My mom is 70 and I took her to Rome in February and she loved it. A bit of rain but not too cold and definitely smaller crowds. If your dad liked Paris, he'll love Rome. There's even a free military museum in the Vittoriano.

mclaurie, the point was...in January I walk everywhere and avoid using vaporettos. Of course, I cross the Grand Canal bridges but my body is constantly moving in the cold. In May, you can't keep me off a boat in Venice. I LOVE the water and come from a family of boaters.

Dear AllyPally,

If you'll only be staying for 3 days (what a shame) I'd vote on Rome. I'll never forget that breathtaking, heart stopping moment of first seeing the Coliseum right in front of me at night, beautiful..

Cheers, E

Having just read the 'Things you love about Venice' posting, I have decided on Roma for Pops and Venice for me and the boyfriend, at a later stage. Thanks for all your input and clarification. It's great to read all the ideas from the experts!

Try looking farther south. No, farther. Farther, and over to the left. Yes, <i><b>Buenos Aires.</b></i>

Although I love Venice, you can't go wrong with Roma. There is just SOOOOO much to see and do there that it is unbelievable.

Hope you have a wonderful trip Ally. I'm going to India in November with my parents and sister (hub is sitting this one out) - gonna spend some time with my one remaining grandparent and also with the 102 year old older brother of my grandfather. Also attending a cousin's wedding and squeezing in some shopping. I'm really looking forward to the family time, especially as it's my dad's first trip since his golf accident a few months back which had him cancelling trips to Baltics and Zambia.

I am sure your dad will enjoy Rome and also that you and fella will love Venice.

why not just forget the military angle, there's plenty in the daily newspapers..a trip to southern Italy, Naples, sorrento, amalfi and all around sicily...he could even study some mafia war tactics.....

AP, I know you made the right decision on your choice of Rome. Of course, I'm a &quot;little&quot; prejudice as I arrive in Rome on March 30th for a two week stay. Have a Great Trip !!! Mike