GGinSF

I'm going to be in Italy this May for 12 days. I'm flying in & out of Milan & visiting a friend in Verona where I'd like to spend 3 days (inc. a day trip to Venice).<BR><BR>When I think of spending time in Milan (just 1 night) Florence, Assisi (w/ perhaps a night in Perugia), Sienna + who knows what hill town(s), it seems like Rome is so far south and would take so many days to see things that I'm considering saving it for a distant future trip where I could do Rome & the south. <BR><BR>I like to pick just a few cities to stay in and I feel like I already have too many. I'm traveling by train, not car. Is it really a crime to skip Rome? I've seen the Coliseum when young but not much else; the Vatican does sound amazing. My favorite thing to do is walk the small streets of midieval towns, sip espresso at outdoor cafes, and eat in local restaurants.

Sven

All of your favourite thing can be done in Rome, which is my favourite city in Italy (maybe even in Europe), however I think it is a clever thought to save it for another trip combined with southern <BR>Italy. <BR><BR>Verona and Venice are amazing, and if you have a car, have fun loosing yourself in the beautifull landscape of southern Tuscany and discovering all the hidden hillvillages on your own. The hilltown you mentioned in Umbria are also very beautifull, although I found the landscape around very nice but less stunning than the one south of Siena.<BR><BR>Rome deserves at least 4 nights and since your flying out from Milan, it is too far down south.

Ursula

There is nothing you *have* to do, just because others say you *should*. Just plan your trip and visit what you wish to visit. Just my opinion. If you feel like skipping Rome, then skip it. As long as you are having a good time, that is all that counts. I like your attitude about taking your time, having an espresso, eating at small genuine place. Don't worry. You will have a good time. With Rome or without Rome.

mark

You'll be back another time. There 's no need to try and do it all - you'll be back. Probably a lot sooner than the "distant future".

Vita

Go with what feels right for you. Yes, Rome is amazing, but it will be there for you when you have the time to see it.

Carol

<BR>We visited Italy last year for 13 days. We, too, had to eliminate something which turned out to be Venice.<BR><BR>Our thoughts were and still are that we would return again soon and give Venice the time it deserves. The only problem is that we want to visit everything we saw the first time again! <BR><BR>Rome is a wonderful city and you really to need at least 3 days to get a reall feel for it. Save it for when you can devote enough time to enjoy its wonders.<BR><BR>You will love Tuscany and the hilltowns are just wonderful. Enjoy!

PQ

I've just returned from Italy I did my first trip in Octomer and returned this month to see Carnivale in Venice. I flew into Venice and out of Rome. I don't know if your flights are flexible but you might want to consider flying home from Rome instead of Milan. As you will be visiting the Tuscany region train travel to Rome is only three to four hours depending on where you are coming from. If you haven't seen it the Sistine Chappel is too amazing to miss, there is also, Trevi Fountain, the Parthenon, and the view from the bell tower of St. Peters are better than they appear in books. There is an inexpensive hotel in the area of the train Station Hotel Morgana and Hotel Nuovo, which while small, as are most establishments, are convienent and a good deal for the money. I live in NYC, and one of the previous posters said the collesium will always be there, sorry but that is not necessarily true ... My reccomendation is to see it if you can.

GGinSF

I'm using frequent flyer miles on United, so flying in & out of Milan is the only option (also, I won't have a car so I must rely on trains & must stay near city centers). I'm figuring out my finances to see if I can stretch the trip to 14 days, but I still may or may not do Rome. Thanks for everyone's input.

elaine

Hi<BR>I'd been to Italy twice before I made it to Rome for the first time last fall.<BR>It turned out to be the right decision for me because Rome was overwhelming in its riches and also in the demands on time and stamina. I was there finally nearly a week and barely scratched the surface. I too say save it until you can do it justice.

richard j vicek

Good afternoon, GGinSF<BR>Yes, Rome is a very interesting and beautiful place, however you do not have<BR>to go there, if you would perfer to be<BR>in someother cities. Have a couple<BR>times not gone to Rome and stayed longer<BR>in Venice and Bologna and also Zurich..<BR>Richard of LaGrange Park, Il..

andrea

GGinSF, For future reference, you can use United miles on a partner airline if United doesn't fly there. In this instance, SAS.<BR><BR>Anyway, I made the 'executive decision' to omit Rome from my Italy trip last year, and am planning Rome and south trip for hopefully sometime next year. I too enjoy savoring moments, even getting to know some locals, and that always extends a stay. I was glad I had the extra time to really enjoy Cinque Terre and Siena. <BR><BR>It may not be your style to do 2 days here, 2 days there. It's not mine. There's quite a bit to see and do up North too, so no, no crime committed to skip Rome! Enjoy your trip, wherever you decide to go!

Jeanette

Richard, can you give me any input on Zurich? I'm going to be in Italy for 10 days and end my vacation in Switzerland. I'm flying out of Zurich. The last Italian stop is Lake Como. I'm interested in hotels and suggestions on highways since we will be driving. Thanks for anything you can share.

Ursula

Jeanette hello: I am a Zurich resident and have given some advice here re. hotels and restaurants. If you have an idea about your budget, I will be able to make suggestions for hotels. Here is just one that I highly recommend:<BR>Hotel Scheuble*** recently renovated, close to everything.<BR>www.scheuble.ch<BR>For other suggestions, you'll find a complete hotel list where you can check availabilities.<BR>www.zurichtourism.ch<BR>If you need to have information about Zurich Airport, go to<BR>www.uniqueairport.ch<BR>I highly recommend a boat trip on the lake. Perfect to recover from jetlag. If you have some time left, stroll around the old parts of the town and don't miss the beautiful Chagall windows at the Fraumuenster Church (just off Paradeplatz). <BR>Enjoy!