Which company to use for booking tours?

What is your itinerary? Some of those places are easily visited on your own, so we need to know how many days you have and where.

Confused, we covered quite a lot of your tour questions in a previous thread. Did you forget about that one?

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/help-with-itinerary-4cf1c2fb-56c3-445f-937c-6efac2f67cf0

Skip the advice on that thread from posters who've not yet been to Italy.
Which tours to book are up to you: I don't think anyone has recommended a 'bad' one. Chose tour length, group size and price that suits, and book with the tour companies themselves versus a 3rd-party.

You've already been counseled not to book with 3rd-party Viator, and the reasons why.

Yes, some of us had mentioned in that thread that it's not necessary to book tours to all of the places on your list.

And posting your final itinerary (your trip is in late May and June, unless you've changed it?) would be helpful to us. It's difficult to give advice without knowing if you even have time for everything on the list.

Thanks for reply

My itinerary

I want to see highlights and not everything. Will come back later to see more.

Reach Rome May 27 night

May 28, May 29, May 30, May 31 - staying in Rome.

Plan to do Vatican City on May 29 - I think early AM tour is recommended.
Day trip from Rome to Tuscany on May 30
Plan to do other things in Rome on May 28 and May 31 like visiting Colosseum - should I do Vatican City and Colosseum in one day? Plan to do underground Colosseum tour if recommended. Can I do night time Colosseum tour but then have to visit Paltine hill, Forum in day. time.
Plan to See Catacombs - which Catacomb to see?
Any other things I can see in Rome. I have been looking at 3 day itinerary online.

June 1 leave for Sorrento - see Pompei on the way. I will carry one check in large suitcase with me which I need to store someplace ? at railway station.
June 2 - Amalfi coast tour - I think its been suggested to do tour with boats and not bus.
June 3 Capri island. Should I just visit it with a round trip boat or do I need to book tour?

June 4 leave Sorrento for Florence
June 5 - Cinque Terre trip. Couldn't find combined leaning Tower of Pisa and Cinque Terre trip on that day. Looks like those tours are on alternate days on June 4 and then June 6.
June 6 - spend some time in Florence and then leave for Venice later in the day.

June 4 and June 6 - I will have 1/2 day each for Florence - want to see highlights.

Wondering where can I fit Leaning Tower of Pisa - as can not find combined tour Cinque/Terre and Leaning Tower of Pisa on June 5.
I can take a train and go to Pisa straight from Sorrento on June 4 but where do I keep my luggage? Is it possible to keep it at Pisa train station? Do not want to go to Florence first to check in hotel first as will lose time.

June 6 leave for Venice later in the day
June 7 and June 8 - 2 whole days in Venice - do I need to book tour - looks like I can walk around and book tickets to see some places.
June 9 - Leave Italy in morning

Will need help with train bookings as need to know how much time to keep between trains when changing them.

Are you planning to see anything at all in Florence?
Honestly if you are planning to return to Italy I would drop Pisa and CT- wouldn’t consider either “highlights” and you’ve left no time at all for Florence.
You are also in Florence on a Monday when most sites are closed.

Are there still 3 of you taking this trip, one being a high-schooler?
Nope, you haven't given yourself enough time for the 'highlights' of Florence, especially if one of your 1/2 days is a Monday. I'd vote as well with scrapping the CT and Pisa (I don't see Pisa happening on the schedule you have currently) to give Florence the time it deserves.

are there two different groups travelling here or one with two names?

The OP is confusedtraveler but when the request was made to post the itinerary another poster with 6 posts traveler answered with a full itinerary.

Is that a second question by a second person or the same person with a name change. I wonder because the second person doesn't come up as OP. Usually if you change your name the OP follows the new name????

huh??

ARG!!! Good catch, Nigel!!! "Traveler" is not the OP (confusedtraveler) unless they're using 2 different accounts.
So what's the story, OP? Are you posting under 2 different forum names?

