You can do one of those tours that visit a lot of countries in a few days. We did a 12 day Cosmos tour years ago and saw 8 or 9 different countries, it was great. They arranged all the tours, excursions, hotel and transportations. One of my favorite trips ever.

Laughing at the idea that Bourton on the Water is the Venice of England!

Both are great, OP - you'll love whichever you choose.

Anonymous wrote:Go to London, but don't limit yourself to the city. Head to the Cotswolds to see old villages. Bourton on the Water is the Venice of England.

And while London is a more modern city than Venice, it has a more classic feel thanks to it's old buildings. It's not like ny or San Fran. It has a much more classic feel.

Fwiw, I think the uk is much safer than Italy.

The UK currently has a higher terror level alert than italy.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/maps-and-graphics/Mapped-Terror-threat-around-the-world/

Anonymous wrote:Can you do a few days in both?

I'd pick one or the other and do day trips from the one I chose.

Anonymous wrote:How many days? If at least nine, I recommend rome-florence-venice

And Tuscany to get a taste of the countryside!

How many days? If at least nine, I recommend rome-florence-venice

Anonymous wrote:OP, Just be sure that you "experience" the place and don't see it all through a camera lens! Also, while you should put some "must sees" on your list--please allow time to be in the "moment." I took a trip through the UK with a friend who had a checklist. It was almost "now you see it, now you don't!" I've travelled a lot--but that was not one of my favorite trips. In fact, it was pretty agonizing. Take lots of time to absorb where you are. You will never be able to see it all--and you shouldn't try.

n

OP here: Excellent poin. Thank you!

OP, Just be sure that you "experience" the place and don't see it all through a camera lens! Also, while you should put some "must sees" on your list--please allow time to be in the "moment." I took a trip through the UK with a friend who had a checklist. It was almost "now you see it, now you don't!" I've travelled a lot--but that was not one of my favorite trips. In fact, it was pretty agonizing. Take lots of time to absorb where you are. You will never be able to see it all--and you shouldn't try.

Another vote for Rome-Venice. Both feel Like you've entered a different world and a truly different time. In the Roman forum, you can literally see a vertical evolution of buildings that were built on top of each other over the ages - it's unbelievable! London is nice but not really mind blowing imho. Plus London can be kind of drippy in March.

Anonymous wrote:OP here:

I'm glad language wouldn't be a big deal in Italy.

As far as what I'd like to do...I want to visit a lot of historic places. I want to be able to get amazing pictures, and I want to experience different culture. I just want to see things I haven't seen before.

I also love good food!

Rome then (i am one of the PPs who loves Rome)
I would advise against trying to do too many cities in one week. You don't want to rush and just check off sites on a list. You want to relax, savor, explore, it sounds like. Choose one place and plan for another trip in The future when you can see one of the other places on your list and do it equally well. Plus it's not just a 2 hour flight , it's the couple of hours getting to the airport, etc.
the light in Italy is much nicer for photos than London, I think. Either Rome or Venice will have photo ops around the corner of ancient or medieval things. Maybe see a couple of movies based in London or Venice or Rome to help you decide.

Been to both several times. Venice for me.

Ditto! I've lived and travelled in many parts of the world, and Venice is in my top 3 places. If you've never been to Europe, you will great a great flavor in Venice. Just being there is an experience. But, this is my opinion. Some love the cities more.

Anonymous wrote:8:00 and 8:41 pp here. I don't know why, but I am really rooting for you to choose Rome. You'll love it.

Thanks! I will check out flights.

OP here:

I'm glad language wouldn't be a big deal in Italy.

As far as what I'd like to do...I want to visit a lot of historic places. I want to be able to get amazing pictures, and I want to experience different culture. I just want to see things I haven't seen before.

I also love good food!

We were in Venice this past March. The weather was great, like in the 60s and 70s. The one thing you want to avoid is being there during Easter. The crowds are awful, at least around St. Mark's. Don't worry too much about the language barrier, everyone speaks English.

You can do both. Flights to Venice from London are inexpensive and only two hours (yes, two hours). Go for it!