Back in March 2014, I entered a post asking for help planning our first trip to Italy (May 23-June 20). We have two teen boys and we wanted to make it a memorable trip for everyone. Our goal was not to see everything. We wanted to see as many sights as possible, but still have down time to experience Italian culture and life as a local. We didn't want to feel rush - it was vacation!
I wanted to write back to say THANK YOU for all the wonderful advice and help I got at this forum. And Rick's book was indispensable! Our trip was a dream come true and hit our goal! It was absolutely fantastic and our lodging choices really helped us experienced true Italian culture(no hotels). We made friends for a lifetime. There is very little we would change in our itinerary. I'm including it with the hope it would help others plan their perfect trip:
4 days in Rome - stay in apt. in a neighborhood near the Vatican with easy access to metro and buses. I would have stayed one more day to explore catacombs, but family says four days was enough.
** Rented a car leaving Rome and dropped it off on arrival to Venice. We used AutoEurope,no problems at all. Get GPS- essential!! **
4 days in Amalfi - stayed in a villa in the town of Furore. Georgeous ocean views and serene at night. Yet very accessible to all the coastal towns! My hubby is an excellent driver which you need to be in order to navigate the slim roads and not get hit by the oversized tour buses. If doing again, we all agree 5 days would have been better so we could have time to rest(which we did) but also do a day trip to the ruins in Paestum (not done).
6 days in Tuscany - visited Pompeii on the way there. We stayed in a family farm(olives and wine) in the town of San Casciano in Chianti region. We tour all the towns from this perfect lodging base. The country roads and vistas were amazing!
3 days in Cinque Terre area - visited Pisa on the way there. Stayed in Corniglia. The hike to/from town to train station was like Rick described- "for mountain goats". We did not mind it and loved the charm of the town However, although everyone assured me you did not need A/C, trust me you do! There was no breeze and temp in high 80's. Tolerable during the day, but not the sleep. Done again, I would stay in Manarola and definitely apt. with A/C!!
4 days Dolomites - we stayed in a beautiful B&B in the town center of Trento. We wanted to experience life in a city center and it delivered! Market day was awesome. We did day trips to Lake Garda and Alpe de Suisi, breathtaking alpine meadow. A must see!!.
3 days in Venice - stayed in an apt. in San Zaccaria area. Short stroll to Piazza San Marco and the vaporetto stops. Must see Piazza at night - so romantic!!!
2 days Milan - took train from Venice. Stayed near the Centro. To our family, the city had no charm. Done again, we would have stayed just 1 night, enough time to see Duomo and nearby sites, or skip altogether.