The first post by “confusedtraveler”comes up under “traveler” s posting history

So I guess it’s same person and now we are all confused

I can't recommend https://thetourguy.com. I booked tours with them in late 2019 with the guarantee that I could cancel the tours in advance for a refund - in writing. When COVID hit I tried to cancel for refunds. At first they promised they would pay me back, but after some delays they said they would not refund the tickets, but give me credits instead. They promised a 40% additional credit to offset the failure to refund the money - in writing.

In 2022 I contacted them about my credit. They did give me a credit on what I'd paid them, but ignored the 40% additional credit, even when I sent them emails showing what they had promised.

I'm stuck using them because they have a bunch of my money. But they're not very scrupulous.

Use the Tour Guy at your own peril.

To keep things simple I would book both Vatican Pristine Sistine and a Colosseum tour with Walks of Italy
I believe they offer discounts when you book multiple tours and also a Rick Steve’s discount (email them and ask)

For Capri and Amalfi I would book with Mondo Guides
They are very well reviewed, fun and affordable
Www.sharedtours.com

For Pompeii use the RS audio guide
There is luggage storage at the train station and at the Scavi site-your choice

Nothing else in your list needs a guided tour

Catacombs? I’d visit Capuchin Crypts instead-your high schooler will get a kick out of that place

Day tour of Tuscany from Rome makes no sense-but you have received that advice previously

A fun tour in Venice is the Secret Itineraries tour of Doges- you can stay inside as long as you like afterwards
https://palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/en/pianifica-la-tua-visita/special-itineraries/secret-itineraries-tour/

Sorry family members are planning different trips. Things got mixed up. That's my family!!!

Spouse wants to do Tuscany tour so I give up and go along with it.

Can I go directly from Sorrento to Pisa - keep luggage at train station and then to Florence?

Only connecting train I need is from Sorrento to Florence or Sorrento to Pisa. How much time to leave between the trains? Do trains get late and miss connection?

Any recommendation for Cinque Terre tour from Florence? I think the tour is by trains.

confusedtraveler, whatever your spouse wants to do, it doesn't make any sense at all to do Tuscany from Rome when you will also be in Florence, and Florence is IN Tuscany. It's the capital city of Tuscany. It makes far more sense to do that day trip from Florence than to do the CT, which is NOT in Tuscany. We'd already recommended against this plan.

Very kindly but I have to ask, did you read any of the detailed advice already provided in that previous thread, or take a look at the provided links to the train systems in Italy? At this point It's possible that an escorted tour will be a better choice for your family than an DIY trip if working through the details is so difficult. There is nothing AT ALL wrong with that - it's why many first-timers choose escorted tours! - but to do a DYI trip, you need to be able to work through written details and online websites. I understand why that can be a challenge but it's necessary to put the trip together. :O)

There isn't a no-changes train from Sorrento to Pisa. You have to take the local Circumvesuviana commuter train to Naples and change to a train that either goes to Pisa Centrale with no stops (in 5 hours, 28 minutes; Trenitalia) or you have to change trains in Florence and get there between 4 hours/4. 5 hours ,depending on how long you want to spend en route. From Pisa Centrale you can walk (25 minutes or so) or take a bus to Piazza dei Miracoli where the tower is. You would check your bags at Centrale station. This is, IMHO, a lot of messing around for a look at the tower, and cuts into your already far-too skimpy time in Florence but it's your trip.

Spend some time with the Trenitalia website provided earlier; here it is again:
https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html

Italotreno is another resource for trains mostly between larger cities; Naples to Florence, for instance. It does not service Pisa.
https://www.italotreno.it/en

Again, the current Circumvesuviana schedules from Sorrento to Naples are here:

https://www.sorrentoinsider.com/en/naples-to-sorrento-train-schedule

Or hire a private driver to take you to Napoli Centrale; not cheap but if that removes a layer of complication....

