Anniversary trip in February

Two nights is a lot of time in Pisa, whose attractions appear to be rather limited in number. Pisa can be visited easily on a day-trip from Florence (along with Lucca, which is worth more time than Pisa, even an overnight). Cutting out that 2-night stop would allow time to visit Siena, or you could add a night in Rome if you haven't covered it well on an earlier trip.

Congratulations on your upcoming anniversary. I think I would make Pisa a 1h by train day trip from Florence and put those 2 nights somewhere else like an additional night on the AC or both nights in Rome. In February you will probably be seeking out more indoor activities.

Carnivale in Venice is February 11-28, 2017. It is a wonderful experience but it attracts huge crowds and has the highest prices of the year for rooms. If you want to be in Venice during this time, you should book a hotel as soon as possible. . . and be prepared for sticker shock. Weekends are busier (and thus, more interesting but also more crowded) and the last weekend is the most spectacular. The first weekend looks to be less expensive. Figure out when you want to be in Venice, then build the rest of your itinerary around that.

Except for Venice, it's low season and I found "bargain rates" in Rome and Sorrento (about half the summer rates). I'm not sure about rates in Florence, but probably there too. I think the true Amalfi towns (like Positano, Ravello) pretty much close up in winter and ferry service is greatly curtailed (or stopped altogether?). Sorrento is very nice and a great base to visit Pompeii and Capri.

Instead of Pisa, consider one of the many charming towns in central Italy. Siena, Ferrara, Ravenna with its magnificent mosaics, or spend time in Rome.

...or spend time in Rome.

Right. I'm curious why you're giving that one so little time?

For the Amalfi, stay in Sorrento. No, it's not technically the AC but your transport options - especially in winter - will be more plentiful from there. The ferries will be traveling to/from Capri (if seas aren't too rough) but largely shut down to other locations.

Thank you all for your tips and suggestions! That really helped. We have changed the Pisa plan and will do it as a day trip from Florence.

We have reevaluated our itinerary taking into consideration the cold and all the closings. Instead of what I was picturing, the balcony overlooking the Amalfi coast, we decided to spend our anniversary at ADLER THERMAE Spa & Relax Resort in Tuscany, and just do a relaxing romantic spa anniversary. I think we will enjoy that!

As for Rome, we were there for several days in 2013, so we decided to go to different cities that we haven't visited.

Thanks again!

Tammy--

We will be in Sorrento for 5 nights not long after you two, and when I was booking for the A.C. a couple months ago, I also found out that a lot of towns on the actual southern Amalfi Coast--Amalfi, Ravello, Positano--are still pretty much buttoned up for the winter. From past experience, they start waking up about mid-March.

But probably half of the Sorrento hotels were open, and that would probably be your only choice in the area, unless you can find a rogue B&B elsewhere that has decided to stay open through the winter. I would focus my search in Sorrento proper.

Glad to see the Pisa change. Anything over four hours in Pisa is excessive. Strictly a one horse town. You cannot spend too much time in Rome. We have spent close to a month over the years and still are eager to return.

Thanks Jay and Frank!