Anonymous wrote:Why in the world did you pick flying both in and out of FCO? Sorry but stupid plan. If you plan to visit other area's such as Naples, Florence, Venice etc. then you should be departing from there. Now you have to waste a day taking the train back to Rome.

Not OP but here's a thought: United flies nonstop Dulles to/from Rome and our family of 5 has always been able to upgrade to business class for the trip. Maybe stupid to you but we like it just fine. Enjoy!

Anonymous wrote:Avoid Rome, Florence and Venice. Filled with American tourist. Rent a car and hit smaller towns.

Dumbass.

Why in the world did you pick flying both in and out of FCO? Sorry but stupid plan. If you plan to visit other area's such as Naples, Florence, Venice etc. then you should be departing from there. Now you have to waste a day taking the train back to Rome.

Cinque Terre

Thank you everyone, I appreciate the info.

And thank you Jenny.. I have had my eyes on the Amalfi coast, looks beautiful.. anywhere in particular you recommend?

Oh FFS, avoid Florence? Really? Because you can find the David, the Duomo and the Basilica Doors in a "smaller town"?Honestly. There are reasons people want to see these places. Yes, the smaller towns are lovely, but if you are visiting Italy for the first time, I think you want to see something you've heard about.

Agree with PP, tho -- book all tickets in advance.

Avoid Rome, Florence and Venice. Filled with American tourist. Rent a car and hit smaller towns.

Rome for a few days
Rent a car
Villa in Tuscany for a week
Return car
Florence for a few days (or Cinque Terre)
Train back to Rome

Venice, Florence, Rome, Pompeii, Almafi Coast. It's very easy to take the train between cities but we rented a car for Pompeii and the Almafi coast (we stayed in Positano). I was there for 16 days so slightly longer but this is definitely doable in two weeks. Have fun!

Venice and Florence!

If you are going to do touristy things, like going to the Uffizi or seeing David in Florence, get tickets online in advance otherwise be prepared to stand in line for many hours. As opposed to spend just several hours in line.

We just got back from Italy, we had a fly & drive package. We flew into Milan and explored Tuscany and Venice. It was all awesome. If you have kids, a cooking class is really fun. My daughter loved Venice.

From past visits, I really recommend the Amalfi Coast and Capri -- SO beautiful.

Have fun! Italy is my favorite country.

Jenny

Pick three areas you want to see-- say, Rome, Florence and Venice, or you could head south from Rome, or spend time in smaller towns in between those cities, or...

You can train or fly between cities. I think 3 is enough to give you time to see an area but also let you see more areas. Depending on your travel style/goals you might want to do less or more.

All the touristy stuff, of course. Also, if you can, plan a day trip to Pompeii or Florence via train.

Just booked flights to fly in and out of Rome at the end of July into August. I have no idea how to start planning...any recommendations of places/areas I should look into?