My husband and I are looking to go to Italy in late April early May 2010. Is this a good time to go? We are first time Europe travelers and would like to make the absolute most out of the trip. Will 5 days in Rome and 3 days in Venice be enough? We really can't afford to stay longer than 8 days so extending is not an option. We have scheduled 2 days for travel to Italy and back that is not included in the 8 days.

We are on a budget so where would you recommend staying in those areas. We are not on such a budget that we need to stay in hostels or anything of the like. I would like to find something in a good location that is reasonably priced (not that I know what reasonably priced is over there).

Is $1500.00 per person for hotel and flights only to little of a budget?

Thanks in advance for the help!

Your timing is good.
Your itinerary works: congrats on not trying to be over-ambitious on your first trip!
Your budget is not something we can comment on unless we know what portion of that $1500 per person is for the flight...this amount would definitely NOT be adequate if you are coming from Saskatoon, but from Lucerne it works quite well...you see the problem?
Searching a few past threads on the subject and checking out venere.com for hotel rates will help you clarify AFTER you have figured out your flight fees.

You have picked the 2 most expensive cities in Italy, and they are 5 hours apart by train. I would plan to spend 200E per day [$280] for food and lodging, and that is budget. That time of year can be very pleasant, but take an umbrella and a jacket.

Where are you coming from? From North America, most flights arrive in the morning after an overnight flight. So you really need to allow 2 days for the trip over, one day for the trip back.

To make the best use of your time, fly into Venice and out of Rome. That's called an open-jaws or multi-city ticket. That way you won't spend precious time backtracking. And, if you do it in reverse -- fly into Rome, out of Venice --, you have to leave Venice very early to make a connecting flight home, losing more time.

Late April, early May is a great time to go. Earlier, like March, would be cheaper. Would you be disappointed if it wasn't warm in Italy?

Late April/early May is a wonderful time to go to Italy, actually, probably the best time .

As far as flights, no way to tell without knowing departure airport. The late April-early May is shoulder season so you got that going for you.

As far as saving tips, definitely look for an apartment rental in Rome, you will save in food and you will be more comfortable: there are NOT a lot to choose from when in comes to Rome-hotel quality-great value.... Start by setting an upper limit on lodging/night and looking to stay in Centro Storico. Go from there. DEFINITELY set aside time and patience to browse the hundreds of amazing info already posted from travelers who been there, done that. Sites such as this (LOVE FODOR's!!), and slowtrav.com are priceless for the independent travelers of the 21st Century.

Have fun, keep posting!

Nice that you are not trying to do too much in this short a trip.

I agree with open jaw suggestion and I personally would fly into Venice and out of Rome. Not sure where you coming from but would be ideal of you can avoid connecting flights which really eat up time.

Bob gave you a good low end budget number but you will have to work to find good accommodations in these two very expensive cities. Check out tripadvisor.com for lots of reviews on hotels in your price range. Also, Veniceby.com and Romeby.com are good sources for less expensive properties. I have heard the Panda Inn is a good budget option, well located, in Rome.

Read all trip reports you can on these two cities for tips and suggested itineraries.

Look into the Roma Pass to save some money in Rome on entry fees and public transport.

I honestly believe that a first-timer in Italy should split their time between the city and a smaller, more scenic location.

Venice plus Lake Como or Lake Garda, for example. Or Rome plus an Umbrian hilltown. Or Florence plus a Tuscan villa.

You're not really "tasting" the real Italy if you're just having the city flavor. And I say this as a devoted lover of both Venice and Rome.

Oh, and like LJ says, congratulations on not trying to be overly ambitious with your 8 days. You have no idea how common a rookie mistake that is! Sounds like you're smarter than that.

I would try to avoid Easter time as it will be more crowded and most likely cost more for accommodations. Also be aware that April 25 and May 1 are holidays in Italy. We have been in Italy the last 2 years during this time and it does make for more crowds as the Italians apparently take the week and go on holiday. I think most of our trips over the years to Italy have been during April May timeframe and we have had generally good weather -- cooler sometimes and in some places and sometimes some rain, but otherwise a great time to visit.
Enjoy the planning and the trip!

Itinerary is great.

Days in each place is great.

Late April-Early May is perfect.

Budget..??? Could be an issue...

Where are you flying FROM?
Do you require private bath or is shared bath OK?

I forgot to mention that a good way to save money in Rome is to stay in a convent. Here's a web site: www.romefile.com/accommodation/convents.php.

As long as you don't stay out too late at night....

Thank you very much for the help! I have been trying to do some research on my own before I ask more questions so I can be more specific. Has anyone heard of the Yes Hotel?

I have obviously realized that I will need to raise my budget a little more!

I will be back with more questions once I have done some serious research!

Thanks again.

The Yes Hotel? I thought you wanted to stay in Rome?(LOL)

You may need to acquaint yourself with a handy resource called TripAdvisor...they will spill the beans about the places with the fancy websites that aren't quite what they seem!

Your timing is great we went in April this last year, the weather was perfect and hardly any tourist. 5 days in Rome maybe a bit much have your thought of a day or two in Tuscany? Assisi was my favorite but if you are looking for more activities Florance was beautiful, midevil town. I would do Rome in 3 days, its a large city but you are going to Italy to get out of the hustel right?