Hello,
My wife and I visited Italy for 2 weeks back in 1998 and we loved it. We used Rick's advice and had the trip of a lifetime. We are returning in March 2018 with our two daughters ages 12 and 15. We are flying in and out of Rome, and will be in the country for 10 days. I can tell you from experience that we aren't into the whole museum thing, but we will hit the highlights. We have always loved the smaller towns in Europe vs. large cities with the exception of Paris. When we visited in 98, we loved the Cinque Terre, Varenna, Amalfi Coast, etc...but hated Venice which was so disappointing since we had such high expectations. It just felt super expensive and touristy. Anyway, I really want to show my kids a few different areas of this beautiful country since we don't have time to see it all. Here's my preliminary itinerary:
Fri 3-16 Arrive in Rome at 1pm, head to AirBnB in the Jewish Ghetto, quick nap, Dolce Vita Stroll
Sat 3-17 Vatican and Sistine Chapel, wander, Spanish Steps in evening
Sun 3-18 Colisseum, Forum, Trevi Fountain, explore
Mon 3-19 AM train to Naples, Circumvesuviana to Sorrento, slow down
Tue 3-20 SITA bus down Amalfi Coast, visit Positano, etc...enjoy spectacular scenery
Wed 3-21 Morning ferry or train to Naples, Bullet train to Florence, arrive early afternoon, head to AirBnB near Duomo, Visit Accademia and see David
Thu 3-22 Visit Duomo, explore, shop. Not interested in Ufizzi or any other museums
Fri 3-23 Morning and early afternoon relaxing and exploring Florence, Late bus to Siena
Sat 3-24 Spend day and night in Siena
Sun 3-25 AM train or bus to Rome, Arrive at Airport by 2pm for 5:40 flight home
As mentioned above, I really don't care to visit Venice as it was so disappointing years ago. That's why we are visiting Siena instead. We weren't able to visit Siena in 98, and it sounds enchanting and magical, like an Italian version of Rothenburg, Germany (which we visited and loved in 2001). Thanks in advance for any and all comments.
Bill
Orlando, FL