traveling to Italy

I suggest getting a copy of the Rick Steves Italy 2012 guidebook. He does a really good job of introducing the highlights of Italy esp. for first time travelers. That will allow you to pick the things that are of most interest to you. Speaking of interests, you might also share here what your interests are (e.g. hiking, museums, food, music, shopping), as that will get you better results. Share also what your budget range would be for things such as lodging and restaurants. And lastly, since every posting in this section of the traveler's helpline is about "traveling to Italy", you might get more people to check out your posting if you edit the title to be something more like "Need ideas for 7 days in November". Good luck.

I second the recommendation to get Rick Steves Italy. Get a 2012 edition now (or borrow it from the library), and, if you can, get the 2013 just before your trip (it's due out October 30, 2012). Rick up-dates this book every year, so the new edition isn't merely a formality. There are lots of possibilities, so you will have to be choosy. You could certainly spend the whole time in Rome and not run out of things to do (particularly if relaxing and family bonding, rather than intensive sightseeing, is your daughter's primary goal). And since the peak season is over, you can actually get into the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, etc, without huge crowds. If Tuscany is of interest, be aware that Florence and other cities will be fine, but the Tuscan countryside will not be at its best. Similarly, while Naples and Sorrento will still have attractions, the Amalfi coast towns and Capri will be at half-mast (and the boats will either not be running, or will be at greatly reduced frequency).

Prior to moving here, we spent two full weeks (one each of two years) in Rome. We still have a list of things of interest we haven't seen! We spent one week in Oct 2012, and another the last week of December 2011. Weather did not deter our plans either trip. Each time we even had "shirtsleeves weather" a couple of times. The thing about Rome is, if you get a rainy day, there're still plenty of places to go indoors and as mentioned above, the crowds thin out considerbly. We also spent a December week in Sorrento and loved it. While some days it was cold (45 F.) it was usually sunny. We skipped the islands but enjoyed Amalfi town, hiking, Pompeii, Ercolano, and a full day in Naples. I do think the food is better in Rome, FWIW. There are also great daytrip opportunities (Orvieto, Ostia Antica) if you want to get out of town a bit. Tuscany requires, IMO, a car. It also can have dicey weather: more fog, more rain. I'd stay south, and with only 7 days, pick one location, get an apartment.

Although if your daughter is working her heart out inSouth Sudan, for heaven's sake, shouldn't you go with her wish??

I've re-read your posting and my advice is now different. I thought you were already planning to stay in Rome for a chunk of time and were looking for an additional seven days to spend elsewhere. Given what you've said, I would suggest staying in Rome all 7 days, preferably in the Trastevere neighborhood. Find a place within a few blocks of the Tiber River so you'll have easy access to the rest of the city. Staying in Trastevere is like staying in a village, but it's right across the river from all the major sites. And it's well known for the number of restaurants AND it has a much more relaxed vibe than the rest of Rome. You could easily find an apartment (try vrbo.com) for the week for all three of you. And there are easy daytrips out of Rome in case you get bored with the Eternal City. Happy travels.

Peggy, As the primary criteria are to "relax and eat", Rome would probably be a good choice as there are a huge number of restaurants to choose from, and also lots of interesting things to see if you want to include a few sights. Rome is also a good location for a few day trips. One possibility would be Orvieto, which has a beautiful Duomo with some incredible Signorelli frescoes. A day trip to Florence is also possible, as it's only about 1.5 hours each way via Freccia trains. Tuscany is certainly a location to consider, but it will probably be a bit "quiet" in November and businesses will be operating on reduced hours. If the weather is a bit "inclement", Rome will provide more indoor activities to keep busy with. Happy travels!

I agree with Ken and other posters, stay in Rome for the week, so much to do and see. Take Rome at a leisurely pace. I stayed at Hotel Forte near the Spanish Stairs and would recommend it.

Peggy, I'm so lucky to be spending a long time in Italy just now (thanks to Ken from Canada, Pimsleur, Rick Steves, and many of you). I'm based in Naples. You can't meet nicer people, but, to be frank, I have to pretend that I'm not driving through so much trash! It's like a permanent trash strike, but there is pickup! Seriously, there's one roadway that should have two lanes in each direction, but the trash takes up the outside lane. It is exciting and wonderful, but not exactly peaceful. I spent 3 days in Tuscany. If I had a job serving the ill or clearing brush or establishing water supplies (I'm guessing at your daughter's job), I'd vote for an Agriturismo in Tuscany. The skies are so beautiful that it makes you think that the Italian painters had it easy with that subject! The rolling countryside is so peaceful and calming that you can't help but relax. No city's bustle can beat that for restorative vacation days.
Just a thought.