We are planning our first European vacation, hopefully in late August early September 2005. We would like to do two weeks in Italy then finish off with a relaxing week in Greece. I have pretty much decided on where to go in Greece but am very open to suggestions.
However, I need big time help on Italy. We love people, beautiful places, great food, and want to experience the culture and history. My husband is of Italian heritage but neither of us speak the language. Any suggestions?

For your first trip to Italy, the best plan for you to follow is to probably start with the big three--Rome, Florence and Venice. You could easily do those three, with a few side trips. And between the three you certainly will have the best in culture and history!

Here's a thread, with more links to more threads - -I really do recommend all of these...

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34472170

It starts with dreaming and visualizing... and books...

Best wishes,

Rex

If you haven't been to Italy before, it is really difficult not to include the Big Three--Rome, Florence, Venice. The sheer quantity of high quality sights and things to do in these cities is astounding.

Rome is just packed with excellent sights--open any guidebook. It has a bit of everything from ancient Rome, through the Dark Ages, into the Renaissance, and into modern times as a major world capital.

Venice is a unique world treasure--there is nothing like it elsewhere. It doesn't have the variety that Rome does, but few cities do have worldwide. Venice has great art, some of the most interesting architecture anywhere, art museums, specialty muesums, wonderful churches containing art masterworks for free viewing, several lagoon islands each with its own character, and the canals. Walking the pedistrian streets of a city with no vehicles making noise and putting out clouds of exhaust fumes is a truly different experience.

Florence--I will admit that it is not a favorite city of mine--but still worth a couple of days for the Renaissance art and architecture experience. And if you are really into the Renaissance, then perhaps 3 days. I know, but I just don't like the city.

I would spend an absolute minimum of 4 days each in Rome and Venice. We spent 5 days Rome and 4-1/2 days Venice on our first trip to Italy, and didn't have time to see several important sights--like the Accademia and Guggenheim museums or any of the lagoon islands in Venice, and the Borghese museums in Rome.

We also liked the Amalfi Coast--gorgeous with lots to do. Cinque Terre was OK, also gorgeous, but not as much to do.

Thanks to all for their prompt responses. I know Rome and Venice are on my list but haven't heard great things about Naples. Capri is supposed to be beautiful. Rex, I am definitely in the dreaming and visualizing stage and must purchase books, etc. to continue my search for the best trip I can plan! Any tips on southern Italy?

Thanks again

I don't think that your last sentence(question) was directed at me - - but just to clarify that I am not ignoring you - - I do not know Naples or Capri either one. I spent a day at Pompeii in 1969 (age 15), and a half day or less along the Amalfi coast in 1999 (my dad was sick, we were in Rome, I was bored, and I just got in my car and started driving).

There are three places in Italy that seem to bring out the most divided opinions; milan, Naples and Capri. You will find plenty of detractors and supporters of "Naples the misunderstood" and "Capri the over-touristed".

I look forward to being able to ffer my own personal perspectives some day, but can't now.

Also search Basilicata and/or Apulia - - you will find mostly positive comments about either/both - - even if far fewer people from here have ventured there. See http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34371632 for a nytimes article URL that I once posted.

See also http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...mp;tid=1300139 - - with a comment just tonight, from Jocelyn_P on the quality of info it contains.

Rex, I only found that thread because of your post here, which led me to it. Thanks!

You're welcome, Jocelyn.