June Itinerary Venice, Monterosso, Rome, Naples, Pompeii

Since Pisa is south of CT, I would not go there before CT. Maybe do a day trip from CT since you have a few days there. Or stop on the way to Rome. Besides the tower, there is not much there compared to other cities IMO. Or consider Lucca, which is a lovely, walled town and might be more interesting to teenagers.

Also, Monterosso will be crowded in June so book now!

Looks like a great trip in the works! I know you asked previously about the suitability of apartments, and you've just asked about Venice hotels, but on two trips to Venice, we used Vacanze in Famigla (http://www.vacanzeinfamiglia.it/?lang=en) both times for outstanding places - one a Bed & Breakfast-style place, with breakfast the next morning with the owners - both architects, and the other an apartment with a kitchen and washing machine close to Arsenale). Click on the British flag in the upper right corner of the Webpage for a translation, if everything's in Italian.

We stayed in Riomaggiore 15 years ago in the C.T., and just showed up and booked a room at a room finding service in town. First time learning to use an Italian air conditioner! Things may be different now, and in a different town, for finding a room/apartment on the spot, so having one reserved before you leave home might be a good idea. Have not been to Pisa.

We were in Rome for a whole week 2 years ago (Apartment in Tratevere, booked by the week thru HomeAway (HomeAway.com), but you might be able to find a place that rents for a shorter timeframe. We still have lots to see and do on the next trip. Definitely consider getting Roma Passes over there (available in a 2-day and a 3-day version), for free or discounted entry to sights, plus included tram/bus/metro transportation.

We stayed in Piano di Sorrento, a "suburb" of Sorrento, and visited Napoli from there. In addition to the ruins of Pompeii, the ruins at Herculaneum are fascinating, more compact than Pompeii, and also well worth a visit. Our B&B, which had private rooms as well as dormitory-type accommodations, was Mami Camilla (www.mamicamilla.com ). They also run a cooking school.

Most places don't require pre-payment and I don't recommend pre-payment. Once you've paid, it can be hard to get your money back if you change your mind, maybe not purposely, but a hassle nonetheless. Why open that can of worms? We don't know what the exchange rate will be when you travel in June; it could be better, worse, or the same.

Venice If you can, add one more day/night there. You'll arrive tired and jetlagged. It's fun to just ride the vaporetto up and down the Grand Canal and watch the city slip by, wander the scenic back canals on foot, take the vaporetto ride across the lagoon to Murano and some great tourist sights too.

Pisa as far as I know, the trains from Venice to the CT will all go through Pisa. It's easy to check your luggage at the train station, take a short taxi ride to the Leaning Tower campus, then bus or taxi back to the train and get the next train to the CT (maybe LaSpezia and connect to the local CT train there).

Pompeii Can you get your group up and out really early? Pack a picnic breakfast and eat on the train to Naples. I'd try to get to Pompeii as early as possible, fewer people, cooler temperatures, then back to Naples for pizza and the museum.

I agree with Laura. Problems can occur with prepayment. I've had to change accommodations because of dissatisfaction with the facility (the bathroom was under construction and not usable), and because the owner didn't show up (I waited two hours). Odds are nothing negative will happen, but what if you have to cancel or rearrange your booking? Many places are okay with cancellation, but refunds is, as posted, another can of worms.