My hisband and I are travelling to Italy for the first time in September. We'll be there for 14 days, and we're trying to decide whether to include Venice in our itinerary... we arrive in Rome, then we'd like to head to Florence, then Cinque Terra, then possibly Venice (we fly out of Bologna).<BR><BR>We're thinking it would be nicer to have more time to explore fewer places (especially Florence and Tuscany), but most people we talk to say we can't miss Venice.

Hi Keri,<BR>We just did a similar itinerary a couple of weeks ago, and I would rank the areas as follows: Cinque Terre first, Rome and Venice tied for second, and Florence fourth. Venice was so different from anywhere we had ever been, and if you explore the back streets and neighborhoods away from San Marco, you can really appreciate what the city has to offer. <BR><BR>I think we originally researched a CT-Venice train, but if I remember it is a very long and slow trip (6+ hours). <BR>Since Bologna is about halfway between Venice and Florence, I don't see a way to fit in Venice without backtracking a bit, but I would say it's worth it. <BR>You may want to check out Rome-CT-Florence-Venice-Bologna. <BR><BR>Finally, a lot of people here will tell you that you only have time for 2, maybe 3 places in 14 days. There is something to that, but we were very happy we went to all these areas in our first trip. We were originally considering cutting out the Cinque Terre altogether in favor of more time in Florence, and the CT turned out to be our favorite stop. <BR>You'll have fun wherever you go.

Hi Keri. Out of curiousity, why didn't you include Venice in the first place? Because it just didn't appeal to you all that much, or because it seemed more out of the way, or some other reason? <BR><BR>I think Venice is a fascinating and beautiful city and it would be a shame to miss it...unless, that is, you think you'll definitely be returning to Italy. If that's the case, you could always visit it on a subsequent trip.<BR><BR>We were Italy for 20 days in April and basically had your itinerary -- Rome (4 days), Tuscany (5), Cinque Terre (4) -- except we stayed in Siena rather than Florence and spent our first seven days in Venice. Your decision is tough because those are all wonderful places and yet I agree with you that it's nice to have more time in each place. <BR><BR>Anyway, back to my original question... even though I love Venice, I'd say if you're thinking of going there only because other people say you can't miss it, but that it doesn't really get you guys all that excited -- and you think you may return to Italy -- then skip it on this trip and spend more time in the other three places. <BR><BR>In any case, whatever you decide, you really can't go wrong.

Go ahead and do Venice because it is the one city that everyone will ask you if you went to and also if you did a gondola ride (do one). <BR><BR>The city is unique among cities and must be seen to be enjoyed, especially at night after the day trippers have departed. <BR><BR>The drive from Florence to Venice is not that far so go for it!

Go.....Venice is one of a kind and just what if you never get a chance to go back. Go...I've been twice and never took a gondola ride but did ride a vaporetta. I enjoyed walking all over the place and discovering something new around every turn. Venice is magical....go.

Ditto Ken, it is a magical place.

Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo........

Not going to Venice would be a tragedy.It is one of the most fabulous places on earth. <BR> Janda

Hi Keri,<BR><BR>It is a tough call, b/c it sounds like you don't want to run around too much, but want to take in Venice. Venice is not far from Bologna, so from a logistics standpoint, it isn't difficult. If you are taking the train to Bologna, the next big stop is Venice - I think that it was about an 1 1/2 hours on the train one-way from Bologna to Venice. It would be a lovely way to end your trip, even if it is for one night, because it is truly one of the most amazing places you will ever go. The train goes right into Venice, so you could even do a day trip there if you don't want to lug your luggage from Bologna. Just take the early train, and enjoy yourself. I guarantee that on your next trip to Italy, you will start with Venice!<BR><BR>I shared my travelogue on fodors.com on Venice and Florence, with great shopping, sightseeing, restaurant, tips. Just type in "kiki" in the search box.<BR><BR>Have a fabulous time!

I've been in Italy only twice... both times visiting Venice. Amazing place.

Dear Keri,<BR>Yes. Please come to Venice. Bring lots of money. <BR><BR>Signed,<BR>Nigerian Purse Sellers Local Union #2510

Keri,<BR>I almost didn't go to Venice. I didn't put it in my orginal plan because a few people I knew had gone and thought it was dirty and smelly. I included it in response to the suggestions of people on this board. I am extremely happy I did. I only stayed 2 nights, but I wished it was longer. I did not notice dirt or smell in May. Venice was very beautiful and there really is no where else like it. I also bought all of my souvenirs there (beautiful glass vases). <BR>If you don't go, you probably won't know that you missed anything. However if you do go I think you will not regret it.

Thanks everyone for all your wonderful information!<BR><BR>To answer a couple peoples' question, the reason we were thinking of not including Venice was mainly because it would be at the end of our itinerary and we're concerned that we'll be too rushed. We're flying into Rome and out of Bologna (using frequent flyer miles and this just turned out to be the only way we could do it).<BR><BR>But we really do want to see Venice, and we're feeling that if we pre-book all our accomodations, we won't feel too crazed. <BR><BR>I'm a bit concerned about one person's comment that the train from Cinque Terra to Venice is 6+ hours though! True? That's exactly what we'd be doing.... <BR><BR>If we go, we'll be in Venice for our 5th wedding anniversary... that would be nice! Now we have to find a romantic, memorable, but not outrageously priced place to stay.<BR><BR>thanks!<BR>Keri

Thanks for answering my question, Keri (about why you didn't include Venice in your plans in the first place.)<BR><BR>I'd say that if you really want to see it, and you'd be there on your 5th wedding anniversary, then by all means go!

You could consider an overnight train trip to Venice (if possible). Sure would cut down on wasted days and cover a hotel room. Me, I'd go to Venice in a heartbeat for an anniversary. It has to be one of the more unique cities in Europe.

Ah unique! Surely one of the most abused words in the English language. Unique, means one, there is nothing else like it. Something cannot be very unique, quite unique, really unique, etc.<BR>

Consider a night train in a private cabin (if this is a possibility). Spend your anniversary in Venice. Both very romantic possibilities!!

Let's see, you want to visit Venice and C.T but you don't like the thought of the long train ride in between (don't blame you.) How about making Florence into a 'pivot'?<BR><BR>Rome - 3<BR>Florence (first time) - 2<BR>Venice - 2<BR>Florence (second time) - 2<BR>C.T. - 3<BR>Bologna - 2<BR>Total: 14, and no train ride longer than 2.5 hours, if I've read the schedules right.<BR><BR>On either your first or second time into Florence, use it as a base to daytrip into Tuscany.

I agree - unique in there is no other city like Venice. Definitely, one of a kind.

Alternative:<BR>Rome - 3<BR>Florence (first time) - 2<BR>C.T. - 3<BR>Florence (second time) - 2<BR>Venice - 2<BR>Bologna - 2