Q-1---- How long is the trip and how long are you staying at each place?

Q-2--- Of the 3 you mention, Venice would make the most sense given the locations you plan to visit. Makes it easiest to travel 'one way' and not waste time backtracking.

1st question. How many nights will you have in Italy?

2nd. What do you wish to see in each city?

Joey's a faster At typing.

Probably make the most sense - most convenient - to fly into Venice and come home from Rome.

Hello everyone.
We will have 15 days. Planning to see as much as possible, of course. I've been to Rome and Venice a long time ago. In order ofpriorities:

1. The Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Napoli.

2. Pompei and Herculaneum.

3. Rome as much as possible.

4. Verona (Lake Garda, Juliets balcony, Arena).

5. Milan Opera

6. Venice.

Everything that is worth stopping and time allows on the way.

Hadrian's Villa and the town of Tivoli make a nice stop on the way to Naples. They are just east of Rome by the autostrada. Overnight in Tivoli if you can, great little town..

Not to answer your good questions, but just to dot the "i"s and cross the "t"s... you do understand all of:-- ZTL, TUTOR, IDP, hidden cameras, and autostrada toll system, right?

Any residual questions just ask...

Nigel, I sent you a private message.

Dear people,
What company would you suggest for a car rental in Italy that, hopefully, doesn't charge extra for a drop off at a different location?
Thank you in advance!
Elina

For car rentals: Auto Europe is a consolidator; after you enter your dates/locations it will show what is available from a variety of companies doing business at those locations. There usually isn't a significant drop-off fee within one country, so you should be fine there. Last summer we picked up our car in Florence and dropped off at the Bologna airport with no extra fees. Do follow Nigel's suggestions and read up on Italy's driving laws (and enforcement) so you don't have any surprises after you return home. Also...just know that driving is different! As the host at our agriturismo advised us, "If you feel you are being followed too closely, just don't look in your rear view mirror"! (Perhaps not to be taken literally...but this advice did help us relax a bit:).)

Hi Den.
Thanks for the info. Yes, we remember about the cars driving too close from other trips. We always rent a car. Definitely, a different experience than in the States, but not too much of a bug deal.

Elina,

You may already be aware of this, but a few points to mention......

It's important to note that for driving in Italy, each driver listed on the rental form must have the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. These are valid for one year, and easily obtained at any CAA/AAA office (two Passport-sized photos required, which may be provided by the issuing office). Failure to produce an IDP if requested can result in fines on the spot! Failure to pay the fines when requested may result in the rental car being impounded, and further charges for towing and storage. Have a look at https://it.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/transportation-driving/ for more information on I.D.P's and driving in Italy.

You may also want to have a look at some of the other posts here concerning the Zona Traffico Limitato (limited traffic) areas that are becoming increasingly prevalent in many Italian towns & cities especially Florence, which is almost saturated with automated ZTL cameras. EACH PASS through one of the automated Cameras will result in a €100+ ticket, which you won't know about until several months after you return home! This website provides more information - http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/driving/traffic_cameras_speeding.htm

There's also the issue of parking tickets, high fuel costs, tolls and automated speed cameras including the devious Traffic Tutor system which measures not only instantaneous speed but also average between two points. Violate either or both parameter and expensive tickets will follow.

Auto Europe has been a good company for us in the past. Geez 15 days and all of Italy is one your list (almost). Too much traveling for 15 days. THIS June???

Most every place you listed is MUCH better for the train than rental car.
Research about ZTL zones in Italy and see if you agree.

For drop off in Italy it is usually free to pickup in one location and drop off in another as long as same country and same rental company.

I love driving in Italy and had no problems with parking, ZTL's, Tudor, remote cameras, etc.

Having said that, I agree with others. Very little of your trip lends itself to driving, especially in June. I also think your schedule is very aggressive for the time you have. I think you should either do basically from Assisi north or Rome and south.

If you do Rome, Naples and AC, a car would be a major hindrance. If you want to do the north part, you could fly into Milan, drive to Verona, drive to Venice and turn in the car and after seeing Venice, take the train back to Milan. Assisi doesn't really fit in if you include Venice. You could drive from Verona to Assisi, then continue to Orvieto, turn in the car, then take the train to Rome and fly out of there.

Personally I would't do Rome and south in June, it will be packed and hot. Read up more about your destinations, especially visiting in the summer.

Thank you everyone for taking your time to answer my silly questions. Looks like we have a lot of homework to do :)
Elina

Since no one has given you an itinerary, I'll give it a try.
Fly into Venice and out of Naples.

Try this itinerary.

Day 1. Arrive Venice. Alilaguna boat to Venice.

Day 2. Venice.

Day 3. Venice.

Day 4. Train Venice-Verona. 1hr10m.

Day 5. Verona.

Day 6. Train. Verona-Milan. 1hr13m.

Day 7. Milan.

Day 8. Train. Milan-Rome. 3hrs.

Day 9. Rome.

Day 10. Rome.

Day 11. Train. Rome-Naples. 1hr10m.
Circumvesuvian to Sorrento. 1hr20m.

Day 12. Amalfi Coast by ferry/bus.

Day 13. Pompeii or Herculaneum.

Day 14. Circumvesuvian to Naples.

Day 15. Travel

This can be done in the reverse, but if you do, book a late morning flight from Venice. Travel to the airport for an early morning flight can be costly.
If you do have an extra day, add it to Rome.

Gerri,
You are the best! Thank you.
We are, pretty, much, going to visit the cities in this order, minus the train. We still decided to drive ☺
Thanks, everyone!