We are going to Italy in July. We are spending 2 days in Rome, 1 in Tuscany, 3 in Venice, 1 in Florence and then back to Rome for our last day. Would appreciate input on the top sites while we are there.Also, any tours.

Hi d,

I assume that you alredy have your tickets RT Rome, so I won't suggest that you fly into Venice and out of Rome.

Much as I like Florence, I suggest thta you skip it on this trip and add the day to Rome.

I would train to Venice immediately upon arrival in Rome and then come back for 4 days.

Have you looked up Rome and Venice under "Destinations".

We are flying into Rome, renting a car to get to Tuscany and then to Venice. I would like to leave the car there and take the train back to Rome.I wanted to go to Venice immediately, but my hubby didn't agree. We already have our hotels booked, too.I was not that excited about Florence and could have done without it.Yes, I have checked the Destinations on the website.

dragonflymom, is this your first time in Italy?

If it is, and since your time is limited, why not just spend four days in Rome and three days in Venice?

Yes, this is our first time in Italy. We have already booked the hotels.....

Hi
I'm hoping like the others there is still some flexibility in your schedule and hotel bookings.
I always feel that splitting a stay in one city (Rome) into two separate parts just isn't efficient use of a short amount of time.

I'd agree with your idea of pushing on to Venice upon arrival in Rome, just change planes and fly, or else take a train. Your first day, if you are flying from overseas, tends to be a limited one anyway in terms of time and fatigue, I personally would rather just push on to my farthest destination on this somewhat limited day and get that travel leg over with.

If you do this, spend your arrival day (what's left of it) plus two more days in Venice. Take a late afternoon train to Florence. Stay that night, have the following day in Florence. Day after that daytrip to somewhere in Tuscany, either on your own or with a tour.
That evening, or early the next morning, go on to Rome from Florence, and end your trip.

Sorry
what did you have in mind for sightseeing and tours?

In Rome, tour agencies can offer all kinds of 2-4 hour walking or bus tours:

Vatican, Forum and Colosseum, Rome by Night, etc.

Florence is pretty small, a map may be all you need. If you intend to go to the Uffizi and/or Accademia museums, ask your hotel to make advance timed reservations to avoid long July lines.

Frommers.com is just one website that can give you suggested sightseeing itineraries for short visits in each city--see what interests you

dragon, you can turn this into a fabulous trip with some planning.

First, buy a good guidebook to Italy to start your planning. Eyewitness publishes "Top 10" Guides to Venice, Florence and Tuscany. These books have excellent information including good maps and photos. They also have very good walking tours and itineraries to make the most of your time.

Without knowing your interests, it would be hard to narrow the sites or even suggest tours that would suit you best.

Take a look at these Web sites and start narrowing down your choices.

* For Rome, here is the address to an old Website with fabulous information: Rome: http://web.archive.org/web/200401301...www.twenj.com/

Fodor's also has good itineraries which you might find helpful:

* Fodor’s Venice: http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgr...;feature=30003

* Fodor’s Florence: http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgr...;feature=30003

* Fodor’s Tuscany:
http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgr...;feature=30002

Once you narrow down the choices, may Fodorites can help you plan your days.

You might want to consider the previous advice above on going directly to Venice either by plane or train. You also might also want to combine your Tuscany and Florence days to one location. But, of course, that would involve changing your hotel reservations...but your time would certainly be maximized.

Lorac
The hotels have been booked(& paid), however, I still may just extend my stay in Venice for the day and stay in Florence overnight on my way back to Rome. I did buy "Italy For Dummies"--have read chapters on the areas of interest.Thank you for your websites & info.

thank you all for your help