OP here, thank you for all the valuable feedback.
Originally Posted by
AAMillionaire
There's a beautiful park across the Ponte Vecchio in Florence -- Giardino di Boboli.
Originally Posted by
AAMillionaire
If you like steak, I highly recommend Antico Ristoro di Cambi. Best steak I ever had and my father was a butcher. Reservations needed.
In Rome, we really enjoyed Armando al Pantheon. Our best meal in Rome. Reservations needed. For a casual meal (we went for lunch) we really liked the food court in the back of Termini.
Thanks AAMillionaire, we sure love steak and will add those restaurants to our to-go list.
Originally Posted by
obscure2k
I think it is a lovely way to celebrate your parents' 60th. I would advise against staying at the Hilton in Venice. The location is not in an area which is conducive to walking and exploring food and wine . It is rather off the beaten path. I suggest looking for a hotel in the Castello area of Venice. There are many fine hotels and the location is quiet, not overloaded with tourists, and you will definitely find excellent places to dine and snack in the area.
Thanks obscure2k, will have another look at the accomdation options in Castello area of Venice.
Originally Posted by
Michael El
Are the flights already booked? If not, I recommend departing out of VCE rather than going back to FCO which is what I did in October. Started in Rome and took the train to Pisa, Florence and Venice.
Originally Posted by
Michael El
You will love the Hilton Molino Stucky. It's a beautiful property and away from the hustle and bustle of Venice. The Hilton's boat runs between the hotel and Venice every 20-30 minutes.
The flights are booked (yet to ticket). We are deaparting from Taipei (TPE) and have considered 1 stop to Italy with TK (via IST), KL (via AMS) and EK (via DXB). Turned out direct flights TPE-FCO with CI (China Airlines) to be the cheapest.
Originally Posted by
rickg523
As I'm sure you've seen in your research, any one of these cities could fill your entire trip on its own. But being your first trip, I totally get your itinerary.
Originally Posted by
rickg523
I will make one recommendation. Unless you have a specific reason for spending three nights near Termini in Rome, reconsider this booking. The part of Rome you want to see (and stay in) can be thought of as about a 1 mile (2 km) diameter circle centered on the Pantheon. This includes the Vatican, the Coliseum and Forum, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Campo di Fiore, Trastevere, the Spanish Steps. Even Termini is at the very edge of this circle, but the area around the station is pretty bleak, whereas the area around Pantheon is excellent and the best place to first experience this amazing city. The closer you stay to the Pantheon, the more conveniently you're touring and exploring in Rome.
Anyway give it a thought and Happy Travels.
We have not booked/pay for the Rome hotels. For the first 3 ngihts we are considering
Gioberti Art Hotel (and Rome Cavalieri for the 4th night). It does make senses to stay near Pantheon and everything is within walking distance and not have to bother with public transport. Cheers for the advice,
rickg523. Will have another look at the accomdating options in Rome.