I know this issue has been addressed here, but this is my first trip to Italy and I am getting frustrated with whether to spend an extra day in Venice or Rome. I currently am planning: 1 night Milan, 4 nights Venice, 3 nights Florence, and 7 nights Rome. I'm not sure whether to spend more time in Venice or Florence and take from Rome. Basically, I'm deciding between another day in Venice, a day trip from Florence, or another day trip from Rome. I've never been before and this is my dream trip before we start having kids. I want it to be romantic and fun and I am struggling with where to spend our time. Thanks for any help with my indecisiveness.

it really doesn't matter, wherever you go on a daytrip will be unforgettable!we have done day trips from all 3 places and they all have been without a doubt irreplacable memories. we especially liked 2 trips out of Florence to Lucca and siena. I could spend forever in Venice, once we went to Italy for a month and never left Rome. It really doesn't matter because you will come back sooner or later, Enjoy it now and later

Hi Shelly. Since a day trip from Florence is one of your options, if you'd like to see another Italian city besides Venice, Florence, and Rome, then I'd suggest a day trip to the beautiful, and nearby, city of Siena.

I would suggest a day trip to Pisa. So much of our advancements in knowledge is attributable to Galleleo and his experiments from the Tower and the Church next door. <BR> <BR>

Shelly, <BR> I just got back from a 3 week trip through Italy. 4 nights might be a bit too long for Venice. I'd suggest an extra night in Florence. There's so much more to do & see there. I'd also recommend the day trip to Siena. You can catch a bus from Florence.

I would suggest subtracting one night from Venice and one night from Rome and adding some place relatively rural. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

Shelly: Depends upon how you are getting from one city to the next (car or train.) If by car, definitely try to get in some seaside (Portofino or Rimini,) Lakes region, countryside, or small towns. <BR> <BR>I can not imagine getting bored with Venice in 4 days or Florence in 3 days. And though Rome looks large, 4-5 days should be sufficient. Depending upon where you are arriving in Italy, use the other 2-3 days exploring either the Lakes north of Milan or down the east coast from Venice to Rimini or if landing in Rome, try Siena and the small towns on the way to Florence. <BR> <BR>I would not suggest trying to fit more than one of these diversions in on your first trip, unless you have a car or are very patient with the train system.

Hi Shelly <BR> <BR>What do you consider fun? Do you want to wander around small medieval towns, scramble through ancient roman ruins, museum hop, hang out in a piazza drinking cappucinos or go shopping? Personally, I would be inclined to take a night away from Venice and add to Florence, but it's really a matter of personal preference! Whatever you do - it's all interesting! <BR> <BR>Mary

Shelly, Definitely take the exrtra day in Florence for a ride to see Piza in the morning and then to Lucca to spend the rest of the day walking the walls and enjoying a great Italian city. Suggest you stay over night in Lucca and drive through Chianti country on your way back to Florence. Instead of seven days in Rome consider a couple of nights in Sorrento or do the Amalfi drive from the other side and play it by ear in finding a local place to stay in Amalfi or Positano. Rome is wondefful but seven days of a big city can be tough. Remember the best part of Italy is getting off the track and visiting some small hill towns where there aren't many tourists.

So, Shelley, what did you decide to do??? Bob, I thought your advice sounded stunning...hope to take it someday. Ciao, kk

I would suggest adding a day from Rome to Florence. There are so many breathtaking day trips for you to take from there (Siena, San Gimignano). Also, we were there for 3 days and I found it wasn't enough time to see everything in town. Never been to Rome (yet) but from what I have heard, about 5 days is enough time. Have a great trip!

Are you spending the night in Milan because of the time of your arrival? If not, I'd go straight to Venice and use the extra night in Florence. I agree with those who recommend 4 nights in Florence. If you can't skip the night in Milan, I'd do 3 nights in Venice, 4 nights in Florence and 7 nights in Rome. I'd never give up even a minute in Rome--but it's true that I'm an urbanite down to my fingertips.

If this is your first trip to Italy, I'd spend 3 nights in Venice, 3 nights in Florence, 2 nights in Siena and 6 nights in Rome. I'd reserve one day out from Siena to tour some of rural Tuscany (e.g., San Gimignano + Chianti district) <BR>Paulo

I would add an extra night in Florence and not give up any of the nights in Venice. I just returned from Italy and spent 4 nights in Rome, 3 in Venice and 2 in Florence. Between travel time between the cities and jet lag, I do not recommend adding any more locations. There is so much to do just in the main spots. Also, you run the risk of "overload" trying to see too much. Have fun!

The good news - you really can't miss with whatever choice you make. <BR> <BR>A day-trip to the countryside from anyone of your locations is great advice and should be considered. <BR> <BR>Personally, my wife would add to Venice because of the shopping (she buys silk blouses in Burrano by the dozen - while I stand transfixed in the glass shops of Murrano). <BR> <BR>We both agree Rome is fresh forever, and a day trip (or two) to Naples area - Capri, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast is wonderful. <BR> <BR>Florence leaves time for great trips to Sienna or Pisa. (By the way, the tower of Pisa was still not open about four weeks ago) <BR> <BR> <BR>Have a great time. <BR>

I would take a day from Rome and spend a night or two in Siena. The place is magical at night after all the tour buses leave! Don't miss it.Maggie

On second thought, I'll also put in a vote for a night in Siena (or at least a daytrip)--it is magical.