Thanks to all last night who responded about my "First Trip to Italy." Based on your recommendations we are not going to rent a car and will take trains instead. On Sat. May 14 we will take a train from Toulon to Florence. Why Toulon? My husband is attending a confrence there or we would have spent the entire trip in Italy. I'm thinking 2 nights in Florence. Train to Venice for 2 nights. Now here is the part where I need help. We have 3 nights left. Since we fly out of Milan on Sat. morning, we will spend the night in Milan Fri. We are debating if we should spend more time in Florence or Venice, stay 2 nights somewhere on the way to Milan or 2 nights in Milan and one night somewhere else. Fodorites are the most well-traveled and knowledgeable folks to ask. What do you think?

I would add 1 night to each, Florence and Venice. You could have about 2-1/2 days in each city, and there is more than enough to see in and around those cities to fill more than that amount of time.

I agree with Rufus. Add one day each to Florence and Venice.

So do I,

If it were up to my husband, we would spend one night in 7 places. As it stands now, we are staying

Florence 2 nights HOTEL IL GUELFO BIANCO
(Karen Brown Referral)

Venice 2 nights Hotel Abbazia
(Great remarks on Fodors,com)

Verona 1 night HOTEL VICTORIA
(Karen Brown Referral)

Milan 2 nights Best Western Hotel Cristoforo Colombo
(found on the internet)

I have listed the hotels in hopes for some feedback positive or negative. I have Fodors Italy, Karen Brown, and Rick Steves books with lots of great information on what to see. I have found that I get the best information from reading the Fodor's posts. Any information about what to do, see, where to eat, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

Grazie.

4 hotels in 7 nites? I would drop Verona and add to Venice and spend one nite in Milan.

I agree with Bob. Your husband sounds like the same type of traveler my father is. I remember our camping trip through Bavaria, Austria, and Italy in 1960 or so--4 hours in Venice; skipped Florence entirely because there was slow traffic into the city; TWO entire days in Rome--much of which spent in the car driving around the city "look there's the Circus Maximus back there."

Please convince your husband to read the above advice...it is all right on target.

Venice should be savored. Two nights will just leave you frustrated.

If your husband insists on Verona, then take one night away from Milan and add one night to Venice. You will be very glad you did.

Even 4 hotels in 7 nights is too much....and your husband wants 7??????
Heed the advice given. It's all been right on!

I really liked Verona - and it is different from both Florence and Venice. I'd do 2 nights in Florence, 3 nights in Venice, l in Verona and l in Milan. Yes it will be hurried, but I think you'll be back.

Hi Xsnewman, everyone has good ideas.
But I think the question is; do you and your husband like art, statues, museums a lot. If so I would spend 3 nights in Florence. If it is not the biggest thing in your life then I would suggest 3 nights in Venice. that way you would have two whole days without arriving or departing Venice.

In that Verona is between Venice and Milan of course I think that one night there would be enjoyable. And then one night in Milan.

Having said that if you already have your hotels all reserved and changing your plans would put a lot of stress and work timewise on you I would just stay with the itinerary you have.

In anycase you are going to beautiful cities and will have a wonderful time.

And don't wait until the last minute to pack as I have for my flight tomorrow, LOL. Be organized! Best wishes.