We're starting to think about our December, 2003 trip and am looking for advice about Italy. We -- a family of four (18 and 15 year olds included) will have about ten days. We're thinking of visiting Italy since none of us have been there. I'm interested in general advice about an itinerary as well as thoughts on whether December is a good time to visit. Thanks.

I have never been there, but you may want to re-post your question with "family of 4 in Italy" or something like that. You might get more replies that way.

Ed,<BR>My family just came back from Italy 2 weeks ago. We visited Rome, Florence, Siena and Venice. There were very few crowds and there were no lines to the museum. San Marco was literally empty and we loved it. However, it was cold in Venice. It went down to the 30's at night. Florence was around mid 40's to 50 and Rome was really nice at upper 50's. We are from Wisconsin so those are good weather for us.It all depends on where you want to go in Italy and where you're coming from the US.

3 days in Florence at the Hotel Torre Guelfa in Florence rm 29-suite/ sleeps 4- very nice,<BR> Train ride ( Eurostar only-make a reservation day before)to Hotel Ca' Pisani in Venice- Modern but amazing- Very comfortable. Stay 2 days in Venice.<BR>Go back to florence rent a car the next day and drive to Siena, then to Agriturismo 'La Crociona'( a winery and amazing villa) in Montalcino, then drive through Pienza on to Orvieto.(stay at Piccolomini) Then back to Florence.<BR>

Well, Ed is making progress. First he didn't know how to ask what he really wanted to know. This time he just put a lame header on the message, though at least he identified that he wants to go to Italy.<BR>

Why not Sicily? I will try to e-mail you some notes.