5 days to sight see, should I spend 3 on Florenc, 2 on Venice or opposite?

Your call Sally because you'll get lots of differing advice here. Ranging from 2-3 3-2 4-1 1-4 and even don't go to one or the other. If it were me (and it's not) I'd spend the whole time in Venice. If you haven't been to FLorence before my suggestion is 2 days Florence and 3 Venice. MAke sure you actually stay in Venice proper and don't attempt to day trip in. You'lll miss the magic in the evening and night. I'm sure whatever you decide you'll have a great time.

Sally,

I would advise you to go to your public library and find all the available videos/cd's on Venice and Florence. Hang out in a book store and read the guide books. Make a list of all the things you want to see in each city and use that to figure how much time you will need. I think the more research you do, the more likely you are to have YOUR dream vacation. Other travellers can make recommendations based on our preferences, but I don't know how much help that really is. You should plan based on your own interests.

Of course, I can't resist giving my useless opinion: My preference would be 4 days in Florence and 1 in Venice. Better yet, I would like to live in Florence.

Ron is right; you'll get differing advice because people enjoy different things. If it was me I'd do 2 in Florence, 1 full day in Venice (perhaps using it as a base for other cities in the area and staying there 3days), and also visit Padua, Verona, and Vicenza. Padua has the Scrovegni chapel, home of some of the most important frescoes in Western art. It also has the Basilica of St. Anthony. Verona is famous for Romeo & Juliet. Vicenza and vicinity are home to many building by Palladio.

I think everyone is right - you'll get so many differing opinions. I think what Carol says is good really try to narrow down what you want to see and do. In my humble opinion I would spend 3 days in Florence and 2 in Venice. Even though I loved Venice it is small and easy to get around and you should be able to cover quite a lot in 2 days. Florence you could spend a week in. Don't forget to take into account travelling time between the 2 towns too.

Just my opinion. Spend 2 days in Venice. With planning you can see it all in 2 days, then go to Florence for 2 1/2 days. If you have alot of stamina and see all Florence, you have the option of going to Siena.

Got back two weeks ago from both. Our first time in Italy. My suggestion: two days in Florence, three in Venice. Florence is very sweet and the Uffizi and Accedemia are musts (one each day) as is a walk or two around town. Venice is so unique, you could spend a lot of time just wandering and not be bored. Also, you'll want to visit the islands of Burano and or Murano as well as the Lido, each a short hop from Venice. All that could take a day unto itself. Don't forget time to get from one place to the other. The train trip is very pleasant and convenient.

Enjoy!