It's pretty tiresome to hear generalizations about "gypsies," especially from someone who doesn't have much else to offer about normal travel issues.

I agree about Torcello. That place is unique and far, far more interesting than Murano. For me, a great day in Venice (assuming I have about 4-5 days to spend there at least) is going out to Burano for lunch, then traipsing all over Torcello, which is just the most fascinating combination of creepy and beautiful. You did see the two Tintorettos just hanging around in the sacristy, right? Amazing!

Skip Cinque Terre. There are so many more beautiful and interesting places to see in Italy. Also, it is not really on your way to Florence from Venice.

Visit Bologna, which is an incredible city, and take a day trip to Ravenna if you have the time, which has eight gorgeous historical monuments that, together, are listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Also, definitely see Sienna. A marvellous city.

It's pretty tiresome to hear generalizations about "gypsies," >

Hey hey - there is a lot of street crime and scams in stations reported here and some may be done by Romani but I'd say many more by poor legal or illegal immigrants.

It seems to me that crime is crime, no matter the origin of the perpetrators. Is it really productive to scapegoat particular groups, either by origin or immigration status, to get to solutions? What possible good can come from attempting to label the hand in one's pocket?

Not acceptable to use some of the terms above. Frankly disgusted and hope the people doing decide to stay at home.

Ah yes...

Bologna and Ravenna are great. I also recommend (though I have never been to the Cinque Terre, so I can't compare.) Ravenna is a quick train ride from Bologna -- a great day trip.
ssander

<<Leave expensive jewelry at home (for pickpockets) >> Yes I did that once and come home to find the house burgled.

@ Odin: Ouch!

I don't feel you have enough time in Rome--unless of course you already saw a bit of it on a prior trip.

I really loved the San Marco monastery in Florence. Also, get up early and see the Arno and the Ponte Vecchio at sunrise. If you visit the reknowned Uffizi museum, there is a rooftop cafe where you can have coffee and maybe a salad or pastry and just sit and view the Duomo up close.

When we were in Florence, my mom and grandma took a day trip to Lucca by train. It worked out well. You are more apt to need your Italian there.

Hi! My boyfriend and I are also planning our first trip to Italy for June, 2019. Looks like we have very similar itineraries with exception to Rome (we will keep that for another time). I'd love to share ideas and planning with you if you're interested. Let me know and I will send you my email.