We are going to Italy in May to stay at the "big 3" and we were lucky enough to have 10 nights there. Should I stay in Rome 4 nights and take a side trip to Naples, Pompeii and Capri (and is this possible) or should I spend 4 days in Florence and take a side trip tp Siena and Pisa? Help!

When you arrive in Rome you will find that you could spend the whole 10 days there. There are of course side trips such as the ones you mentioned or visiting Hadrians Villa and Villa D'Este. From various postings, people that only spend 2 or 3 days in Roma are not impressed but those whos spend longer wish that they had more time. <BR>Regards, <BR>Art <BR>

Rome for four nights with a day trip included would make for only two days in Rome ... a ludicrously small amount of time. With that plan, you'd not at all give yourself a chance to enjoy the city. <BR> <BR>Three full days is too short, indeed, but at least it would leave enough time to skim, repeat skim, most of the top sights. Sights left uncovered in that amount of time would rank above the top six in most other cities except Paris and London. <BR> <BR>Not to mention the joys of strolling in Rome, and just enjoying the city and its vibrance. <BR> <BR>Give yourself time to at least get close to experiencing the city. <BR> <BR>And by the way, while Florence is a spectacular city in many ways, giving both Rome and Florence an eq

Finger slipped and there she went! <BR> <BR>Giving Rome and Florence an equal amount of your time is not an especially wise plan. Nice as Florence is, it has not one tenth the attractions of Rome. <BR> <BR>twenj

I'm planning my first trip to Italy for September. It really depends on what you like. I'm doing 5 nights in Rome and 8 nights in Florence and I still know that I'm not going to get to everything I want to do. Consider what you want to do and prioritize. Fodors has some pretty good suggested itineraries and gives estimated times for each of the sites. If you want to see the Vatican, I think that's about one day. If you want to see the ancient city (colosseum, forum, and environs) that's at least another day. Then there's the Spanish steps, Trevi Fountain, Trastavere, breathing, etc. You might want to resist the temptation to do side trips since your time is short. I think catching a bus to Siena or Pisa from Florence would be pretty easy to do last minute if you decide you really need to get out of the city. Also, Ostia Antica is supposed to be a nice side trip from Rome and it's closer than Pompeii or Naples. Can anyone verify the part about last minute excursions? I'm not sure.

Stay in FLorence and take a trip to Siena - definately worth it

I vote for Rome. I have been to Florence and Rome and I think Rome is more lively and less expensive. Check out my websight for inspiration! <BR> <BR>http://home.earthlink.net/~richardab/

to the top, sorry