I will be in Italy in Oct for 11 nights. I land in Rome and want to go straight to Amalfi Coast. I plan to drive through Tuscany countryside for a few nights and then stay in Florence for a few nights. Then take the train back to Rome to fly home. I do not need to spend anytime there. How do you suggest I divide my time? And does it make sense to go from Amalfi Coast to the drive then end in Florence?
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
You need to make a list of what you want to see and do in the Amalfi area as well as in Tuscany. This will help you decide how many days you'll need in each area.
As for the order which to visit, it's really up to you.
Donna
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Most travelers here try to avoid having a rental car and sleeping in the Florence historic center, at the same time.
You have probably noticed on a map that Amalfi is south of Rome, and Tuscany is north of Rome. You'll probably want to plan for the travel times that will be involved in your itinerary.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15209 posts
IF THIS WERE MY TRIP
Arrive at Rome FCO, rent a car upon arrival and drive straight to Positano or Praiano or anywhere on the Amalfi coast.
AMALFI COAST: 4 nights
Drive from Amalfi Coast to Tuscan location (in small town or country villa) of your choice from which take day trips to wherever.
TUSCANY BASE: 4 nights
Drive to Florence, return the car upon arrival in Florence.
FLORENCE: 2 nights
Take Freccia train to Rome:
ROME: 1 night
Fly home from Rome.
Alternate Plan: If you don't care to spend the night in Florence, you could stay at your Tuscany country base longer and visit Florence on a day trip. In that case you would keep the car longer and drive to Rome, where you'd return the car.
If you want to spend nights in Florence, in the city center, then returning the car in Florence is the most sensible option, since having a car while in Florence is a useless hassle.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Day 1
Land in Rome, train to Naples and on to Amalfi Coast (3)
Day 2
Capri/Positano
Day 3
Pompeii/Naples
Day 4
Train to Orvieto (1)
Day 5
Pick up hire car
Drive to Siena (3) via Montepulciano/Montalcino
Stay nearby Tuscan countryside
Day 6
Siena sights/Chianti drive
Day 7
Excursion to San Gimignano/Volterra
Day 8
Drive to Lucca (1) via Pisa
Day 9
Drop off hire car, then train to Florence (2)
Day 10
Florence sights
Day 11
Train from Florence to Rome (1)
Day 12
Depart Rome