Italy in 14 days

Ground transportation: Trains. Except when you want to see the countryside in Tuscany. Reserve a rental car in Florence and then drop in Venice.

Choose between the Amalfi coast and the Cinque Terre. If you try to do both you'll consume at least two days on train travel. And are your 14 days including or excluding your plane flights?

If excluding, consider:

Rome: 3 nights

Sorrento/Amalfi: 3 nights

Florence: 3 nights

Drive to Chianti: 2 nights

Venice: 3 nights

Well, when you have that wonderful "smorgasbord" of all the options to visit in Italy spread before you, it is very tempting to really want to load up your plate with destinations. The problem you may run into is trying to fit in too much, not really enjoying any of it as much as you could. Remember, Italy isn't going anywhere and once you've been you will go back! First off, you don't say how many and what ages comprise your group. That will really impact some of your decisions. If 4 or more, a car will be more cost effecient. Otherwise, opt for trains,ferrys, and planes. Keep in mind that almost every time you go to a new destination you will use most of a day in travel and checking in/out of accomodations. That said, in 2 weeks time you may want to consider Rome 3 days; Sorrento and Amalfi 3 days; Florence and Tuscany 3 days; Venice 2 days; with 3 days of travel that makes 14 days. You could leave Sorrento for another trip and do the CT in 2 days and add another day to Venice.

(cont. from previous post)
You may also want to consider cutting one of the other big cities and spending more time in 3 destinations. Whatever you do it will be wonderful, but you do want to savor each experience and not be rush, rushing to cram in everything just to say you did it. Italy moves at a slower pace than we do and moving with them at that pace is part of the enjoyment. We returned from our last visit in September and I'm already looking forward to our return. Have a super time!

Thank you to all for your wonderful views and suggestions! It is only my husband and myself traveling. We will work at mapping out these suggestions and make and effort to to "slow down" our trip for more enjoyment. I can't wait!

I agree with the others that fewer stops could mean a better trip. You stated it was your first trip to Italy. Is it also your first European trip? If it is not your first overseas trip then you would be aware of the following. If it is your first overseas trip or for any first timers here are a couple of basic planning reminders.
Jet lag can really put a damper on your first day. You might not want to scheudle to many activities for the first afternoon / evening. And for your day count do the 14 days include your travel days? For example if you leave KCI on Saturday you arrive in Rome on Sunday jet lagged. Sunday is your first night but Monday is your first really good day to see the sights. And if you depart Venice two weeks later on a Saturday you would actually only have 12 good days on the ground.
4 Nights Rome, 2-3 Cinque Terre, the remaining days in Florence-Tuscany-Venice.

I am well versed on jet-lag. Have been overseas many times. This is just our first trip to Italy. Good trick is Ambian just after boarding, no acholhol (only water) and we will wake up in Amsterdam to catch our next flight. But you are right, the first afternoon is a long one. We have 14 days not including the flight days, so 14 days ground time in Italy (16 days total).