What would you do with three nights in between two nights in venice and four nights in Rome

Hi L,

I would take one night from Rome and add it to Venice, and do 3 nights in Florence.

One is either a Venice kind of person or a Florence kind of person. I don't know why, but that's how it seems to be.

I'm a Venice person. Two nights in Florence is quite enough for me, even though I've spent longer (maybe that's why).

Go to Siena, if only for a day trip. I've never been to Assisi, but a friend highly recommends it.

Do some research. Rome has more than enough to keep you occupied for more than 4 nights, unless you are a speed traveler.

Florence is wonderfil, but do not overlook Bologna or Ferrara.

We've done 3 nights in Venice, 2 nights Florence and 4 nights Rome. That was about right for us. We discovered we were more Venice people than Florence people Also heard good things about Assisi.

I'd add one to Venice and two to Rome.
If not, I'd add Florence or Lucca between them.
I LOVE Rome ,love Lucca, really really LIKE Florence and like Venice.
As it has been written, we all will have different primary likes. All these places are wonderful and you will enjoy them.
Generally, if I am staying in two major cities,I'd rent a car in Florence and enjoy some hill towns. However, some don't want/like to rent cars.
This all depends on your desires and likes.

it all depends on how much time one wishes to spend in museums and galleries.
I love Rome and could spend a week there ( been 3 times already).
Florence is lovely , small and easily seen in a day , but if you include the galleries and palaces (and a trip to Siena) it is at least 3 days.

It depends on what you like to do!

If you are interested in art and architecture, 3 or 4 days in Florence would make sense.

(BTW - I loved both Florence and Venice, for different reasons!)

We would love ideas of great accommodations, in historical district yet quiet. Air conditioning a must!

Looking for hotel/ B&B with a restaurant or with lots to choose from close by. Great morning breakfast would be a plus! Teenagers are wanting coffee house near also!

I would go see Verona if you've never been. I love it there. If it's the summer try and catch an opera in the outdoor arena. Also all the lakes of that region are amazing, Garda is my personal favorite.

I think we will stay one night in Florence and then go to San G. or Cinque Terre, or Siena . We are not huge history/art fans, really want some beautiful scenery, great small towns and hanging out with great food.
Looking to Parma procuitto and great cheese as well!
Maybe a winery in the area or some place that encompasses all of the above.

Thanks for all your input!

Hi there - Jumping in to ask: is there any way to discover whether you might be a "Venice" person or a "Florence" person before you even step foot in these cities?

I'm in the middle of planning a first-time trip to Italy, and I don't think I have time for both. I've read up a little, looked at photos, and Venice seems more intriguing to me. But maybe there's some secret Fodorite litmus test to indicate which city would be a better fit for a tourist.

For instance, perhaps if you prefer Paris over Madrid -or- chocolate over vanilla, you're more likely to prefer Venice over Florence (?) If you've got a hunch about this sort of thing, I'd be grateful if you'd share.

Vitaminj..as a travel planner I really loved your post. Most people try to fit their personality to the desired place, hoping it will fit. When I do the initial consultation my first interest is the clients travel personality, where they want to go comes later. So you seem to being doing things right. Researching places is certainly necessary, but as you seem to be doing, researching your own personality first is more important. The only trick I know is to be honest with yourself about who you are. Most people won't magically turn into someone they saw in a movie. With this I will not tell you if I'm a Venice person or a Florence person. I'm sure you will have a great time.

VitaminJ, that's a good question. You will read many posts by travelers who prefer either Florence or Venice. Maybe you could start a new thread with that question, so we don't hi-jack this one. My only advice is to see both of them, if you've never been. Otherwise, which one draws you most?
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Thanks for the feedback, TravMimi and MaureenB.

Right now, I'm leaning toward choosing Venice. Based on pictures & descriptions, Venice draws a stronger emotional response from me. But sometimes, my actual reaction to a place differs wildly from the preconceptions I develop pre-visit.

So, knowing this, I thought why not consider Florence? Right now, it doesn't spark my imagination the way Venice does. But what do I know? I haven't been there. And logistically/geographically, Florence is a better fit with the rest of my Italy itinerary. I might end up adoring it beyond my expectations.

In any case, whether it's over one trip or three ... I look forward to figuring out whether I'm a "Venice" or "Florence" or "both" kinda person.

Hi L,

>I think we will stay one night in Florence and then go to San G...

I suggest that you skip Florence.

Go to San G or Siena.

Go to Bologna.

Hi VJ,

>is there any way to discover whether you might be a "Venice" person or a "Florence" person... I don't think I have time for both.<

What's your itinerary?

In general, one is more likely to wish not having missed Venice than Florence.

ira, my plan is (at a minimum) -

5 nights - Naples/Amalfi Coast

6 nights - Rome

3 nights - Cinque Terre

5 nights - Venice -or- Tuscany


Don't want to be in transit too much, i.e. checking into a new hotel every other day. That would wear me out. But gleefully looking forward to being overloaded on food, culture, art, nature, new places, etc.

ttt