Rick Steves recommends only 1 day in Rome and 1 or 2 in Venice. <BR> <BR>We have choice of 3 full days in Rome with 2 full days in Venice or...2 days in Rome and 3 in Venice. Seems it would take a full day to see the Vatican and St. Peters? <BR> <BR>Look forward to hearing your thoughts. <BR> <BR>oh!!! One more thing, Rick Steves also says Cheap sleeps North East of Termini but area is weird and spooky at night. What does this mean?

First of all, I cannot believe that Rick Steves would recommend only one days in Rome. Check that again. Are you sure you're reading it right? <BR>Even though Venice is our favorite city in Italy, I'd have to say that if I only have five days to devote to the two cities, I'd do 3 in Rome and 2 in Venice, and even then, you won't come close to seeing everything in both cities. You are right about the Vatican area. It'll take a good part of the day to visit the museum and St. Peter's. <BR>As for Rick Steve's comments about the northeast area around the termini, he's saying be careful about taking a hotel room in that area as it's not that safe. However, other areas around the termini and safer.

Five days in Rome is just enough to scratch the surface. You certainly want to opt for the most time in Rome you can get. <BR> <BR>Rome.Switzerland.Bavaria <BR>www.twenj.com <BR>

Rick Steves is the prototype for fast food vacations. I spent 4 days in Rome and felt as though I only experienced half of it. I suggest planning and itinerary that focuses around the center of the city, having your hotel as central as possible. It's nice to be within a walking distance of at least one major piazza, so you can wake up early in the morning and experience the city before it gets crowded. You're right as far as Vatican City goes - you need at least a day to fully absorb it. <BR> <BR>Personally, I felt 2 days in Venice was plenty. It is a little more congested, simply because of the density of the architecture and the amount of traffic that flows through the city. My only suggestion is the farther you get away from San Marco, the more you can experience the real Venice. About 95% of the tourism occurs within 6 to 8 blocks of San Marco. The best experiences I had in Venice were far away from the piazza. The food and the atmosphere were better too. <BR> <BR>Enjoy!

I don't want to sound uppity here, but I live in Italy, and it would never occur to me that 2 or 3 or whatever days in Rome or Venice would be "enough." I realize that people's vacation times are limited, but before I moved here, I had visited or stayed in Rome, Venice and Florence at least half a dozen times. <BR> <BR>I still haven't scratched the surface on any of these cities. I have watched Florence's lamentable tourist season creep more and more into the so-called off months but I have also seen Venice at its most spectacular, deserted wonderous months of winter. <BR> <BR>So, to get back to the original question; it really doesn't matter how you split it. Neither of your options will really be enough, in my opinion, so you--and only you--will have decide your prioritie. <BR> <BR>No matter your decision, have a great time.

First let me thank you all for your advice and comments. <BR> <BR>Yes Howard, R. Steves Italy 2000 Rome Section p. 29 Planning Your Time - "For most travellers, Rome is best done quickly.......Italy is more charming elswhere. Crazy as it sounds, if all you have is a day, its a great one." <BR> <BR>Having lived 3 years in Iceland, 3+ in Japan and 3 in the Philippines, I realize the value of spending a lot of time in one place. However,...most of us only have so much time on these trips and unless you live in Boston or NY and can get really cheap flights, it pays to research thoroughly and see/enjoy/experience as much as realistically possible on each trip. <BR> <BR>Oh Yes!! We have decided on 2 days in the Cinque-Terre and 22/3 in Venice. <BR> <BR>Thanks again.

I spent 6 days in Rome last year and I left feeling deprived. During the same trip I spent 2.5 days in Venice and thought is was enough. Spend most of your time in Rome and 2 days in Venice. 3 days in Rome would be the MINIMUM! <BR> <BR>You can see more info about Rome on my websight. The sight isn't completely finished but the Rome section is. <BR> <BR>http://home.earthlink.net/~richardab/ <BR> <BR>Follow the path; <BR> <BR>Enter&gt;Fly&gt;Europe&gt;Rome <BR> <BR>Let me know what you think. <BR> <BR>

P.S. Rick Steeves is right about the Termini area, its not very nice. Stay near the Piazza Navona, this area is convenient to everything! I like the Hotel Due Torri (its pictured on my websight!)

Personally, one day in Venice is enough for me. I could spend a week in Rome without difficulty. There is so much to explore. The ancient history sites are amazing.

I agree with kate jackson (?),. one day in venice would be all i need too, but i was being nice.