Going to Venice and Florence for the first time. Is there anything that I shouldn't miss? (other than the normal tourist places) I like to visit areas that may not be in the travel books.

In Florence don't miss sunset from Piazzelle Michelangelo. We also really enjoyed spending an afternoon in Fiesole. The view of Florence from there is magnificent.

In Venice, be sure to leave time to just wander and get lost. Every bridge, canal and campo is unique.

Have fun!

Read "A Thousand Days In Venice" by Marlena de Blasi before you go & watch the movie "Summertime" with Katherine Hepburn.

I am a big fan of the "walk and get lost" school but it also depends on what you like.

For example, the "secret" tour of the Doges Palace (Palazzo Ducale) is supposed to be wonderful.

I will give you the res phone # if you want. [email protected]

If you like markets, don't miss the Rialto market, at the end of the Rialto bridge, in Venice. Of course you must see David in Florence.

Venice:
On the way back toward San Marco, in tiny Corte dei Risi o del Bovolo, San Marco 4299, between Campo Manin and Calle dei Fuseri, is the Scala Contarini del Bovolo, an outdoor Gothic spiral staircase 6 stories high. "Bovolo" means "snail." As my guidebook put it, this is what Venetian architects were accomplishing around the time America was being "discovered". It was built in 1499. To find this little-known and beautiful structure, follow the signs from Calle Della Vida.Open daily 10-6. I believe it is closed from November through March.

A lot depends on your interests, but I enjoyed watching work at the gondola yard. After seeing the major sights (which are wonderful in spite of the crowds), we enjoyed walking away from the daytripping mass and finding shops and bars and cafes in uncrowded little campos around the city. Many relatively unknown churches have fabulous works of art by the best known artists free for anyone to see.

In Venice if you can find some time sit in a Piazza with the locals. It is such a community place. You'll hear local ladies gossiping as they sit in the square. Men reading the papers and chatting to those they know, children playing. People with their dogs.

I had a most magical morning in the Piazza at San Zaccharia watching 3 young boys playing soccer, one was definately the bossy one ordering the others about and getting cranky when they didn't do what he said. It was a hoot. They were using the church doors as the goals.

Keep telling things. I have the same question. Thanks!!!!!!

8am daily in Venice, take the vaporetto over to San Giorgio for the Gregorian mass.

Florence, David, Boboli Gardens. Go inside the Duomo.

Be sure to climb the stairs at St. Mark's Basilica to see the horses and the view of the square from the tope of the church. It is a wonderful place to sit and admire the beauty of Venice.

In Florence, don't miss Vivoli's gelato!

Oops - I do know top has no "e" at the end. (I really should re-read before I post!)

We really enjoyed climbing to the top of the Duomo in Florence, as well. Just make sure to do it first thing in the morning (8 a.m.) if it's warm out.

It has some nice views standing outside in the "lantern," as well as nice views of the dome artwork from inside.