Please help me plan a trip to Italy

www.romeby.com</a> Found this link on the Rick Steve's Graffitti Wall and booked a fabulous Rome Apartment with them last November. My first trip to Italy as well and like one of you I was born when Truman was in office. Anyway, loved having the apartment to come back to each evening and the rate for the week cheaper than a hotel. Loved the privacy, the location, and that everything that was discussed and shown on the website was EXACTLY as the property looked. I plan to use them again when I return to see Venice. I stayed in Milan coming and going from Lake Como and agree with the other posters. As this is your first trip then spend your time exploring Rome, Florence and Venice. Train system is easy to understand and I found an easy way to travel. There's a link to it in the FAQ portion of this TT. I booked a few trains prior to leaving the states and did the others via the AMEX office which is near the Spanish Steps. I did not speak Italian before I left but it is an easy, beautiful language and you'll learn it very quickly. Not to mention most Italians can speak English although they prefer their beautiful Italian. The simple phrase page in the Rick Steve's Italy 2007 edition was all I needed. I traveled light, one carry on bag and though November was probably cooler than Oct-September, a light coat with a turtle neck was all I needed. Bought a beautiful and pracitical scarf there. I do advise that you take the most comfortable shoes you own and make certain you have broken them in. I took 2 pair, one older and broken in and one newer one not as broken in and regretted it. Got bad blisters from the newer pair. Streets are uneven so again make sure your shoes are those you have worn, feel comfortable in and have good traction. Nothing worse than sore feet. As I have advised in this forum and to various friends make the time just to wander Rome without having a "site" to see. Get lost. You'll find wonderful things. Lastly, if you find a restaurant you enjoy take one of their business cards. Most have maps on the back so you can easliy find the place again. Lastly, I got some great insight from this website.www.journeywoman.com</a> Have a wonderful trip. A beautiful country!
Bella.