First time travelers to Italy. We have 7 nights. We have a hotel booked for 4 nights in Amalfia coast and then travel to Rome from 12/26 -28. Departure on the 29th from Rome. We have a vehicle.
Suggestions? We are a family of 4. Our kids are 14 and 23.
Not knowing your family's interests, I suggest you get Rick Steves' Italy guidebook and study the sections on the Amalfi Coast (what town?) and Rome. Only you can determine if a day trip to Pompeii is your family's cup of tea, or if you want to buy skip-the-line tickets for the Colosseo before you leave home. Do you want to go to Galleria Borghese? You need to buy tickets ASAP if you do. Vatican? Book a tour with Walks of Italy. Lots of planning to do before you fly!
FYI - you do not need a vehicle for any of this, and you certainly do not want to drive in Roma. In fact a vehicle is a hassle for both the Amalfi Coast and Roma. Go local and take the trains.
Why Amalfi Coast at the end of December (is anything particular going on there at that time)? While you won't get any crowds, it seems like not an ideal place to be when the weather turns sour and you need more indoor attractions to keep you occupied. Amalfi Coast really shines when there's sun and plenty of day light which are much less likely in winter. I would suggest more time in Rome and other cities you can access from Rome. I think having a car is more of a pain than it's worth for that area.
We have a similar itinerary. We'll be in Sorrento for two nights starting on the 20th. We've been before but not during the winter. We're going again during this time because we missed Ercolano and Paestum the first time. I'm told Sorrento is decorated nicely. We plan to visit the Christmas lights in Salerno as well. A day visit to Paestum and the mozzarella farms then off to Rome. Obviously Pompeii is a must if you have never been.
Enjoy!
Agnes, the Amalfi Coast is very popular with Italians after Christmas, and before Christmas while not high season, it can be lovely and uncrowded. The best visit we've ever had to Pompeii was oon a 45 F suny December day. No one else was there!
