Post trip update: Landed Monday in Milan, took train to Rome the same day. Monday - Rome - Dinner Tuesday - Rome - Did a walking tour - Colosseum, pantheon, spanish steps, trevi fountain and in the afternoon did the Vatican museum, Sistine chapel and the basilica. Wednesday - Explored Prati and Trastevere neighborhoods on foot Wed evening - took train to florence Thursday - visited the accademia, and walked around. in the evening we went up to the piazzale michelangelo where you can see a view of the city. Friday - Did a wine tour in the Chianti area. Saturday - did a day trip to Pisa and Lucca Sunday - Train to venice, explored on foot Monday - Went to the San Marco square and did the secret tour of the Doge's palace Evening - on to Milan, went and saw the last supper Tuesday - relaxed at the hotel and flew back. Weather was not that great. There were only a few days of sunshine. Rained quite a few days. Enjoyed florence but I was shocked at the amount of graffiti in Italy. The entire country looks like a 90s rap video. Food was okay. I got tired of the meatless dishes after a while. I did get the florentine steak...a whopping 2.5lbs! Overall it was a good trip. Wish it was more sunny. I probably wont go back...maybe to southern italy like amalfi coast, Sicily etc.
Italy is one of the 5 or so places I could live that I have been to. One day wen I can get out of Austin. (I've lived here too long)
Thanks Sajan for the post trip update. Most people just ask, take the advice and then you never hear back. Sorry you were unlucky with the weather. Highly recommend Amalfi coast, Sicily and also Sardinia.