where to go for 3 days

Orvieto, a one hour train ride from Rome is one option. You might find that you'd like to spend another day or so in Rome and then 2 in Orvieto or all 3 in Orvieto.

since you're going on a ETBD trip, you can talk with the consultants for 1/2 price. Given what a trip costs, this could be the best $25 you spend! Go to http://www.ricksteves.com/about/consulting.htm

It will be helpful if you include whether you will have gone anywhere else in Italy at that point, as well as what kind of things you enjoy doing. Also, will you have done any daytrips out of Rome during that time?

Venice,Tuscany,Florence,Rome are part of tour. Enjoy country side, walking, coast and small towns, food wine, people.

Michael..day trips out of Rome are not included in the tour but am interested in your suggestions.

Sorrento! My favorite place in Italy and very easy to do by train.

With only three extra days,, I would stay in Rome and just take one daytrip out of Rome. I have done a RS tour,, and while they cover main highlights in Rome,, it still deserves an extra few days . I arrived for our tour 2 days in advance,, and could have seen more. Where to go is going to be personal tastes and interests. I have always wanted to go to Pompei,, I don't think thats a daytrip( I don't know for sure) so for me that would be choice if I wanted to leave town for a few days.

I second staying in Sorrento! I was there 6 years ago with a high school trip, so we didnt do much sightseeing around there, but i am now planning another trip to italy with my mom and we have planned 3 days in sorrento. It is amazingly beautiful down there, and depending on your interested, there is plenty to do. For example, i am planning a few different itineraries for us to do, depending on our mood. One is the sightseeing itinerary, which includes a stop in Napoli and a day in pompei on our way to Sorrento, with Capri the next day, or the laid back itinerary, which could include Capri, relaxing in Sorrento, or taking a bus around the Amalfi Coast. Its really endless, but it is definately a nice place to relax after all the busy sightseeing in the rest of Italy, and its pretty close to Rome.

First, you may want a day just to relax and catch your breath. Second, there is always more to see in Rome. We have been there close to three weeks on several trips and still have not made it to the gardens. Also depends a little bit on the days of the week you are there. The Appian Way is terrific on a Sunday. A day trip to Ville D'Este (Tivoli) and/or Hadrian's Ville is an easy and terrific day trip. And of course, Ostia Antica, is interesting without being demanding. AND, that really great, last night dinner in Rome before departure - shouldn't be missed.

Thank you All for taking the time to respond...your input is greatly appreciated! Allen