The other thing that can be done is cut a night from Sorrento

You could do that, although it would leave you only 1 full day for sightseeing so either Capri or exploring the coast - either by bus, ferry or combo of both - would have to be scrapped. Some people like to take a ferry all the way to Amalfi and bus back, or the reverse. Others have used private drivers (most expensive option). For simplicity and economy, there is also this shared small-group Mondo tour option (by minibus; all via road):

https://www.sharedtours.com
"Amalfi Coast Full Day From Sorrento" tour

Editing to add: Did you just delete the post about cutting the night in Sorrento?

You know- there is so much advice and info and answers to all of your questions in your various threads already. I suggest you reread them all- ignore what doesn’t apply to your trip.

That said- I like to keep things simple and I am a frequent traveler.

Here is what I would do-

Take 1 night from Rome and give it to Florence.
Forget the Tuscany tour from Rome and drop CT (you are trying to fit too much and a day trip there will not be as enjoyable as you think)

Sat May 27- arrive Rome in the evening
Sun May 28- wander Rome- do the Heart of Rome walk from RS Gide book

Mon May 29 Colosseum tour with Walks of Italy, general sightseeing in the afternoon
https://www.walksofitaly.com/rome-tours/roman-colosseum-tours/

Tues May 30 Vatican tour Pristine Sistine with Walks of Italy, general sightseeing in the afternoon
https://www.walksofitaly.com/rome-tours/pristine-sistine-chapel-tour/

Wed May 31- Train to Sorrento via Naples- can visit Pompeii on the way or visit from Sorrento- less complicated. The transit from Rome to Sorrento is a bit of work and it will be getting very hot at Pompeii by the time you get there.
If you skip Pompeii today you’ll have to choose between Capri and Amalfi day tour. I’d probably skip Capri.

Thurs 6/1 Amalfi day tour with Mondo Guides
www.sharedtours.com

Fri 6/2 Pompeii with Mondo Guides- easy to get there from Sorrento, no issues with luggage OR Capri boat trip with Mondo Guides if you did stop at Pompeii
www.sharedtours.com

Spend your evenings enjoying Sorrento

Sat 6/3 Train to Florence- this will take a good part of the day
Sun 6/4 Sightsee Florence- book your tickets for the sights you are interested in- Uffizi, David, Duomo etc.

Mon 6/5 (museums closed today)
All day guided bus trip of Tuscany- include Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano
Here is one that has been recommended on this forum
https://walkaboutflorence.com/tours/the-best-of-tuscany-in-one-day-trip-from-florence
They offer 3 pricing options- with tower climb, with or without lunch...

Tues 6/6 More Florence sightseeing if needed- afternoon train to Venice- or just get going in the am
Wed 6/7 Venice
Thurs 6/8 Venice

Fri 6/9 Fly home

The above suggested plan keeps most everything on your list, will give you a more relaxed trip, fewer train changes means less stressful transit days.

Rome 4
Sorrento 3
Florence 3
Venice 3

If you haven’t booked lodging yet you need to do that asap- especially for Sorrento.

Thanks. I received discount code from Walks of Italy - 10% off (Rick steve discount) and can get similar 10% off for booking 2 or more tours

In general Walks of Italy is more expensive than City Wonders? Are they really that good as City Wonders offers same discount.

Mondo Tours - someone mentioned that one can get stuck on road in summer doing Amalfi tour and better to do Amalfi tour that takes you through boats. Appreciate your thoughts.

I have 5 nights in Rome as 5th night is free hence trying to use it to see Tuscany instead of paying out of pocket for extra night in Florence.

https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/italy
You should pick one of these tours and let someone else do the planning for you. By the time you pay for all the individual tours and transportation, you could pay for a fully guided tour.
You're trying to do too much in too little time in a way that makes no sense. Sorry if this is harsh, but some people are just not cut out for travel planning, and it is especially hard if you're trying to please multiple people and have never planned a trip like this. Take a small group tour then next time you'll have far more confidence planning it yourself.

I have 5 nights in Rome as 5th night is free hence trying to use it to
see Tuscany instead of paying out of pocket for extra night in
Florence.

