We're working on our upcoming one week vacation in Italy -- specifically Rome and Venice. I could use some help...<BR><BR>As for flights, we depart the States on 10/19 and arrive in Rome early the morning of 10/20. One week later, on 10/27 we come back to the States out of Venice. <BR><BR>My wife loves(!) Rome as she lived there a year in college. She wants to split up the trip with five nights in Rome and two in Venice. She also figures that our first day in Rome will be shot because of jet-lag. Based on this schedule, we would stay in Rome through Friday, 10/25 and take an early train up to Venice. <BR><BR>In Venice, I already have two nights booked at the Hotel Colombina. (If need be, I can add a third if I move on it.) <BR><BR>Questions:<BR>Should we revise our plans to make it four nights (min.) in Rome and three in Venice? <BR><BR>Recommended hotels in Rome out of <BR>-- Grand Hotel de la Minerve<BR>-- Hotel d'Inghilterra<BR>-- Hotel Majestic<BR>-- Hotel Scalinata Roma (no views, though)<BR>-- Hotel Piranesi (new hotel across from Hotel de Russie; not in Fodors)<BR><BR>Other advise? <BR><BR>Thanks for the assistance!

Personally, I think one night in Venice is more than enough. Spend as much time as you can in Rome -- much more to see and do. Venice can be done in a day. Was in Italy last year. Two nights in Venice, four in Rome -- not enough time in Rome and too much in Venice. Personal opinion but don't spend a lot of time in Venice.

Thanks for the advice, Stephanie. Any insight on speciifc hotels in Rome? Thanks.

Dear Howard,<BR><BR>If you've never been to Venice 2 nights are barely enough. It's such a wonderful and romantic place - like no other.<BR><BR>Enjoy<BR><BR><BR>

Hi<BR>I LOVE Venice down to my toes. But Rome is fabulous in a different way, and is overwhelming in its riches.<BR>I would reluctantly say, stay in Rome through Thurs evening and take an evening train to Venice, so that you have full days on Fri and Saturday.<BR>Even better,look into flying to Venice.<BR>The flight is only an hour, as opposed to the 4.5 hour train ride, and the saved time may be worth it to you. When I did that one-way flight about a year ago it was a little over $100 equivalent.<BR><BR>I have "inspected" the Colombina but haven't yet stayed there, so I will be very interested in your experience there.<BR><BR>

Elaine-<BR>Thanks for the recommendations! We'll look into an overnight train or a quick flight. <BR><BR>We're looking forward to the Hotel Colombina. If the write up in Conde Nast's 2001 Hot Issue and my initial e-mail correspondence with the staff are any indication, then we'll have a great time. I'll be sure to report back.

venice is an unbelievable experience!! i think it depends on if you are just wanting to see the sights or if you want to enjoy the city. we were there for 5 nights two years ago and i did'nt want to leave. stayed at the monaco grand hotel right on the grand canal. excellent location and great staff. whatever you decide, please don't cut your stay in venice too short. rome is quite an overwhelming city. there is so much to see and never enough time, no matter how you plan. it's also an easier and cheaper ticket to return to. hope you have a great trip. g.

Howard,<BR>I think it depends a lot upon what kind of experiences you want. Rome is a wonderful city, filled with many things to see, and 5 days is definitely a reasonable amount of time to spend there. You won't run out of things to see in that time. However, it's also a very urban city, with all the brashness and rudeness of any large city, and can be overwhelmingly exhausting. <BR><BR>Venice is like no other place in the world; and while there are some wonderful sights to be seen there, the experience of being there-- wandering the canals and getting lost-- is predominant. You can certainly get the flavor of being there in 2 nights, though I think 3 nights is preferable. <BR><BR>Reluctantly, I think your decision is right: 5 nights in Rome and 2nights in Venice. But it depends upon what you want for your vacation, and that should help make the decision. By the way, if you have chance while in Rome, do visit Ostia Antica; it was one of our favorite parts of the trip.

Howard - This is a difficult question in my opinion. Two fabulous cities, but as was said, for two different reasons. Rome is for the experience of its history and sights - Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, etc. Venice is for the experience of Venice, with some sights thrown in. I was in both last November - 3 nights in each with Umbria and Tuscany in between. LOVED Rome . . . but we immediately put Venice on top of the list of places to return to. It's a place that has to be experienced to understand. I'd try to add another day there, even at the expense of one in Rome. And I wouldn't count out your first day. Sure you're tired, but there's so much to see and do, I never feel like I can waste it!<BR><BR>Whatever you decide, it will be fabulous. Have a great time.

Good evening, Howard think you split<BR>of the week is very good. Two nights <BR>in Venice is only enough to get your <BR>little toe wet. Its a most wonderful<BR>place and we have spent many, many days<BR>there and it is still on the top of the<BR>return list with Rome underneath.<BR>Have a good trip, if you want of ristorantes drop me a line and will email them to you. Richard of LaGrange Park, Il...

Thanks for all your advice on our upcoming trip. Thankfully, if/when we fall in love with Venice we can always go back!

I think the Grand Hotel de la Minerve is the best choice for hotels due to location.<BR><BR>Since you have soooooooo little time I would use a limo for airport transfers to & from FCO, usually around 60.00 US$, arranged by hotel concierge and then fly to Venice. Then take a water taxi from the airport to your hotel in Venice.<BR><BR>Stay 3 nights in Venice. You will never want to leave Rome once you are there but if you only stay 2 in Venice it will break your heart. Like taking a child for Gelato, asking him to pick his favorite flavor and then walking away with nothing.