Hi, <BR><BR>I will am planning a stop in 2-3 day tuscanny during a trip to italy and France in May. I was wondering if anyone had any opinion wether to stay in Florence or Siena ? or other places. - Also any good budget hotels anyone could recommend? <BR><BR>Thanks <BR>

If it is your first trip stay in Florence. <BR><BR>I would leave Siena for another trip. Try to go there when there is a Palio, the famous, medieval horse race--one held in July, another in August.<BR><BR>Wev stayed at the Capitol in Florence that was very good but that was 10 years ago.<BR><BR>Good Luck.

We stayed in Siena. It depends what you're looking for. Siena has a much older feel to it, while Florence is much more lika a modern city. Wherever you stay, you can day trip to the other. We stayed at Albergo Bernini in Siena, for about 80 Euros a night.

I've been thinking the same thing myself...Planning an Italian honeymoon for the fall and have planned for the Amalfi Coast, Rome and then Florence. I, however, have already been to both Rome and Florence but fiancee has not. I just get a little more excited thinking of doing something different. But, we were planning three nights in Florence, three nights in Siena seems like it would be a lot. I did miss the David the first time around due to a museum workers' strike...hmmm, could be easier and more relaxing in the long run just to stick with Florence.

Just had another thought, maybe we skip FLorence/Tuscany all together and head to Venice where neither of us has been. Everyone on this board LOVES Venice eventhough I've heard negative reviews of it in the past. THoughts anyone?

Well, Venice is further north than Florence, if that matters, but it's hard to compare one city to another.<BR><BR>Venice is unique, but it seems to be a love it or hate it kind of place. I think you either get it or you don't, which is fine in either case. I love it but it is more than the sum of its parts and so hard to say why. It's old and deteriorating, and yet beautiful. It has a lot of tourist trap restaurants and shops, but plenty of great places to eat and shop. It has art, most especially early Renaissance and some 20th century. It has an amazing number of glorious churches for such a small place.<BR>It has water, everywhere, and boats to ride in. The water as much defines Venice as anything.<BR><BR>Florence can't be beat when it comes to art of the high Renaissance, most especially Michelangelo, Botticelli, Donatello, etc. Florence is compact to walk in, and with a location in Tuscany has a glorious tradition of great food and wine. <BR>Florence give you easy access to the Tuscan countryside, the wineries of Chianti, the lovely Siena, small hill towns, etc.<BR>Florence also has beautiful churches, and great shopping, and has a chic-er, more sophisticated ambience I think, than Venice.<BR>Yet it's Venice I most often dream , about, unless thinking about a summer trip.

I am getting the Idea that most people reccomend Florence? <BR><BR>My only driving into florence and parking. We would like to rent a car and take a few trips to into the country. How id parking in Florence? <BR>

I recently had three weeks in Florence and if RAC's comment is anything to go by I must have been somewhere else.<BR>Perhaps I just dreamt I was in the most glorious renaissance city in Italy.

We were in Florence for 3 days last June, and wish we had stayed in Siena. We visited Siena one afternoon, and can't wait to go back to spend more time there.

I'm sorry--- I forgot that I wanted to add myself to those who love Venice. I, too, dream about it. It is unlike anywhere else in the world, and would be a magical honeymoon spot.

Elaine's comments are right on target. If you want a display of art that cannot be matched, Florence is the city. Venice, though it too has its share of museums, is probably more renowned for its architecture and obviously its canals. The entire city is a painting!<BR>RAC is also right in my opinion. Florence is more 'modern' and upscale than Sienna. Both have rennaisance structures, etc., but Sienna has a more 'old' feel to it, a more working class feel to it, than Florence. For the art, Florence, for the uniquness, Venice, for the day to day culture of a Tuscan city, Sienna.

Siena any time, much nicer and peacful.

We have decided to stay near florence - We would like to find a place right outside Florence or on the outskirts of town that is easy to drive to and park so we can take day trips. We will probaly devote 1 full day to Florence, but would like to stay close so we could take advantage of the nightlife and restuarnts. <BR><BR>Does anyone know of a good place to stay (80-120 euros) right outside florence - possibly with Bus or Train Access to Downtown Florence<BR><BR>Thx <BR>

Consider staying in Fiesole which is a small town above Florence, a 20 minute ride on bus #7 from the train station, also stops near the Duomo and San Marco piazza. Has beautiful views over Florence, some delightful villa B &amp; B's and roman ruins and a couple of interesting museums, to say nothing of the walks along the ridge and down into Florence via Compiobbi.

Florence is beautiful but Venice is &quot;just something else&quot;. Board the vaporetti at the railway station and ride the whole length of the grand canal to St Marks Square. Its out of this world. I originally visted Venice on a day trip from Florence - you can do it easily and fell in love with Venice so much, returned last year for a week. Hope one day I will go back.

Definitely go to Siena and I would suggest at least an overnight there. If you are going for the day plan an early arrival. There is so much to see.<BR>And regarding the Venice question...I count myself among those who dream of Venice. It should not be missed.