Planning on a vacation to see Florence and Venice during the week of April 13 to April 21. Would anyone suggest an itinirary for my husband and I arriving in Milan? We would prefer not to rent a car. We like to stay within walking distance to attractions and would like to spend anywhere from $75 to $125 a night for a room with its own bath.<BR>Does anyone have suggestions for a nice hotel they stayed at when visiting these cities? Would the weather in Italy be warm then? Are weekends or particular days not good for visiting museums, etc.? <BR> Thank you. Toni

Have you seen the old film "Enchanted April"? Totally irrelevant to your question, but ahhh

Hi Toni,<BR><BR>Locando Art Deco in Venice is great. The owner spent part of her childhood in the U.S. and is a wealth of local knowledge.<BR><BR>I have yet to find a place I like in Florence. Having said that, staying near the city center is the best location for one that is on foot.<BR><BR>From an itineray standpoint - 3 days Venice - 4 days Florence . . . and it will not be enough time in either city.<BR><BR>The weather is 'changeable' during your period of travel, layer clothing and plan for rain.<BR><BR>Have a great trip.

Hello Toni,<BR>You have left it late to make hotel reservations. I was in those cities last April, it was crowded. I suggest you find out which hotels are available and then ask for opinions here. That's what I did last year and it worked well for me. In Florence we stayed at the Casci, in Venice we stayed at the Giorgione, both very nice. The weather should be warm, do a 5 day weather search before you go, to make sure.<BR>A.M.

Venice - Hotel Ala - now repped by Best Western - great location - some special rates<BR>Florence - Relais delle Arti - suite place - good locale - very accomodating

Florence...Hotel Pierre...it's great!<BR>www.remarhotels.com<BR>www.hotelbook.com

You might want to look at www.venere.com or www.itwg.com, for booking hotels.