Hi--we are planning to spend the Christmas-New Year's week in Italy and would love suggestions. Airfare is the same into Rome, Milan, Venice and Florence. Have been just once before to Italy when we drove from Milan, Florence, Assisi, Perugia to Rome. Was not able to enjoy Florence last time due to the noisy hotel, air pollution and heat so am thinking of returning to see what I had missed before. With the dollar so much weaker, really have to go budget so are thinking of not renting a car this time. Any suggestions of an itineary for about a week: December 27-January 2? Budget accomodations, restaurants, and other budget tips much appreciated.

<<With the dollar so much weaker, really have to go budget so are thinking of not renting a car this time>>

I wouldn't be able to afford European vacations myself if I rented a car (I don't drive stick shift, and automatics are very expensive to rent). I find that traveling within Italy by public transportation is not errribly expensive.

I can only give advice on Rome at Christmas. It was great fun. I don't know how much time you spent in Rome but you can easily do a week there. we did 10 days and now I dont have to go back for a while. I would actually spend christmas there. Why not leave on the 23rd? 4 extra days would give you some time for a day trip or 2.

In Florence during Christmastime (until La Befana/Epiphany) much of the city shuts down (shops, restaurants, etc). It's lovely, but do be careful! Rome might be a better bet, as it's a larger city and more things might stay open.

I did Venice from Dec. 27-31, Florence from Dec. 31-Jan. 4, and Rome from Jan. 4-9. You'll have to pay careful attention to determine what's open or not - which required a lot of careful planning in Florence. For such a short trip, I'd consider Rome alone, Rome and Florence, or if a bit adventurous maybe Rome and Naples. I'd recommend Venice too if you're interested in it again.

Florence *was* very crowded during the days I was there. I'm sure it's more bearable when it's crowded in winter than in summer.

We were in Venice this past Christmas, everything was open and the crowds were minimal..lots of aqua alta though. We were in Rome for New Years. Don't make the mistake we did and try to fly out on New Years Day after not getting one second of sleep the night before!