Looking forward to some nice weather next week.
Based on the Fodors feedback and reading of guidebooks, my itinerary is shaping up as follows.

[BTW - does anyone know if you can just drop in for a drink and enjoy the view at the following fancy hotels:
Skyline Rooftop Bar. Giudecca 810 (Hilton Molino Stucky)
Ristorante Terrazza Danieli
The Gritti Palace.
The Westin Europa & Regina.]

[BTW - Aside from listening to opera singers what are some other fun nighttime experiences?]

[BTW - The bus up to San Miniato and walking down, is something I would classify as fun Are there any other fun experiences like this you can recommend.]


Sunday 12/25
Arrival in Bologna 4:20 PM.
Take Aerobus to Bologna Centrale (train station), Arrive Bologna around 7:00 PM
Buy ticket to Venezia Santa Luzia
Bologna restaurant
Bologna walk around
Train to Venice

Monday - Venice
Vaporetto on Grand Canal
St. Marks Plaza and Basilica, Doges Palace
St. Mark’s interior is illuminated from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 a.m. on weekdays and all day on Sundays and holidays.
Guggenheim Collection

Tuesday - Venice
Frari Church
Rialto Bridge
Gondola ride

Other Possibilities- Venice
Venice Accademia
Palazzo Rezzonico
Palazzo Querini Stampalia for Meissen and elaborate 18th-century interiors.
Santa Maria dei Miracoli and San Pantalon.
La Scuola Grande dei Carmini
Scuola di Grande San Rocco for all of the Tintoretto's
Cafe Florian
Harrys Bar
Campanile Di San Marco.
Skyline Rooftop Bar. Giudecca 810 (Hilton Molino Stucky)
Ristorante Terrazza Danieli.
The Gritti Palace
The Westin Europa & Regina.
Ghetto

Wednesday - Florence
Duomo climb to top
Museo dell'OPera del Duomo
Baptistry
Uffizi late in afternoon

Thursday - Florence
All day Tuscany trip

Friday - Florence
Accademia in morning
The Church of San Miniato al Monte , view and walk down
Bargello

Other Possibilities - Florence
Medici Chapel at Basilica San Lorenzo has amazing Michelangelo sculptures
Basilica Santa Croce. You'll see the tombs and monuments to many of the greats
San Marco, an ex-convent with very beautiful frescoed monks' cells.
Santa Maria Novella is a beautiful church with great art inside, and a very nice cloister.
Santa Maria del Carmine also has great art,
Pitti Palace is a mess in its organization, but it includes works by Raphael, Caravaggio and Artemisia Gentileschi.

Dec. 25. The luggage storage at Bologna Centrale normally closes at 9:00p I don't know what the situation on Christmas Day would be, but I would check that before committing to a particular train departure to Venice. Identify the Bologna restaurant and make a reservation before you arrive in the city.

FWIW, my favorite lesser-known museums in Florence are the Opificio delle Pietre Dure, the Palazzo Medici Riccardi and its chapel with the Gozzoli fresco of the Procession of the Magi, and the Palazzo Davanzati (reservations once required, not sure about current situation).

http://www.museumsinflorence.com/index.html

If you make it to Santa Croce (very highly recommended), also see the rectory/museum in the same complex where you can view the Taddeo Gaddi fresco of the Last Supper. Also in Santa Croce, look for the mark on the interior wall near the main entry doors that indicates the height to which the flood of 1966 reached. The basilica's crucifix by Cimabue was adopted by the city as a symbol of its survival after the flood. I'm not sure whether the crucifix is still in the rectory or re-installed in its place above/behind the main altar in the basilica.

Santa Maria del Carmine requires reservations to view the Brancacci Chapel.

I don't see Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence on your list. Be sure to stop there after Miniato.

Also, although it may seem obvious, the Ponte Vecchio in Florence.

You have to take the vaporetto over to the Molino Stucky on Giudecca from the Zattere.

There is a shuttle, but I think it is only for guests of the hotel.

There are lots of places to have a drink on the Zattere than offer the same view as the Molino Stucky. Look for a cafe that has outside heaters.

