whew, marcast, that's quite an itinerary - you've clearly done your research.

my major suggestion would be to look at grouping sites a bit more to prevent having to criss-cross too much - which you will find very tiring. Also, you could give yourselves a bit more time just to sit and think about what you're seeing - it's easy to suffer from art overload!

that said - can we look at it in sections:

Venice - can i suggest the following changes:

March 24 - as you're staying near the Accademia, once you've arrived, if the sun's shining why not wonder down onto the Zattere and have a cappuccino in the sunshine? then, as you are planning to go to the isola di san giorgio anyway, get the boat there [i hope that you are going to get vaporetto passes!] and climb its tower instead of the one in St. Marks - it's cheaper, there are no queues and the view is just as good. Then make your way to St. Mark's, and wander around until the jetlag really hits. [you could even have a look at the Frari and the nearby Scuola di San Rocco if you've got the energy - no need to book for these].

March 25 - what time is your Secret Itinerary's tour? ideally you should go to the Rialto Market first, [why not do it the next day?] but so long as you get there by 12 noon there should still be plenty to see. afterwards, if it's a nice day i suggest getting a boat to Burano - the journey across the lagoon is nice, and you can have lunch in the sunshine amongst the brightly painted houses. This is the season for "moelche" - tiny little crabs that are deep-fried and served as an appetiser - delicious! that would have been my 15 year old's present! [oh, and a scarf from one of the lovely shops - the Coin department store in the Campo San Bartolomeo will probably have some nice ones, or something else she'll like]. if you have the energy, the Accademia when you get back [all the crowds, if there are any, will be gone by then] if the weather is inclement, then do more galleries and museums in the hope of better tomorrow.

March 26 - Rialto Market first, then, if you haven't already seen them, the Frari church and the Scuola di San Rocco. The Accademia if you haven't already seen it. long lunch.

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Florence:

March 26- Take the train to Florence which departs at 3:55pm. Check into hotel. Go to bed

March 27- personally, i would see the Uffizi later in the week, so i would start with the Accademia, and then cross the square to the Monasterio di san Marco [only open in the mornings] to see the wonderful works of Fra angelico. then walk down Via Cavour [lovely cafe on the corner of the square and via cavour] to the Medici chapels, and lunch in san Lorenzo market [if you can get your DD away from the jewelery and scarf stalls!] Then the Bargello, climb the Campanile, see the Duomo, etc. dinner in central Florence.


March 28- start with the Uffizi, then [if you've got te energy] the palazzo vecchio, and wander over to the market on san Ambrogio for lunch. [typical florentine food, very cheap] then look at Santa Croce, and cross over into Oltrarno, walk up to San Miniato for the views and the mosaics [don't forget to have some change for the machines that turn on the lights to illuminate the mosaics here and in Rome].

March 29- <<I was thinking of a tour Viator offers "Tuscany in One Day"- Siena, San Gimignano and Leaning Tower of Pisa>>

This sounds like hell to me - a lot of sitting in a coach and not much actually seeing anything, as they are all in different directions. they are all accessible by bus from the bus station next to the main train station in Florence.

Whichever you choose, I would consider swapping days with March 28th - so that you mix days in Florence with days trips.

March 30- ,,Take the Bus (or train?) to Assisi for the Day.>>

really? the day before you go to Rome? i would spend another day in/around Florence - a half day trip to Pisa on the train, or get the bus up to Fiesole [30 mins from the piazza di san Marco] for the view over florence, the walk up to the Monastery di san Francisco, the ancient basilica, the roman amphitheatre, lunch in the square [you'll see that lunch and coffee stops feature high on my list of priorities, and if your DD is anything like mine was at that age, on hers too!] and shopping! you're in florence!

<<March 31 (Easter)- 8:30am Train to Rome>>

- I need a rest before i tackle Rome. I bet you will too!

wow annhig! amazing feedback! my husband is going to love what you advise because it's what he envisions as a trip to Italy, especially in Venice. Thank you so much! I am going to change things some more.
The secret itinerary I believe is at 10:45am - (Data Evento   - Event date: 2013-03-25 10.45) Should I get the vaporetto pass for just the day I get there or for 2days?

