Skip Venice? NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!<BR><BR>My husband is a homebody and travels to make me happy (sorry, girls, he's taken!) We've been all over the world and to Venice twice. When anyone asks about our traveling experiences, HE is the one who starts talking FIRST about dancing to an orchestra - at midnight - in a totally empty - St Mark's square. It was as if were the only people in the world. The experience was definitely "priceless." He tells everyone that will listen about the beauty of Venice in October/November. <BR><BR>We leave for Germany/Austria in two weeks, and guess what? He wants to drive down to Venice for a couple of days. What a guy!

I would definately cut out most of Florence. Our visits to Florence have been from Sienna, worthy of a couple days itself. You can make a day trip or two to Florence to visit the sights. If you like to relax and wander the streets without a clear plan, spend the extra time in Venice. If you like to have a set agenda with lots of options, Rome is always great. There are also places in Rome to wander maizes of block long streets to encounter unexpected surpises that arenen't in the guidebooks. In short, don't cut out Venice. There are many beatiful smaller cities that make better overnights that Florence(Sienna, Verona etc.) Also, depending on the season, Liguria is a wonderful break from big city life(Cinque Terre is our favorite). Have a good vacation!

Hi Kristen: Just my 2 cents:<BR><BR>I went to Venice, then Rome. Spent 2 days in Venice and would have liked to stay longer. It is beautiful and peaceful and relaxing, so if you like that, don't skip it!<BR><BR>When I got to Rome, the first day I couldn't believe how noisy and crowded and busy it seemed, even though I grew up and worked in NYC most of my life. But then, I realized it was just because Venice had been so quiet - it was a striking contrast. After that, I fell in love with Rome, and was there for 3 days. You can see the highlights in 3 days. So, it depends what you like - I actually loved both places.<BR><BR>PS: Florence was my favorite city! I think your 5 nights there is a great choice.

Well, I can't say I am suprised about all of the varying responses!<BR><BR>For those who are suggesting a change in the Florence part of the trip, please let me reiterate: we are dead-set on that portion of the trip - it WILL NOT chnage in any way. My goal here was to discuss Venice vs. Rome!<BR><BR>We are staying in Florence at a Starwood property (read: free) and are very much looking forward to our time there. We hear wonderful reports of the restaurants in Florence and look very forward to enjoying evening meals there and strolling back to our hotel. And we will also take a couple of day trips (Lucca, Siena) during our time there.<BR><BR>As for Sinalunga, we are staying there because we hear wonderful things about the hotel, Locanda Dell' Amorosa. We also feel it is a good base by which to see Montalcino/Montapulciano during our one full day there (remeber, it's only 2 nights). From there we will explore Orvieto on our way to Rome.<BR><BR>Incidentally, I am leaning towards leaving the itinerary as-is.<BR><BR>Thanks again!

I have spent two weeks in each. I agree with Caryoln as to that I don't care if I ever see Florence again, it was nice for a few days but any more than that was pointless (And I was an art major). I wish I had had more time in Rome and in Venice. If you are looking for a romantic trip definately Venice is the place for that. But if you won't cut out Florence then definately leave it as it is.

<BR><BR>Kristen, if you have never been to Venice, I would highly recommended that you don't cut it out entirely, and recommend that you keep your existing 3 nights there as it may very likely be the highlight of your entire trip.

Kristen:<BR>Here is another thought: Why not eliminate Sinalunga and book all Starwood 3, 5, & 5? This will give you the flexibility to make changes to your plans, if you so desire, after you get there since you can cancel/change Starwoods 4pm day of arrival without penalty. By the way, which Starwoods?

Carolyn:<BR>We actually aren't using starpoints to stay in Venice, we are staying at La Calcina. Although we know they are wonderful properties, the Venice properties are 20K points per night (high season) which is a little steep. And we don't want to stay in the less expensive properties on the Lido.<BR><BR>We are really looking forward to the hotel in Sinalunga as well as the southern Tuscany location. This will be our time to rent a car and drive around the hilltowns, etc. It looks like a wonderful property and has a great restaurant on premises.We also like the idea of mixing it up a little and staying in Starwood and Non-starwood properties.<BR><BR>At this point, we're definately doing the Excelsior in Rome, but haven't decided between the Grand or Excelsior in Florence. Do you have a preference? Keep in mind we like the Heavenly bed!

I don't do Florence. Just kidding. I haven't stayed at either of them. I know they are both cat. 5 and in the same location. Many Lux. Collection also have the h.Bed even though they don't advertise it. I would call the Lux. collection desk, (or plat conciege if you are plat) and ask them what the occupancy looks like for your dates. If there are big groups at one, go to the other one. If one will be having any construction at that time, go to the other. <BR><BR>The Excelsior is in a better location in Rome and the better choice, even though I love the St. Regis as well.<BR><BR>I promise you will not fall in love with my Bella Venezia if you stay at LaCalcina. It's a toad compared to The Grand, Excelsior Firenze & Excelsior Roma. Are you set on that hotel?

