Comments on Itinirary
 

Ok, I just got the tickets for our trip to Italy next May. My sister and I are taking our niece and nephews for their graduation. Please let me know what you think
day 1 w chgo/rome
day 2 th rome
day 3 f rome
day 4 s rome
day 5 s rome/florence
day 6 m florence
day 7 t florence
day 8 w florence/venice
day 9 th venice
day 10 f fly to brussels
day 11 s brussels home

Do you have to go to Brussels on this trip? You could really use that day in Venice. Otherwise, looks good.

Since it's probably impossible to get a non-stop flight from Venice to Chicago (chgo?) a stop in Brussels is as good as any.

I'm no expert on Italy, but it looks good to me. Some might suggest you have a day less in Florence and add it to Venice, but it's really your choice.

I like the brief stover in Brussels and feel the rest is great for a first time trip to Italy.

I would keep the 4/3/2/1 as is as I much prefer Florence to Venice.

I think the Brussels stop is a waste. there's no reason to take 2 days to get from Venice to Chicago. Just fly through a ctiy that has direct connections (like Venice to New York, then New York to chicago - which is hourly flights).

I appreciate all your responses. I do a thorough research on the towns I am visiting. My concern was too many days in Florence and add one to Venice. Basically you agree also.

The only reason why I am stopping in Brussels is due to getting frequent flier miles. It gives us a chance to do a hop on hop off bus for the day and then head back to chicago. I am excited to do Brussels. Who knows when I will get another chance to go there.

I really hate to go through NY and our only other BEST choice was flying back through Madrid which is what we are doing on the way there.

Has anyone tried to get direct to Rome out of Chicago? They are the hardest tickets to get and I have been calling daily.

Again, Fodor's has come to the rescue with some great comments.