Boyfriend and I are headed to Italy in June!
Planning to fly Meridiana to Naples - arrive 6am
We would like Rome, Florence, Venice, then staying with family for 3 nights in Buccino, and possibly almfai
Suggestions on duration of stay in each city? Are trains a good idea? We have 10 nights possibly 11
10 nights is not enough to do the big three -- Rome, Florence and Venice -- as well as Buccino. Is Buccino set to be your last stop? Assuming so I suggest that on arrival in Naples you proceed immediately to Rome by high-speed train (only takes about an hour). Spend 4 nights in Rome, then go to Florence (again, high-speed train, about 90 minutes) and stay 3 nights. Finally a high-speed train to Salerno from Florence, for your final 3 nights in Buccino. Perhaps while you are there you can get to the Amalfi Coast. You'd need 2-3 more nights (total 13 would be nice) to make going to Venice worthwhile. If you have that 11th night, add it to Florence and spend a day going to Siena.
Have you read a good guide book yet? Like Rick Steves' Guide to Italy? Essential to planning and implementing. Everything you need to know about trains is explained in the book.
It is getting very late to be making reservations for high season. You will need to secure your lodging ASAP.
If you make Buccino first or last stop you might be able to do it if you can squeeze 11 days out of your trip. There are regular nonstop flights from Naples to Venice and vise versa for as little as $55 pp OW. So if you land in Naples and fly on to Venice on day one then work your way back by train spending only 2-3 nights each in Venice (3), Florence (2) and Rome (3) (leaving 3 nights in Buccino) you could pull off a whirlwind trip.
