7 days in Italy (quick trip) ,we have never been there.We only have 5 full days if we don't count the 2 travel days to see as much as we can and still enjoy our trip too.
We want to go to Cinque terra, Venice or Florence. We are flying in and out of Milan.
What would you suggest, we are going crazy with confusion..... Thanks

I'd vote for Venice. When I went to Italy for the first time about 1-1/2 years ago, we went to Rome and Venice, and while I enjoyed Rome, arriving and being in Venice was one of the best experiences of my life. It's like no other place I've ever been. Just wandering around taking in the sights, eating lunch at Cafe Florian in San Marco, everything about it was special.

Depends what you like.

Many people hate Florence. It is very crowded. But if you have any desire to see the most condensed mass of great art, I'd pick Florence because I love the art. It is worth the crowds. If you don't love art, crowds, church after church, or want to buy gold, then maybe...

Venice would be better for you. It is definitely unique and more romantic. I have only spent one day in Venice and want to go back. It was a taste that wasn't enough.

The Cinque terre is quieter (or was -- don't know so much now that Rick Steves has popularized it). You know the cinque terre is a series of villages. Not just one place. You can hop from one to another but that takes a little more time. I love it there, too, though.

I love Siena, too. Or Verona.

When? That is an important consideration for Venice. I love Venice---there's nothing else like it in the world---but I wouldn't go in the height of summer.

I'd vote for Venice. Florence has great art museums, but you have to wait in lines, lines, lines and see them surrounded by a hundred pushing tours. It's also an old city that is being used like a very modern one. I went thinking it would be like the movie "A Room With A View", and it was more like New York with really old buildings. Instead of taxis trying to kill you there were Vespas.

Venice is nice because even though the top attractions can be full of people you can turn a corner and be all by yourself inside a picture postcard.

You don't say what time of year you are going or what your interests are, or why you are torn beween these 3 very different places as opposed to Rome and the Amalfi and Verona. I also have to say that to me, the art in Venice and Florence is so distinctly different, you might look at some comprehensive art guides and find yourself far more drawn to one city than another.

Venice is rather isolated from the rest of Italy, both physically and culturally, so if you think you are going to be returning to Italy again, it makes sense to go to Venice on this short trip, so you won't be trying to fit it in on subsequent trips.

However, many people don't really enjoy being in Venice at all, and the risk of going there for 5 days is that you are more stuck with your choice than if you were in Tuscany. It also takes a lot more planning to have a vacation in Venice that includes good food at reasonable prices, outdoor relaxation and relief from the hordes of tourists.

Firenze offers you more chances to experience Italy among the Italians, and it's easier to day trip to smaller towns surrounding it if you find the crowds oppressive.

Although there are crowds in Cinque Terre, you can easily stay in beautiful locations just outside the towns themselves and visit them at your leisure, and have five days of glorious relaxation on the Mediterranean, eating the fantastic food at moderate prices. Although most people go to hike and swim, there are small but interesting churches, some with imprssive art, and historic sites and charming small towns you can seek out. If right now, what you want or need is a true unhurried vacation, the coast of Liguria is just great. But I would end my stay in Italy with a full day in Milan to see the Duomo and the Last Supper.

Hi C,

>We want to go to Cinque terra, Venice or Florence.

Do you wish to go to one of the 3? In that case, I suggest Venice.

Is CT a must? In that case I suggest 2 nights in the CT and 3 in Venice.

For this short trip, I suggest Venice., However, keep in mind that Venice is like no place else in the world, never mind in Italy. For a taste of less-touristy Italy, you might stay a night or two in Verona. It is on the direct train route between Milan and Venice, so you will probably be passing by anyway. It's a lovely city with interesting sights, good food and wine, and an intact Roman arena.

By the way, I'm not knocking Venice--I'm actually flying there tonight (excitement building!!). A stop in Verona would give you an idea of what the rest of Italy is like.

Venice, absolutely! Actually if it were me, in and out of Milan, given only 7 days, I'd skip CT and Florence both. Doing a couple days in Milan for day trips outside the city and 5 days in Venice. Much more centralized and satisfying itinerary to my mind.

I'll give my vote to Florence. I think it really depends, I personally loved Florence and wasn't thrilled with Venice. However, this was when I was 21 years old - perhaps I'll like it more now that I'm going with my husband in May and can experience the romantic side!!

As others have said, it really depends on your interests. If you love Renaissance Art, or want to shop, Florence is the place. If you want to experience a city like no other in the world, then it's Venice.
Personally, I'd do both and scrap 5Terre.

I agree with panecott: do both, Venice and Florence, if you came from a distant place. Forget CT. The 5 days will seem short...

There was a neat article a few months ago in one of the travel mags -- Travel and Leisure, or Conde Nast Traveler--on whether one is a Florence person or Venice person. Anyone see it?