But that's where you're robbing Peter to pay Paul, sort of speak. Because of the distance, you'll spend more time sitting on a bus than you would if doing this trip from Florence. Heck, I don't even know what "Tuscany" means to your husband. It's entirely possible to do a number of very nice day trips to Tuscan locations from Florence without a tour at all: Fiesole (by short bus ride), Siena (bus or train), Lucca (train), Pisa (train), etc. Wine tasting? I can't think that would be much fun for your high schooler, nor would be the amount of sitting that many tours involve. DIY day trips will save enough to help pay for that extra night in Florence. Even if you choose an organized trip into the countryside, you'll likely see more of 'Tuscany' from Florence than from Rome because it takes longer just to get there and back.

If you still won't use that that Day 5 for Florence (which is definitely my preference) then consider hopping a train to Orvieto for a ramble about a lovely Umbrian hill town instead of trying to do Tuscany. Takes 1 hour, 15 minutes form Rome, no changes, and costs as little as 9,15 euro one-way. Pouring rain on day 5? Stay in Rome and sightsee indoor stuff. But it's your trip, and I guess at this point we've presented all the reasons for an alternate plan. So be it.

Very kindly, I might agree that by the time you pay for the amount of day tours for 3 people that you're looking at doing, you may as well have purchased an RS fully escorted tour. If it's all about budget - which it sounds like it is - you can save a lot by reading up in advance and doing as much of your trip without tours as possible, although there are places, such as the Forum and Palatine, which benefit from them. Using free or inexpensive audio guides can be a nice economy as well.
(Edited)

In general Walks of Italy is more expensive than City Wonders? Are
they really that good as City Wonders offers same discount.

Walks of Italy gets many more mentions here and good reviews. I have used Walks myself and highly recommend. If City Wonders offers a similar tour or one that interests you- then use them. Your choice.

Mondo Tours - someone mentioned that one can get stuck on road in
summer doing Amalfi tour and better to do Amalfi tour that takes you
through boats. Appreciate your thoughts.

Yes traffic can be slow, stop and go but you will not sit somewhere ALL day- you will move along. The Mondo tour gives you stops in 3 villages- Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. It is guided so you don’t have to figure anything out on your own- buses, ferry, etc. It is the simplest solution for you.
If weather is bad- ferries won’t be an option.

I have 5 nights in Rome as 5th night is free hence trying to use it to
see Tuscany instead of paying out of pocket for extra night in
Florence.

Since that night is free- I’d leave Rome early and give the night to Florence. All the money you are spending for these tours has to be more than 1 paid night in Florence.

I don’t know which tour you are looking at from Rome to Tuscany but I see City Wonders has one- so am assuming maybe that one?
It only gets you to Montepulciano and Pienza- 2 lovely towns but you will spend many more hours on a bus doing the boring drive from Rome to Montepulciano. It’s a 12 hour tour and I would guess close to half of that time is spent ON the bus.
The cost is significantly higher than a tour from Florence IN Tuscany as well.

City Wonders tour 3 adults on 5/30 is $429. If your son is under 14 you save a few bucks.
https://citywonders.com/rome-tours/tuscany-day-trips-from-rome

Walk About Florence full tour with winery visit and lunch for 2 adults, 1 child under 18 on June 5 is 282 euros or about $312.
https://walkaboutflorence.com/tours/the-best-of-tuscany-in-one-day-trip-from-florence

Tour takes you to 2 important Tuscan towns- Siena and San Gimignano. It also takes you to PISA which seems to be a priority for you. Doing this tour eliminates YOU having to get yourselves to Pisa- figuring out trains, etc. You don’t have time to visit Pisa if you only have 2 nights in Florence.
The full ticket for Pisa sites including tower climb is 27 euros. The tower climb requires a timed entry so not sure how that works if you book that tour option with Walk About. The other Pisa sites are all important and worthwhile. For 10 euros you can visit ALL the sites but no tower climb.