Hi Kristen, ignore the people who are saying to skip sinalunga - Locanda del'Amorosa is an amazing place to stay & a fantastic base from which to explore Tuscany.

If you have never seen Venice, your life on this earth has been wasted. All the films on earth can never prepare you for what is the most amazing style, mystery, architecture, magic ever put together by man. Almost everywhere I have ever travelled, which is almost everywhere! reminds me at least a bit of somewhere else. NOT VENICE. Not a comparison on this planet. Maybe on other planets but not here. I would ditch Sinalunga! As if! Like saying lobster, file mignon, chicken pot pie and fois grois. Which one does not fit. If you think chicken pot pie DOES fit, then go to Tuscany on one of those farmhouse stays maybe with cooking classes thrown in, but not this trip because you have all those Starwood points. Sounds like you want the chicken pot pie part of your trip, so, fine. As long as you don't mess with Venice. And if you have the points, definitely go for the Gritti, part of the mystique of Venice is the amazing, traditional hotels. Splurge in Venice! The day trips from Florence to Siena etc. are also great. Rome is ten times more Disneyland than Venice! They know how to LIVE!

Hi Kristen,<BR>Your trip sounds great. Please keeep in mind that if you do find Florence less appealing than you thought, you can take day trips to Siena; Lucca and Pisa; and Bologna.

I lived in Florence for four years many years ago, and have been to Italy twice (to all the cities mentioned) in the past year, staying at Starwood properties. <BR><BR>DO NOT MISS VENICE. It is the only city that I brings tears to my eyes when I leave. I always wish I booked more time there. Florence has a special place for me (my birthplace), but a couple days is fine, IMO. Rome I can't quite get a handle on. It seems like a big, bustling city full of tourists - sorta like NYC. I don't think we'll return next time.<BR><BR>I prefer Northern Italy - the lakes, Verona, Bologna etc. Also, I think the food is better up north.<BR><BR>BTW, we stayed at the Excelsior in Venice/Lido and had a spectacular room with a huge terrace overlooking the adriatic. Great place to stay (in the summer- pool, away from crowds.) Excelsiors in Rome and Florence are what you'd expect - very nice rooms with little "character", stuffy clientele, lotsa "rich americans". But for 10000 starpoints, can't be beat. Just don't order room service - continental breakfast was $50 pp.<BR><BR>Ciao<BR><BR>Coachboy

If you cut anything, cut Florence. I spent 3 days there, and it was 2 days too many. A single day there would have been enough time to see the art treasures I wanted to see. Except for the museums, the town is an unpleasant place.<BR><BR>Rome and Venice are both wonderful. I want to return to both places.

Don't make a change. We did the exact same trip a year ago, staying in Chiani instead of Sinalunga. Venice is sublime. I love Florence - the best food in Italy. You could cut Florence by one night and add that to Rome. Florence is manageable in 3-4 days, Rome is not in 3 days. If you need to see more of Rome, return next year. But don't add days merely to get a free night.

Four of us stayed at Lacanda dell' Amorosa last May. Although expensive, we rated it the best of all places we have stayed. It's well located, charming and definitely worth every penny. You cannot go wrong and there are plenty of side trips to take.<BR>Ann

I have been away from my computer for a couple of days and am just seeing these recent responses. I appreciate what everyone is saying, but haveing talked "face to face" with a dear friend who travels like I do, I am keeping the itinerary the way it is. For those who are interested, here's why:<BR><BR>1. Venice for 3 days: I really want to go there, even if it's only 3 nights. Since it's out first trip to Italy, we figured we can always go back to certain areas on our next trip.<BR><BR>2. Florence: We're sticking with the 5 nights. It makes more sense to only do 4 nights, but we can't throw away a free night. Sorry...we're just too frugal. And with 1-2 days of day trips planned, I don't think we'll be sick of Florence at all. And again, I'm dying to eat as many meals as I can there....<BR><BR>3. Sinalunga: Not touching! this hotel sounds wonderful - for the "chicken pot pie" reference, I've had "chicken pot pie" at 5 star restaurants too...what I'm saying is that even though it's in the country, it still sounds very elegant, peaceful and wonderful. I can't wait!<BR><BR>4. Rome: Unfortunately, still keeping it at 3 days. I know it's not enough, but we will always fly in and out of Rome on future trips to Italy, so we'll make it back. We might even tack on one night and do 4 nights in Rome.<BR><BR>Thanks again!<BR>Kristen

Kristen, I Love Venice! I have been there three times in the past four years and can't wait to go again. For the person that said that it was like Disneyland and that there wasn't enough local life-They obviously haven't left St. Marks square or the Rialto Bridge area. If you jump on a vaparetto and go on past St marks by three or four stops you will see parks and shops that are just for the locals. It is wonderful.