I am traveling to Italy for the first time...if anyone has any advice, tips and/or recommendations I would greatly appreciate it! We will be going to Rome, Florence and Venice (and possibly Milan)....Thanks!

Tip #1. Read through the many daily Italy threads on this Fodors that ask questions, offer advice, tips and/or recommendations and see what other people are asking and answering.

TiP #2. Decide on some more specific questions based on the research you've done and repost those questions here on Fodors. This group can be very very helpful for travellers who seek info, but can be brutal on those who ask very broad questions without providing any additional info about their likes, dislikes, taste, budget, etc.

We went to Italy last June and it was amazing! When in Rome, we stayed very close to the Spanish Steps. In Florence, we stayed at a wonderful hotel called the Hotel Davanzati. I would highly recommend both the hotels. I did not really like Venice all that much. (Or Milan)- If you want more specific hotel info, etc.. you can email me at [email protected]
Kate

As J62 mentioned, you will get lots of good information if you tell us more. What kind of information are you looking for? Hotel? If so, tell how much you want to spend per night and whether that amount is for a single or double and what you require (elevator? private bath? etc).

Are you looking for transportation info? As far as what to see, what makes you want to go to these places?

Hope this gets you started.

Thanks....ok to be more specific, i am looking for information on good places to eat, things to do that i might not find in a guide book, any tips on visiting popular places (i.e calling ahead, or certain days to go, time of day to go...) good places to go at night for drinks...also when we are in florence we want to spend a day at some wineries, any suggestions on good places to go. I was looking at a wine tour that goes to Montalcino, Pienza, and Bagno Vignoni??? We are spending 3 weeks total in Italy and have decided to spend most of the time in Rome and Florence...if anyone has a favorite place to eat, a great place to get a drink at the end of the day and/or a fabulous place to shop that would be terrific!

In Florence, you really want to reserve ahead for the Accademia (to see David) and the Uffizi Gallery. The easiest way is to call 011-39-055-294-883 8:30-6:30 M-F and 8:30-12:00 Sat Florence time. English-speaking operator can reserve both. 3 Euro fee is well worth it to avoid the very long lines (and you don't pay it unless you use it).

In Rome, you need a reservation for the Galleria Borghese:
www.galleriaborghese.it/borghese/en/edefault.htm

Also in Rome, you need a reservation for the Scavi Tour:
email [email protected]
Send your request for this NOW!

In Venice, to reserve for the Secret Itinieraries tour of the Doge's Palace, call 011-39-041-520-9070.

And for St. Mark's Basilica:
www.alata.it/eng/booking/sanmarco.asp

If you're interested in a private tour guide for wineries, highly recommend Luca Garrapa:
www.hillsandroads.com

Do three searches here for restaurants in each of the three cities and you will get more information than you know what to do with.
Have fun!

ttt for gina.

Hi g,

See Helpful Information: Italy 2
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34568596

For touring around the Tuscany area with a private driver/tour guide I also recommend Luca Garapa of www.hillsandroads.com. He is excellent. Intelligent, friendly, wonderful and safe driver and very nice to be with.

Hotel in Florence - Hotel Casci. Centrally located, wonderful small family-run hotel, immaculate, good breakfast and very quiet.

Restaurant in Florence - Quattro Leone around the Palazzo Pitti area. Fabulous and not terribly expensive.

Enjoy!!

read read read!
Read the Destinations sections for these cities.Use the search feature for loads more information.Pick up a guidebook.Then come back and ask more questions.