My husband and I run each morning and would like to keep up our habit while in Italy. I'm sure our stay in the Tuscan countryside will not be a problem but what about the cities? When in Rome, Florence and Venice can we do our usual early AM run (or walk)?

We've had great experiences in our early outings last year in South East Asia. Some of our best memories were exercising in the local parks in Vietnam and Bangkok! You really see a glimpse of local life before tourism wakes up!

What do you think?

I can't comment on Rome, but you will have no problem in Florence or Venice if you get out before 8 a.m. Actually, both cities will be lovely to run/walk at that hour of the day.

If you want to run on the city streets of Rome, it's best to do it before 7 am. However, I would go to the Borghese Gardens and run on the trails there.

As far as Venice goes, you could speed walk past the crowds around san marco and as the crowds thin out, jog all the way past St. Helena along the canal, then there are 2 large parks and quiet streets....

I did see people running in Venice, but remember that Venice is the city of bridges. You will be running up and down a lot of stairs. Be careful.

We saw lots of people running in Rome. Mostly along the banks of the Tiber on the Trastevere side.Saw many runnes in the Borghese gardens, too.

In Florence (depends on where you're staying, of course), try running up to Fort Belverdere, or along the Arno.

In Venice, early in the morning (7?), there won't be any crowds in San Marco Square.

I've gone running in the mornings on our last several vacations, and they've been a highlight of the trips (though I do stop for many more scenary breaks than I do at home). Enjoy!

I ran through Venice, up and down the steps along the waterfront till I reached a residential area and a park area....around and back. It was a very pleasant jog, but I did feel a little funny as there were not many joggers.

In Rome, I ran around the Borghese Gardens and then up & down the Spanish steps. Good workout!