That’s a pretty big difference in cost between those 2 Tuscany tours. And a very big difference in time spent on a bus.
Almost enough for a hotel night in Florence.

There's not much else anyone here can say. we want to help you have a nice trip and have given you great advice based on EXPERIENCE. We have BEEN THERE and know the drill.
Your choice to accept the advice and make some changes or not.

Thank You for patience and replying to my queries.

Any suggestions where should I stay in Florence? I was looking at Hilton, AC Hotel by Marriott and other hotels.

Any recommendations which company to use for tours in Florence. I see there are 4-6 hours walking tours.

Best way to reach Florence from Sorrento so that I can use half a day in Florence on June 4.

Here is what you need to know about Walks of Italy and Underground Colosseum tours. They will book you, they will confirm you, but your ticket is not guaranteed. They are scrambling to get tickets just like everyone else. I booked my ticket for the underground, and knowing the challenges that providers were facing getting tickets, I confirmed that it was a go 3 different times prior to my trip. I went knowing that there was a 50-50 chance that they would cancel the tour at the last minute in spite of all their assurances. That is exactly what they did. I did receive a refund.

I knew in advance that this was a real possibility so it wasn't devastating, just disappointing. The good news here is that I went on a regular tour of the Colosseum and enjoyed myself very much. In the end, I didn't really feel badly about my Colosseum experience.

If you book with them you may get the tickets and go on the tour. Just be prepared that the last minute cancellation is also a possibility.

Any suggestions where should I stay in Florence? I was looking at
Hilton, AC Hotel by Marriott and other hotels.

That hotel is too far way from center and train station- it’s a 25 min walk and just as long if you use a tram/bus.
Look on booking.com for a place in the Historic Center- anywhere between SM Novella-Duomo-Ponte Vecchio. There are dozens of hotel in that area.
Florence historic center is very compact and walkable.
What is your budget?
We recently stayed at Hotel Berchielli with a view of Ponte Vecchio- it was a great location and very nice hotel.
https://www.berchielli.it/

A budget hotel we have considered- very easy walk from train station
Hotel Paris
https://www.parishotel.it

Any recommendations which company to use for tours in Florence. I see
there are 4-6 hours walking tours.

I wouldn’t bother. Use the RS guide book and do his Renaissance walk.

Best way to reach Florence from Sorrento so that I can use half a day
in Florence on June 4.

Circumvesuviana from Sorrento to Napoli Centrale (Garibaldi then upstairs to Centrale)

https://www.positano.com/en/naples-to-sorrento-train-schedule?route=sorrento_napoli#section-schedule-result

Then fast train to Florence
Station names Napoli Centrale to Firenze SM Novella
https://www.trenitalia.com

I would probably aim for the 8 am Circumvesuviana then the 8:55 Freccia. If you are nervous about timing- pick the next Freccia- 9:40- those tickets are train specific so if you miss the 8:55 you lose.
Get your Circumvesuviana tickets at the Sorrento station and don’t forget to validate. You can buy these at any time while in Sorrento so maybe pick them up when you arrive from Rome/Pompeii
That will get you to Florence by noon- no changes- 3 hour trip.

Don’t delay too much longer- a lot of the lower priced tickets are already sold out. The 8:55 train is cheaper than the 9:40- so you could plan to catch an earlier Circumvesuviana at 7:12 and an earlier Freccia at 8:40.

Do you have lodging booked in Sorrento? If not get that done ASAP.

Where are you staying in Rome and Venice?

Any recommendations which company to use for tours in Florence. I see
there are 4-6 hours walking tours.

