I am leaving in several days on a trip to Venice, Florence, and Rome for a total of about 12 days. I was wondering if anyone had any specifics to recommend about each of the cities. I've researched the major sites for the most part, planned a loose itinerary, arranged timed tickets to the museums in Florence, reserved tickets for the Pope's service, etc. I'm more looking for any of those nice, little recommendations out there that some travel experts can provide.

What are your interests?

Hi TM,

When in Florence, take the no. 7 bus from the SMN train station up to Fiesole (1E 20 min) to watch the sun set over the city from the terrace of the Bar Bleu.

Enjoy your visit.

We have pretty broad interests really between the two of us. We are not major art or architecture buffs, but we do have a respect for those interests. We really enjoy the historical aspects and just general sight-seeing mostly, although there is nothing we would throw out as an option to investigate.

If you click on my name, you can read the trip report of our very recent trip to the same cities in the same number of days.

I have also recently posted trip reports for each city: Venice, Florence and Rome. The reports include specifics on hotels we liked, plus details on restaurants and day-trips/activities we recommend. Click on my name above, or I can cut and paste here if you can't find them. Have fun!

Turkman3,

For Rome, I would suggest a trip to the Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere for cocktails and visit to the church of Santa Maria to see the mosiaics, followed by a stroll over to the Portico d'Ottavia for dinner at Da Giggetto for the fried artichokes.

For Venezia, I suggest a morning or afternoon wandering through the Dorsoduro without a map.

For Firenze, I suggest you not miss the Museo San Marco which is less a museum than a unique historical artifact which played a critical role in the history of Firenze.

Note that Da Giggetto is closed on Mondays. (I didn't have that in my notes, so we were disappointed when we walked over there after our Monday Forum tour.)

In Florence, definitely walk (or take the bus) up to Piazzale Michaelangelo for wonderful views of Florence.

One of our favorite Rome sights is the Baths of Caracalla. We missed them on our first two trips to Rome. The ruins of the baths fascinating to wander through, and although it is in the city its in a park-like setting away from some of the crowds so if you are looking for a break, this would be a good one.

I just suggest doing lots of walking and plan your itinerary as loosely as possible so that you have time to stop and explore sights that look interesting and just basically take time to enjoy each city.

Have a great time!
Tracy

Turkman....to second Ira's suggestion for a visit to nearby Fiesole...we loved walking back to Florence (about 6 miles) downhill all the way with spectacular views of Florence, gardens and flora everywhere...the ruins in Fiesole are rarely very crowded and a fine sight to behold. Many ops for lunch dining in the town square. Enjoy!
Stu T.