A friend and I are planning a return to Italy next spring for approx. 3 to 3-1/2 weeks. We've both visited Italy many times. Ideally, I like to base in a region for about a week and explore. We understand that April/May is not swimming weather, but we do love being by the sea. We like beautiful small towns and easy walks with great scenery. We're two active, retired women who have traveled all over the world. We don't need to see any more museums unless it's a supremely unique one. We speak Italian, love good food, good wine, good coffee, and train travel. We generally just wander and soak up the local vibe. I enjoy driving in Italy - my friend will not - so I would have to be our sole driver.
After lots of research, here's a summary of my Google map pins and my thoughts....please comment with your experiences and suggestions:
Fly from U.S. into Cagliari, Sardinia, stay 6-7 nights (where to base/see?). Neither of us has been here.
Fly from Cagliari to Rome Ciampino or Naples (depending on flight schedule), train to Acciaroli, pickup rental car.
Base in/near Acciaroli for 6-7 nights and explore the Cilento coast and mountains. (Also new to this area)
Drop off car and Train to Caserta for 1 night to visit the royal palace. (We visited Naples last year but couldn't fit in Caserta. Been to Pompeii and Herculaneum.)
Train to Castelli Romani (We did a day trip to Frascati last year and loved it there.). Where to base for 6-7 nights?
Thanks in advance for your suggestions.