I have about one week to travel to Rome and than either Florence or venice. I am struggling to decide which of the twwo cities to visit besides Rome. Which would you choose as an additional city to visit, any reason why one over the other? thanks for your help

Having been to both last year, I would choose Venice. It is unlike anywhere else in the world, and such a magical place. I was knocked out by seeing a city built on the water, and still think of it every day. When driving down the freeway here, I find myself thinking about the orchestra playing in San Marcos Piazza, and just start smiling. Or hearing Vivaldi's Four Seasons while standing on a bridge overlooking a canal in the moonlight. Beautiful memories that I carry with me every day.

I know both well, and I say Venice. Florence is beautiful, but if you're already in Rome, you have an idea of how it is. Venice on the other hand is an original in every sense that is amazing to see. Go Venice! You won't be disappointed. Just remember that you can see everything in an afternoon (if you want), because it's pretty small.

I'd vote for Venice too, but keep in mind that it's a 4.5 hour train ride from Rome. Florence is much closer, but Venice is magical.

No question about it -- Venice.

We just came back from a trip to Italy and I would vote for Venice. I don't think any other city can match it for it's beauty and romance. It is magical. Florence is charming, but unless you are a huge art buff I wouldn't spend more than a few days there.

No doubt about it, VENICE. If you are a romantic at heart, this is the city for you. You'll find a surprise at every corner: a canal, a bridge, flowers in the windows, buildings covered with centuries of colored dust, reflections in the water... Magic, magic everwhere...

I agree. Have been to both several times. A suggestion for you though...<BR>Take the first AM Eurostar to Venice from Rome. On your way back to Rome, take the very early train to Florence and spend a 1/2 day there. You could make a reservation at one museum and perhaps spend a few hours around town-Duomo, etc. Well worth it and you could see a lot in four hours. The train station in Florence is minutes away from the tourist area.

I am in the same predicament for our February Rome/Venice or Florence trip. Someone tole me that Venice would be flooded and the weather would keep me from enjoying the charm. Could this be true?

Both Florence and Venice are wonderful cities with a fascinating history, and great architecture and art, but Venice is far more unique (no cars, for one thing) and, in my opinion, also more enchanting.

Wow! Now, that is something you usually don't see! Everyone agrees!

By the way, today's New York Times has a special travel section on Venice.

Been to Venice inlate Feb and early March. Chilly, snowed in '01 during carnevale. BUT, didn't take away any of the thrill of being there. Less crowded and no lines at the Accademia art museum, which is fantastic and I recommend it highly. Stay at the Accademis Hotel if you can get in. Lovely and well located. Eat at S. Trovaso nearby, and enjoy a &quot;Scropino&quot; after dinner!

One week for Italy is not a long time, especially if you are flying in from the USA. It can take 15+ hours to get from your home to your hotel in Rome, and your first day will probably not be a very productive day. <BR>I will also be in the majority in my preference for Venice over Florence, although we just spent a week in Florence last month and loved it. Having said that I would probably recommend staying in Rome for the week and taking day trips to Florence (less than 2 hours by Eurostar) and possibly Pompeii and the Amalfi coast as a possible alternative to Venice. Venice is about 4 and 1/2 hours by Eurostar so you will lose a day of your 7 day vacation if you have to go back and forth to Venice. This way you can visit two other places instead of one. You may also get a price break by staying for one week at a location, either hotel or Apartment in Rome and not have to move your stuff. You can than spend a overnight in either of the above locations if you wish as well.<BR>Now if you can open jaw your trip I would recommend Rome, taking the early Eurostar to Florence, leaving your stuff at the train station, spending the day in Florence, than making your way to Venice, than flying out of Venice. Good luck.

Another vote for Venice. Described in one word (more than once)...MAGICAL!<BR>

Thank you all for the wonderful advice. Venice it is!