Just returned Friday night from my trip with Sis to Rome and Florence. We had a very un-SlowTrav trip of 5 nights Rome and 3 in Florence. First time to Rome for both of us. I'll really try to write a trip report this time, but here's a few quick comments. Alitalia flights were on time and comfortable in coach (!) - EWR/FCO, FLR/MXP/EWR.Four Context Rome group tours - Roma Antica, Classical Rome, Caravaggio Seminar, Vatican/St Peters - all EXCELLENT, and two ended up private tours which was great! Also took the Pilgrims Walk tour with Anno Domini Organization which also ended up as a private tour and was just wonderful. Rome Walks stood us up for the Medieval Walk Tour - I suspect we were the only two booked for the tour. Actually, we weren't sorry as we walked on our own in Trastevere and enjoyed it. All our meals were delectable so my research here and recommendations in Access Rome, Rick Steves and Slow Food paid off. Weather was warm (high 70's) and humid but little daytime rain. Visited 13 churches plus St Peter's in Rome and was bowled over by the beauty. Had sub-terrainian experiences - Scavi Tour (wow), San Clemente, San Niccolo en Carcere. Only ripped off by one cabbie (tariffa 2 instead of 1 for a local fare)and had my rear pinched . Eurostar 1st class to Florence, on time and room for our luggage with no problem. Slowed down and relaxed somewhat in Florence. Sis's first but my fourth time there. Obligatory first timer visits for Michele's sake to Accademia, San Marco and Ufizzi (but then again, I always have to spend time at San Marco's and Ufizzi). Finally made it to Santa Maria Novella this trip and,of all the beautiful art that I've been fortunate to see in my life, Santa Maria Novella brought me to tears. I was totally overcome by Giotto's Crucifix and Ghirlandaio's frescos. I now understand Stendahl's Syndrome! Lots of (too much) shopping in Florence but small items. Jewelry prices are through the roof. Leather prices are steady - I saw no change since last year or indeed for the past few. Great meals - of course. It was wonderful to see my sister enjoy herself so much and to see her eyes opened to such great art - she discovered Botticelli and Carvaggio. The Renaissance artists were all new to her so you can well imagine her joy. We did so much in 8 dsays that I can hardly believe it. Got home exhausted, landing at Newark Liberty at 7pm.I'm still on cloud 9 and sis - well, just spoke to her and she's babysitting for her twin, 16 month old grandsons! I guess her vacation is truly over

margaretlb, thanks for your quick summary. Your enthusiasm is contagious. We are very excited about our first trip to Italy in April so we appreciate hearing about your experiences.
Welcome home. Am sure you will be back in Italy sooner than later.

Margaret, reading these quick impressions, I started plotting how to convince you to indeed write that trip report. It promises to be great.

Where did you stay in Rome and in Florence? Favorite resturants? New favorites?
I'm anxious to hear!
Sandi

Would love to hear about the restaurants in
Florence.

Doru, no need to plot. I will definitely write a report especially for my sister. This may have been her only trip to Italy and I'd like to be sure that she has great memories to look back on. Will start the report sometime this week while memories are still fresh.
bugalu - Hotel Britannia in Rome and Hotel Adler Cavalieri in Florence. Both booked via hotels.com.
SandyWines - will give full reviews shortly.