I am still planning a trip during the week of April 13 and April 21 to Venice and Florence. I still haven't made the plans and need to be refreshed/advised as to ** hotels in St.Marco that at great, (would like to be on a canal, but plazas will do). Museums/churches open or closed on Mondays or Tuesdays. Weather? Gondola rides? etc.<BR> Florence hotels and pretty much the same information needed. Best way to get to Florence from Venice (without a car) or vice versa. Thanks. Info would be appreciated again.<BR> Thing is that I'm having Easter at my house with about 25 people. I work full-time and babysit after that. I've got to clean and plan. I'm swamped with not time to really plan. Any ideas on what I should do about getting this Spring Break arranged.<BR>Oh, I also go standby on an airplane to get to Italy, so things can be uncertain. Help, please. Thanks.

Easter is still two weeks away. I recommend getting a certain amount pinned down this week. It might be worth your while to hire Bob the Navigator - - http://www.initaly.com/ads/bob/bob.htm - - or at least talk to him to get a good travel agent who can help you.<BR><BR>"We" can help you here - - but it takes time to follow up on suggestions.<BR><BR>You're welcome to write to me if you think I can be of further assistance, but I, too am very busy this coming week.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex Bickers<BR>Westerville, Ohio<BR>

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To: Mr. Top <BR> What do you mean by your message?

bringing your mesage back up to the top (on the left hand column).<BR><BR>just to make it easier for you to find it.<BR>

Visited Venice, Verona, and Padova last weekend, IMHO -Florence is over rated...stay in the north slow your trip down and relax a little rather than rush around so much!<BR><BR>Venice:<BR>St. Marco cafes charge US9/Heineken.<BR>St. Marco Hotels will charge you the same.<BR>Gondola rides 80-120 Euro's per 15 minutes. Ride the number one vapretto from San Marco to via Roma down the Grand Canal and pay 5 Euro's R/T.<BR><BR>check:<BR>www.viamichelin.com for museum details.<BR>www.weather.com<BR><BR>Ciao.<BR><BR>

DSC, you got my attention when you said you thought Florence was overrated. Could you tell me a little bit about why you feel that way?<BR><BR>We're thinking of a trip to Venice next year and were considering Florence as well. Would be interested in all opinions. Thanks

Ah, finally a kindred spirit in DSC -- I too felt that Florence was over-rated (I'm sure we'll be soundly beaten for it later).<BR><BR>MG, I felt that Florence was claustrophobic and dirty. Street vendors (purses, etc.) EVERYWHERE who, at the hint of a policeman (and in mid-transaction) would pack up their goods and move on. The art is beautiful, however I didn't find the city itself beautiful. It was the only city I felt really uncomfortable in -- it didn't help when some man waited for me to finish my lunch (at least an hour) and start walking with me and talking to me (he was easily gotten rid of by my saying I was meeting my husband). It really creeped me out that someone would wait so long for a "mark".<BR><BR>I also felt that I always had to be on my guard -- didn't relax for a second I didn't feel that way in Paris, Brussels or Venice.<BR><BR>Again, the art was outstanding. I did enjoy the art, just not the city.

Toni,<BR>I just planned a trip for my sister to take place the week 2 weeks before yours! Venice - she is staying at a bed and breakfast called Venexia Home. I found it through www.venere.com. It is a tiny bed and breakfast with very nice owners who are quite helpful. It was inexpensive. In Florence, I bboked them into Il Giglio, a two star that has recently been redone. You could book it through www.initaly.com. They were helpful though have some goofy policies on faxing ;-). As far as museums go, I believe that they are closed on Mondays. You really should call and make reservations for the Accademia (055 2984883) to see David. The Uffizi reservations are at the same number. It saves standing in line.<BR><BR>I like Florence but agree with the posters. Wonderful for art but the city itself is not so great. I even thought the Duomo in Milan was far superior! BTW, if you go to Milan, don't forget to see Da Vinci's Last Supper. It is wonderful!<BR>Cheers!<BR>Jan

Toni,<BR>My brain was obviously working faster than my fingers. Typos galore! The phone number for the Uffizi and the Accademia is country code 39 055 294 883. Email me after April 8th if you want to hear how the hotels were!<BR><BR>Have fun!

Hi toni<BR>I have files on Florence and Venice that may be of some help, although reading still has to be done and decisions made. If you want to see them, email me. Unfortunately many small hotels are likely to be already fully-booked.<BR>For me Florence was definitely not overrated and I can't wait to go back.<BR>Aside from the fact that it is art and achitecture heaven, when I was there I did not find it dirty, nor did I feel unsafe for one second. It is small and easy to get around, and I enjoyed wandering in and out of the streets.<BR>You will probably have time to plan a daytrip or two to Siena or San<BR>Gimignano.<BR>Good luck

-<BR>Toni, review another thread on this forum named "florence-what are the must do's". That will give you an idea of what are primary attractions there; if much of it doesn't appeal to you, then perhaps you might plan less time in Florence.

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