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Aeneas · 04-26-2007, 08:15 PM

Are you going to rent a car or not?
Roads can be exciting, but if you want to see many things in that two weeks, a car will get you to where you want to go, when you want to go.
Be sure to book in advance many of the big attractions. Although going in November this will not be as much of a concern. However to avoid standing in unnecessary lines; book the Uffizi Gallery in Florence for example.
In two weeks I would think Venice is out of the question, as well as the beautiful northern lakes (eg Como, Garda), but Florence and Pompeii are both easy from Roma. Try to see at least one Tuscan hilltown, take your pick they are all fabulous and sometimes familiar. The big ones would be San Gimignano and Montepulciano; and both are on an indirect line between Florence and Roma. Most people miss, but you should try to hit, Orvieto. It's beautiful. The cathedral is a wonder, and the chapel frescoes well worth a long perusal. Also Lucca if you have a half day to spend is very nice. No matter how much time you devote to Florence, it won't be enough. There is so much to see. On my last trip some highlites would be: The Uffizi Galleria, tombs at Santa Croce, Palazzo Medici (must check out the high tech room explaining the Gozzoli frescoes, very cool), The Medici chapels in San Lorenzo (everyone sees those, but try also to see Michelangelo's library upstairs) the Palazzo Vecchio, and just sitting anywhere eating Gelato.
I like Firenze more than Roma, but both are filled with wonderful things. Roma it takes longer to get around as there are so many sights over such a large area. Firenze in contrast, is relatively compact.
Stayed at a very nice, INexpensive hotel near Termini station in Roma. I would recommend to anyone. Clean, English speaking, did I say cheap?
Roma: see the obvious, the colosseum, forum, Pantheon, Vatican (esp. the museum). For the first time this year I took a guided tour of the Palatine hill. I thought I was very knowledgable and was humbled. The tour guide was full of information and trivia. The forum and Palatine hill can be confusing and disappointing if you do not know what you are looking at. As to the negative harrassment by street vendors. They were especially present at the colosseum, Spanish steps and Trevi fountain. I found a hard look and firm No thank you worked well. Could help that I back it up with some size!
Anyway, I am rambling on and will stop now. Again will provide any info you require.

04-26-2007, 08:15 PM	#8
Aeneas Franchise Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Exp:	Italia Are you going to rent a car or not? Roads can be exciting, but if you want to see many things in that two weeks, a car will get you to where you want to go, when you want to go. Be sure to book in advance many of the big attractions. Although going in November this will not be as much of a concern. However to avoid standing in unnecessary lines; book the Uffizi Gallery in Florence for example. In two weeks I would think Venice is out of the question, as well as the beautiful northern lakes (eg Como, Garda), but Florence and Pompeii are both easy from Roma. Try to see at least one Tuscan hilltown, take your pick they are all fabulous and sometimes familiar. The big ones would be San Gimignano and Montepulciano; and both are on an indirect line between Florence and Roma. Most people miss, but you should try to hit, Orvieto. It's beautiful. The cathedral is a wonder, and the chapel frescoes well worth a long perusal. Also Lucca if you have a half day to spend is very nice. No matter how much time you devote to Florence, it won't be enough. There is so much to see. On my last trip some highlites would be: The Uffizi Galleria, tombs at Santa Croce, Palazzo Medici (must check out the high tech room explaining the Gozzoli frescoes, very cool), The Medici chapels in San Lorenzo (everyone sees those, but try also to see Michelangelo's library upstairs) the Palazzo Vecchio, and just sitting anywhere eating Gelato. I like Firenze more than Roma, but both are filled with wonderful things. Roma it takes longer to get around as there are so many sights over such a large area. Firenze in contrast, is relatively compact. Stayed at a very nice, INexpensive hotel near Termini station in Roma. I would recommend to anyone. Clean, English speaking, did I say cheap? Roma: see the obvious, the colosseum, forum, Pantheon, Vatican (esp. the museum). For the first time this year I took a guided tour of the Palatine hill. I thought I was very knowledgable and was humbled. The tour guide was full of information and trivia. The forum and Palatine hill can be confusing and disappointing if you do not know what you are looking at. As to the negative harrassment by street vendors. They were especially present at the colosseum, Spanish steps and Trevi fountain. I found a hard look and firm No thank you worked well. Could help that I back it up with some size! Anyway, I am rambling on and will stop now. Again will provide any info you require.