Old Rome are not to be missed. I did your trip last year in 10 days, so it is possible. <BR>Venice you only need 2 nights, Florence and Tuscany you can get a taste in 3-4 nights and Rome 3 nights would be fine. <BR>What ever you do you'll have a wonderful time. Have fun! <BR>Mark

StCirq

My vote goes to skipping Rome, because of the geographical factor but also because you need more time for Rome than you would have. And, actually, I don't like Rome all that much - scandalous, no? I do appreciate it, I just don't like it.

shelly

Do not skip Rome!!! It is definitely worth seeing whether you have a little time or a lot. It was the highlight of our trip to Italy. Unless you are really into art, Florence is a little dull, IMHO. I've never been to Venice so I can't comment there.

lisa

Of the three, I prefer Rome and Venice over Florence, although I realize that geographically Rome and Venice are the farthest from each other. I still say they are the most magical and memorable. However, Florence is great too so no matter which you choose, you'll have a great time.

Joe B.

What a trip ! Hope to do the same but take 30 days, Been to Rome twice and still did not see all that we would like.Ditto for Florence.With only 12 days,I would recommend skipping Venice,unless you like canals.The Vatican,as well as Piazza Nervona can sure replace San Marco Square.Bon Voyage!

Rafael

The only thing I can tell you is do not skip Florence!! Florence is simply fantastic, all that art, wonderful food,everything is within foot distance... You will understand me when you get and try a ice cream, sitting at Piazza della Signoria...

Amanda

Jeanna, I had just came back from my trip to italy.....I had the same length of trip as u did...but we flew to Rome instead. Within 11 days, we have visted Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan. We stayed in Rome for 5 days, and it was more than enough to explore Rome, then we took the train to Venice for 2 night stay...which I think its enough...the city is beautiful...i loved it! But there isnt much to do besides getting lost there, and it gets really tiring. Then we took the train to Milan and stayed for one nite, there isnt much to see and do in Milan...kinda boring. Then we had took the train to Florence to spend our last 2 nights there, I really loved it there! It wasnt as polluted as Rome, it didnt have the smell of the canal, I HAD NO TROUBLE CROSSING THE STREET as I have in Rome. The arts are amazing!! Definitely have to see "David"!! Finally, on our last day...we had to board our train back to Rome from 7:30am to get to the airport to catch our 12pm flight back to the states. <BR>We feel that its kinda pointless to rent a car in italy...no place to park...traffic is really bad...especially in Rome...the best is to walk and take trains! Do the switzerland trip on your next visit! Another question is...why do u wanna rent a villa for a wk when you wanna visit all these places?

Jeanna

I really appreciate all the input! To answer Amanda's question about renting a villa: my sister has offered to pay to rent a villa for all of us going on this trip, and since my husband and I have 2 teenagers and an 8-yr. old (boy, does it cost to raise three kids!!), we're certainly accepting her offer, as it will save us a lot of money! <BR>Still can't decide which to skip (I don't really want to skip anything)! Any more comments/suggestions appreciated!

xxx

I'd skip Rome this time.

Nik

I would skip Venice. After that very expensive gondola ride, there is nothing to do! Your kids will thank you because they will be bored out of their skulls! Venice just didn't live up to all of my expectations, overall. I thought it was going to be so romantic, lively, etc. It turned out to be expensive, flooded (hey, what do you expect), and without the charm of Florence (a must-do especially with all of the great art!.