:) Hi Liz, now that I have gathered my Rome recs from you, I finally got to the part in your report about Leo's in Florence. I'm so sad for you. I imagine they were on holiday. They were closed for the entire month of February last year. Next time, right????

I can't wait to read more. Excellent report! Thanks so much for the Rome tips.

Lisa (and Tim)-

Planning is part of the fun for me. I hope you enjoy it as well as you wait for your upcoming vacation in October!

I really didn't have a hard time avoiding shopping this trip because we were "on the go" the entire time. It also seems like such a waste to step inside stores when all of the beautiful sights and buildings are mostly outside. Plus Tim gets antsy LOL :) The San Lorenzo Markets in Florence are another story.... VERY easy to shop there!

Oh Tiff, I am so excited for you that you and your DH are returning to Italy. I promise to help you as much as I can once you get your itinerary going. You must visit the Galleria Borghese in Rome!!

And yes, we will definitely visit Leo's next time.... I can't wait for "next time"!

Terrific report, Liz. I'm making some notes about the restaurants in Venice, as I'm going back there at the end of June (along with Bologna & Rome). Can't wait!

SusanP- I am so jealous! I strongly encourage you to try Vini da Gigio :) Have a fabulous trip!

Liz

Hi Liz,
I had a spritz at an Italian place near my home and it was awesome! I think it will be my summer deck drink of choice. I'm looking forward to someday having one in Venice, though!

Hey Liz, how far in advance did you book your flights?

I love that Amsterdam connection we did last time, right now out of MSP it is $775 including all taxes and fees. The one stop from here is ideal, I <i>really</i> don't want two stops. I think any fare to Italy under $800 from MSP is good, I don't think I should wait, but I tend to not be risky with these things.

How long did you wait?

I can't even believe I asking this because I usually give the advice to not wait, lol.

Love the report, Liz.
Our family is headed to all the same cities in 2 months. This was SOOO helpful - as are so many of the Fodorite's reports.

cls2paris-- I knew you'd love the spritz! What restaurant was it?

Tiff- Check www.flycheapabroad.com
I had bought tickets on orbitz.com for $835pp (with the Amsterdam connection we love so much) and then found the <b> exact same </b>tickets for $635 on flycheapabroad.com. Luckily I was still within the 24-hour cancellation window and could cancel our orbitz tickets without a fee. If you don't find a better price there, go ahead and book them! We booked our tickets in November for our March trip. I usually book earlier than that, though!

nona50- Thank you! I hope you and your family enjoy your vacation as much as we did. I am sure you will :)

bookmarking

Hi Liz,
I was at Il Vesco Vino on Selby Ave in St. Paul. It is connected to the same family that owns i Nonni and the Buon Giorgno market in Mendota. They both seem to be fairly typical Italian restaurants. Thanks!

That's the old &quot;Vintage&quot;! We live so close to that restaurant. I haven't been there since it changed ownership. Thanks for replying :)

Thanks so much Liz! I will keep my eye on that site. Right now it was only $12 less - but I am going to keep a look out. Are there any downsides to using a site like that?

Tiff-

The only downside is that for some airlines you won't receive FF miles, but with NWA you will. After I booked, I could immediately access my reservation through nwa.com using my ff #. Everything worked out just like a normal ticket. Good luck finding a great price (though the one you have is good enough)!

Where are you flying in/out?

Liz

Hi Liz,
We must be neighbors then! LOL!
Cindy

What a small world!

great report. thanks.

Liz, do you have a more specific address for Vini da Gigio? Even on the website, all it says is Cannaregio and Ca' d'Oro vaporetto stop.

Vini da Gigio Tel: 041-528-5140, Fondamenta San Felice – 3628a, in Cannaregio, vaporetto Ca d'Oro

Thanks, plafield!

Yes, thanks plafield!

Susan, I hope you have a lovely time in Rome, Bologna and Venice in June. It is coming quickly now!

I am sure you will love the food at Vini da Gigio as much as Franco, Tim and I did :)