Re: Italy Itinerary - any suggestions

"1. Does this seem like a reasonable use of our time in each location?
2. How would I change this itinerary?"

I'd make it two days in Venice, three in Florence, and four in Rome.

"3. What is top 5 things not to miss in each city?"

Venice - after the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's there's not much in the
way of sights, just walk around this beautiful and unique city.

Florence - the Duomo, the Uffizi, and depending on your interests,
either more museums, more churches, or take a day trip to Siena.

Rome - devote one day to the ancient sites - the Colosseum, Pantheon,
and Forum. Then devote another day to St. Peter's and the Vatican
Museums (with the Sistine Chapel). Then explore the neighborhoods and
churches.

"5. Any other helpful pieces of information to make this a great trip."

Wear a money belt. Pickpocketing is unfortunately a problem in many of
the tourist parts of Italian cities.

Avoid any restaurant with menus in multiple languages or that is within
1 block of a major tourist attraction.

Don't change money in the US, or you'll usually pay high commissions
and get a lousy exchange rate. Wait until you get there, and use ATM
machines to get euros and you'll get the best exchange rate with little
or no commission.

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