Bernie Mac wrote:
> 1) vacation package (or is it better to just buy a round trip airfare
> and then book your own hotels, train rides, etc.)
As so many others have said, I find the planning to travel on our own to
be an integral part of the trip. I also learn a lot about my
destinations through the research necessary for careful planning. I
suggest that you grab a stack of guidebooks at the library, and see if
you think this is something you would enjoy putting together on your
own. It's really not difficult and there is a lot of information
available about traveling to these three cities.
> 2) which hotels/b&b's are recommended in each city? i'm looking for
> quiet areas, away from the crowd congestion.
I like to be in the middle of things, so I can't really help with "quiet
areas" but I belong to a travel discussion group where many of the
members love the Hotel Delle Muse in Rome. It is in a residential area,
and requires buses to and from the central zone. I wouldn't stay there,
but it might good if you like quiet areas.
http://www.venere.com/it/roma/muse/
(the hotel seems to have its own website, but it wasn't working just now,
so I sent this)
> 3) i'm planning to spend six days in rome, two days in florence and
> three days in venice. are these lengths of time sufficient for each
If this is all the time that you have, I would suggest 5-3-3. And
remember, you'll be back.
debra