For me it would be Venice every time- my first Italian holiday and totally blown away by it. So much to see, and can be crowded, but you can always find a quiet shady little square with a couple of bars to chill out in. Great place to actually stay in rather than visit for the day, then you can appreciate it in the mornings and evenings when far fewer people about. Have since been to Rome- grew to love it but first impressions were not as good, Florence- a day was enough, too hectic! and Lake Garda- would definitely go back there again, nice scenery and atmosphere, but much bigger than you expect, getting around to places of interest can take time.

For cities, I would rate Florence first and Venice second ; my wife would reverse the order. Slightly disappointed by Rome, but it could have been the rain! Bu I think you have to like Roman ruins.

rome for me every time itsgot it all history food and all the fun in the world!

We went with friends to a rented villa in Tuscany three years ago and had a fabulous time. We managed a day each in Florence and Pisa (far too short) and would happily return to both. I think wherever you go you will be blown away by the history and architecture and art. And the food and wine. And the people. It's like everyhting you saw in the movies as someone once said.

Venice and Lake Garda are both nice. Sometimes best to stay outside of Venice and just travel in, as it can be really busy, although hanging around Venice at night when it is quieter is excellent!

Hi.

Just a thought - you sound just like us re what you like about a holiday and as a suggestion thought we'd pass on ideas we've had about Italy!
Years back I went on a Cosmos Tourama holiday which did a tour of Italy and I saw loads of the sites and a 5 day stop over in Sorrento.
That was a super introduction to Italy.
Since that we've stayed in Sorrento twice and Lake Garda.... Riva.

I know that Cosmos Tourama do a 1 week tour of Italy that covers the 3 major places - 2 days Venice, I think 3 days Rome and a few days Florence. A lot of your site seeing is included. The second week you have a choice of where you stay for a week - we've looked at The Panorama in Limone on stunning Lake Garda. It'd be ideal for us - a bit of site seeing the first week and a week to relax.

Both Sorrento and Lake Garda have LOADS of places around them to visit.
Re history - to be honest Venice was far nicer at night. I fell in love with Rome as I love ancient History - its like going in to a living museum!
Lake Garda had loads of places as well - even around the lake there is a wonderful castle at Malcesine and Sirmione and places to visit like Verona and Venice.

Sorrento - if you like ancient history there is no better place than Pompeii and Herculaneum - heaven!

To be honest I could go on and on and on!

Please have a browse through the Cosmos Tourama brochures - like I said you'll have a good choice and see loads.

Happy hunting!

That sounds like a fantastic idea! might do that my self another time, i must admit that i do love italy and discoverd it a few yeasrs back after becoming dissalusioned with spain (things have changed alot there and stoppped enjoying it so much) you must of had a fantastic time!

Rome, Florence and Venice are all fabulous but can be overwhelming. We have been going to Italy for several years and have found scores of wonderful old towns and villages wherever we have gone.

One of the most beautiful cities and not too large is Sienna and I would strongly recommeht it. But towns like Arezzo, Spoletto and Orvieto are beautiful too.

If you can afford it, get an apartment or cottage in Tuscany or Umbria in one of the converted farms which have usually been split up into several apartments. You get some real experience of the countryside and the surounding villages. You do however need a car.

A good website for apartments is Italyby.com - much cheaper than the UK agencies and you normally pay by cretit card at the end of the holiday!

Hi

Two thirty somethings fed up with the really commercial places eg Crete, Spain etc

Desperate to go Italy next August September but would like some ideas.

Ideally somewhere not dead commercialised but still plenty to see and do.... without having to drive preferably.

Hope I'm not expecting too much!?

and preferably nice scenery, views or architecture

Hi Enchanted

I've merged your post with a similar topic which you may find useful

Pippy

I live i Tuscany...so i can council Tuscany to you.

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Fiona ht mod

Spend part of your time away from the crowds. I would consider Abruzzo if possible.

As a couple of the above posters said. Renting out an apartment in a nice, secluded villa farmhouse is always good to see the scenery and get about if you don't mind driving! Just came back from Villa Pallero and damn, that had amazing views and even a gym room, jaccuzi.

I agree, Venice is wonderful place to go in Italy, I would like to suggest Bibione. It is a good tourist place in Venetian coast. I was there the last time and got all things to enjoy. You can find many hotels and restaurants. I stayed in a 'Bellevue Hotel', I was booked this hotel from www dot hotel-bellevue.it. It provided me a very good service and I really enjoyed too from my heart...

I hope you also enjoy there,
Cheers

if you want culture and history - look no further than Milan, from the Duomo to the Piazza, theres lots to do and see!