My husband and I are traveling in May. We have 2 days in Venice somewhat planned. At least hotel is reserved - Hotel Bel Sito- Trian ride into Florence- ticket purchased. Now I've hit a wall. We are planningg base in Florence for 3 days and 3 days in Rome. Flying out of Rome. My questions are numerous. Florence- where in the city should we stay- I have been given three hotel names-Residenza il Villino- Hotel Hermitage and Hotel La Scaletta- any input? Also we are wine lovers. Would it be worth it to take a day trip outside the city? Then on to Rome- same question. Where to stay? Haven't started my search there yet? Thank you for your advice!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
It sounds as if you don't have a good guidebook. You really should pick up a copy of the Rick Steves Italy book. It answers those questions and many more you don't even know you should ask. It will be the smartest money you spend for your vacation.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32223 posts
Susin, During your stay in Florence, it's very easy to take a day trip to Siena by Bus. You could also spend a few hours up in Fiesole, which is above Florence. Cheers!
Posted by
OP
Mesquite, TX, United States
4 posts
Sorry- I should have mentioned. I do have Rick Steve's Italy guide book. I'm just feeling a little overwhelmed with too many choices!
Posted by
Charleston, SC, USA
922 posts
We did a similar trip in November. We stayed at the Hotel Accademia in Florence. It is a 10 minute walk from Santa Maria Novella train station and within 50 yards of the Medici Chapels. You can walk from the hotel to practically any site in Florence within 20 minutes. We went to the Uffizi and Accademia museums as well as the Duomo. Our "day trip" was to the American Cemetery, but with proximity to SMN train station, you can day trip to Sienna or Montepulciano for vino and views. In Rome, we stayed at the Hotel Smeraldo. It is located near Campo de' Fiore and Largo Argentina. We walked everywhere in Rome and were really impressed with the churches. We would enter any church that we encountered and saw many great churches - Gesu, St. Peter in Chains, Santa Maria Maggiore, Santa Pressede, etc. We used the Rick Steve's guide for several walks but mostly just wandered around and ended up in neat places. We did the Underground Tour at the Colosseum and went to the Vatican Museum and St. Peter's. We saw teh Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and other major sights just by walking around. Take your guidebook and go with the flow!
Posted by
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
1127 posts
I'm a big fan of Il Villino in Florence and Nicolas Inn in Rome. Both are in Rick's book!