My boyfriend and I are traveling to Italy in two weeks, my first time in the country. Does this itinerary seem like a good plan or are there some things you would change/add/[INVALID]? I would also love any suggestions/recommendations you may have things to do/see/eat based on the following itinerary: Day 1 & 2 - Rome (we don't have a hotel booked yet, so if you have any great suggestions for b&b/hotels under approx. $150, I would greatly appreciate it) Day 3 - Train to Pompeii/Naples; either spend the night somewhere along the Amalfi Coast or back to Rome. Day 4 - Depending on where we stay for night 3, either explore Amalfi Coast or Rome. Day 5-8 - Rent car and drive to Montepulciano where we are staying for 4 nights (have accommodations). Plan on exploring hill towns, Florence, and anything else recommended during ths time. Have no set plans other than where to sleep. Day 9 - Drive to Pisa, seeing whatever we can on the way. Day 10 - early flight out. Thanks so much in advance for any advice!!
Posted by
Poulsbo, WA, US
223 posts
I would likely stay in Rome as day 1 will be sort of a throw away (for me anyway) as its a long trek over. Generally I personally would limit myself to staying in 3 places. I've spend about 15 days in Rome on different trips and it will take about that many more to cross off all I want to see there. For cheap (by Rome standards) I would check into the Beehive or Hotel Cervia Roma, neither are high class but but are reasonably clean, with a short walk to the train station for convenience coming in and out of Rome. (There is a market in the lower part of the train station that is handy for things you forgot or cheap meals) I always make a list of must do's and build the framework from there for what I do and pack in "would like" to do's where they fit.
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
16 posts
My suggestion for your Rome/Naples portion is stay in Naples if you can stay on the water wtih a view of Pompeii (there is a strip of hotels that do this). The city was not the lovliest place I've seen. Walking to these waterfront hotels takes about an hour however, so maybe Naples is not the best place to stay since you only have a brief time there. Just a thought. Definitely hit Florence if you can. Gorgeous and just outside of wine country! Give yourself more time in Florence if you can help it, it's a wonderful very walkable town. My husband and I just did a tour, so let me know if you have specific questions. We did Venice to Florence/Tuscany to Naples and Capri to Rome. Happy Travels!
Posted by
OP
Denver, CO
2 posts
Thanks so much for the suggestions! Much appreciated!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32241 posts
Could you clarify whether the 10-day time frame includes your travel days? You'll lose the first day in flight times and time zone changes and the last day will be spent on the flight home. ¶ Especially as this is your first time in Italy, I'd suggest adding at least one day to your time in Rome as there's so much to see! One Hotel you might consider is Hotel Aberdeen, which is near Termini station. ¶ You could take a day trip to Pompeii from Rome, but it will be a LONG day. ¶ One point to mention regarding car rentals, is that EACH driver will require a compulsory International Driver's Permit, which must be used in conjunction with your home D.L. You can obtain these easily at any AAA office for a small fee (Passport photos required). I would STRONGLY advise against driving in Florence, as you'll likely pass through the Zona Traffico Limitato areas, and each pass through the automated Cameras will result in a €100+ ticket EACH TIME. A GPS unit along with a good Map would also be a good idea. ¶ You might find it helpful to have a look at the "Italy" Guidebook, as it has good suggestions not only for Hotels in different price ranges but also good restaurants, sightseeing information, etc. You should be able to find a copy at your local Library. Happy travels!