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2 not so single females traveling to Italy in May. So far, our itinerary starts out in Rome for 7 nights. We would like to check out Siena, Florence, and Bologna. OUr last two nights are reserved in Milan. We are trying to be flexible and leave our options open. We both love architecture and food. I hear that Venice is a must. Right now, we are skipping it. Are we wrong in doing this? Will we miss out by not visiting Venice? How many days would you recommend for this city?


"If seeing is believing, then allow me to see only good."

Unless you have a particular reason for going to Bologna, I'd suggest venice would be more spectacular - given distances and time you might not find it easy to swap that around though?

But if you spend time in Rome, Florence and Siena, you wont be starved for spectatular architecture, so I wouldnt worry too much about it.

If you can fit it realistically into your itinerary - so go from Bologna to Venice and then Venice to Milan - then yes it is a must.

I have been three times and recently just got back from the Carnival there. Its like nowhere else in the world and it is beautiful. There is so much to see and do but the cheapest thing and best thing about it is that you can just walk around and get lost and find little gems.

If you need anymore info just ask away

Michelle

I would cut your time in Rome in half. Assuming you don't get hit by a bus after *this* trip is over, you can always go back. Once you get situated there, you can hit the Colluseum, the Forum, Mussalini's War Memorial, Trevi and the Spanish Steps in a day. Two at the most. Then you hit the Vatican City and maybe a Catacomb tour. Add a day or two more for side trips from Rome and then get the freak out of there so you can visit more things. You will miss out **BIG** if you don't see Venice. There may be a few cities south of Rome e.g. Sorrento/Naples/Amalfi Coast to add. I didn't get to check those out and I've heard Amalfi is awesome, especially for two "not so single females." If you're feeling really brave and wanting a bunch of beaches to explore, you can try Lecce, which is at the heel of the "boot." I was there in the winter when things where shut down but it looks like a really really happening place when things start to open up for spring/summer.

P.S. Venetian food sucks the big one if you're not careful e.g. stay **AWAY** from those suck aiiish Tourist Menus at most of the restaurants close to Piazza San Marco. Get away from there and find some eateries in "local" type shops in Carnareggio or Dosudoro areas. Try to find a way to Venice, if not on this trip but on another. It's one of a kind.

Thank you all very much. Sounds like we really need to visit Venice.

Are you renting a car or going by train?
It makes a big difference. I've done both.
But regarding Venice - do not do a day-trip there...
spend at least two nights - especially during this time oe of year. As for architecture consider Vicenza, on
the way from Venice to Milano....

http://palladio.ashmultimedia.com/

And I would definitely spend more time in Firenze (Florence) than Rome!

Buonasera Butrcup,

We were in Italy for 3 weeks this past January. Our itinerary included
Week 1: Naples, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Capri, Pompeii
Week 2: Perugia, Assisi, Siena
Week 3: Venice, Milan

The reason we didn't include Rome or Florence is because we've been to Rome a couple of times before and Florence once before. I LOVE Rome. IMHO, Florence I would go back again after I visit other towns, but in no rush. That being said...

I would definitely add Venice, but that's my personal bias, especially if it's your first trip to Italy. What I would do is research each town you plan to visit - what is it that you expect from it? Do you want to sightsee, relax, a bit of both?

I agree that Venetian food can be a bit touristy, but that's why you should try to venture away from San Marco after hours. We discovered there were lots of hip restaurants, bars, and nightlife in San Polo (near Frari church) and some other islands (just ask your hotelier).

Some friends have been to Bologna - they say it's a college town (first university!) - but not much else. . . if you just want to chill and do nothing, then maybe it's good for you. But you know, you can always do that in the back canals of Venice...

Ciao

We are going by train. My friend has her heart set on seeing Juliet's balcony in Verona. I figure 2 nights in Venice. I just don't want to spend too much time on trains. Thanks to everyone for all of their advice.

there are two general perspectives on venice:

the first is the 'oh my, isn't this just beautiful? how about those gondola rides, oh how romantic and marvellous, ohhh - lets buy a mask!'

the other is the complete opposite...its a corpse city in my book...worth one look but not a second...