Italy Itinerary Thoughts

It's a lot of moving around between Nov 29 and Dec 4 -- Naples, Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi Town -- 6 nights, 5 lodgings. Personally, I'd skip Salerno/Paestum (sacrilege to Zoe, I know) and add that night in elsewhere. Positano might be awfully quiet at this time of year since it's a beach town. Ditto Amalfi Town. There's a bit more life in Sorrento and might benefit from at least two nights there.

Otherwise I would say you are packing in a LOT of museums. Give yourself permission to skip one now-and-then and just enjoy the town you are in. Long walks beat museums for soaking up the atmosphere.

Buon viaggio!

Positano and Amalfi are very close to one another. You can easily stay in one and visit the other by bus. And Amalfi is closer to Salerno and Paestum. Stay there, and you could avoid 2 hotel changes.

Your plan for Nov. 26 is unrealistic. If, as suggested above, you cut a day from the Amalfi Coast, you could add it to Florence and take a more leisurely approach to its art treasures. Also, there's no reason to have different lodgings in Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi. It's just a waste of time to keep packing up and moving. Also, since most places want you out before noon and don't want you in before 3 or 4 p.m., you'd have to contend with the problem of what to do with your luggage. Choose one town for a base; Sorrento or Amalfi. JFI, I think Ravello is much more beautiful and interesting than Positano.

Rosalyn - After reading Rick's intro to Florence, where he stated that one organized day in Florence could realistically include
Accademia, Uffizi, Bargello and his Renaissance Walk, i thought this would be doable in the off season.

I would take the train to Pompei Scavi, leave your luggage while you tour the site, then press on to Positano or Amalfi (change to bus but don't spend the night in Sorrento). Then you could spend a night in Paestum, rather than Salerno. You don't need to sleep in Sorrento, and Positano, and Amalfi, and Salerno.

I agree that your museum day in Florence is crowded unless you are only going to look at the highlights. Even then you would be running through the galleries and between them.
The Uffizi can easily take 4 hours - even with timed tickets you usually have a short wait to get in and then you must go through security. The new layout is wonderful and even if you are only going to see a few highlights there is a good deal of walking. The same for the Accademia - entry lines, security - the David is close to the entrance but there is a tremendous amount of other art throughout the gallery - well worth looking at. The Bargello is not large , the Medicci Chapels not far away but you still have to get there from whatever other gallery you are at. Finally - the Pitti Palace across the river - not too far but still another taxi trip or walk of at least 30 minutes , - to see what - the Pinoteca is large and packed with art and architecture , also the gardens are worth a visit.
As much as I love art , I would find this is way too much for one day.

I would cut the Palazzo Pitti, or leave it for last that day.

Rosalyn said

I think Ravello is much more beautiful and interesting than Positano.

It is indeed more beautiful and interesting, but it closes up tight November 1, in my experience. We were there in gorgeous weather the very first part of November and could hardly find a place to eat on a Saturday night! Our host said everyone closes up for or right after All Saints Day.