Inside Cafe Florian (as opposed to sitting in Piazza San Marco) is very beautiful, but expensive.

If money were no object, I would go to Danieli for a drink.

Funny, but I don't remember having a reservation for the Brancacci Chapel--only a timed ticket and about 15 minutes to look at the Masaccio's and Masolino's.

Go to Farmaceutica Santa Maria Novella on Via Scala and buy some pot-pourri.

Thin

That's good to know about the 9pm hold luggage closing. That shrinks my window for getting dinner. I'm researching a couple of places off Yelp, taking note of those those that are said to have quick service, and are not too far from the station. Yelp is good in that you can filter for restaurants open on Sundays. It also lets you message the restaurants so I can find out if they are open Christmas.

Speaking of Ponte Vecchio, I wonder if I can get a fair price on a gold ring there. I need to replace the one that fell off my finger while snorkeling in Hawaii. How romantic would that be to buy new wedding bands in Florence and present them to my wife.

Thin, If money were no object I would go to Danieli for dinner. How bad can it be for a drink? LOL. Taking a vaporetto over to Molino Stuckey for a drink and the view is the kind of fun thing that my wife prefers over seeing another nude sculpture. LOL.

As an aside I just finished a good book called 'Artists of the Renaissance' by James Barter. It really helped my understanding of the development of the Renaissance and Renaissance art, and was a short but interesting read about the lives of Giotto, Donatello, Brunelleschi, Leonardo Da Vinci, Michaelangelo and Raphael.

The view from the bar in the Hilton (Molino Stucky) isn't that great. Not worth the trip over in my opinion. If you happen to be on Giudecca already, sure. But don't make a special trip and you don't have a lot of time. If you want a drink with a view, the Danieli is fab, but the upstairs bar only opens after 4 or so (I think.) Which in winter would not do you much good. You should be able to go up midday if you eat lunch.

You might instead consider a cocktail on the Grand Canal. The little terrace on the canal at the Centurion Palace is lovely, and open all day. There are lots of places to have a pricey cocktail without getting on a vaporetto...

Your Christmas sounds.. crazy. What time is your planned train? Why not stay over in Bologna? Its probably too late to change now, but if it was possible, why not stay over in Bologna and go to Venice in the morning?

I agree with Jean above. The walk/climb to the elevated Piazzele Micheangelo is definitely worth it, and not just for the amazing view of Florence from the top. Give yourselves 2 hours or so to walk across Ponte Vecchio and make a left to begin walk up.

To fuel yourselves for the walk, try All Antico Vinaio sandwich bar just behind the Uffizi. Unbelievable. Just look for a queue dozens long.

If the walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo seems like a bit much, you can take a local bus and then walk down.

How would I know what your budget is? I am not a mind reader.

I have to idea if you would shell out 40€ for a glass of Champagne at the Danieli.

Rialtogirl, I love the lobby-lounge of the Centurion Palace. My sister used to live just steps away, behind Salute.

You can get a better view of Firenze from the Boboli Gardens (at the Kaffehaus) than Piazzale Michelangelo.

The entrance to Boboli Gardens is behind the Pitti Palace.


Thin

I agree with Thin about the view of Florence from the Kaffeehaus in Boboli Gardens. At one time it was an actual café, but I don't know if that's the case now. In any event, it probably wouldn't be open in winter.

The city view is also very good from the Belvedere if you don't want to bother with traversing Boboli to reach the Kaffeehaus.

If you're into exceptional cocktail spots, head to the Four Seasons Hotel in Florence which is in a former villa and convent. The gardens of the hotel are amazing, but I haven't seen them in winter.

Thin, the Centurion Palace is now my go-to when I want a pricey drink with exceptional views. The staff is very gracious, and you get a little selection of snacks, thereby relieving the need for lunch. A gazillion times better than the Hilton. And to me, nicer than the rooftop at the Danieli, plus you don't have to get past security to get in there

Thin, 40€ for a glass of Champagne, Wow! You're right I wouldn't pay that. I can't imagine what a meal costs there.

