Molly

I have 4 days to either spend time in Naples, Rome or Venice; I think I want to do a little of all--where should I go (top choice, BEST of the best) and what should I see? Traveling with boyfriend, so romantic recommendations for dinner, etc. would be appreciated. Also, if attending an Italian Opera, what is the appropraite dress? Thank you.

ann

If you only have 4 days, then I would pick one spot and settle there. Even then, 4 days at any of your choices isn't really enough, but it's better than nothing!<BR><BR>I've been to all three choices and love all of them. For pure romance, even though it's a tough call, I would go for Venice. There's just something about that city that just says romance.<BR><BR>The "rants and raves" section here is really good for looking up the better restaurant suggestions. <BR>

Naples

Do NOT go to Naples. I was almost attacked by a group of Italian guys and Africans guys in the information room in the train station. There was even 2 lines of services. Nobody tried to help at all, but just watched the whole show. Danger was allover in Naples when I was even with my husband. You can read what others say about Naples on this website. Their conclusion is: BAD.<BR>There are shows/operas going on in Venice all the time. I watched a show that was done by the best local group, was not impressed. (I have see better ones elsewhere.) Otherwise, Venice is nice - different. Even though the buildings lack maintainance and turned black, Venice still has its charm.<BR>Rome is great. It has more to offer than Venice.<BR>You can take a ferry out from Naples. Then you are in the island of Ischia. This is absolutely the most romantic place we went to in Italy. Love is allover the island. Most Americans don't know that island, but it is the place Italians spend their vacations. Language is not a problem at all. We spend 3 days in San Motana hotel, it is on the peak - the most charming hotel we've ever been to.

Christina

Molly,<BR><BR>I agree with the other posters about staying in one spot for 4 days. You will lose time travelling in between any of these cities.<BR><BR>Venice & Rome both have their good points, but I would recommend Venice if you are looking for Romance. It's pretty neat at night to watch the gondolas go by, with the accordian players aboard singing. I loved strolling the back neighborhoods, arm in arm, with my hubby. <BR><BR>Have Fun!

StCirq

Of the three, Venice, hands down. What should you see? Well, everything that Venice has to offer (get a guidebook): The Doges Palace, St. Mark's square, the bridges, the Jewish quarter, the islands.........

Alice Twain

Unlike what an above poster said, if I were to spend a romantic 4-days holiday I would pick Naples. I do not like Venice and Rome has far too many monuments to really alow you time to yourself, while Naples is a unique city, with something of Africa, something of Western Eurpope and somthing of Balcans. Naples does not allow you to get bored, it surprises you all the time and it is packed with incredible monuments too. Obviously in Naples you have to be very carefuil around some areas, but if you just skip these areas in the evening and try to look like someone who knows what she (or he) is doing, you will be fine everywhere during the day. My fiance lived in Naples for nine months when he was 20 and the city is still with him, although he has moved back to Tuscany over 15 years ago. Just relax and let yourself be dragged along by the natural liveliness of the people in Naples.

BelieveItOrNuts

Is Alice for real ????<BR>Picking Naples over Venice and Rome !!!<BR>I guess it takes all kinds, no one in their right mind would make this choice. Molly please use your common sense and totally ignore that suggestion.

To belive it...

Well Alice is Italian for one thing, which I believe gives plenty reason to (more politely) consider her opinions and generous posts to this branch!

Grasshopper

I don't think Alice is nuts. Although if it were my first trip to Italy Naples wouldn't be my choice, it is one of the most ITALIAN of cities. It's earthy and incredibly interesting.<BR><BR>Not sure why Florence isn't a choice but I would pick it or Rome.

To Frequent Reader

I don't see how arrived at your conclusion that Alice is Italian. All she said was that her fiancee lived in Naples, that doesn't make either one of them Italian. <BR><BR>But even if she is Italian, picking Naples over Rome and Venice for a romantic place for a vacation is pretty well off the norm.

StCirq

I've never been to Naples, &aacute;nd I'll admit that figured into my message to Molly. But Cond&eacute; Nast or Travel & Leisure or one of those magazines recently had an article about Naples claiming it was a real treasure and in the midst of a complete renaissance.Maybe it is - I've never dared to find out.

Molly

Alrighty then...<BR>Thanks so much to everyone for your generous suggestions and advice. I greatly appreciate it! Best of luck in all future travels--cheers!