Feedback on Itinerary a few q’s

Ok, Maria. Since you're not going to Italy until September, I will advise you to not book your flights. Next, please go purchase a Rick Steves' guide, look at maps, read the book, read the maps, read the maps in the book. The book will have tons of info on the location of the airport and how to connect with local transit into the city, ideas for things to do and tips on booking a tour at the Vatican. If you're into history and just cool old things, I recommend doing as many underground tours in Rome as you can get under. Under the Colliseum, various churches, including St. Peter's. Choose the tours you want to book at the Vatican now since you will be going at a pretty busy and fabulous time to visit Italy. Search this site for more tips - the search option works from a desktop but not if using your phone to access the site. You should definitely be in room in Rome the night of the 14th for your journey on the 15th. Finally, about those maps, you might want to rearrange your itinerary based on the locations you plan to visit to save travel time and to see more of Italy!

Maria,

If the plane lands @ 7:30, you still need to taxi to the terminal and get off the plane. I don't think there's a chance of you making the transfer to Roma Termini then on to Florence.

Plan on adding this night to your other nights in Rome.

OR...
You could head to Florence for 2 nights the next morning.

OR...
From Rome, do a day trip to Florence if you still want to. It's only 1.5hrs to Florence. If you elect to not do this, consider a day trip to Orvieto 1:17 if you need a break from Rome.

The fact that your daughter leaves on the 9th will kind of keep you in Rome if you wish to do the Friday evening tour of the Vatican Museums.
It's defiantly less crowded at this time.
You need to order the tickets to the Vatican as soon as they become available. So keep checking.

I personally would then head to Puglia, visiting Naples last making your return to Rome a short
1:10.

Hotels in Naples and Florence can be found in Rick's book. He has never steered me wrong.
Keep in mind that with 5 people not all hotels can accommodate you in 2 rooms. You'll need to find a 3 person room plus a double.
Don't buy your train tickets from Rome to Florence in advance. If I am understanding you, your flight arrives at 7:30 and the last train is at 7:53? I am an aggressively optimistic planner, but even I would not consider that. You'll never make it. I would spend the night in Rome, and do the Rome part of the trip first, for that reason.
Whatever you do, eat gelato every day and you'll have a great trip.

Thank you Gerri and Crystal for your feedback., lots of homework to do!

I did purchase my tickets already I was able to get a great deal.

Thanks Julie ..really looking forward to that Gelato :)

We arrive at 7:30 pm ..the train to Termini is at 7:53 pm and the train from Termini to Florence is at 8:50pm.

This is impossible.

We arrive at 7:30 pm ..the train to Termini is at 7:53 pm and the train from Termini to Florence is at 8:50pm.

This is not possible.

I note you already have the air tickets.

You will need to adjust/re-arrange your trip to reflect the fact you will be spending your first night in Rome

Have stayed at Hotel Aberdeen and would do so again. They had a nice b'fast buffet.

Not sure if we should just travel from Puglia to the FCO ( 5 hours :() or spend the night in Rome on 9/14 for the flight back morning 9/15.

What time is your flight on the 15th and where does it go.? Any "AM" flight means you need to be in Rome the night before.
Not sure if you question is to spend the night of the 14th a) in Rome; b) at an airport hotel or c) somewhere that is a 5 hr train ride away. Option 'c' is a definite NO! The choice between a or b depends to some extent just when the flight is. ( and where it is going)

Hello

Christine H- I have come to terms that we won't be able to make the train schedule. I'll keep looking maybe buses...otherwise just stay in Rome.

Joe32F- My flight leaves at 10:50 AM heading to JFK (NY).

Thank you all for your comments.

Maria, you will need to go through passport control, etc. when you arrive in Rome. Unless you’re sitting in first class, you will be waiting for everyone in front of you in that line. Do yourself a favor and book a one-night hotel in Rome near the train station, so you can wake up, have breakfast and then head to the train station for Florence. I’m a fast-walker through airports and don’t check luggage, and even I wouldn’t consider trying to arrive in Florence that first night.

Christine H- I have come to terms that we won't be able to make the train schedule. I'll keep looking maybe buses...otherwise just stay in Rome.

Allow 2 hours minimum to be even ready to exit the airport.
By the time you deplane, get your bags, get thru passport control, etc it's 9:30 already
Stay in Rome.

Also- if your return flight leaves Rome at 10:50 AM you need to be at the airport by 7:50 AM. Spend that last night in Rome (not necessarily AT the airport).

I suspect not as late as your arrival, but there are trains from FCO to Florence....so people here say but it is hardly worth going for 2 nights.
What is this small town you are going to Naples for?
It feels like a lot of ping ponging to Rome and back. I kinda have whiplash trying to figure it all out.
IMO it makes more sense Rome Naples FCO 9/9 to drop off DD then on to o Florence Puglia, FCO airport hotel for return.
(Another) Maria 😉

Thank you ladies

I’m reconsidering a few destinations to accommodate the late arrival.