Had to share my Italian experience. I used this forum quiet a bit and thought I would give something back to those who helped (a big thank you) and those who will be travelling for the first time. On the advice on many my sister and I flew into Rome and took the train directly to Florence. It was super easy (not speaking a word of Italian) to use the self service machine and get the train from the airport and then to florence. Great advice from another blogger - dont 4get to get your ticket stamped in the little yellow machines b4 getting on. Stayed at the Hotel Laurus in Florence - great location, walking distance to everything including the tran station. Be sure to have the front desk book your ticket to the next location ahead of time, when we left to go to venice we had to wait until the 1230 train the earlier ones were booked when we arrived - do not waste ur money on first class 2nd class is more than sufficient - found out that the train stations have a place to hold ur luggage (4 euros per bag) so u can make a day trip on ur way to you rnext locale - it would have been nice to know that b4 - travel light -

1 suitcase per person is the only realistic way to get around. Took the train to venice (def. worth the price to take the fast trains) stayed at the hotel sofitel (now the popadpopolis???) and again well worth it - reasonable, spacious yep i said spacious great views and within walking distance to everything. Another blogger said to go the the jewish ghetto and visit the synagoues while in venice and so glad we did that too. off to rome next where we stayed at the Albergo del Senato - great location a little pricey (the other hotels were soooooooo resaonable)but the staff was very accomodating. anyways hope that helps - any ?'s let me know - going back as soon as i can..btw the country is magnificent as well as the people!! ciao

hi pamocd,

short report so far and some gret tips already! it is soooeasy to forget to validate your ticket in those machines -we forgot once and got fined €5! [thankfully not each!]

looking forward to more,

regards, ann

PS - perhaps a few more paragraphs would make your content easier to read..not being picky, just trying to help.

Would love more info. How many days did you spend in each city? DH and I would like to do a trip like this next Fall (2011)

>>>found out that the train stations have a place to hold ur luggage (4 euros per bag)<<<

Only the main train stations in larger cities have luggage storage.