Suggested itenary, modes of transportation

You might want to check train fares from Dresden to Venice or Rome. If you can take a night train that will save you some time. You might want to do 2 days in Venice and 4 in Rome. There are tons to see in both cities so you'll have to get a guide book and start making your list of "must see's". As for getting around Italy, the train is easy and cheap. Both cities are made for walking so you don't have to worry about that.
You can use venere.com for hotels in both cities. I like the dorsoduro area of Venice and the city center of Rome- Pantheon, Navona and trevi areas. Donna

There is a lot to see and do in Rome and nearby. We spent 8 days in Rome on our first trip to Italy and didn't feel like it was too much. If cost is a concern, consider the cost of the Venice part of the trip. I like Kayak.com to look for airfares. If you're patient you can keep an eye on airfares and pounce on a good one when it comes up. I was booking round trip to Milan a month ago and $1050 was about the best I could find, then $870 popped up through one company. It had a seven hour layover in Heathrow, but saving $200 was worth it. I jumped on it and booked the seats. Of course, that was just before Egypt, Libya, etc. and now R/T airfares are $1,400 or more. I had looked at Kayak for about a week before I booked my trip. I think you need to look at it for several days to understand the cost range before you recognize a deal. Kayak allows you to book mulitple cities. However, you might experiment with a round trip to Dresden then flying to Rome and/or Venice seperately, before returning to Dresden for your return. Other cities might be London, Paris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt. They seem like the main markets for transatlantic crossings to the US. Good Luck!

Barbara, In the same situation, I'd probably plan the trip somewhat like this.... > Book open-jaw flights from the U.S., inbound Dresden (which will probably mean arrival in Frankfurt, although I haven't checked) and outbound Rome. > On the Saturday following the wedding, use Air Berlin from Dresden to Venice. I believe the trip is about 4H:55M, with one stop in Dusseldorff. If you decide on this route, it would be a good idea to book ASAP, as the fares will increase as the flight books up. You could also look at flights to Milan or other locations. While the flights may be "pricey", this is the best solution for the limited time you have available. Train is not really an option, as the trip ranges from 14 to 19 hours with 2-3 changes, so even a night train is not an attractive prospect. > Take the ES / AV train to Rome. The trip will be as short as 3H:28M. Buy P-P tickets in Venice - you could use the Oltrex Travel Agent, or buy at Venezia Santa Lucia prior to the trip. Reservations will be included in the ticket cost (you'll be assigned a Car and Seat No.). > Return to the U.S. from Roma / FCO. Use the Leonardo Express from Roma Termini station to the airport, an easy 30-minute trip. You could of course fly from Dresden to Rome and fly home from Venice, but IMO ending the trip in Rome would be perfect. As you're "not necessarily very savvy European travellers", I would highly recommend reading Europe Through The Back Door, paying special attention to the "Rail Skills" chapter. As you're visiting Italy, don't forget to pack the Money Belts! Happy travels!

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. We may even cut out Venice to help cut out some travel costs. The unexpected air fare hikes is something we just have to deal with, but I think spending all the extra time in Rome is not a bad idea. Thanks,
Barbara