taitai

What should I do? I have a big birthday coming up and my DH wants to throw me a party. I have decided I would rather spend a long weekend somewhere fun and luxurious. I am fixated on Italy. I have never been to either Rome or Venice. I have been to Florence and loved, loved, loved it. My birthday is in November. So, here is my dilemma. Should I go to Venice where I have never been and always wanted to go for a long weekend in November and risk being there when it floods? Or do I go to Rome where I have also never been although it sounds so big and busy and perhaps not quite as fun to stroll around and eat great food and see beautiful things. Or, do I go to Florence where I have already been and love and celebrate there? What would you do?

Thanks.
Taitai

willit

Venice - Beautiful, not too crowded in November, and flooding is part of the fun. If you have never been there, then this is where I would recommend.

Then again, I have never found Rome to be Too big, and in comparison to Florence, I found it almost empty (Maybe a slight exageration).

Dukey

Since it apparently is a win-win situation you might consider reciprocating your DH's consideration by asking him where HE might like to throw that party.

degas

Do something new - both locations are great. I agree with what willit said regarding Rome.

taitai

Dukey:

That is part of my dilemma. My DH is totally on board with going away without the kids for a long weekend rather than a party. It is exactly what he chose for his birthday and we are off to Iceland next month to do just that. The dilemma is that he has been to both Venice and Rome and never Florence. I have been to Florence but never Venice or Rome. So, we aren't going to find a city that both of us has not already visited and since it is MY birthday.....

Dukey

Understood...then I think you should go to Rome.

Yes, we know all about Venice (I love it too) and all about Florence (I love it, also) but if it is your day and you've never been to Rome, I think it's time you went!

nessundorma

Reading your original post, it sounds like you have always wanted to go to Venezia and are wary of Roma, so go to Venezia and enjoy the luxury and the strolls and seeing all those beautiful things!

The chances of your getting caught by the acqua alta are marginal. And even if you do, you will get on just fine, as have the Venetians for all this time. There is still plenty to do in Venezia when the water is up -- and you'll have a fabulous memory and experience!

If you go to Rome and your reaction is what you anticipate (and the weather reports for Venice were non-stop sun), you will kick yourself for not having gone to Venice.

Pack a 20 count box of Hefty bags apiece and a roll of duct tape to improvise something to keep your feet dry if the highwater hits -- which it most likely won't.

Roma will wait for you.

PS: Personally I'd pick Roma for my birthday, but it's YOUR birthday.

CRAZY4TRAVEL

Rome will not be overly crowded in November and it is a wonderful city for strolling when it is not hot. I agree that it is a win-win situation as Venice is also a beautiful and romanic place. You're the birthday girl so I think it is ultimately your call...it's not selfish to pick the place you want because it's your present.

suze

My vote goes to Venice. It is unique and small enough to get a feel for even with just a short weekend. Logistics are much easier than navigating a huge city like Rome imo.

ira

Hi t,

For romance, love and big birthdays, Venice.

Enjoy your visit.

emmabro

Wow what a lovely dilemma i haven't visited Venice but have been to Rome ... when i was deciding which of the 2 i wanted to visit Rome pulled at my strings! and i'm pleased to say i chose right !i went in February it was not busy at all so i imagine november would be the same ?...i loved it so much i'm going back next year So for me it's Rome that gets my vote ...xxEm

taitai

Thanks for all the replies, I appreciate everyone taking the time. I really do want to go to Venice but I keep getting stuck by weather sites that talk about the agua alto happening everyday in November. Oh, why couldn't I have been born in September? What were my parents thinking?????

Thanks, again. I guess if I am going to wear a parka in August for my husband in Iceland, he can ruin a couple of pairs of shoes for me in Venice in November.

We are lucky to have such problems.....

nessundorma

I think you've been reading the wrong websites. Try this:

http://www.cheapvenice.com/high-tides-venice.htm

The most important things are: Don't book in San Marco and plan for things to do in other parts of town away from San Marco for the two or 3 hours that you might experience the acqua alta.

taitai

Nessundorma:

Great site. Thanks for the info.

Off to plan......

Taitai

Mischka

My vote goes with Venice. I think as you have such a short time Venice would be better as you'll get to see so much more. Rome is very big and spread out. Also, Venice is such a romantic city

This is where we stayed on our last trip and loved it.
http://www.caangeli.it/
Hope you have a wonderful trip.