just bought my plane tickets

What a great-sounding trip.

We recently made our second visit to Ravenne, because I loved the mosaics so much. Review in detail all the buildings that have mosaics in Ravenna - even though I love them, I don't think you'll need two days there. We took our time with them, and were there less than a day. Make sure you figure out a way to get to St. Apollonaire in Classe, which is not in Ravenna (you guessed it, it's in Classe).

Leave lots of time to view the mosaics in San Marco! And for Rome, Eyewitness guide has a good walking tour of a bunch of mosaics in Rome.

Another idea for Ravenna is to stay in Bologna (that's what we did). Bologna is a fun, great people-watching city with great restaurants in all price ranges. You'll need to change trains in Bologna, anyway, from Venice and to get to Florence.

I think you can skip making reservations for the Accademia in February. Worst case scenario, you can do what we did. For our mid-Sept. visit, we did not make reservations. When we arrived at the Accademia at about 10, there was a huge line. Per the sign outside the building, we went to a nearby church and purchased a reservation at the Accademia for about 1 hour from then, used that time to explore the Mercato Centrale, then showed up at our reserved time and walked right in.

In Rome, if you plan to visit the Vatican Museums, you should reserve them in advance.

Sorry for the typo - RavennA.

Have fun!

Thanks, Lexma. Classe is definitely part of the Ravenna plan, which is one of the reasons for 2 days. I also want to see the other 7 world heritage sights, even those that don't have outstanding mosaics.

Be sure to bundle up when/if you go to Ostia Antica. It's very exposed to the weather being out on a flat plain. As for places to stay in Rome, try to stay somewhere relatively near Piazza Navona. It's a great central location for the main sights. Another option in Rome - stay three nights in one neighborhood and then three nights in another (perhaps near Termini at first, then switch to Piazza Navona). Lodging is cheaper near Termini.

Have a wonderful time.

Here's a recommendation for lodging in Ravenna: B&B Galla Placidia. It's inside the wall of the old city, a block or so from the complex which includes San Vitale and the tomb of Galla Placidia. The owner, Gabriella, is very friendly and helpful. We stayed in her most expensive room, which I'm remembering was 80 euros/night a couple of years ago. I seem to recall others ran 60-70 euros, including a breakfast that was more than the typical Italian fare. Very clean, nicely furnished, modern ensuite bathroom, excellent location - - - what more could you ask for? Ravenna is wonderful! www.gallaplacidia.it

A great trip laid out for not going to all the usual places. We chose Hotel della Regioni in Rome. The price was reasonable and the location is in between the trevi, spanish steps and close to Pantheon so we could walk easily. We Emailed for best rates

Congratulations to you Chani!
With your plane tix in hand, you can enjoy the anticipation and the planning now!

In June I will be in ending up in Rome for eight days and I am staying at a placed called Albergo Cesari for 110 eruo/night. Another place Rick lists in his book is Albergo Santa Chiara and while pricey, the location is around the block from the Pantheon; cost at high season $138 euro/night. It is likely it is less when you are traveling. Additionally, both are in the historical district I believe, and garner good reviews on Tripadvisor.

Have an absolutely fabulous time!

Take care,
Jan

We really liked B&B Casa Masoli in Ravenna (in Rick's book). Had a huge room with the most incredible bathroom I've ever seen: euro 70 per night for a double. Anna was very prompt and helpful with e-mail. It doesn't get as much press, but the Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra (House of Stone Carpets) was one of our favorite mosaic stops in Ravenna.