Thanks to the advice we received from this forum. We have a 4 day reservation at the Ritz in Florence (10-14) and a 4 day stay at the Hotel Venzia in Rome (14-18). Any suggestions on how to fill these days?

Good evening, T&T <BR>I personally would assuming that you <BR>have four nights in each place, which <BR>would mean you lose a half day the <BR>1st day in each place. Have Lunch.. <BR>For FIRENZE would suggest the following <BR>Day # 1 get the layout of the city, <BR>walk to the Ponte Vecchio and get a <BR>basic map, so you know how to go. <BR>Day # 2, go to Accademia to see David, <BR>the Duomo and Bapistry, the church of <BR>Santa Croce and its leather markets, <BR>and to the Ponte Vecchio and its gold <BR>stores. <BR>Day# 3, go the Mercanto Centrale, first <BR>thing and see how the market of a large <BR>city operates, from there to the Medici <BR>Chapel (if reopened) the Church of San <BR>Lorenzo to the Uffizi or the Pitti, some <BR>times must have tickets in advance but <BR>check with the concierge, sometimes can <BR>be preordered on web. (check into <BR>www.fortunecity.com/ under Florence <BR>has a good listing of Museums. <BR>Day # 4 Would suggest taking a guided <BR>bus tour of San Gimignano and Siena, <BR>have these arrangements made by the <BR>Concierge at your hotel.... <BR>ROME <BR>Day # 1 get into the area of the <BR>Condotti/Corso the bottom of the Span- <BR>ish Steps. Walk about four blocks and <BR>go up the Via Veneto, and have your <BR>afternoon expresso at Doney's Good <BR>place for people watching. <BR>Day # 2 Take a taxi to the Vatican <BR>Museum just before opening time and <BR>then will not have the long lines which <BR>form later, see the Sistine Chapel <BR>amd when returning to the entrance <BR>to the Museum watch for a sign, showing <BR>a bus that goes to St. Peters Square <BR>and thru the Vatican Gardens. <BR>Day #3 Take a bus tour rather a morning <BR>and another afternoon tour that will <BR>go to the Colosseo and other places <BR>in the morning and in the afternoon <BR>to S. John Latern, M. Maggiore and <BR>the catacombs see www.romeguide.it/ <BR>carrani/default.htm/ <BR>Day # 4 do your morning shopping <BR>around the Condotti and the Corso, <BR>have a very special dinner for your <BR>last night in Rome. <BR>If you want some ristorante recommend <BR>ations drop me an e mail. <BR>Richard of Hickory Hills, IL...

You'll find detailed suggestions for (mainly) walking tours in Rome to fill at least 2+ of those days at www.twenj.com/romesights.htm

I highly recommend a visit to Piazzale Michelangelo which is a park across the Arno River near Ponte alle Grazie. You can walk up the hill or get a bus. From there you will see a breathtaking view of Florence. It gave me really different feeling than when I was actually in the middle of the city. You will have no problem filling 4 days in Rome or Florence. <BR>

Thank you for the info. We are landing in Rome and then taking the train to Florence. So Richard our first afternoon/night will be in Florence. Is there a special restaurant by the Ritz? It is near the river.

In Florence, Bus #13 goes to the Piazzale Michaelangelo--don't miss it. It's a quick trip and a gorgeous view of all of Florence. In Rome, do lots of walking, e.g., from the Pantheon to the Piazza Navona to the Campo dei Fiori to the Palazzo Farnese and the Via Giula (don't walk this all at one time, but use the landmarks to keep your bearings). Rome's a wonderful city for walking. Don't miss a trip to Trastevere one evening for pizza and/or suppli (deep-fried rice balls filled with mozzarella).

Good evening, Terry & Tina <BR>The Rex is located on the Arno, its no. <BR>bank about three to four blocks east of <BR>the Ponte Vecchio. My suggestions would <BR>be to walk down or up to the Ponte <BR>Vecchio and cross over to its south side <BR>about 1/4 block on the left is a small <BR>square with the RISTORANTE CELESTINO, <BR>upon crossing the Ponte Vecchio to the <BR>south side, turn right at the first <BR>street, the Jacopo S. Jocobi and about <BR>3/4 a block down on the left is the <BR>RISTORANTE MAMA GINA. Both are excellant <BR>ristorantes, pastas, meats, and fish.. <BR>The TRATTORIA IL BARGELLO, located on <BR>the Borgo Die Greci, 37r out the right <BR>hand side of Santa Croce about two <BR>blocks from your hotel. Would suggest <BR>reservations or possibly being turned <BR>down,. Richard of Hickory Hills, IL...

A couple additions/corrections to Richard's otherwise excellent four-day Rome itinerary: <BR>1. Don't waste you money on a cab to the Vatican. It's an easy ride on the Metro. And, I believe the new stations right the Vatican have opened. <BR>2. I don't believe you can take the bus through the Vatican Gardens this time of the year. No problem--it's not really that long a walk from the Museum to St. Peter's. <BR>3. Make sure you visit Piazza Navonna in Rome. Some of us think it's Rome's most beautiful square. <BR>4. If you don't take a tour on the third day, make sure you at least walk to, around and inside Colosseum and Roman Forum.