I think I chose museums one after another to take advantage of the firenze card in Florence since it expires after 72 hrs.

So if we want to do some hilltowns or Tuscany, it's better on our own? What do you think about the tour from Rome of Tuscany?

On the day of the Vatican, I wanted to do the scavi tour and do a sistine chapel tour, is this too much? maybe do 2 seperate days?

Italy has been hard to plan! I keep having to delete in order to enjoy, but so much I want to see.
In regards to Borghese Gallery, is it better to go in the morning or evening? I think I should start reserving that.

I apologize it took me a bit to answer back.

ok, marcast, now I understand your timings for Florence a bit better. in that case, of course you should put your day/s out at the end-but doesn't the Firenze card give you 3 days? [if I remember rightly there are some things that it doesn't cover, like Santa croce, so you could put those on day 4].

if you want to do a tour of Tuscany which caters for what you want to see, you might try these people:

http://www.hillsandroads.com/

I've not been on a trip with them, but everyone on fodors who has speaks very highly of them, and they get good reviews on TA too. there are other people on TA who offer similar things if you prefer to do that rather than just getting the train.

alternatively [and your DD might prefer this,] why not do a day or 1/2 day cookery class - again, everyone who has done these seems to have a great time.

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Venice - with the Secret itineraries tour at 10.45, you should have time to see the Rialto market first, or the Basilica - but not both. and I would get the vaporetto pass for 2 days; with single tickets at €7 each, [more for the islands] it'll soon pay for itself. the tour takes about an hour and a half, and then you can spend as much time as you like in the Doge's palace after that. that will definitely take you up to lunchtime.

you probably won't have time for the islands after that - instead have a nice long lunch then go for a wander in Dorsoduro and Santa Croce - there are some lovely little calle and shops to explore, Ca' Rezzonico is very interesting -

http://www.venice-museum.com/rezzonico1.html

and your DD might want to do some shopping of course!

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Rome:

before my most recent visit to Rome about 3 weeks ago, I'd have said that you couldn't do the Scavi tour and the Vatican museums all in one day - now I would disagree with myself. That is because they have re-organised the museums since my last visit so that it is possible to see a reasonable selection of the museums AND the sistine chapel [which you can only visit by going through the museums] in a couple of hours. this is the more so now as i understand from another thread that the Borgia rooms in the museums are closed because of the papal conclave so the 30-45 mins or so that they take aren't an option anyway.

if you want to do a scavi tour, you should book that asap, preferably in the morning to give yourselves the afternoon in the vatican museums and St. Peters'. you should also book your vatican museum tickets through the vatican website [cash only on arrival as the banks have stopped the Vatican bank taking credit cards!] so as to avoid the queue to get in.

Ditto the Borghese gallery - I like to make just one reservation early in the day to leave the rest of the day free, but at this late stage, you may not have the choice!

buon viaggio!

PS - click on my screen name and you can see my recent Rome trip report -or at least the beginning of it, which does cover our visit to the Vatican and St. Peter's, which might interest you.

It seems like you are taking a lot of pre-booked tours. The drawback to that is that you have no flexibility of the weather is especially bad or good, or if you simply change your mind about what you want to do on a given day. Most of the time, we get plenty of useful info from guidebooks (primarily the Blue Guide to the relevant city, which is a somewhat dense and dryto book, but then I'm into history).

I had the same thought as Lexma. Most places a guided tour is not needed. The Scavi and Doges Place are the exception. But you don't need tours for Coliseum, forum, Vatican museums, St. Peter's, etc. You may, however, want to book advance tickets to avoid waiting in line. Annhig also gives some great advice. Sounds like your going to have a great trip. Buon viaggio!

Ann has given you splendid advice. I have little to add but would like to second a few points. Visit the Rialto Market early. The later you arrive in the morning, the more the stalls have been picked over.

In Florence, Visit Santa Croce, IME even more interesting than the Duomo (but save plenty of time for the Duomo). Try to find time to fit in the Museo del Opera del Duomo to see the original Ghiberti doors, a beautiful Michelangelo pieta and an incredible Donatello Mary Magdelane among other exquisite works.

