Overwhelmed with Attractions...Help
 

I am going to Italy for the first time this November, specifically Venice for 2 nights, Florence for 2 and Rome for 4. Does anyone have any advice as to how I can make the most out of my 8 days in Italy? There are so many attractions and restaurants to choose from, and I am very overwhelmed. Thanks.

First I would make it 4 in Florence and2 in Rome--just my preference.

I think your plan is right. <BR> <BR>Everything in Florence is rather close together. The Accademia (David) will take 30 min tops, unless you absolutely adore religious paintings. The Uffizi is where you'll spend the most time -- I'm guessing a few hours minimum (there's a LOT to see, and you can't absorb everything, especially with how art intensive Italy is.) Loved the Medici Library (Michelangelo's steps) the Medici Chapel was nice, but not really a "must see" in my book. Loved Santa Croce (don't forget to look at the floor), Bargello Museum was nice, I didn't go into the Duomo tower, but the Duomo is beautiful. Get to the Pitti Palace in the morning so you can get into all the exhibits. I didn't do the Boboli Gardens (a regret). Order as many tickets in advance as you can -- you'll have to choose times to go, but it's well worth it. These things get REALLY crowded and the lines can be hours long. <BR> <BR>In Venice, Ca'd'Oro is pretty, but my absolute favorite was Ca'Rezzonico. Took my breath away -- and I'm a rather jaded person ;-) St. Marks Basilica is nice, but I wasn't really awed by it (the jaded thing) -- since it's free to get in, just do it. I wasn't impressed by the jewel encrusted thing -- Pal d'Oro (?), sorry to those who were -- but I did like seeing the bronze horses and the rafters of the basilica. Take the Doges Palace Tour (the Secret Itinerary) and then see the Doges Palace at your leisure after it. San Rocco is completely overwhelming -- think you're overwhelmed now? HA! Just too much to absorb. The audio thing is free, I swear by those things. Santa Maria Gloariosa dei Frari was good too. Also saw St. George and the Dragon (in San Schiavanni) -- it's great (skulls, body parts, cool, man!) <BR> <BR>

wasn't sure if I'd be cut off... <BR> <BR>Rome (I take copious notes!): The Forum and the Colosseum were fantastic. G'head, get your photo taken with a gladiator, what the heck! Forget Circus Maximus, it's just a big field. Do see Palatine Hill and go into the museum there -- it's small, but I was amazed by the tile work. For some reason, I never pictured the Roman stuff being colorful -- duh. Boy was I surprised! St. Peters and the Vatican Museum are no brainers. Go early, the museum closes for lunch and it's almost impossible to exit near lunchtime. Try to get to the Sistine Chapel early and go back through the museum to do the tour. Castel Sant Angelo? Yawn. Pantheon? Bleah. It didn't look ancient Roman-y to me. I loved the Capitoline Museum (by the Forum -- sorry, my notes jump around a lot.) Spanish Steps? I'll be they're pretty when there are flowers on them, but in March it was just a bunch of people lounging around. I assume that in the summer months it's still a bunch of people lounging around, but next to flowers. Trevi Fountain? It's not an option -- you HAVE to. I liked it. And plenty of people around to take pictures of you (and you'll return the favor.) We really liked the Piazza Popolo too. <BR> <BR>We stayed 3 days in Rome (two in Rome sightseeing and one in Pompeii), 2 in Venice and 2 in Florence. We didn't see everything I wanted to in Rome (or in Pompeii -- bus tour, disappointed, won't say more) but with the time you're going to spend, you'll do fine. I felt that I saw everything I wanted in Florence, but could have spent another night in Venice and been content. <BR> <BR>My attitude is "I may only get this one chance, so we're cramming everything we can into this trip!" Yours may be different. And everyone disagrees about rating things. Some things you have to see for yourself (but I don't think many people will disagree that you can pass on Circus Maximus.) <BR> <BR>Enjoy your trip!! <BR> <BR>We really didn't eat out too much in Italy -- it's expensive. You can grab pizza, sandwiches, gelato, all to your heart's content, but we did "splurge" in Rome (can't remember where.)

We did those same 3 cities in the same amount of time, which was ample, but found 4 nights in Rome was way too much; and luckily we decided to do a day trip from Rome to Capri!! What a wonderful decision. You can take the train to Naples and board a boat to the island. It is really beautiful!!

We spent 5 nights in Rome in the month of October a few years ago and our favorite experiences in Rome were: viewing the magnificent sculptures at the Galleria Borghese (normally by reservation), touring the Coloseum, walking thru the Villa Borghese Park and exiting at the Spanish Steps, viewing the magnificent Sistene Chapel, seeing the Trevi Fountain, the ruins, and walking thru the Catacombs with a guide. At night enjoy Piazza Navona, and dining in the Campo dei Fiori area. Read up on roman history to appreciate all you will see. Outside Rome, we loved touring Pompeii with a knowledgeable guide.

Chris, <BR>Thanks for your insight and detailed notes. Do you know of any websites where you can purchase tickets in advance? Or is it best to call ahead when we get to Italy?

Sharon, <BR>Was it raining a lot when you were in Rome during October? I heard that the rainy season is October to November, although I refuse to let that ruin our trip :)