Rialtogirl, I decided to press on to Venice so as not to lose time in the morning. As it is I only have 2 days. We'll have a nice room waiting for us there, with a balcony overlooking the grand canal.

Finding a restaurant, however, open on Christmas night in Bologna or Venice is becoming a challenge. We may have to settle for some fast food at worst, or Pizza at best.

I made some changes to my itinerary based on feedback. Do you have any suggestions on the order of things based on proximity?

Sunday 12/25
Arrival in Bologna 4:20 PM.
Take Aerobus to Bologna Centrale (train station), Arrive Bologna around 7:00 PM
Buy ticket to Venezia Santa Luzia
Bologna restaurant
Bologna walk around
[optionally go straight to Venice and eat there.]
Train to Venice

Monday - Venice
Vaporetto on Grand Canal
St. Marks Plaza and Basilica, Doges Palace
St. Mark’s interior is illuminated from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 a.m. on weekdays and all day on Sundays and holidays.
Guggenheim Collection

Tuesday - Venice
Frari Church
Rialto Bridge
Gondola ride

Other Possibilities- Venice
Cocktail on the Grand Canal. The little terrace on the canal at the Centurion Palace
A drink on the Zattere.. same view as the Molino Stucky. Look for a cafe that has outside heaters.
Venice Accademia
Jewish Ghetto
Palazzo Rezzonico
Palazzo Querini Stampalia for Meissen and elaborate 18th-century interiors.
Santa Maria dei Miracoli and San Pantalon.
La Scuola Grande dei Carmini
Scuola di Grande San Rocco for all of the Tintoretto's
Cafe Florian
Harrys Bar
Campanile Di San Marco.
Skyline Rooftop Bar. Giudecca 810 (Hilton Molino Stucky)
Ristorante Terrazza Danieli.
The Gritti Palace
The Westin Europa & Regina.


Wednesday - Florence
Duomo climb to top
Museo dell'OPera del Duomo
Baptistry
Antico Vinaio sandwich bar just behind the Uffizi.
Uffizi late in afternoon
Farmaceutica Santa Maria Novella on Via Scala and buy some pot-pourri.

Thursday - Florence
All day Tuscany trip

Friday - Florence
Accademia in morning
San Marco.. frescoed monks'cells. OR Bargello.
Ponte Vecchio
The Church of San Miniato al Monte ,Piazzale Michelangelo view and walk down. OR Boboli Gardens


Other Possibilities - Florence
Boboli Gardens.. good view at the Kaffehaus.. entrance behind the Pitti Palace.
Bargello
Brancacci Chapel
Medici Chapel at Basilica San Lorenzo has amazing Michelangelo sculptures
Basilica Santa Croce. You'll see the tombs and monuments to many of the greats
San Marco, an ex-convent with very beautiful frescoed monks' cells.
Santa Maria Novella is a beautiful church with great art inside, and a very nice cloister.
Santa Maria del Carmine also has great art,
Pitti Palace is a mess in its organization, but it includes works by Raphael, Caravaggio and Artemisia Gentileschi.

Buy ticket to Venezia Santa Luzia>

If you want to save money take regional trains -dirt cheap and probably not that much slower on that route - or try booking online for faster trains now to see if any discounted tickets remain or ask at any train station 24 hours or so before. Otherwise yes just buy full-fare tickets but regional trains may not take much longer - www.trenitalia.com.

Thin, Jean, Rialtogirl,

Thanks for all the great tips.

