I will be traveling alone to Italy in February and I had initially planned the trip for 6 days/7 nights in rome and 3 & half days/4 nights in florence. <BR><BR>It seemed logical with rome being "bigger" and all...but now i'm having doubts because the B&B i'm staying at in Florence seems much nicer than the one Rome and Florence just seems much more quaint... <BR><BR>Of course, sight seeing is big on my list, but a relaxed vacation where I can soak up local atmosphere is really what i'm looking for. So, more rome or more florence? Any suggestion would be appreciated.<BR><BR>Any information on the weather would be greatly appreciated as well. I know that the average for florence in february is around 40 degrees f. and 50 degrees f. in rome, but having lived in Los Angeles all my life, i can't seem to quite imagine how cold 40 degrees might be....what do wear in that weather?

Jen, Use weather.com, click on 'World' and enter your cities of interest. It will give you a 10-day forecast and historical data on the weather. I loved both Rome and Florence and, while there's no shortage of things to do in Rome, I would probably take one night off Rome and add it to Florence. However, if the cold bothers you, you might find the weather in Rome a little more bearable.

I think it is a perfect plan. There is so much to see in Rome that I am always rushed. You have allowed enough time to enjoy Piazza Navona and other relaxing places in Rome. Florence is very concentrated and you can walk everywhere. It is perhaps more relaxing and quaint and you might prefer one more night there, but Rome is my favorite of the two cities. Enjoy your trip, Kay

Last year we spent 14 nights in Rome followed by 6 in Florence. By the time we left Rome we were worn to a frazzle and ready for what, we hoped, would be a more laid-back Florentine experience.<BR> And it was. The balance was about perfect for us. However....<BR> We're going back to Italy this summer, visiting Venice and going back to Florence. And we're asking ourselves...how on earth can we go back to Italy and not go to Rome. I won't bore you with adjectives except "rich" and "exciting" and "fabulous."<BR> We like to linger in places and savor the experience...become, to the extent possible, part of the community. We're less interested in "If it's Tuesday, this must be Milan" kinds of touring.<BR> Having said all that, your balanced itinerary looks pretty good unless you have the option of doubling the time in both places. We didn't find Rome relaxing, although it might be possible to do it in a more relaxing way. Florence around the Arno isn't relaxing either.<BR> Where you sleep/let down is an important part of the experience but for us it's more of a launching pad than a destination. Have a great trip.

Florence is one of my two or three favorite cities. Quaint it's not; it's a tough muscular town (to parapharase Mary McCarthy) that is the second birthplace of western civilization. But it's small enough to get to know well on foot, and if art is a speical interest then it's the greatest place in the world. The extraordinary thing is that in addition to a couple world-class museums, amazing masterpieces are still in situ at Sta. Maria Novella, Sta. Trinita, and other churches all through the city.

which b&b's are you staying at in florence. I am going back alone and staying 3 nights in florence and 3 in rome. I visited recently and spent 5 nights in rome and 3 in florence and didn't have enough time in either. Have a great trip.

more everything!

Hi Jen! About the LAST word I'd use to decribe Florence is quaint. I liked Florence for the art & architecture, but IMO it's noisy, busy, dirty, and definitely not relaxed. My suggestion would to keep your trip as is, except maybe take out a day from each major city to add somewhere much smaller along the way. Maybe Orvieto, San Gimignano, or Montepulciano - just to balance out city/country. <BR><BR>Regarding weather - my first trip to Italy was in March a few years ago & we did the major cities. Venice was foggy & damp, but not too cold. Florence was that much warmer, and Rome the warmest, getting to 70F on a sunny Palm Sundy. It was cool enough for us to wear winter coats, but not to need hats/gloves. Definitely take a small umbrella at least! (I'm a native southern Californian too.) Italy will feel much more humid to you - expect worse hair days.

Dayle... you did Florence in late spring or summer, right???????? It is not the most wonderful place then ... in Feb should be alright. But since I once went to Italy for a month and never left Rome..maybe i should not be the one to give information!<BR><BR>For a first trip your schedule is fine.. find what you like nd then plan your next trip... There is not enough time leftin anyone's life to become jaded

Demi - we were in Florence in March, but it was the week before Easter & it was jammed with school groups & tour groups. Waited in line for Ufizi (SP?) for 2 1/2 hours. This was before they took reservations. The weather for us was cool & hazy.

If you're after quaint, I'd say fewer days in Rome & more in Florence. BUT reason would be not to spend more time in Florence; rather to afford extra time for a couple quick/easy days trips from Florence. Lucca is a short train ride away; and Siena, easily reached via SITA bus. Both of these towns are smaller than Florence, and most definitely Rome; and both are closer to what you may be seeking as far as quaintness goes. Siena in particular has alot of atmosphere. Strongly suggest you consider one or both of these daytrips.<BR><BR>Weather in Florence will feel chilly --- similar to what you'd experience if you're by the water during the evening (I have a sister in Long Beach, so I know what southern CA. feels like during winter). Layering is best; and I'd suggest a jacket. If you have some type of raincoat or jacket with zip in lining?