I PLAN TO TRAVEL TO ITALY (ROME, FLORENCE, VENICE) IN LATE SEPTEMBER 2000. I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE HEARING FROM SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN TO ITALY (ROME, FLORENCE, VENICE) WITHIN THE PAST MONTH OR SO, WHETHER IT HAS BEEN TOO CROWDED WITH TOURISTS THERE THIS JUBILEE YEAR? THANKS.

PLEASE DON'T USE ALL CAPS. IT IS VERY HARD TO READ AND IT IS AS IF YOU ARE SHOUTING. <BR> <BR>THANKS YOU, <BR> <BR>I mean, thank you.

I'm back from Florence, Venice and Rome (during Easter Week). Rome was extremely busy particularly Plaza Navona, the Spanish Steps & the Vatican. However, I would not let that stop me. Although the crowds were bad at the Vatican, the lines went very quickly. <BR>September should be better, simply because of the Easter factor. Florence & Venice were fine. We had some waiting; but all in all well worth it!

We were in Rome the week of Good Friday, and left Sat. - just before Easter. There were a lot of people around, but we walked right into the Vatican (we were there on Wed. and the Pope was in St. Peter's Sq.),and didn't find it unusually crowded except in the Sistine Chapel (wall to wall people.) We did have to wait in line at the Colloseum for about 15mins. The line did keep moving, but go in morning when it's not too hot. The doorman told us there were fewer visitors to Rome than they anticipated.

Visitor numbers from earlier this year were well below expectation, though certainly up compared to previous years. <BR> <BR>While the end of September is still a popular month (good weather, on into October), tourist numbers are down from the peak. Don't put off your trip! <BR> <BR>Rome.Switzerland.Bavaria <BR>www.twenj.com <BR>

We just got back from a three week trip. Rome was fine - we stayed near the Spanish Steps, and even that wasn't too bad. We left Florence a day early, as we couldn't find anyone speaking Italian! It was jammed with tourists. Didn't do Venice; we'll try another time. Florence sort of ruined us for typical tourist destinations. Don't forget the rest of this marvelous country!

Went to Venice, Florence and Rome and got back on the 12th of May. It was not as crowded as I expected and was even more magnificent! We never waited to get in any museum or even the Vatican more than 10 minutes, but we planned our times that way. The churches all thru Florence are magnificent and were uncrowded-do not miss the Meddicci Chappell!!! All rests. we went to were great with no waiting. We loved it all and each place is different. You will have a great time and have no problem in Sept. <BR>or Oct. I would think.

I wouldn't be concerned about crowds. We were in Florence for Palm Sunday and Rome for Easter Sunday. Combined with Jubilation and holiday for Liberation of Rome (1944 WWII) we didn't have any major problems. Yor timing shouls be no rroblem at all. <BR>Richard

Just got back from Italy (5/24/00) Visited Florence, Pisa, Tuscana region, and Cinque Terre. Although there is great beauty and history in both Florence and Pisa (and lots of tourists - the lines weren't that bad, but by the time we left they were getting longer)I must say that Cinque Terre and the region surrounding San Gimignano was the most beautiful. I definitely had the best time in those two places - much in part to the person I was with - Hey Kev! Sure, there were tourists, but it wasn't nearly as crazy.