Take the bus to Fiesole in the morning and, if the weather permits, have lunch on a terrace overlooking Florence - a beautiful view.

I think if you follow Ann's guidance, you will have a wonderful visit.

I should have added, too, that when we were in the Borghese a few weeks ago, it did seem that the afternoon was less crowded than the morning. However, I think you can avoid any potential crowding by going all the way to the top floor first ( most visitors start on the first floor), and also by getting there plenty early. Since no bags, umbrellas, etc are allowed in the museum, the bag check line can get long.

March 24 & 25 are Sunday and Monday so there is no point in visiting the Rialto market as it will be closed. Better to do that bright and early on the morning of the 26th. You could even pick up a few items to enjoy on your train ride.

I think your first day is kind of neat because I always have to go to the Piazza San Marco the first day. It is such an amazing experience the first time you see it. I like the idea of catching the vaporetto out there and going to the top of the campanile (though there are sometimes queues). Then take the vaporetto across to the Piazza. Visit the basilica and if you have the energy, the Doge's Palace.

The second day - I wouldn't really bother with the Correr museum. Its a cool museum but you are missing out on a lot with your current plan. Instead, after your tour, I would head up to Cannaregio and check out the area around the ghetto, the Miracoli church, SS Giovanni & Paolo, the Ghetto, and all the quiet and colorful streets around them. Then go over to the other side of the Grand Canal and go to the Frari, and explore San Polo (not the market part) and Dorsoduro.

PS I screwed up in my post - when I said "out there" I meant to go to San Giorgio Maggiore to go to the top of the campanile - THEN go to Piazza San Marco. DOH! Sorry about that, hope it is clear now.

Nice advice from annhig.

I disagree with msteacher. The forum in Rome is the one place I most needed somebody explaining what I was seeing. Otherwise it's just a jumble of broken columns and pieces of marble.

You probably won't be able to check into your hotel on your morning arrival in Venice, but you can leave your bags.

TTT

I'm with mimar on the forum - three visits and I still need someone to explain it to me.

Here's where I run into a bit of problems in my opinion:
March 24- Frari Church, Rialto Market is closed today. This was a bummer for me when I found out.
March 26- I don't think I have time to see Rialto Market, Frari Church and Scuola di San Rocco and then the Accademia to then take a train that departs at 3:55pm. Would you agree?
March 27- love this plan Annhig, but I noticed the Bargello closes at 1:50. What would you do?

I wanted to do Florence, tour, Florence again... but I have to be cautious that my Firenze card doesn't expire if I do a tour in between.
I already bought the Firenze card to skip lines, but do I still have to make a reservation to Uffizi, and Accademia?

I believe that a tour of Roman Forum is important. At least I learned a lot when I visited Greece.

P.S. In Rome at the Borghese Gallery, it doesn't allow me to click on the calendar for April2, but for other days it will. Could it be it's closed or already full?

saving for me

March 26- I don't think I have time to see Rialto Market, Frari Church and Scuola di San Rocco and then the Accademia to then take a train that departs at 3:55pm. Would you agree?>>

depends how long you take to see things, marcast! [and what time you get up!]

the market will be open from 8am, the Accademia from 8.15 am, and the Frari and the scuola from 9am, and the latter two are VERY close together.

I could do all 4 of them easily in a long morning, [I've never spent longer than an hour in the Accademia,] but perhaps that's me. where are you staying? presumably you can leave your luggage at the hotel to collect on your way to the station?

I think that i would aim to see the Accademia earlier in the week [it would be the last on this list if it were me in any eveny] and if you missed it, well, you missed it.

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Florence - the firenze card is supposed to let you into the Uffizi and Accademia without queuing, but as with those who have specific reservations, you might have to stand around for a few minutes. and with only 4 days, if you want to get maximum value out of the Firenze card, you will have to put your touring day at the end.

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Rome - Borghese gallery.

I looked at both the english and italian versions of the website, and you're right - April 2nd is off. not clear whether it's already full [unlikely as they have slots for all tour times on April 1st and 3rd] or closed, but it's not available on that day.

definitely go for a tour of the Forum if you can. then you can come back here and explain it to me! [and mimar].

