3 days in italy

Florence and Rome would be the best. Do you have other interests?

Look at the Rick Steve 10 day tour of Italy - it goes to Venice, Florence and Rome. Those three cities are the cities that everyone tours first.
Each city is amazing and has tons of things to see and do. Also look at the week long Rome tour for ideas as to what there is to see and do. Also a suggestion, purchase the Rick Steves Italy guide or the Rome guide book, the Florence guide book and the Venice guide book separately. There is so much to see and do in each city that you can easily spend at least five days in each city, I know you are only spending 12 days, but that is how much there is to see. Taking the train to each city is the best way to travel. I have been to each city and loved all three. I also have been on the Florence week long tour twice ( not done any longer) and the Rome tour once and am going back this year on the Rome tour. If you view Pinerest, there are tons of photos of each city to view. Have a great trip.

we have decided on Rome, Venice and Florence. If we add one more day to our itinerary which city should we spend it in? Thanks

Rome for sure. You can even cut a day off Venice -- two days is enough. I just sent my niece and her husband and they thought they didn't see enough of Rome and too much Venice and they also did all of the island tours there. Florence is wonderful - and I've spent weeks there -- but for a "first timer" you can hit all the highlights (Accademia for the David, The Palace, etc) but Rome you can't possibly see in just three days - IMHO.

I have to agree on Venice, Florence and Rome. Last year my wife and I spent 3 nights in Venice, 5 nights in Florence and 5 nights in Rome. Even so there is so much to see in Rome that we are going back to the Eternal City next year. I strongly suggest a walking tour. We had a great tour in Florence with a guide by the name of Anica and then again for 3 days in Rome with Rich Brunn of Rome Day tours. With 12 days, I think I would cut one night off Venice and not try to add a 3rd city.

I think adding an extra day would be an excellent plan. Do take into account travel time and checking into each hotel when traveling from city to city. Also take into account the day you leave and then you can plan out how much time you will really will have. Also, you will have jet lag when you land in Venice. I agree, I would add the day in Rome, but thinking about it, maybe it should be Venice as that will be your first city and having jet lag. Just something to think about as you want to see each city. Have a great trip.

Lauri
I agree with Ann- do not cut out a day in Venice as you will certainly have jet lag. We are going back to Venice for the 3rd time next year. We have not explored enough of the back streets and restaurants. This time you will be at the main canal and sights along there but as RS says hit the back streets that is where the real Venice is. A visit to the Islands of Murano and Burano would take 1 day as well if you plan to do that. Do not cram to much into any of the cities as I guarantee you will be back.

It appears that you are only doing the cities... with 12 days in Italy and not even visiting any villages in Italy I think you will really be missing so much of what Italy has to offer. When I dream of going back to Italy it is not being in the touristy areas of big cities, but it is the Tuscan countryside or the villages on the sea... Maybe you could give it a bit of a balance if you want a real taste of Italy.