For a first time traveler to Italy, would you chose Florence or Venice for 5 nights in May? <BR> <BR>Thanks!

Yes I would. Every time. <BR> <BR>Unless the other choice was 10 nights. <BR>

You know, this is totally a matter of personal taste. For me, I would start with places like Florence & Rome and then work my way up to Venice. Florence has sooo much history! Plus it's a lot cheaper than Venice. But I'm sure there are many people on the board who will tell you otherwise. So, depends on what you are looking for in a trip to Italy.

No question-both. You can easily do 3 nights in Florence and two in Venice. I think 5 nights in Venice is too much but it is so wonderful it is not to be missed. Florence has so much to offer-gardens,Piazza, museums etc. The train ride is short and easy.

Hello! First, Italy is wonderful. And, I agree with the last response. You could easily do both cities. If you are picking from one though, I would choose Florence. It is just spectacular. Charming local restaurants, typical Italian class is abound in Florence. Venice is nice to. But a little tourist worn. Stray away from Saint Mark's. ( After exploring it of course) And walk the beautiful labyrinth, that is old town Venice. Magical, and Awesome, is the hidden loveliness of the areas away form the crowded, pricey, St. Marks. Splurge on the over rated, over priced, gondola ride around the canals. &lt; I mean really, how often are you in Venice? &gt; It's romantic and sweat, and you owe it to your self. <BR>Safe trip. <BR>C

Interesting that the last responder recommended firenza and spent most of the message about venezia. going to venezia next week. firenza is wonderful, but venezia is the most fantastic of all travel experiences. nothing like it. go there and get lost. you'll never forget it.

I agree with Dale--there's no place like Venice. I have not yet been to Florence and I'm sure it's wonderful. But Venice has a magic that I've yet to find in any other city, European or otherwise. It's wonderful, dirty, decadent, improbable, elegant, strange, spectacular. And you can easily spend five days there...I spent three days in Venice in the fall of 1999 and was practically clutching at the benches in Santa Lucia station when we finally had to leave. It wasn't enough, and I can't wait to return.

My vote is for Florence. Both are full of tourists, but Florence is also a vibrant city in its own right. I also think there is much more to see in Florence. My favourite place in the world...