I stand corrected on the Forum! But my general thought is just to think carefully about how much time your family will enjoy listening to someone talk about history/art, versus how much time you'll enjoy exploring independently. Personally, I can only tolerate one or two guided tours per trip, but I suppose others may enjoy more than I do.

lol, ms, I've never done more than one guided tour per trip, and rarely that. i much prefer to wander round my myself, guide book in hand [or less often] listening to an audio guide.

i wish I'd made an exception for the Forum though.

Must add my two cents in support of Annhig's advice, even in regard to the Accademia in Venice. I have a minor in art history and love museums, but after 7 trips to Venice, I still haven't made it to the Accademia. There is only so much you can see with enjoyment in one trip, and sometimes sitting in a piazza with a gellato lets you absorb more of the culture. Also agree, the view from San Giorgio is lovely. Burano is interesting, but I doubt you have time.

Would not do Pisa, Siena and San G as one day trip by bus. Two out of three, but not all three. Might do Siena as one trip or Pisa and Lucca together as one trip by train.

Personally, I love Assisi, but probably would not do it as a day trip from Florence. Might do Orvieto on the way from Florence to Rome or as a day trip from Rome.

Agree about choosing guided tours carefully. They can be very informative, but fun things happen when you are kind of on your own and people help you, or you relax and end up in conversation with someone interesting.

Italy holds such incredible treasures, there will always be art museums, churches and beautiful towns you miss. Try to soak in what you do see because it is all beautiful and wonderful. You want to remember it.

great advice, sassafrass.

annhig, I am staying at Hotel American Diensen (Dorsoduro) in Venice.

This one?

http://www.hotelamerican.com/

lovely position, i love the way they've taken the photos!

I think that makes your life on the last day very easy as all the things you want to see are so close to your hotel.

had you thought how you are going to get to the station and how long you are going to allow?

Yes, this is the hotel. I switched things a little to do the following on the last day:
Walk to Rialto Bridge
Rialto Market
To Friari Church
Tour Ca’ Rezzonico
Explore Dorsoduro
Go back to hotel to get bags? How long would I need get to the station. I am traveling with Italo. Much better prices.

In Florence, I chose Residenza dei Pucci. Via dei Pucci n 9, 50122 Firenze.
Rome: Hotel Residenza in Farnese. Via Del Mascherone 59 00186

I am debating if to go to the Borghese Gallery on Easter Day. It's open and then go to the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain (guessing it must be nice at night?) But I don't want to miss anything special that might happen at the Vatican.

Anyone ate at a great restaurant at either cities that doesn't break your bank?

I don't think that the train you are travelling with affects the time you'll need to get to the station! the Italo looks good though.

your hotel's directions suggest that to get to the hotel from the station you take the no 1 or 2 vaporetto to the Accademia stop and that it will take 30 mins plus a 2 minute walk - so reversing that it should take about 30 mins to get to the station, less if you can get a no 2 which calls at fewer stops. therefore i think that I would allow myself an hour to get there.

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i can't see any reason not to go to the Borghese GAllery on EAster sunday, if it's open. it is likely that the spanish steps and Trevi fountain [lovely lit up at night] will be heaving so personally I'd leave them til another time. you have mentioned going to the piazza del popolo and attending mass - the basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo has a number of the works of Caravaggio and has a mass at 18.30 on sundays:

http://www.santamariadelpopolo.it/ingl/index.html

it's difficult to predict what will be happening in st. Peters. Mass takes place at about 9 am [tickets required] and then the Urbi et Orbi greeting is at 12 noon. [in the piazza, no tickets required,] but you're unlikely to be there in time. a lot depends i suppose on whether there is a new pope by then. your hotel is near the campo dei fiori so it'll take you about 20 mins to walk to the Vatican or you could get a bus to get you a bit closer.

Definitely try to take the #2 vaporetto from Accademia to the train station. It is way faster. You can see the timetables at the stop. I have never taken the Italo, but I always try to get on a train to Florence or Rome 20-30 minutes before it departs (or as soon as it gets to the station) so it is less stressful to stow luggage and find your seat.

thank you all so very much for all the wonderful information and willing to help make my travel more smooth!! Annhig, you have been especially helpful! Thank you!

