Venice / Florence/ or Paris

If you have the chance to do 3 nights in the Tuscan area, do one night in Siena and two in Florence. There's really not -that- much in Siena and you'll enjoy yourself more in Florence. On the other hand, Venice is amazing and beautiful. It would definitely be a nice addition. But considering the distance I wouldn't just skip a night in Florence to do Venice, I would cut Siena down to one night or cut it out completely. I haven't been to Paris but I'd imagine you want two nights and not only one there. Are you taking the train between the cities or flying or what?

I would suggest only the two destinations, Rome Paris. split evenly or weight a night one way or the other. the reality of changing locations is that, believe it or not, you'll burn a least half of a day with getting ready, checking out, getting to transport, getting to your destination and reversing the process.

I agree with Ron. You don't have time for more than Rome and Paris. There is so much to do in both places and Paris deserves as much time as possible.

I agree with Ron and Susan. I have been to all of those places. The thought of spending 8 nights in 4 locations in 2 countries is way too much. I would stay 4 nights in Rome, then fly to Paris for 4 nights. Or stay in Italy. Traveling from Italy for 2 nights in Paris (which means only one day) is not worth it. And Paris is my favorite city, so that is hard for me to say.

I thought that if we stayed in Siena 2 nights, that it wouldn't be that far of a drive from Florence to drive there and back. Is that a wrong assumption?

Debbi-Siena isn't far from Florence, that is true that it wouldn't be a far drive. However it is difficult to drive in Florence (there are a lot of restrictions, and if you don't know where to go--potential fines) and also a lot more to do in Florence. If you want to visit Tuscany I would stay in Florence and take the train to Siena for a day.

For only 8 days, stay in Italy. Just too much hassle and time wasting to do all your changes. Paris (and Rome) ned and deserve more than two days (less travel time to get there)

I agree with the rest, split your time between Rome and Paris. Moving from city to city eats up at least half a day. Is it your first time to both these cities? If so, 4 nights will be a great way to see alot without being overwhelmed by moving from 1 town to the other. I've been to both and I must say Paris has my heart over Rome.

My vote would be to scrap Sienna and Florence and spend the time in Venice. Florence has great history etc. but I feel it is over crowded, over rated and living on its past. Venice is truly unique ... it's the only one in the world. Take the time to wander around in the city and also enjoy it in the evening after the day trippers have departed. Also don't so less than 2 nights in Paris, it is such a beautiful city and there is so much to see.

I agree - just Rome and Paris. From Rome, do a day trip to Florence. Ask your hotel for a boxed breakfast to eat on the train and then enjoy a full day in Florence - the Academia, the Uffizi, the Bargello, the Baptistry, take a late train back to Rome and sleep on the way. You will waste too much time checking in and out of hotels if you try to stay ovrnight. Trust me, after being in Rome and in Florence even for a day, you will go back to Italy. Then you can fit in Venice and Siena, and more of Florence.