Venice - 1 day, Florence 1.5 days, Rome 3 days?

With only 5 days I would pick one city. Three is way too much. If you wish to leave off one city it would be Venice for me.

Donna

Just to keep things balanced ;-) I'd skip Florence.

So that would be three nights Venice and three nights Rome.

I agree, with previous poster, either skip Florence or Venice and just see two of the three cities. I love Venice-you either love it or hate it! If you go to Venice, stay away from the tourist areas around San Marcos during 10am to 3pm and just wander through the little back streets. Go early or late to San Marcos after the day trippers have left and you will enjoy it more.

I don't think that's too ambitious. Based on my one previous experience with Venice and Florence, I think a day in each will be a fine introduction, and since Rome is so much bigger, three days there is probably a good idea.

In Rick's Europe book he says a day in Venice; he also has a "Florence in one day" itinerary. In my opinion, after you've seen the water and the few big attractions in Venice, the rest of the time, it just seems you are wandering around ... and it all pretty much looks the same. As far as Florence is concerned, I couldn't take being there for too long because I think it's dirty and overrun with gypsies. Hit the Duomo, the Accademia, and the Uffizi Gallery and then get out of there. If you've got time, see the church at Santa Croce.

The train trips between these cities are short.

It really just depends on your travel style. I personally like to get moving after a couple of nights in one place. (Note that I'm going in September for 35 days and average about two nights in each city).

Granted, you could "see" Venice in a day but I think you need to immerse yourself in it for a while to really get the feel you were there. Just my opinion.

You can certainly "see" any city in one day but that won't give you a feel for the city and you will be so rushed you probably won't remember anything.

Pick 2 cities and have a wonderful time.

Donna

Pick two cities... Rome and either Venice or Florence. Venice is best when you have a few days to really wander and get to know her charms. Florence is easier to rush. Take your time in Rome.

Safe Travels!

Thanks for all the feedback! We just dropped Venice ans added that day to Paris which is where we will be before Italy. It makes more sense to go to Venice some other time. Thanks again!

You'd be really sad to only spend one day in Venice. It is one of the most magical and enchanting cities in the world.

Rome has awesome ruins but both Venice and Florence have magic.

Venice is the most overrated city in Europe. It is crowded all year, over-priced and a tourist trip. The "magic" in Venice is in your own mind. Roma and Firenze far exceed Venezia in magic as well as interest and content. Somehow Venice as achieved a reputation as romantic in the 'tragic lovers' mode. The Bridge of Sighs was so named because it provided the condemned their last view of the outside before a lifetime in the dungeons of a prison. Nothing about lovers there at all. Sorry. Perhaps you are thinking of Verona. It starts with a V also.

Charles, surely you can express your opinions about Venice without putting down all of us who have had wonderful trips, fond memories, and very positive feelings about such a fantastic city. How sad.

Good choice, I'd rather spend more time in Paris than rush to see Venice. I'm glad that I saw Venice once but I'm in no rush to get back. I can't seem to get enough of either Rome or Paris. Enjoy your travels.