i have ~10 days in italy and Rome is a must. But i want to see more there are strong points of both Venice and Florence but i can't decide!! please any imput would be wonderful!!
thanks

If you are particularly interested in the arts and sciences of the Rennaisance, go to Florence. If it is mostly about the food, go to Florence.

For everything else, pick Venice.

Venice

I hate this question, which is asked on average at least once a month, because it's like asking parents to choose which child they love more...

I love Florence. I could live there. Maybe I did in a former life. It's like one big art museum, and just outside the city you can see trees and hills.

I am fascinated by Venice. It is like no other place on earth. But it can feel a little claustrophobic, and I wouldn't go there in the summer.

But I'm a stranger to you, so what does my opinion matter? I suggest you read about both places in some guide books and decide which has more of what you enjoy seeing/doing.

If I were you, I'd spend 4 nights in Rome, 3 nights in Florence and 3 nights in Venice. If you don't expect to see it all in one trip, you can have a wonderful time exploring a few of the beautiful landmarks each city has to offer.

Ditto SHADRACH. I went to school in Florence and personally it's my favorite city in Italy after visiting many. I too would love to live there, but if you can fit both in I would. Venice is so unique and shouldn't be missed.

I think cutting back on Rome would be a real mistake.

When are you going? For both places, some times of year flatter the towns more than others.

How important is food to you?

Have you looked at picture books and guide books to get a sense of what art offerings are there?

Finally, do you visit museums where you live? Something you enjoy doing even when you're not traveling?

Venice is truly unlike any other city. It is magical and mystical - visually and emotionally - a fairy tale, a fantasy, and, of course, extremely romantic. The first time I arrived from the train station and stepped down to the waiting water and looked down the Grand Canal, my breath was literally taken away. It defies description. You must go. As an artist, I was blown away by the creative genius that Florence holds. I was literally on an artistic high Yes, the David is staggering to behold, but there is much much more. If you love art, this is the city. Venice is a surreal stage set. Florence is a total art gallery. Try and see them both. Marianthe

There's more to "do" in Florence, but Venice is so beautiful and the food was out of this world.

If you want museums- go to Florence. Food? Venice.

At least that was my recollection. Both were amazing cities, though, and the train ride was pretty short

-cris

p.s. We didn't have much more than 10 days in Italy (I think we did like 3+3+3 with 1 night in Pisa.

Anyway, you can get a rough idea about what is possible to see in each city in a short amount of time in our photo gallery (if you are interested)

http://kimncris.com/images/italy/

have a great trip!

-cris

<<If I were you, I'd spend 4 nights in Rome, 3 nights in Florence and 3 nights in Venice. >>

I agree completely. There's no reason to miss either Venice or Florence.

I think the food is MUCH better in Firenze, and I didn't think there was really much dispute about that -- however much people like Venice.

Even the dear departed Franco, who actually lives in Venice, laments the state of food in Venice.

I agree with Shadrach, i.e. you can split your time among the three cities. (I actually like Rome the least of the three, but I haven't been there in almost 35 years.)

We have been to both and if I had to choose one it would be Venice, Venice, Venice. It is truly unique and not to be missed!

I would say Florence if you want to be on the go, seeing the museums and shopping and all, and a day trip or two thrown in if you feel really energetic. Plus I believe the food is better in Florence.

I would say Venice if you want to wander at your leisure through a place like no other and soak up the atmosphere. The food isn't great, but the experience as a whole is unforgettable. St. Mark's Square in the moonlight, with the live music, is not to be missed.

Good luck.

Thank you all very much for your responses!! I am actually studying abroad in Italy and will get to see Venice for a few days, but my mother and i are traveling some before the trip. I am an art nut and do believe that florence is my best bet since I will see Venice later in the month of July. Thank you all soo much once again !! now if there are particular sites that i simply can not miss or places i should eat please let me know!