Has anyone stayed at the Hotel Roma - and what did you think of it? I can't seem to find any reviews on this place.
Also, is Siena or Assisi a doable day trip from Florence?
I also saw some airline messages at this site. I am flying Lufthansa to Italy, so it is too late, but what can anyone tell me about this airline.

Hello, Siena is am easy day trip from Florence by bus. Assisi would be a couple of hours I think. I have flown Lufthansa and was very pleased. Pleasant service and decent(for an airline) food, on time and no lost luggage. Have not stayed at Hotel Roma. Good luck to you.

Thanks Peggyann. Good to hear that Lufthansa was OK. I appreciate the input.

I flew Lufthansa to Germany a few years ago and the airline was fine. I agree with Peggyann about decent food for an airline. It seems the european airlines give you cheeses etc. that are good compared to american airlines. Busses are available across the street from the train station in Florence. Sometimes they have more direct routes than the trains - not so many stops and take you inside the historic areas to drop you off. Decide which city you are daytripping to (many are close) and then someone on this board will have the info of which is easier - train or bus. The prices for busses and trains are similar on alot of these routes - 4-8 euro.

Hi Jedri,

Siena is a very nice day trip from Florence. There is a direct SITA bus. The bus station is on Via S. Caterina. at the corner of Via della Scala. 6.5E one way.

Bus schedules are at http://www.sita-on-line.it/SITA-Toscana/HomeToscana.htm

Siena is only an hour away from Florence so it's an easy round trip. Assisi is a doable day trip also.
I have taken Lufthansa to Florence changing in Frankfurt. We didn't miss connections like Air France is known for and the service was fine. We had a wonderful trip. On the way back, since Frankfurt doesn't offer a tremendous amount for tourism but is worth seeing, we spent two nights and returned home.

Thanks again all for the input.
Ira - saw your trip report on Italy at another posting and will try your restaurant suggestions in Florence. Do you have any for Venice?
We will be there for 6 nights.

Hi Jedri,

Places that we have eaten in Venice worth remembering:

Cantinone Storico 041.523.95.77
Go to the Accademia Bridge. Walk away from the canal toward the Accademia. Bear left. Make first left. Go over the bridge to San Vio. Restaurant is on the right, on the canal

Alla Madonna near the Rialto - the second time. They treat you better

Recommendations by others that we haven't been to yet, but will try.

Antica Besseta Salizzada de Ca' Zusto, 1395 Santa Croce, tel. 041/524-0428 Across the canal from the train station, toward the Rialto Bridge

Taverna San Trovaso 041-5203703 from Accademia Bridge Walk away from the Canal Go Right at Calle Corfu to first side canal Fondamenta Priuli Go Left.

Antica Locanda Montin 041 5227151 from Accademia Bridge Walk away from the Canal Go Right at Calle Corfu to first side canal at Fondamenta Priuli Go Left (with canal on left) through Campo San Traverso to Fondamenta Bonlini. Go right. Go right at 1st street (Fondamenta di Borgo)

Hi Ira,
Sorry I didn't get back to this posting for awhile - thanks for the recommendations and I've read your most recent trip report with great interest. Thanks again for great info.

Glad to help.
Have a great trip.