Itinerary for 14 to 18 day trip

We just got back from five days in Assisi -- loved it, hated to leave, can't wait to go back. Hotel Pallotta (RS recommended) is terrific.

What time of year are you planning on going? Where have you already been? We've been to Italy four times now, and I'm planning our fifth. FWIW, nearly every time that we spend only two nights in some place, we regret not having spent three. This was especially true of Orvieto and Assisi. If you want to see what I mean about those two, here are some photos I took: Assisi May 2008 Orvieto May 2011

2 nights = 1 day. 3 nights = 2 days. So, at least three nights in Rome, 4 would be better unless you have seen the sights before. 2 nights 5 Terre is probably good as you can travel to all towns via train. I like seeing the 5 by boat, much different. 2 nights in Venice is not enough for me. One full day to see the city and its sights isn't enough. You time in Panicale is about right but your itinerary seems full, very full.

I'm in Italy 7-8 weeks every year. Your itinerary looks great but only 2 days in Venice? I find that every year I stay longer there! Assisi is a place tourists visit only during the day. I like Assisi at night - it can be fun, romantic, calming and on Saturdays even a bit shocking. Now you have me planning my next trip to Italy. Enjoy your trip!

Thanks for all the replies guys. Does the Amalfi coast warrant 3 nights? We are flexible on our times, so Maybe 3 nights in Venice is a better choice. We spent 3 nights in Rome last trip. The problem with Italy is there are so many great, diverse places that 2 weeks is not enough. I have a friend that travels there fairly often and he says he could spend 3 weeks just in the North lake region.

If you can swing a day/night in Siena, I would say it is worth it. Evening is best but a day trip is great too.

Rob, you still need to let us know when you're going to be there, and whether and where you've been in Italy before. The time of year makes a difference in recommendations.

My first reaction is that you are moving too fast; Too many changes of location eat up valuable time touring and enjoying a place. Amalfi is a bit of an outlier in your itinerary. If you it, you can add time to the CT, Venice and Rome. Minimum 3 NIGHTS each in Venice and the CT gives you two full days on the ground. AS mentioned above, plan your nights, not days, to get a better view of how long you have to really experience a location.

I would suggest either going to the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre. They're both steep hillsides on the Mediterrean, and the C/T is kind of off the beaten path. Take the two days and spend it elsewhere.

Thanks everyone. Michael, we are going next September. I know it is a long way off, however, the good place seem to book up quickly. We have been to Italy before and have covered a fair amount of Tuscany, as well as 3 days in Venice and 3 in Rome. I know the CT and Amalfi coast are at opposite ends of the country, still both places are on our bucket list. We have determined that we will not drive ourselves around the Amalfi coast road. Did the Connor pass in Ireland 2 years ago. It is similar to the Amalfi coast road in that it is narrow and treacherous.The problem is that if you are driving, you cannot enjoy the view, because if you do enjoy the view, you won't for long, as you will almost certainly plunge over the edge. At this point we are thinking flying into Rome, taking the train to Sorento, and then take the bus or a tour around the coast, staying in Positano for a night or 2. Then take the train back up to Rome and go on from there. I get what some have said about trying to cram everything into one trip, and I agree. Have to reconsider the middle part of the vaca and work that out.