July 2018 Honeymoon Itinerary Review: Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Rome

You've given yourself more time in Florence/Siena than in Rome, yet Rome is a much, much larger city. That feels a little unbalanced to me.

Do you plan to rent a car for part of your trip?

need help here, i am torn. the bigger city of Florence might be hot and overly crowded in July and Siena just seems to speak to me (through the internet)

Sorry either one you choose is going to be hot and crowded that time of year. Nothing you can do about that.

You are going during peak travel time when a million other have the same idea. And further south you go the weather is hot exacerbated by crowds. But I don't like hot weather and crowds maybe it is just me.

You've given yourself more time in Florence/Siena than in Rome, yet Rome is a much, much larger city. That feels a little unbalanced to me.
Do you plan to rent a car for part of your trip?

reason being is i am slightly more interested in good fine and wine than i am seeing Rome. i do want to see the main sights but knowing the heat and crowds, i think i'd prefer the extra time in Tuscany.

we will have a car after Florence/Siena - yes. then we will drop it off before headed to the AC.

But I don't like hot weather and crowds maybe it is just me.

i don't disagree but due to work schedules it's virtually the only time we'll ever get to do an extended trip to Europe - so as they say; "it is what it is"

Ok. It is good. You seem to have done research and know what you are interested in
I'd say go for it as is. You will know once you go through it how you feel what to add or subtract.
Get a guide book if you have not already. You get a current one and review different ones other than just Rick Steve's at the local library usually.

does it make sense to go to Amalfi or Florence/Tuscany first?

also, any specific recs. on towns on the AC (other than Positano)?

lastly, should i split my time 3 nights/2 nights between Florence and Siena or should i stay the entire time in Florence?

does it make sense to go to Amalfi or Florence/Tuscany first?

Flying into Rome I would start in Rome first then head south then head north and back. However I try not to back track whenever possible. For example I would fly into Naples and out of Florence on the way and back home.

also, any specific recs. on towns on the AC (other than Positano)?
Can't help here someone will chime in

lastly, should i split my time 3 nights/2 nights between Florence and Siena or should i stay the entire time in Florence?

Stay in Florence and take Siena as a day trip so you do not get tired of checking in and out of hotels every 3 days.
The good thing is the days in Europe are long in the summer it does not get dark til 22:00
Don't think of this as the last time you will ever go. You will find a way; it is an irresistible travel destination. I've gone 3 times i the last 18 months.

Flying into Rome I would start in Rome first then head south then head north and back. However I try not to back track whenever possible. For example I would fly into Naples and out of Florence on the way and back home.

any reason why re: south, north, south vs. north, south, north?

also, i want to finish the trip in Rome (3 nights or so) so i am in proximity to the airport before our return flight.

as it relates to the open jaw vs. one city round-trip - the way my airline miles worked out, it was most efficient to go via Rome.

Would take a day from Florence/Sienna and apply it to Rome

Since you are staying many nights I would choose larger Florence over Siena.

For the same reason larger Montepulciano still a small town over tiny Pienza.

On the Amalfi Coast no contest Positano for a honeymoon would be the way to go your other towns are kind of odd choices.
Most ask Positano, Sorrento, Amalfi or Ravello for example and I would still say Positano.

any reason why re: south, north, south vs. north, south, north?

no reason. either way works.

I understand the whole miles thing so go with that.
It looks you got a plan.

I think your itinerary is good. It is similar to one of our Italy trips and it worked well. It is fairly easy to arrive in Rome and head right up to Florence. There will be less stress by starting with Florence in my opinion. While I've been to Rome twice, I am not a fan. I would not take a day from Florence or any of your other places for Rome. Save Rome for the end when you are more used to Italy and the crowds, and you will likely be more able to handle Rome. The Amalfi coast will give you a nice respite before Rome, IMO. It's a nice break. I love your pace.

so after mulling it over a bit, i revised my itinerary.

thoughts:

July 10 - 13: Florence

July 13 - 15: Siena

July 15 - 19: Montepulciano or Pienza

July 19 - 26: Positano (split time with Ischia?)

July 26 - 29: Rome