Almalfia Coast OR Cinque Terra

If you're interesting in seeing Pompeii and/or Capri, then that tips it in favor of the Amalfi. Rick seems to "rate" both places about equally. The Michelin Guide folks--who've been rating European destinations, hotels, and restaurants for right around a hundred years--rate the Amalfi higher than the Cinque Terre. In the end you have to learn about each destination and then decide what you are looking for.

thank you for the information if I go to Almalfia Coast we are going to Sorrento, any thoughts on that area...

Most people here like Sorrento and it's highly recommended in the guide books.

For me, some of the decision would depend on where you are flying in and out of. Next, my vote would be the Amalfi coast. The CT is unique and quite scenic, but give a choice, I would head for Sorrento.

Hi, just returned and we did both. Depends on your time. I really enjoyed the CT as I felt it was not as touristy as Amalfi, Positano and Capri. For me the train ride from Chiusi to Rome, Rome to Naples was okay but Naples to Sorrento was hot, crowded and very long, being a regional train it stops at every station. Although I did enjoy this area, particularly Sorrento with it's buzz, I would have preferred the three days added on to Rome. I say more time less places.

We will be there 16 days 2 for travel -
For sure we are going to Venice - Florence (wine country) - Rome

Da, I've been to both the Cinque Terre and the Amalfi coast, and both have very unique qualities. The C.T. consists of five small villages with less in the way of "big city" shops, etc. It's a great place to just relax for a few days, enjoy some excellent Pesto and seafood and perhaps hike the trails if you're so inclined. While in that area, you could make a brief stop in Pisa if that's important to you. It's a fairly easy trip from Florence, and from what I recall has good rail connections to Rome.

Sorrento (and other locations on the Amalfi coast) are larger cities, and of course have more shops, restaurants, etc. The area seems to attract more of the "rich & famous" so it's noticeably more expensive. From Sorrento it's easy to make the short trip to Vesuvius on the Circumvesuviana train, and / or to Capri by boat if you're interested. Getting to Sorrento is a bit different, as you'd need to travel by train from Rome to Naples, and then take the Circumvesuviana to Sorrento. The travel options are well described in Rick's books.

At that time of the year, either location would be good as they probably won't be too crowded. You might check Rick's Italy book to see what local sights in each place are of most interest to you. That might be the deciding factor in which place to choose? With only 16 days to work with, be sure to plan carefully so that you don't waste ANY time!

Happy travels!