Hi al,

>...we have two weeks and are planning to see the chianti region, sienna , and probably lucca. we were thinking of spending 3 days in each area. so we only have 3 days for one of the cities<

3 days in Lucca is, I think, one too many unless you are planning on driving to another town or towns.

Same for Siena.

Is there a reason you have left out Venice?

Suze: I very honestly think that there is more atmosphere to soak up in Rome than in Florence: there are more piazzas with more cafes, and there is more going on in them.

Even Venice has more and better opportunities for "dolce far niente" than Florence.

DeborahAnn: What happened to the Vatican and ancient Rome? You aren't going to abandon them for Florence, I hope! In a carefully planned one-day trip to Florence -- 1.5 hours away -- you can see quite a bit.

Alanna40: Florence definitely fits better geographically than Rome. But I'd suggest a week somewhere in the Chianti area -- or better yet, the area south of Siena -- with day trips to Siena, Tuscan hill towns, and a few wineries, and a week in Florence with a day trip to Lucca. Or go for Venice as Ira suggests: 4 days Venice, 5 days Florence inluding a day trip to Lucca, and 6 days in southern Tuscany with day trips to Siena, etc.

The possible variations are endless!

Eloise, I'm sticking with Rome, just need to offer my husband some other daytripping possibilities, large cities aren't his scene but he's really interested in roman architecture. He's especially enjoyed the Pont de Gard, Arles, Orange Avignon etc. This trip's for him. France is my travel passion, I am curious to see if Rome will call me back Deborah

me again. thanks for the advice. i guess i wasnt very clear, we are planning to see alot of the tuscanny region, staying in different areas and doing day trips. not necessarily staying for three days to see each spot. we love sight seeing, arts, history, wine haha. i am sure though you can get wine anywhere. the country is so beautiful as are the people, according to my husband. we just cant decide on florence or rome, i guess convience as in sir travel and car travel will come into play.

Alanna,
If you're already seeing Sienna, which I think is a cuter mini-version of Florence, then Rome would give you more variety. And it really isn't that long a drive, proportionate to 3 days in Rome.

I loved Rome.

I fell deeply in love with Florence.

Two totally different things.

Alanna, the above posters have given you great info on which to base your decision. Keep us posted, ok?!?

Happy journey, Tiff

p.s. Remember to stop and take it all in.

ROME, ROME, ROME! There are only 3 cities in the world which I adore: Rome, Venice, and San Francisco.

This is a very personal reaction, but I disliked Florence last June and couldn't wait to leave...very crowded, trafficky, smoggy, touristy... (However we all did walk adoringly around Michelangelo's famous David at the Accademia museum in florence.) We were in florence during the most crowded days of the year, and since it's compact city, it doesn't handle crowds well, easily gets feeling claustrophobic.

In contrast, we loved rome! Rome is bigger, more sprawling, and so it doesn't feel so crowded. Stay near the pantheon, great location.

We saw Rome, Florence, Amalfi coast, Venice, and Siena, and by a unanimous family vote, we loved Rome the most.

Rome needs careful planning, and leave the last day open for spontaneous fun! Spend at least 4 nights minimum in Rome. If you want to hear any more gushing about Rome, e-mail me at [email protected] and put Rome in the subject line...that's how I preview mail before deciding to open it.

Buon viaggio!

Feels like having to say which of your children you love most....

Question: I am staying in Venice for 4 days and would like to take a day trip to florance. What's the best way to go transporation wise? Does anybody have the right info- how long it takes what lines or numbers to go on?
Thanks, I cannot get a stright answer on this question.

I studied in Florence for a college semester(okay, a 1000 years ago....) and have been back several times with the family on vacation. Rome-I travel there every week for work. Hands down-Rome! The place is amazing and there is really something for everyone there.I NEVER run out of things to do or see in Rome.Things like just sitting at a cafe outside or going to the grocery store are magical!!! I would be one to tell you to use Florence as your base to see that area for daytrips and then include Rome for several days. Its seduction will get you too!

mshinos: Venice to Florence is about 2h46m by Eurostar. Go to trenitalia.com, select English, and you'll be able to find prices and schedules.

Returned from tour of Italy in June, 3 days in Rome and 3 in Florence are more than enough to see most major sites. Forget driving in Rome. Florence is the nicer of the two--cleaner, shopping for leather and gold plus museums and David. Best food is in the South.