A friend and I are taking a 10 day trip in early February to Florence and Venice. We plan to stay 4 nights in each city with a travel day on each end as we'll have to connect thru either Frankfurt or Munich with FF mile tickets. So, I'm looking for recent experiences on hotels (in the 150e/night range) in both cities, traditional, fun restaurants (we're not looking for romantic!) and any out of the ordinary kinds of things you've done and loved. both of us have travelled in europe before and know that churches, museums, etc will be the mainstay of each day and that in February, the daylight hours will be limited. Thanks!

Hi cm,

In Florence, Il Ritrovo
Via de? Pucci 4/A Best food for the price Has fish. Full dinner w/wine abt 40E pp Closed Monday
From Pzza San Giovani (NW corner of the Pza del Duomo) walk one blk East to Via dei Martelli. Go left to Via dei Pucci. Turn Right. Look very carefully on left. No sign. Door could be locked. Ring bell.

In Venice, try Cantinone Storico 041.523.95.77, near the Accademia Bridge.

Favorite Venice hotel www.lacalcina.com

Florence: Winter rate in Feb. is great price of 110. euro for a double. I will be here two nights in Feb also. They are great with communication, I've stayed here once before in May 04 and loved it which is why I'm returning.
www.touristhouseghiberti.com

Venice: You need to e-mail for rates and they can be very slow about getting back with you but it was worth my efforts. I think a double is 130 euros - and a discount with cash.
http://www.ca-satriano.com/www/page.html

Have fun, Eileen

anyone else on restaurants, cafes and sites?

In Venice - www.hotelaidomori.com
Just a few steps from P. San Marco

In Florence - www.relaiscavalcanti.com. Next to Mercato Nuovo