I am planning to be in Europe for 3 weeks in April/May of this year and have reserved rooms in all 3 of these cities. However, I will only be in Italy for 8 days and I am starting to think I may have been too ambitious with my itinerary. I definitely want to go to Venice, so now I am torn between Florence and Rome. I realize that there must be many wonderful things in each; I just wanted to get some feedback on what choice you would make and why. Thanks in advance.

We had the same dilemma and chose to eliminate Venice. The reason was that it was just a bit out of the way from everything else we were doing. So we will see Venice the next time....hopefully.<BR><BR>Rome was our absolute favorite city...can't say enough good things about it. And loved Florence as well. Very tough decision.

these are the pros and cons that come to my mind<BR><BR>Florence<BR>-a much shorter train ride from Venice<BR>-art and architecture heaven, overwhelming number of museums and churches for such a small place<BR>-predominantly Renaissance art<BR>-&quot;David&quot; is there, and imo that's an important issue<BR>-the city is small and almost entirely walkable for most visitors<BR>-daytrip to Siena or Chianti if you have time<BR><BR>Rome<BR>-large and spread out<BR>-historic center is walkable but distances can be long, and the metro stops are relatively few and far between, so it takes longer to go from place to place than you might think<BR>-art and architecture runs the gamut from ancient times to present-day, all jumbled together, so there's some sort of art for everyone's tastes. But imo, it's Bernini's city (marvelous sculptures).<BR>-longer train ride from Venice, at least 4.5 hours<BR>-the Vatican is beyond words in the vastness of its treasures, but that alone will take at least one whole day including St Peter's<BR>-Borghese Gallery is there, and that's an important issue<BR>-you will never see it &quot;all&quot; in 4 or 5 days, you will get just a taste<BR>but what a taste!<BR>

I spent 2 days in Venice twice and absolutely loved it. I would never leave out Venice in a trip to Italy. Only had a day or two in both Florence and Rome but would choose Rome over Florence. I hope to go back and spend at the minimum a week in Rome - so much history. I loved seeing the David statue in Florence (and finding the best gelato the world) and wandering back thru the city. But...given my druthers it's Rome and Venice.

I would definately pick Rome...som much to see, so much history (although that is true about Florence as well) If you are more into historical culture I would choose Rome, if you are more into art I would choose Florence

Thanks to all who responded. I think I am going for Venice and Rome. Leaving out Florence will just give me a good excuse to come back again!