I am traveling to Italy in the near future and have some room in my itinerary to play with. I fly into Milan for 1 night, then I have two nights which I have tentatively ear-marked for Florence. THe next three nights are in Rome. I am a big history buff and would love to go to Naples and see Pompeii.
Could I do Florence in One day and Night and then head straight to Rome where I can use one day (of what would now be four days in Rome) for Naples/ Pompeii?
Does Florence deserve two nights/days?
Florence deserves as much time as you can give it.
Yes, Florence deserves a full two days. For my money, it's the best city in Europe.
Just back form Ostia Antica the ancient port of Rome. I've been to Pompeii three times before but really enjoyed Ostia (see Rick) and it's only one hour and one euro train from Rome. Allow three hours there and one hour each way. great. Very different and almost more intriqueing than Pompeii. Be sure to buy the map. If you do go to Pompeii try to get to the Naples Museum which holds the artifacts from Pompeii- very great. Florence deserves the extra time.
Personal preferences are important. To be honest, given what you've said I'd skip Florence on this trip and go to Sorrento for 2 nites. From Sorrento its easy to ride the Circumvesuviana train to see Pompeii, and don't miss Herculaneum. Sorrento is a nicer place to stay than Naples. Save Florence for another trip when you can give it the time it deserves.
