Hi, My husband & I are planning a trip to Zurich, Munich, Paris, & either Florence or Venice. We are limited on time, so we are trying to choose which city to visit...Florence or Venice? Both sound great which makes it hard to choose. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hi Sharm <BR>This is an apples vs oranges question, impossible to know what you would like. <BR>Each of the two is unique, fascinating, gorgeous. <BR>Florence is Renaissance art and architecture heaven, if you're interested in the art you would need a minimum of 3 days to scratch the surface. There's also a great selection of restaurants and cafes, and some good shopping to be done (leather, ceramics, paper, etc. If art isn't your cup of tea, Florence's charms may not be as important to you. <BR> <BR>Venice is unique because the only two ways to get around are by boat and on foot. I absolutely love it down to my toes. IMO you would need at least two days to see some of the highlights, 3 days would be much better, 4-5 days ideal. Food in Venice is more hit and miss imo than in Florence--there are some very good restaurants but seemingly also many tourist traps <BR>(which you can avoid simply by doing some homework). <BR>How much time will you have for this part of your trip? Also, when are you going? Both Florence and Venice can I understand be horrendously crowded in the summer, especailly Venice. I'm not saying not to go in the summer if that's what you've decided, just that crowds <BR>can be a factor in enjoyment. <BR> <BR>I have files on both places; if you'd like to see them, email me and I'll send them.

Dear Sharm, <BR>As an ordained Venice cheerleader - I'm going to vote Venice. But the poster above does a good job of describing the difference between the 2 cities. I often tack Venice onto the end of other museum-laden trips, because for me Venice is a little more laid back and relaxed. And it has a sort of transcendently wierd quiet - no cars. And the light is spectacular reflected off the water. And the people are great. (oh my goodness I've gotta rein myself in here) <BR>So maybe consider how tired and how "touristed out" you might be - if you are still going to have lots of energy, you can take on Florence with it's noise and beauty and activity. If you want to chill out for the last couple of days - Venice.

Sharm, it's a wonderful dilemma. You can't go wrong no matter what you decide. And, Elaine has done a superb job in describing each. (In the interest of full disclosure, however, I must confess that Venice is my favorite!)

Venice is my favorite as well. In fact, I'm going again in a few months I'm thrilled to say.

Of course it's all a matter of preference, but I'd pick Venice! With all due respect to the incredible artistic/renaissance history of Florence.. and the wonderful food in Florence.. Venice made me cry! When I walked from the train station and saw the Grand Canal... nothing I had read or seen prepared me for it! Yes it's expensive, no it doesn't have the museums of Florence, but honestly I could spend the better part of my life simply wandering around the narrow streets getting lost and staring at canals in the moonlight and consider it a life well spent!

IMO, the entire city of Venice is a museum, a living museum. <BR> <BR>If you only have time for either Venice or Florence, choose Venice.

Thyra has it right. Venice is fabulous. I've been all over the world and Venice is by far my favorite city. Just to wander the streets, no cars, fun boat taxi's, fighting pigeons in the square, window shopping and people watching... the romance of the city can't be beat. You'll find yourself holding your husband's hand even after over 30 years of marriage. Obviously, my vote is for Venice. My mom's favorite is Florence, but she's an artist. She calls it the world's only living museum and art gallery.

THYRA- <BR>Your description of exiting the train station mirrored my first impression also. It was a totally unforgettable experience. I had read all the books, looked at all the pictures, etc, but when I first stepped outside, i literally got short od breath and cried. <BR>janice 's description of the light is also remarkably like my exerience. I want to go back at every season just to see the change. <BR>Florence too is wonderful but I would have to pick Venice for a totally emotional and sensual experience

Just came home from Italy and visited both cities while there. We would not visit Florence again, but we definitely plan a trip back to Venice. <BR>I would definitely opt for Venice. It has so much to offer.

Sharm: <BR> <BR>I've not as avid a fan of Venice as several of other posters, but do agree with sentiment that Venice stands out as a unique city --- in fact, I'd go so far as to say that if we created a list of "must see" places on the planet before we die, then Venice would be on that list. <BR> <BR>Quite simply, choose Venice.

We just returned from trip to italy, visited both cities. Disappointed in Florence, would not return, intrigued by Venice, a must see. Enough said. Joyce

They're both wonderful places to visit, as others have already said. But if you choose Florence, be prepared for noisy motor bikes coming at you throughout the tourist areas (and probably elsewhere also).

Rita, I was in Florence in 1987 and that's one of my most negative memories, the nearly-constant roar and whine of all the noisy motorbikes. <BR> <BR>I was in Rome for the first time a few months ago and expected the noise from motorbikes to be even worse than what I remembered in Florence but, interestingly, it didn't seem to be nearly as bad.

In the interest of speaking for the minority, my vote is for Firenze. My husband and I returned last week from both cities. After 4 days in Florence I hungered for more. After 1 1/2 days in Venice, well I'm glad I saw Venice, but that's about it. It's crowded and too touristy for my taste, and we do our best to get off the beaten path. Truly there is nothing else like it, but as the concierge in our hotel (Danieli)said "Have you seen it out there? It's Disneyland on water!" <BR>Whatever your decision have a marvelous time.