Last question, if you don't mind. Should I wait to book a tour until a few days before, once I arrive, or book now? One is an afternoon tour at the Vatican to take advantage that I am already there (scavi tour at 11:30am and would like a vatican tour that starts at 2:30pm with Viator)
The other I am interested in is the Roman Forum that only allows max. 10 people with walksofitaly.

definitely book a tour asap - Easter week in Rome this year may be vv busy!

Marcast - it's been my pleasure to help you and i look forward to reading your trip report!

I can't wait. I'll send you the trip report. Thank you!

Book tickets on Viator sooner than later. Some tours are full and early booking sometimes offers a discount.
I would suggest less pre booked tours each day. I would research galleries and pick a few. Try not to see too many. Its I would suggest bus 7 from San Marco to Pizzeria San Domenico toward Fiesole. They have the best risotto raddichio. And pizza with corn rucola and fresh tomato. close at 2pm but you can go for lunch...or for dinner. Great view across the street of Firenze
Take bus 25 and bus20. Just for the round trip around the city. View you will not see if you stay near the Duomo. Take the bus number 12. It goes aound the oltra arno up to Michalangelos. The bus stops for 8 minutes. Go across the street and see the view of Firenze and the Duomo. If you miss the bus another comes in 20 minutes.
If you can go to Verrazzano winery. Take the lunch tour. They pair wine anmd food. It is my favorite place to take friends to. The tour is informative the wine a.d food..fantastic! Book early.
:lastly..enjoy your trip enjoy a cappuccino get lost on side streets. Beware of pickpockets on the bus. (Yesterday he looked as he was dressed like the bus driver..neatly dressed dark blue sweeter)

Great info Wanderlust!! I should enjoy Italy a bit more than just museums is what I am getting. Thank you for the recommendations for eating and the winery. Do they have a website where I can book? Or is one of Viator's tours?
In regards to "View you will not see if you stay near the Duomo. ", are you referring to the hotel I chose?
Thanks for letting me know of the picpocketers. Sneaky, aren't they?

Verrazzano has a web ste. Try yo book in advance. If you like wine then it is one of the best. They really do a great job with food and pairings. Its a few hours for the tour. It is in Panzano..near the famous butcher. I mentioned the view because the buses wind up to the hills on each side of Firenze. The view from Michelangelo's is spectacular. The views from the Fiesole area are panoramic.
I know the museums are a must. Just realize one can spend several hours in the Uffizi and Accademia alone! There are amazing paintings and sculptures and you want time to enjoy them. As for the pick pockets just keep your handbag closed and close. And if possible wear clothing that goes over the pockets. The gentleman yesterday had pants with loose front pockets..like "dockers" . Have fun!

marcast, for more "non-museum" activities, have a look at the TA - activities - page:

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g187895-Activities-c25-Florence_Tuscany.html

quite a few winery tours are featured, which you might enjoy.

the "attractions" page is quite good too.

The views from Piazzale Michelangelo are lovely; i used up lot of my camera's memory taking photos from up there. there is a nice bar up there [just below the wall which overlooks the view] to get up your energy for the walk up to San Miniato. [don't forget your €1 and 50c coins to put in the machine to illuminate the mosaics - you'll need these everywhere unless you want to rely upon the generosity of others!]

the bus up to Fiesole is a good idea too; we liked the restaurant in the main square as did quite a lot of locals which is always a good sign.

Fantastic wanderlust57 and annhig! It's coming together nicely with what you are recommending. I looked into the trip advisor activities and got a better idea of why you recommend staying in Florence vrs. going on day trips out. What a beautiful view!
Verrazzano looks amazing! Your guests must love you for taking them there! Booking today for the food and wine lunch. My husband will love it!! and of course, me too. I am so forever greatful to all for such kindness in recommendations!!

marcast - it's a pleasure - just make sure you don't forget you owe us trip report!

ok, I will!

wanderlust, I forgot to ask. What is the best way of getting to Verrazanno if you don't have a car?