Castellanese

Venice without a doubt.

Aramis

kfusto;

The point I was trying to make is that
a personal preference for one place
over another is hardly grounds for
making a statement that the disorder
means that Florence should be the choice.

Lauracelli made that statement, not you..

nytraveler

Have been to both several times and although I adore Venice I have found it to be a much better trip with a husband or lover than with a friend (or tagged onto a business trip with an associate).

Florence has a much wider variety of things to do/see - and all of Tuscany to tour out into.

twokats2

Wow -- we too are going to Italy in May and the choice between these two cities is a struggle for me. This post pretty much is hands down for Venice which is interesting -- many people I have asked seemed to have liked one or the other. I have heard that Venice can have an unpleasant smell ... does anyone have any comments regarding that?

ira

>I am one who bores easily and Venice bores me quickly. I find it artificial.<

I can make no comment on the first part, but what is artificial about Venice (except that the bell tower was rebuilt in 1912)?

ComfyShoes

Ira, I think artificial is the slightly zoo like atmosphere in Venice unless one really veers off of the tourist routes.

Still, been to both Florence and Venice, I would still pick Venice and specially so with Rome. Much better contrast with Rome when compared to Florence. Nothing like it.

lmhornet

It's very simple. If you are big on art museums, then it is a close choice. If you are not, then Venice wins by a mile. Florence is actually fairly dull.

BellaItalia

In response to twokats2 asking whether Venice can have unpleasant smells--we have been there 2x in June and July and have not experienced any unpleasant odors. I too have heard people say it can be smelly but I believe that is related to the aqua alta (high tide) which occurs in November and in the spring time.

On our first visit to Venice in '02 we stayed 2 nights and it was not enough. On our 2nd visit in '05 we stayed 4 nights and it was perfect. With more time we were able to visit the islands--Murano, Burano, etc. We loved Burano! Another of our favorite things is to just wander around and "get lost."

Our second visit to Venice was at the end of a 3-week trip that started in Croatia and Slovenia thus making Venice feel extremely crowded to us. We still found it enchanting! The best time in Venice is after the daytrippers leave.

We have visited many destinations in Europe, but to this day our entire family agrees that our first ride down the Grand Canal was truly jaw dropping!

kfusto

Ira, I can only say that Venice does not have the appeal to me that it has to so many others. I find it Disneyesque and terribly crowded at most times of the year. While it is indeed unique and sometimes striking in its beauty, the overall appeal is simply lost on me.

For my money and time, I much prefer other cities and towns in Italy. It is far easier to sleep well and dine well for less in Florence IME than in Venice.

I know that Venice "speaks" to many and there are those what can wander the canals and streets in bliss. I am more taken by the art, food, ambiance and architecture of other areas in Italy and simply do not enjoy Venice.

suze

I have been to Venice twice, and would return in a heart-beat! I have not been to Florence and have no plans to. Venice is totally unique. Like no place else on earth. And it is an easy city to get around because of its relatively small size and since there's no car traffic to contend with.

twokats2- Well there are canals and it is on the sea, but no Venice does not smell bad in my experience.

annhig

As usual ,I'm with Ira here- Florence is fine, but Venice is finer.

From the perspective of someone who gets bored very easily [ideal time for seeing the uffizi is about 1 hour] Florence is art, and more art, unless you get out of town and in the time you've got, you won't be doing much of that.

Venice on the other hand has loads to do within a very small area - as well as San Marco [you must pay the extra E3 to see the Golden Screen and go up to the roof] there are the boats, the islands, the shops, the churches, the restaurants and bars, the markets, the tiny streets. I defy you to become bored!

Jean

Torihollow, please see that this choice is a very individual thing and can't be about which one is "better." Both cities are amazing in different ways.

The first thing on your list of enjoyments was art and the second was wine. All but the most fanatical Venice fans will agree that Florence has more art to see, and not just from the Renaissance. All but the most fanatical Venice fans will agree that the opportunities to drink fantastic regional wines are probably greater in Florence. You can order great wine at restaurants in either city, but your opportunities to sample the outstanding wines of Tuscany will be greater in Tuscany. You could even go to a tasting at a vineyard in nearby Chianti.

If you go to Venice, you'll have a wonderful time. If you go to Florence, you'll have a wonderful time. Only you can choose which experience will be more wonderful.

jimmmbobb

Perhaps you should consider a rail ticket and if you get bored with one, go to the other. Italy is a beautiful country...in 7 days you will have thrills regardless of where you go. You are eating just an appetizer in 7 days...fill yourself up.

flygirl

Why don't you add on three days at the end and go to the last city by yourselves - post tour?

mari5

I'm really suprised at the responses FOR Florence,,,,and I am in agreement. )I just, for some reason, thought that most people would say Venice. Yes, Venice would be the most contrast with Rome, and it is indeed beautiful (but almost in an "amusement park way". Now, now folks, don't take offense to that statment. I loved Venice.
Anyway...I would still say Florence to you and your friend....better food, side trips to Tuscany, plenty of art, shopping, wine, and 'more things to do".
(doesn't Globus keep you on the run every minute?~~~~~~~and most of these postings, including mine, make it sound like you will have plenty of time on your own????)