mikailov

My fiance and I are starting in Geneva then spending 7 days in Italy in Late June - early July. The last 4 are in Rome, the first 3 are either Venice or Florence.

She has not been anywhere in Italy, I have been to Florence, Rome, and Sienna.

I have heard many great things about Venice and yet I have heard that it is "Overrated." I loved Florence and Sienna, so going back would be fun.

Question: What would this great community recommend for our first 3 days - Venice or Florence? Romantic setting wise and overall quality enjoyment wise?

Thanks again!
Anar

twitter.com/mikailov

mikailov

Clearly this is not "Belarus"

PeaceOut

Really a tough call. I liked both cities a lot. Since you have not been to Venice, maybe go there? It might be a more stark contrast to Rome than Florence, also.

LoveItaly

Hello Anar, I would suggest you, well both of you, research Florence and Venice. They are two complete different cities of course. Personally I think Venice is more romantic. But I find the food much better in Florence if that is important to you two. Both Venice and Florence is overloaded with tourists of course but in both cities if you spend some time away from where all the tourist tend to congregate you can find some peaceful areas. Although Venice can be hot by the end of June Anar, Florence tends to be more hot if that is of importance to you two. Or at least that is what I have always found weather wise although each year is different with the weather of course.

Anyway, unless food is your top priority I vote for Venice!

Andrew

Venice is much more scenic (a photographer's dream, really) - plus you can take boat rides out to other nearby islands, which were much less crowded than the Disneyland atmosphere you find on Venice proper especially during the day.

Cries_Van_Notebook

I would NEVER EVER travel to Florence or Venice in June or July. You won't be able to walk through the streets with all the tourists.

I always visit Florence in January and walk right into the Uffizi.

I think you should go to Bologna instead.

Thin

Andrew

Well, they could consider staying on one of the islands near Venice (e.g. Murano) which would be a bit less touristy and more laid-back - but just a short water bus ride back to Venice.

I loved the food in Bologna - best I had in Italy - but as a town it didn't strike me as a destination for a romantic couple.

Peter_S_Aus

In spite of the comment above from Mr Notebook, I'd go to Venice. Choose a hotel that is not close to San Marco - Dorsoduro maybe - and the tourist crush will be less. He's right about the delights of a visit in January, though. Then you'd feel that you had Venice or Florence almost to yourself.

LoveItaly

But Anar is visiting Italy in late June/early July.

Bologna is a city I love, and the food is fantastic but I don't consider it a "romantic city" actually so I agree with you Andrew.

I have made a vow to try to keep my answers related to what the original poster has stated and asked..the time frame..their interest..their questions etc.

Paul1950

Venice cannot possibly be overrated, unless what a person is seeking is a party town. That it is not.

There is no other city on earth like Venice. It gets huge crowds for a good reason.

Even in the high season, you can escape the crowds by not staying in the San Marco or S. Lucia train station areas, and by visiting the major sights before and after the daytripper herds arrive/depart each day. Once you get just a few blocks away from the most popular sights along the Grand Canal, the crowds slim out significantly (and prices drop, too).

dfr4848

We love both, but considering your criteria of romantic setting and overall quality enjoyment, I'd vote for Venice. Truly a unique place, steeped in history, atmosphere, beauty and architecture. Agree that food is better in Florence, but it's doubtful you'll loose any weight in Venice. We also found the crowds thined out just a few blocks away from the more popular places - and getting lost in Venice can be more than mildly interesting!

cmstraf

I agree with Paul1950. Venice is magical, the lack of cars and Vespas is wonderful, and unlike Florence, heavy crowds can be avoided. Stay in Dorsoduro not near San Marco, go to Piazza San Marco only early in am or in evening. Go to Torcello and treat yourselves to lunch at the Locana Cipriani. If you want to see the Chiesa San Marco, go to early Sunday morning mass, be respectful and give money when they collect the offering. Go the the Accademia museum either VERY early or LATE. Take siestas. We spent our honeymoon there 15 years ago and have been back many times. We like Florence but only go in November, December or January because of the crowds problem.

Tanti auguri to you sposini (newly weds)! If you would like more Venice tips just ask.

letsgo39

Venice of course.My very favorite city in Europe. Very,very romantic.I would also find a hotel away from San Marco.

redc

I concur, there is no city on earth like Venice. If you were never to visit Italy again, and had to choose between the two, then Venice is the answer. Photogenic, romantic, gorgeous and unfortunately sinking.

nana5

Venice hands down!!!Florence in the summer is a nightmare and as much as I enjoy visiting this city,I find it difficult to breathe...skip the hard sell to visit Murano where the glassblowers have their studio....but make sure you take your fiancee to Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari-an icredible church that has some great art.The Ponte de Rialto and the bridge of sighs have to be in your list too....ask the locals for recommendations for dinner and be specific that you want to avoid restaurants that cater to tourists...you will find some great little mom and pop places serving the real thing.

Guenmai

Have been to both and would pick Florence, but wouldn't want to be in either during the summer months, although I was in Florence during a summer month on a spur-of-the-monent getaway. Was in Venice last month. Happy Travels!

mikailov

Hi everyone!

Awesome, awesome feedback! That's why I love these forums!!!

So it is - I will stick to the original plan and finalize trip to Venice!

Thanks for the advice on Hotels - will avoid San Marco.

Specific Hotels - I was recommended La Calcina, Al Ponte Mocenigo, and Hotel Cristallo (further away) any comments or any other recommendations?

-Anar

godin

Hi mikailov

Another vote for Venice. We were 7 who travelled to Venice in July 2008. We stayed at Ca Angeli. We all loved it and would return. Check it out.
http://www.caangeli.it/deu/caangeli.html

jetsetj

Venice is not to be missed.
She is magnifico.

mikailov

Ca Angeli looks great! Online it says they don't have rooms for the two night we are going. I will call anyway.

Any more Hotel thoughts?

Thanks!

Anar