We're going back! South and north this time, and would like some input.

Capri is more easily visited from Sorrento (better ferry connection). Add a night to Sorrento for a daytrip to Capri.

Positano, Ravello, etc. can also be easily visited from Sorrento. So I'd consider staying put in Sorrento for the whole time even...

We were in the Dolomites, then Verona and on to Varenna the first two weeks of June and it was pretty much dead quiet. It was between seasons we were told. Wonderful!! It was still cool for me (living in California) in the Dolomites, we had a bit of rain and at night was very cold. I have a great B & B in the Dolomites if interested- just PM me.

Consider staying in Naples for a couple of days rather than day tripping back there. The city itself is fascinating. The Circumvesuviana train between there and Sorrento is not.

It's a very early timeframe for the Dolomites. Most of the lifts in the area I know well, the Val Gardena/Ortisei, are not yet open. Yo can take the lift up from Siusi to the Alpe di Siusi starting in late May (at least this year it was May 23) and the lift at Marinzen started on May 14 in 2015. More info here. If you have a car you can access some hiking, weather dependent. There will still be some snow, although not in the valley. The drives between valleys/throughj the passes are glorious. These MAY require traction equipment on vehicles.

I like your splitting time between Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast as bases. I also like the idea of spending a couple of nights in Napoli. If you take time away from the Amalfi Coast, perhaps make Ravello your base for a few nights.

Thanks for all of your input so far. These are all things I've wondered about, and knew putting my thoughts out here would give me the benefit of all your experiences. I originally had us spending 2 or 3 nights in Naples to see the Archaeological Museum, and Pompeii and Herculaneum, so can go back to that idea. Also, maybe I should move the dates into May to take into account the Dolomites. I appreciate your ideas!

I am definitely an off-season, 'avoid tourists' kind of guy, so I like your style!

But by doing that, the offset is the possibility of inclement weather. That being said, I think late April/early May is the perfect window, the best of all worlds--pretty good weather & not so many tourists yet. If weather was your only criteria, I'd say start south, finish north, thinking that by mid-May the weather in northern Italy will be just fine. BTW, we visited southern Italy--Salerno, Amalfi, Pompeii--in mid-March and most time the temps were chilly, in the 40's-50's. Our one day in Amalfi, it did reach 60, however.

I want to say that with 20 nights on the ground, you need to make sure you see Pompei, and either the day before or after, the Archeological Museum in Naples, because they dovetail so nicely.

You may want additional time in Verona especially with day trips to Padua and Vincenza. We were in Verona this January and wished we had extra time. If you are into wine, you may wish to visit the vineyards nearby

As others have mentioned it really is too early for the Dolomites. Also, I would fly from Naples to northern Italy to save valuable time.

As others have mentioned it really is too early for the Dolomites. Also, I would fly from Naples to northern Italy to save valuable time.

Think I would plan trip for the 2nd week in May onward. Chance of much better weather

everywhere you go.

Fly into Naples, while it's culture shock, I would spend my first days here. Take the Alibus,

4 euro, from the airport to either of these B&Bs.

http://www.orsini46.it/index_en.html This one is near the Port.

http://www.bbbellini.com/eng/bellini.html Centro Storico.

This is a good deal for the sights you wish to see. http://www.artecard.it/

Make sure to browse the attractions by clicking on the links or pictures.

Look at the Tutta la Regione 3 day for 32 euro. Includes free entry to 2 sights (use the most

expensive first.) 50% off all others. Includes transportation.

Transportation around Naples http://www.napoliunplugged.com/naples-anm-bus-system

This is one of my favorites, short 25 min train ride from Naples.

http://www.madeinsouthitalytoday.com/caserta-royal-palace.php

another must see...http://www.museosansevero.it/en/ you get a reduced price for it W/arte card.

After your stay in Naples, take the Ferry to Sorrento, or Amalfi. We like this Sorrento hotel.

http://ilnido.com/ Great people, Wonderful food, and a shuttle that takes you into town.

You've had a great time in the region, now head back to the airport and use...

http://www.easyjet.com/en Fly.. Nap> Milano Malapensa (MXP) flight time 1 H 25min.

Prices right now start @ 48 euro. 3 flights/day. Transportation to Lake Como...

http://www.bellagiolakecomo.com/sites/www.bellagiolakecomo.com/files/HOW%20TO%20GET%20TO%20BELLAGIO%20FROM%20MALPENSA.pdf

After your stay in Varenna, pick up a rental car in Como http://www.kemwel.com/

Visit the Dolomites and Verona, Vicenza and Padua dropping the rental at the airport.

Make sure you have an IDP for your driving in Italy. Available at AAA for around $20

Hope this has been some help.

Wow! Thanks to all for your insights, and particularly Gerri for a very detailed reply with lots of links to explore. I will take all of this into consideration in plotting out our plans. I hadn't thought of flying to the north, so that's one of many things to consider.
Thanks!