My husband and I are planning to go to Italy in July for the first time. We have a total of 10 days. Since we don't have a lot of time, could someone recommend 3 MUST-SEE cities? Should I drive or take the train? <BR> <BR>Thanks in advance. <BR> <BR>Meg

Rome, Florence, Venice. <BR> <BR>Train travel serves an itinerary like this extremely well, especially for a first-time visitor to Italy. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

If you're going to tackle the 'big 3' (Rome/Florence/Venice) you can easily get from one to the other on the train (website, www.fs-on-line.com can provide schedules). <BR> <BR>But you need to consider several factors when planning an itinerary, such as what types of things do you like to see/do --- and does an all-city tour attract you or would you also like to include a bit of the countryside. What I might consider a 'must-see' for myself may not be the same for you (for example, recent post discussing one of the greatest tourist traps in Italy, "Blue Grotto" -- been there & I'd call it a must miss). <BR> <BR>Rather than do the trio, you may alternatively choose to do either a Venice-Florence combo or a Rome-Florence combo; and then add a side trip to a smaller town or two.

I spent three months last spring living in northern Italy. I travled to the BIG THREE and enjoyed them all very much. Rome was my favorite. The coliseum and the forum are beyond my description. If in Florence, avoid any temptation to travel the hour to Pisa. It is nice, but there just isn't much outside of the Tower.Doing three cities in 10 days could be a wonderful whirlwind of a trip, but it could also make the last place you see a blurry, tired, drag. If I were going to skip one of the big three in the summer, it would be venice. The canals can develop a stink. If you are into a little vino, head North to the Sud Tirol. Meran/Merano is surrounded by vineyards and Alps. There is a tiny town named Dorf Tirol and/or Tirolo vie minutes from Meran that has two amazing castles. One of them is the oldest standing castle in europe. It is a breathtakingly different side to Italy. And you might even run across the vineyard where I worked. There are many nice hotels in Dorf Tirol for a relaxing day or two. Feel free to email me if you are interested in more info.

Agreed that Rome/Florence/Venice are the big three, but I would also strongly that the lake country is well worth some time, especially Lake Como. I also agree that the train is very good for these three biggies, but a car would be handy for the lakes, although they can be done by train as well. 10 days should allow you to see the three and if you are so inclined get to the lakes as well.

No doubts: Rome, Venice and Florence by train. <BR> <BR>Don't miss: the Vatican Museum and Church and the "Fountanna di Trevi" in Rome. <BR>San Marcos Church and Piazza in Venice. <BR>The Ufizzi Galery, "Galleria della Academia" (to see Michaelangelo's Davi), "La Piazza della Signoria" and the "Santa Crocce" Church (to see the toumbs of all Renascence Masters) in Florence.

Hi Meg, <BR>I agree Rome, Florence and Venice. You might want to take one day in Florence and head out to the Tuscan countryside - Lucca or Siena. You need to do lots of reading. You can do a lot of research on the web without buying any books. Just type in "Venice" on Yahoo and start reading. There is magnificent art in all three cities (of course Florence is known for this) beautiful walks, stunning churches, incredible historical "must sees" I agree with the person above - the Forum was one of my all time most memorable days. But it depends on what you and your husband like to do. Also, ask around for people favorite travel books - I love the Eyewitness Guides, they have great pictures. I also agree - take the train, it's easy. Have a wonderful time!

don't miss Santa Maria Novella Minerva Church in Rome. It is our favorite (besides St Peter's). It doesn't look like much from outside but inside is beautiful and it has a Michalangello(sp?) inside. Also in Florence, good place to have dinner is Il Latini. <BR> <BR> We will be in Italy in June and July for 4th time in five years. Bella!!!

Don’t know if you’re starting in Rome and traveling north but you may want to consider one night in Lake Como. I spent my last night there after a ten day tour of Rome/Florence/Venice then left from the Milano airport which is only a two hour drive. Have a great trip!

I would skip Venice (but plan on another trip there) and travel from Rome to Orvieto to Assisi to Siena to Florence. There are lots of suggestions on how to do this on buses or trains on this forum, but I would rent a car on leaving Rome and return it preferably at the airport in Florence. It's lovely driving in the Umbrian/Tuscan countryside. I'm getting too old for the intensity that Venice/Florence/Rome demands.

Rome Florence and Venice are must see locations. I think the Amalfi Coast south of Naples is the most wonderful place in Italy. <BR>I agree with Kam--driving a car is not hard, thr signage is easyto follow and you can make your on pace. You can rent from USA pick up the car in Rome and drop it off at The rome airport.

Auto Europe is a great car rental company. Easy to deal with, good prices and I got a beautiful Volvo S60 w/ leather int. a cd player and it was cheap. Don't get an underpowered cheapo car. The extra power of a good engine comes in handy in the hilly areas and for entering the highways.

I would go South to; <BR>Matera - The Festa del Bruna - July 2nd <BR> Go you will never forget it. <BR>Naples - "Real" Italy <BR>Martina Franca - a classic Apulian city. <BR>Get off the Venice/Florence/Rome tourist track, especially crowded in July, <BR>and get to the real heart of Italy <BR>"The South"

We (2 adults & 2 teens)will be going to Italy Aug 21-Sept3. <BR>2 nights in Rome, 3 day organized excursion to Naples/Pompeii/Sorrento/Capri (incl. "Grotto" -why is this overratted??) Train from Rome to Florence, rent car, stay in villa 25 km. fr. Florence for 1 week. During this week we plan to drive to Ligurian Coast, visit fishing villages ..Has anyone out there done a similar trip? Any advice? HOw are the roads? Any language barriers in the countryside? <BR>From Florence we will take train to Venice where we'll stay 2 nights & then return home. Thanks, <BR> Annie <BR>

For a first trip to Italy, I'd recommend the following two things: <BR>1. Before even departing for Italy, vow that you will return, and.... <BR>2. Having made that vow, I'd go to the big three--Rome, Florence and Venice for your first trip.....and take the train!

4 days Rome <BR>3 days Florence <BR>3 days Venice <BR>Take the train!