Christmastime in northern italy

[Leonardo]

Hi
Family of 5 fly into florence and out from bologna 9 days later. Want to see florence, stay at a agriturisimo, Venice, marbe 1 other small town, 2day in each??
Where do i start? west to east any favourites, places, towns to stay. anyone been to venice at Xmas.
Children 16 ,21 and23.
Any advice from rail pass to car rentals outside of city to lodging would be fantastic.
thankyou
Leonardo

[Host Ciao]

Hello,
I will begin by saying that I have never stayed at an Agriturismo or rented a car in Italy so can't help you there. I always take the train. You may or may not need a rail pass. Depending on how many trips you take point-to-point tickets may be more economical. I usually consult a travel agent on this question. You can check the Italian Rail site
http://www.trenitalia.it/cms/v/index...0080a3e90aRCRD or www.RailEurope.com for information on trains. There are many trains at various levels of speed.

In Florence I am very fond of Hotel Casci www.hotelcasci.com It is a two star hotel that is family owned and very convenient to the main market, the rail station, and many of the principal sites. People who have stayed there on my recommendation have like it a lot.

Have never been in Italy at Christams so can't help you there though I do know that is some areas the hotel prices revert to high season at Christmas time.

I have stayed in Lucca which is near Florence and enjoyed it and have also stayed in Bologna. I hope to go back to both.

I hope you enjoy your trip.
Sincerely,
Host Ciao