25th Anniversary trip to Italy

Being married to a national recognized librarian, you start with your local library - check out guidebooks, travel DVDs (especially Rick Steves) and spend some time deciding what you like and don't like. For there move to the internet for more specific questions and up dated information. Personally think Oct is best for Italy and with a short trip use an open jaw ticket - say into Venice and home from Rome. With a 10 day (don't consider 7 days) trip plan on at most three locations - i.e. Venice, Tuscany, Rome

I agree with Frank, you need at least 10 days. With that amount of time I would suggest just two cities but you could get a taste of three if you really wish to. I would suggest flying into Venice and out of Rome. This way you won't be backtracking to get back to the airport. I would suggest October or November for travel. You should grab several guide books and start making lists of what you wish to see the most. People come here all the time and ask what are the "must sees" but everyone is different and what I like you may not. If you go by what I suggest you will be doing MY tour of Italy and not your own. If you make a list of what you want to see and do we can all help you put it in a good working order with the time you have in the country.
At that point it's easier for us to make suggestions based on the list you have. You should also visit the Trip Advisor site. There is lots of good advice given on those forums as well. Donna

Good for you, but you need to get cracking! Really, you should start with the RS Italy guidebook. His books are especially useful for first-time travelers to a location. I can't recommend them highly enough. This board will be an excellent resource once your questions get more specific, tailored to your specific interests. And do try to make the trip for as long a period as possible. 10 days at an absolute minimum. As for travel times, I prefer May, but that might be too soon based on availability of flights and lodging. Late September is another good time to go. Avoid August if at all possible. Happy travels.

definitely try for at least 10 days fly into Venice (or possibly Milan) and out of Rome saves time from backtracking you'll need to narrow down your "Tuscany" interests you could spend weeks in the tuscan region and not see it all I would definitely spend some time in Florence, it is a great city with so much to see and experience a common first time trip is Venice-Florence-Rome but it would be best with at least 3-4 nights in each place of course everyone has different opinions as to when the best time to visit Italy is but most would agree to try to avoid the summer months if possible spring and fall are nice while still giving you longer daylight hours than the winter months
get the Rick Steves Italy 2012 book it will be a big help

Rome and Florence are great starts when visiting Italy. We like to stay in a few places for a longer time than many places for a day. You get the feel of the city better. Florence two full days are good. Add more time if you visit a nearby town or vineyard. Rome you need at least 3 to 4 full days just to see the major sites. Rick Steves is the absolute starting point. I would suggest buying the videos as well as the book. This site is great to get your questions answered. Also, If you just to to Florence and Rome fly in and out of Rome which is probably the cheapest way to go. Most importantly, pick the time now you will go so you can make reservations. Things book up fast. Kayak is a great way to get a cheap flight. Non stop more expensive but it doe save time.

Thanks to everyone for your replies. Looks like we will be going towards the end of September. I have looked into bike riding in Tuscany to do a wine tour. That sounds like a must for us. We also really enjoy B&Bs. Any suggestions for staying in one in Tuscany? Also, any suggestions for Venice and Rome accomadations?

To repeat, Tuscany is an area and not a place. You need to decide which place you want to see/stay in Tuscany. Siena and Florence are in Tuscany - pick one. Watch the R Steves' DVDs for this area.

Yeah, sorry about that. I did see that the bike tour I was looking at had pick ups from locations in Florence so will probably be looking for a B&B there.

end of Sept is a good time to go. Venice-Florence-Rome is a good idead with day trips from Florence a fantastic hotel/B&B in Florence is Residenza Il Villino The family that runs the place is wonderful the place is spotless, has a charming courtyard, good breakfast and really everything you could ask for
I hope you can add days to your trip, I would give each place 3-4 nights (if not more)

We just booked a great place in Chianti Classico called Salvadonica. It's about 30 minutes from Florence by car. My brother spent 7 days there last year and used it as a base to travel to the smaller towns for wine tasting, local food, etc. Here is the link to Salvadonica: www.salvadonica.com
My wife and are are spending our 25th there in April. Happy Silver Anniversary!