Through my sales job I have won a trip to italy which will include visiting Venince, Florence, tuscany and Sienna.

The trip offers an extension to Rome (probably 1-3 days)that I would pay for.

My question is the following: My wife and I can get coverage for our 4 and 6 yr. old for the 8 days we will be gone, but are wondering are we short changing ourselves by not seeing Rome? Some friends have said yes and some no. What do educated Fordites think?

Hi mrap,

I have been to Italy a number of times and have not yet seen Rome.

1-3 days is a very short visit.

Why not save Rome for another visit?

Rome is the heart and soul of Italy and also my favourite city in the world. If you are that close and have the opportunity then go see it - please!

i agree that you should see rome while you are in italy. you never know when you will have the opportunity to go back. I also agree that 1-3 days is a very short time to see rome (make it the full 3 if you can). However, with 4 destinations in 8 days, you are doing a whirlwind anyway so the time in rome would be no more rushed than the rest of it.

Well, I had not set foot in Rome until our 8th trip to Italy--then we spent a week. But, being there anyway, I would go for it. Where do you depart if you do not extend for Rome? If the answer is Rome, then there you have it.

Hi--with little ones on the scene, you may not get back to Italy soon. I too vote for seeing Rome--bird in the hand, etc--but do it for the 3 nights. In summer it stays light until almost 10 o'clock so that maximizes your time there. Even after indoor attractions are closed, you can still stroll and appreciate all the great architecture b/c it will be still be daylight. I would also vote for staying near Piazza Navona if you want to enjoy promimity to great outdoor spaces teeming with life, cafes, restaurants and gelaterias!!

I'm with Ira--save Rome for the next trip. If you're seeing Italy for the first time (and doing it at such a rapid pace), your head will be swimming after 8 days. Best to save Rome and all it's wonderful chaos for it's own trip, perhaps with the kids?

If you can split your time with 3 nights in Venice, 2 nights in Florence, 3 nights in Tuscany (Siena included in Tuscany), that would make a very nice trip.

I love Rome, but would only add it on if you could add 3 nights.

However, if you don't have someone to watch the kiddies for those three extra nights, then the point is moot.

When I was much younger ,and less wise, I visited Rome,but didn't enjoy it that much.
This years trip to Italy we agreed to stay 7 of our nights at Rome. As the trip came closer, I was really regretting that we were going to spend so much time there. We love Tuscany, Umbria and staying in the countryside.
I travel a lot for business and figured I didn't need to spend more time "in a big dirty old city".
Yet, there was a lot of history. So we decided to keep with our plan, but figured that we would be doing a lot of day trips outside Rome.
On our flight home our first remark to each other was "I love Rome" and then "I can't wait to come back".
I'm writing all this to say that Rome is amazing.
Add the 3 days on and find out for yourself.

If you can get someone who will take care of the kids for the extra 3 days, by all means include Rome. For any less than 3 days, I suggest waiting to see Rome when you return to Italy - once you've been, you are certain to return!

no, save that for a separate trip some day with the Amalfi coast!

People tend to have strong opinions for and against Rome, as you will no doubt discover when you read the replies to your question.

If you can make suitable arrangements for the care of your childen, I would suggest that you add the full three days in Rome. There is so much to see and do and experience in Rome that is unlike anything in the other -- admittedly wonderful -- places that you will visit.

topping

Again I agree with socialworker. Your children are young and you probably wont get this chance again for 10 years. Once you get over the guilt you'll be very happy you extended your trip. The children will be over it the second you get home and you'll have wonderful memories for a lifetime. 8 days is a very short amount of time to spend in Italy. It would also be nice to stay in one place for 3 days at the end. Rome is an amazing city.

Got to Rome. Your absence from your kids' lives - - for 8 days versus 11 days - - won't amount to a hoot, in the bigger picture. Your enthusiasm for travel to Europe, and passing that on to them might.

Best wishes,

Rex

Whoops - - typo - - GO to Rome (not "Got to Rome&quot!

Good work and lucky you! I don't know if you have the flexibility w/ a trip you've received as a bonus but if you are concerned about time away from your kids ( as I would be) I'd cut Venice short (maybe an overnight or 2 nts at most).

I'd split the remainder of time between Rome (several nights) and Florence (several nights) w/sidetrips to Sienna and/or Assisi.

If you're locked into an itinerary as a part of the vacation, I'd try at least a day in Rome if you can manage it.

Have fun!!!!

kakalena