I've never been to Rome, but just by Googling Dawn3333's choice of hotels in Rome, it looks to be in the heart of things. If you want far out, try this address...viale vaticsno 53.

When I googled San Miniato B&B in Rome, I found its location outside Porta Maggiore at Via Montepulciano 47--seems far out to me.

You can really simplify your travel logistics by getting a room within easy shlepping distance to the Termini station- there are tons within a few blocks, especially towards Via Cavour and Santa Maria Maggiore, ranging from basic to fancy.

I'd consider that to be in easy walking distance of the centro storico, but I enjoy walking. If you don't like walking though, you probably won't like Rome. It's really the only reasonable way to see it to me.

fumobici- We love to walk so I will try these areas. Thank you!

This is frustrating, but I know well worth it...soon I will be in Italy...what more could I ask for!

D.

My bad, ellenem. Not sure what I googled before (bad google!) but you are right. That B&B is even further out that the place I originally booked. At least I was in the City!

I hope Dawn3333 is successful in her quest.

zoecat - We loved La Perla also. Stumbled upon it on our last day in Venice last year and had absolutely loved the pizza! We'll try to find it and Casa Mia on our next trip.

SCFoodie,

I like to use the Chow! Venice guide for reserching and finding (great maps at the back of the book) places to eat and drink in Venice. La Perla and Casa Mia are both in the book. If you do not already have a copy, pick one up before your next visit!

http://www.chowbellabooks.com/

zoecat - thanks for the tip!

Another vote for Chow!Venice; we ate so much better on our second trip to Venice with this book in hand.

Siena is not on your original itinerary, but you mentioned it later. Anyway I think the train station is outside of the main city. Siena is a walled city, so if you do decide to add Siena, the bus should be more convenient. However I only know about the Florence-Siena bus.

I don't know Pisa or Lucca, so I can't comment, but the Siena campo is justly famous.

Thanks 111op. My mom really wants to get Siena in, so we will try. Everyone has said how beautiful it is.

D.

My suggestion: stay in Pisa (much cheaper than Florence), you can easily go from Pisa to Lucca by train or bus (even better) and to Florence by train (a train every 20', about 1h.5'). You can enjoy a lot of good food. As for the things to see, in Pisa there is much more than the leaning tower. For example you want to go to the site of the Roman/Etruscan port (discovered a few years ago) and enjoy the sight of ancient roman ships (a unique in the world http://www.abc.se/~pa/uwa/wrekmed1.htm). Downtown enjoy Lungarni (www.palazzoblu.org), Church of San Pierino. In the outskirts, if you have time, go to Parco di San Rossore (former Residence of the King of Italy). Last but not least, if you are visiting in Sring/Summer, the beach is 7 Km away.