We are still planning our Thanksgiving trip. We were originally going to spend 6 nights in Rome but hubbie want to go to ROme and Florence and Venice. SO we fly into ROme and out of Venice. But we only have 6 days. After reading all the other posts form people who try to do too much. I think we should do only Rome and Venice. Should we do 3 nights each? Or do four nights in Rome and 2 in Venice? (Or 3 in Rome and one in Florence and 2 in Venice??)WIll be leaving in 14 days!!!
THANKS!
Laura

Would you just go already!

Was that supposed to be helpful? I did read your other comments about "European Women"....something about "oral"....and I guess I will consider the source. And your monniker? If you do not have something nice to say....say nothing.
And thanks to all the nice people on this board who have given me so much great information!
Thanks,
Laura

Well, dingdong, I guess the witch isn't dead after all.

I'd do one of two options as discussed here many times.
A) Your final plan, 3 nights Rome, 1 Florence, 2 Venice.
B) Three nights each, but on the fourth day leaving early from Rome, spending the day in Florence -- luggage left at the station -- and late in the afternoon head on to Venice.

My personal choice would be B as it hardly seems the trouble to head to a hotel for one night, when you're probably going to be anxious the next day to head on to Venice anyway. In one day you can get a feel for Florence, see David, cross the Ponte Vecchio, see the duomo, have lunch in the great piazza and then head on to Venice for the night -- at least three times more magical as a city.

Patrick,
That option sounds great! The one where we go to Florence "on the way" to Venice. How do we leave our luggage at the train station? I am not familiar with the trains, do they have check-in places or lockers for luggage? And for your average large piece of luggage that a typical female will need to tote (not the savvy traveler who travels "light&quot.
Great idea.
Thanks!
Laura

Hi Laura,

With all due respect to Patrick, I suggest 3 nights Rome and 3 nights Venice. Save Florence for another trip. There is much more to the city than you will see in your whirlwind day.

However, if you must do Florence: After you get off the train, walk to the front of the tracks. Turn left. Near the exit, on your left, is the left luggage area.

i would do a 3/3.....skip florence unless you're really into the art thing....

Even if you are an art buff, there will be more art in Rome and Venice than you can possibly see. I vote strongly for the 3/3 combo, leaving Florence out of this trip. An overnight train between the two is always a good idea to maximize your travel enjoyment. Good luck.

I will agree with Ira and Wayne IF you say you plan to go back to Italy next year or the following. Of course, there is more to see in Florence than you can possibly cover in a day, just like there is more to cover in Rome than you can do in three days.

But for a one week trip to Italy, it almost seems a shame to pass through Florence without stopping to see a few of its main attractions. Especially if you might never return to this area or it will be years before you do. Perhaps you aren't planning to go to Europe every year or two, and maybe your goal is to just touch on one country each trip, meaning you may never get back to Italy at all. In that case, stop and see Florence for a full day.

There used to be large coin lockers at the Florence station, I'm not sure if there still are. But a very recent post did state emphatically as Ira mentions that there is a luggage check where you can check your bags while you sightsee.

Agree with Patrick. Either option works unless your day in Florence is Monday when the museums are closed. Also if you choose to stop in Florence you might make your visit more productive if you hire a guide. The Florence train station has left luggage to the right as you exit the trains. Lastly as we have been in Italy twice over the last three years I might have you consider your decision on the fly depending on the weather. It can rain in November and you might just want to make your decision as to whether or not to stop in Florence depending on the weather after you reach Rome. Have a good trip.

A quick addendum. Although I prefer Patrick's stop in Florence than continue on without staying the night option I cannot argue with either 3/3 or 4/2 for Rome/Venice. I would not overnight it as I never feel rested even with a sleeper between stops. The Eurostar is pretty fast and I would just take a early AM train if you were doing 4/2 or late PM train if you were doing 3/3.

I would do the 4 Rome/2 Venice especially if you've never been to Rome. COnsider that upon arrival you will be tired, so your first day's activities may be limited and there is so much to see in Rome. Given that timeframe, I think I would skip Florence.

Much as it pains me to say it, I would skip Florence this time. Florence is one of my favorite places but a few hours rushing around will not give you a flavor of the city. While Florence is very compact and manageable, you will enjoy both Rome and Venice more if you don't rush. I would do 3/3. There is so much to see and do in Rome, 3 days will only allow for the high spots. Three days in Venice is a good amount of time. Enjoy!

Hi
It's a given that all three cities have treasures galore.

I'd say do either Rome-Venice 4-2, or Rome-Florence 4-2.

Here are some factors--pick the ones that appeal:

Rome-Venice is a long train trip (4.5+_ hours)
Rome-Florence about 90-120 minutes

Rome gives you ancient history, plus
the Vatican, a wealth of churches with many masterpieces of the Renaissance and post-Ren. Do plan on a guided tour or two with one of the agencies recommended here, like Scala Reale or Enjoy Rome or Through Eternity. Those can be booked now.

Florence is Renaissance art heaven, book tickets ahead for the Uffizi and the Accademia museums--your hotel can do it.

Florence is small.

Venice is small too, and my hands-down favorite, two days isn't much, but it's something. You'll realize that in Venice the place itself is the most important experience, even if you don't go to any museums.

Rome is hectic and noisy and challenging--Venice makes a nice change.
Florence can be hectic too, but not so much at this time of year.

Do the one day in Florence plan if you have a strong desire especially to see the art. Otherwise, that day just staying in Rome will not be at all wasted. You will never "finish" Rome, and the day of your arrival if you are like most of us, will be tinged with your fatigue.

Hi
It's a given that all three cities have treasures galore.

I'd say do either Rome-Venice 4-2, or Rome-Florence 4-2.

Here are some factors--pick the ones that appeal:

Rome-Venice is a long train trip (4.5+_ hours)
Rome-Florence about 90-120 minutes

Rome gives you ancient history, plus
the Vatican, a wealth of churches with many masterpieces of the Renaissance and post-Ren. Do plan on a guided tour or two with one of the agencies recommended here, like Scala Reale or Enjoy Rome or Through Eternity. Those can be booked now.

Florence is Renaissance art heaven, book tickets ahead for the Uffizi and the Accademia museums--your hotel can do it.

Florence is small.

Venice is small too, and my hands-down favorite, two days isn't much, but it's something. You'll realize that in Venice the place itself is the most important experience, even if you don't go to any museums.

Rome is hectic and noisy and challenging--Venice makes a nice change.
Florence can be hectic too, but not so much at this time of year.

Do the one day in Florence plan if you have a strong desire especially to see the art. Otherwise, that day just staying in Rome will not be at all wasted. You will never "finish" Rome, and the day of your arrival if you are like most of us, will be tinged with your fatigue.

Since you are flying out of Venice, I would do Rome 4/Venice 2. Save Florence for another time. It will never be enough time because there's so much to see, but you'd be better off with more time in Rome. Be sure to go to the Borghese Museum in Rome. You need reservations, so get them before you leave. The Bernini sculptures are something you don't want to miss.

THANK YOU EVERYONE! Wow what a bunch of generous people to give me so many well thought out ideas. I really appreicate them all. I am leaning towards the 4/2 and going back to see Tuscany/Florence on another trip. If I only had 2-3 more days.....But such is life. I am thrilled that we are going at all!!!
I am holding several hotel reservations trying to make up my mind!
Thanks again!
Laura