Please sign in to post.

Rome, Amalfi, Florence, & Venice: First trip advice

Posted by (Louisiana) on

My wife and I are taking our first trip to Italy September 8 - 21 this year. I've read Rick Steve's book on Italy, and done some research, but still have questions and need advice from experienced people. I can stay at the Hotel Indigo in Rome for free, so it's tempting to stay there for 4 nights. Should I spend that extra day elsewhere, and only stay in Rome for three nights? I'm not sure where I should stay on the Amalfi coast. I'm traveling from Rome down south, it seems the rail to Salerno is a quicker route than rail to naples then Sorrento. Should I rail to Salerno and stay in Amalfi Town or Positano via ferry ? Or should I stay in Sorrento as my base and that way I can see Pompei?

My itinerary is as follow:

Arrive in Rome 09/09
Rome 3 or 4 nights
Amalfi Coast 3 nights
Florence 3 nights
Venice 2 nights
Depart from Venice 9/21

Posted by
4105 posts

Keep your Rome nights at 4, it gives you an extra day in case you suffer from jet lag. I'd have no problem staying for free in this hotel, it's in a very good location and has a rooftop bar.

The trip Rome-Salerno-Amalfi won't save you much time, as the ferry is 45 min. Or the bus will be at least an hour.

If you want to see Pompeii, Sorrento will give you better transportation options.

Three nights in Florence should give you a nice overview of the city and makes a good base for day trips.

Two nites in Venice is a little short, but you'll have time for the major sights. Just make sure your flight doesn't leave in the early morning hours. Transportation to the airport could be very costly.

Posted by
2 posts

Thanks for your insite! I'm assuming the first morning we arrive in Rome will be a wash due to Jet lag, that and the free hotel has been what's pushing me that direction.

Do you recommend staying in Sorrento? seems if I want to see Pompei, then I need to. But I'm certainly not opposed to a relaxing couple of days in Positano and skipping Pompei.

Our flight leaves at noon from Venice on our last day, how long will it take us to get to the airport?

Posted by
996 posts

I found Rome to be an expensive city, hotel-wise, so if you can stay somewhere for free? Stay there until it's time to shift. Plus, jet lag hits all of us differently. You may be able to stagger through your first day, but you'll be glad that you don't have to rush if you built in an extra day.

Depending on where you are staying in Venice, you may wind up taking a bus, taxi or vaporetto to the airport. I loved having a boat take me to the airport, as this made a unique trip even that much more special. It's not always a cheap option, though, so keep that in mind.

When you are in Florence, make sure you go out into the city in the evening. That's when the day tour groups leave, so it's just the 'regular' tourists at that point plus the locals. It's SO MUCH more relaxed after 5 p.m. At least, I found that to be the case.

Enjoy your trip!!!

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.