OK, where to now?

Thanks Ken,
We planned on returning the car in Naples at the train station, then catching the train to Rome from there. Of course that is unless someone else has a suggestion for northern Italy instead! I will be taking my trusty Nuvi along as well.

Dan,

I don't have any suggestions on the a route, but a few caveats for driving in Italy.

First, each Driver must have an International Driver's Permit, which is compulsory. Failure to produce one can result in fines on the spot!

Also, a GPS along with a good Map would be a really good idea!

Finally, even though you're "experienced road warriors", I wouldn't recommend driving in Rome.

Hopefully someone else can assist with route suggestions.

Happy travels!

Dan, The Adriatic coast is exceptionally beautiful; however, so are Umbria and even Tuscany right next door. In Umbria, you have hill towns, wine, and history; on the Adriatic coast, you have more history and beautiful views of the sea. Do you and your wife travel often? If so, and if you can afford to go back to Italy, then perhaps keeping to your itinerary is best. Do you like relaxing vacations, or would you rather pack as much into the trip as you possibly can? If I were only going to Italy once, I would not want to miss Umbria!

I'm envious--a spur of the moment trip to celebrate a birthday in Italy sounds perfect!

For northern Italy what about Rome; 3 nights, Florence; 3 nights (daytrip by bus to Siena); Verona; 2 nights; and Venice 2 nights? It would be an easy train trip. That's assuming that you haven't been to those cities before. If so, then substitute Orvieto, or Bologna for a place you've already been.

As Rick says "assume you will be back", we are cruising sailors and plan on spending a lot of time (as VAT and Visas allow) in the Med, but that's in the future a bit- 5-10 years. I think my biggest concern is the weather. Our skin has gotten quite thin living here in San Diego and really don't want to battle snow. We've lived that for too long to find it fun. I'm expecting Seattle-ish weather in the south this time of year, and that's OK.

Do anyone have any input on the weather?

Thanks Sharon! We had the miles for the tickets, so why not!
We wanted to fly into Venice and start there, but a "free" flight to Rome instead won out. so it's the train straight up to Venice for her birthday weekend, then on from there.

Have you purchased your tickets yet? If not, think about flying open jaw instead of roundtrip to save time consuming backtracking. A suggestion would be to fly into Venice and home from Roma. Also, I would forget about Paestum because it is too far away. Do you want to see some of Italy or do you want to see the inside of a car? Flying all night on an airplane can leave you with jet lag to one degree or another. Next, the 10 days you mentioned is the 10th day the day you planned to come home? That is an extremely long day and you probably won't be doing too much sightseeing.

Driving in Naples is not a good idea. If you have never driven in Italy you will experience an adventure in motoring. The further south you drive in Italy traffic laws become only suggestions. If you must go to Paestum look for another town where you can drop-off the car.

Overall, your itinerary is too ambitious.

Thanks RB, Unfortunately open jaw isn't an option. We arrive Friday AM in Rome, we will be spending that day traveling to Venice by train. Saturday and Sunday in Venice with an early rise on Monday to pick up the car. I was thinking about going to San Marino and Urbino and stopping for the night in the area (open for suggestions, not much info out there less than 200 miles). Tuesday, just dinking down the coast (no more than 4-5 hours of driving 250 miles +/- mostly autostrada) and staying where we end up. That should put us about 3-4 hours outside of Paestum (120 miles +/-) for Wednesday's travel. Thursday- Paestum ruins, Pompeii and return the car in Naples at the train station(only about 60-70 miles or so). Thursday night arrive in Rome, Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Rome and fly home on Monday.

I don't know where you are getting your driving time estimates, (e.g.,3-4 hours for 120 miles); but they could be way off, if you aren't driving on autostradi. To get to Paestum from the Adriatic coast, you have to drive across mountains. I would check on viamichelin.com, and then add 25%. It seems more sensible to me that after Urbino - - - lovely town, btw - - - you head for Umbria. You might make a stop in Gubbio. Perugia, Assisi, Montefalco, Todi, Spoleto are just some of the other attractive towns. The road between Urbino and Umbria is very easy to drive.

Hi Roslyn- Thanks for the michelin hint- they peg the run just about exactly where I did-"Time 03h41 which 00h57 on motorways Distance 192 km which 84 km on motorways" using the "sightseeing" default.

What are those mountains comparable too? Is it worth it? I guess a big question I have about northern/middle Italy is the weather to be expected this time of year.