I know this is a very broad question but I really am confused. Everywhere looks so inviting I just do not know how to narrow it down. All i know is that I love scenries and drives. So far I have 4 days in Rome and 3 days in Venice. I have been to MIlan before and dint like it at all. WHre else do you sugguest I go for 5 days?

The lakes are very lovely. I stayed on Lake Garda in Sirmione and also in Como and Stressa. Would go back in a second. You definitely have the two top cities on my list. You can drive from Venice to Lake Garda and on to Lake District (Como, et al). You could then just fly home from Milan.

5 days, I'd go to Florence and for day trips Siena and San Gimignano and other hills towns in the area. Know what you mean abaout Milan. It is just a big city as far as I'm concerned. Lakes are also very lovely but 5 days there might be a little long unless you visit several. Italy is the best.<BR><BR>Shar

You love "sceneries and drives"? Then I say don't go to rome "this trip" to Italy. And five days at Lake como is NOT too many. But you might as well try to fit in some of Tuscany and/or the Veneto and/or the Alto Adige or the Dolomites (Friulia).<BR><BR>And though not a good geographic "fit", the Amalfi coast or the Cinque Terre seem like they are good ideas for you.<BR><BR>Take a look at these two recent threads on time at Lake Como, or time in Italy withOUT the "cities".<BR><BR>http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessages.jsp?fid=2&tid=34373784<BR><BR>"How to day-trip without car in Italian Lake district?"<BR><BR>http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessages.jsp?fid=2&tid=34373802<BR><BR>"small town italy"<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

to the top<BR>

I second the recommendation on Tuscany. Tuscany is lovely and there are lots of very interesting towns to explore. Stay outside Florence and take the train into the city because Florence is murder with a car.

Just got back 2 days ago from Tuscany and Rome. If I go back (HOPE, HOPE, HOPE!) then I would skip Rome and spend all my time in Tuscany - it was incredibly beautiful. It all depends on your age and what you want from your trip. Florence has great shops, but is a regular city, per se. Rome is all traffic, etc., but has historic sites to see. My choice would be to go back to San Gimignano, Siena, Lucca, etc. These walled cities are beautiful and the shops have lots of local crafts you won't see elsewhere. I stayed in Marcialla at the Villa Tavolese - can't say enough for how wonderful they were and how friendly the people are -- we had several invitation to come back and stay at homes there. My room overlooked the whole Elsa Valley, vineyards and olive trees.

Just got back 2 days ago from Tuscany and Rome. If I go back (HOPE, HOPE, HOPE!) then I would skip Rome and spend all my time in Tuscany - it was incredibly beautiful. It all depends on your age and what you want from your trip. Florence has great shops, but is a regular city, per se. Rome is all traffic, etc., but has historic sites to see. My choice would be to go back to San Gimignano, Siena, Lucca, etc. These walled cities are beautiful and the shops have lots of local crafts you won't see elsewhere. I stayed in Marcialla at the Villa Tavolese - can't say enough about how wonderful they were and how friendly the people are -- we had several invitations to come back and stay at homes there. My room overlooked the whole Elsa Valley, vineyards and olive trees.

Jane<BR>Why do you say "it all depends on your age",among qualifications...just curious cuz I dont wanna go if my age group will not be welcome or something like that<BR>Jason

Rome & Venice, good choices. I'd balance out city visits with a road trip in countryside. Start out in Rome. After your 4 days there, rent a car and continue your trip into southern portion of Tuscany and then into Umbria region --- Either end up driving to Venice (then ditch the car) or turn in your rental car in Florence. Then take the train to Venice and finish up your vacation there.<BR>

Of course, I cannot speak for Jane, but I have mentioned "depends on your age" in a similar context with regard to planning Italy itineraries also.<BR><BR>I believe that younger people "get into" rome much more quickly and avidly than say, the over 50 crowd. Huge generalization, of course, and a lot depends on your comfort level with urban landscape, traffic, noise - - and maybe a more diverse ethnic environment. I think that folks from NYC of any age will adapt to Rome in a different way than their cousins from the small towns outside Peoria.<BR><BR>Conversely, SOME young people may find life more sedate than they are hoping for in the Italian countryside, while the over-50 crowd may revel in it.<BR><BR>But all age groups can fall in love with all the landscapes of Italy in their own way, at their own pace.<BR>

If you love scenery don't miss CinqueTerre and Tuscany.If you can, take the ferry from La Spezia over to the Cinque Terre. There is also a walking trail and train service. <BR> My wife and I spent 3 days after a Tour in Roma and loved every minute of it even though we are from very small town in Ohio. We felt safe and walked from our Hotel near the Trevi Fountain to all the sights we wanted to see. <BR> San Gimignano and Sienna are worth a look.

Dis she ever come back and see any of these answers?<BR>