Do you have any suggestions for excellent 2 Euro sign restaurants in either Florence or Venice



Sunday 12/25
Arrival in Bologna 4:20 PM.
Take Aerobus to Bologna Centrale (train station), Arrive Bologna around 7:00 PM
Buy ticket to Venezia Santa Luzia
Bologna restaurant
Bologna walk around
[optionally go straight to Venice and eat there.]
Train to Venice

Monday - Venice
Vaporetto on Grand Canal
St. Marks Plaza and Basilica, Doges Palace
St. Mark’s interior is illuminated from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 a.m. on weekdays and all day on Sundays and holidays.
Guggenheim Collection

Tuesday - Venice
Frari Church
Rialto Bridge
Gondola ride

Other Possibilities- Venice
Cocktail on the Grand Canal. The little terrace on the canal at the Centurion Palace **
A drink on the Zattere.. same view as the Molino Stucky. Look for a cafe that has outside heaters.
Venice Accademia
Jewish Ghetto
Palazzo Rezzonico
Palazzo Querini Stampalia for Meissen and elaborate 18th-century interiors.
Santa Maria dei Miracoli and San Pantalon.
La Scuola Grande dei Carmini
Scuola di Grande San Rocco for all of the Tintoretto's
Cafe Florian
Harrys Bar
Campanile Di San Marco.
Skyline Rooftop Bar. Giudecca 810 (Hilton Molino Stucky)
Ristorante Terrazza Danieli.
The Gritti Palace
The Westin Europa & Regina.


Wednesday - Florence
Duomo climb to top
Museo dell'OPera del Duomo
Baptistry
Antico Vinaio sandwich bar just behind the Uffizi.
Uffizi late in afternoon
Farmaceutica Santa Maria Novella on Via Scala and buy some pot-pourri.

Thursday - Florence
All day Tuscany trip

Friday - Florence
Accademia in morning
San Marco.. frescoed monks'cells. OR Bargello.
Ponte Vecchio
The Church of San Miniato al Monte ,Piazzale Michelangelo view and walk down. OR Boboli Gardens


Other Possibilities - Florence
Boboli Gardens.. good view at the Kaffehaus .. entrance behind the Pitti Palace.
Belvedere fort - view
Bargello
Brancacci Chapel
Medici Chapel at Basilica San Lorenzo has amazing Michelangelo sculptures
Basilica Santa Croce. You'll see the tombs and monuments to many of the greats
San Marco, an ex-convent with very beautiful frescoed monks' cells.
Santa Maria Novella is a beautiful church with great art inside, and a very nice cloister.
Santa Maria del Carmine also has great art,
Pitti Palace is a mess in its organization, but it includes works by Raphael, Caravaggio and Artemisia Gentileschi.
Four Seasons Hotel - Drinks

Well the trip got off to bad start. With only a 1:25 connecting window in Lisbon the line was so long to get through customs we had no chance of making our flight to Bologna. As the line was creeping along a worker told us that someone would come to get the passengers with short connections, but that never happened. So the premise that if an airline books you with a connecting flight, that you will make the connection is not necessarily true.

They gave us an alternative flight to Frankfurt, connection to Bologna, but now we won't get to Bologna until 10:00pm and will have to wait for a 3am train and get to Venice at 5am. I hope we'll have energy for sightseeing on Monday.

>>Well the trip got off to bad start.<<

What airline?
I was quite impressed with Lufthansa on a recent connecting flight through Frankfurt. When our flight into Frankfurt was delayed, and it looked like we'd miss our connecting flight to the US, Lufthansa sent a van out to the runway to pick (four of) us, whisk us through VIP security and onto the connecting flight.

Not that it helps you, but some airlines are better about it than others.

TAP Airlines. They made no effort to come get their passengers. Many missed their connections. To make matters worse they didn't tell us what they did with our bags. When I finally got to Bologna with the rerouting I thought my bags would be waiting there for me. Instead the lost and found told us the bags were still sitting in Lisbon and I would be lucky to get them by Tuesday. The lost and found had to give us some old jackets to go out in the cold with as our only jackets are in our bags. As I write this we're siting in the lobby of the Mercury hotel across from the Bologna train station waiting for the 3:18 to Venice. We had some crappy pizza a couple of doors down. Some Christmas!

We've made numerous connecting flights in Asia and never had a problem as there was always a line dedicated for passengers in transit. In Portugal the transit passengers have to line up with the passengers making Lisbon their final destination. Moral of story never take a flight with a short connecting time even if it's all booked by the same airline if you have to pass customs after the first flight.

Hope you made it to Venice safely!