Yep, I'd do as Christine suggested and just use the guidebook and/or download his free audio tour to your devices.
https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/audio-tours

Along with the Marriott, both Hiltons are too far from center. Plug your dates and desired per night price into booking.com and look for hotels with family rooms (meaning they'll have more than 1 bed) and air conditioning (!!!!) closer to center, as was described. Also browse:

https://search.ricksteves.com/?button=&date_range=2y&filter=Travel+Forum&query=Hotels%2C+Florence%2C+Italy&utf8=✓

as far as where to stay, have you looked at renting apartments thru airbnb or vrbo? It's so much better of an experience than staying at a hotel. Hotels can be more convenient, but staying in an apartment lets you really enjoy the locals' actual neighborhoods. It's worth taking a look, at least.

Jeff- JMO but an apartment is fine for experienced travelers with longer stays than 2 nights, which is all OP has in Florence as far as we know now.
A hotel in a very central location is a better choice for this family as they will arrive early and need to drop their bags- a hotel will hold their bags- an apartment usually doesn't due to later check in times.
Having a 24 hour desk to help them with logistics and recommendations while they are there will be important. Having breakfast available at the hotel will save them time as well.

June 1 - Rome to Sorrento
I found this article but which is very helpful but train times have changed.
https://www.earthtrekkers.com/visit-pompeii-traveling-rome-sorrento/
Wondering which train times to choose and how much time needed at Pompeii?

June 4 Sorrento to Florence
I will book 8:55 Frecca from Napoli to Firenze
However from Sorrento to Napoli - options are Hilton hotel to Sorrento train station via taxi (cost of taxi?) and then 8 am Circumvesuviana vs taking taxi from Hilton Hotel in Sorrento to Napoli train station. Questions that come to mind are - how to book a taxi, how reliable taxi is, how much traffic on the way, chances to miss the 8:55 AM Frecca train and cost of Taxi?

June 5 Florence to Cinque Terre by train on my own
Firenze campo de marte to La spezia centrale Deprtas 7:54 AM and reaches at 9:37 AM and then I can take cinque Terre express train to visit various villages and on the way back change train at Pisa Centrale from la Spezia Centrale to Florence.

Leaning Tower of Pisa releases tickets only 20 days in advance? How difficult is it to get a ticket?

Thanks

June 1 - Rome to Sorrento

> I found this article but which is very helpful but train times have
changed.

> https://www.earthtrekkers.com/visit-pompeii-traveling-rome-sorrento/

> Wondering which train times to choose and how much time needed at
Pompeii?

There are fast trains all day. Pompeii opens at 9:30 I believe so pick a train with no changes that gets you to Napoli Centrale about 9 then transfer to Circumvesuviana.
Can spend all day but I doubt you want to. We spent about 3.5 hours- 2 hours or so was a tour. Left because it was pouring rain.

June 4 Sorrento to Florence

> I will book 8:55 Frecca from Napoli to Firenze

> However from Sorrento to Napoli - options are Hilton hotel to Sorrento
train station via taxi (cost of taxi?) and then 8 am Circumvesuviana
vs taking taxi from Hilton Hotel in Sorrento to Napoli train station.
Questions that come to mind are - how to book a taxi, how reliable
taxi is, how much traffic on the way, chances to miss the 8:55 AM
Frecca train and cost of Taxi?

You will want to get to Napoli Centrale by about 8:30 so work back from there. Easiest and cheapest is Circumvesuviana- the links have been posted for you previously.
Taxis are famously overpriced in Sorrento so I'd guess minimum 20 euros to station from your hotel.
Your hotel will call a taxi for you.

If you want a driver to Napoli Centrale it will be well over 120 euro. Tell them your train time and they will decide on pick up time.
www.topexcursionsorrento.com
Traffic can be a problem, making you miss the train.
I’d take Circumvesuviana.

June 5 Florence to Cinque Terre by train on my own

> Firenze campo de marte to La spezia centrale Deprtas 7:54 AM and
reaches at 9:37 AM and then I can take cinque Terre express train to
visit various villages and on the way back change train at Pisa
Centrale from la Spezia Centrale to Florence. Leaning Tower of Pisa
releases tickets only 20 days in advance? How difficult is it to get a
ticket?

I don’t think Pisa tickets are are problem. Just buy when available. Tower climb is time specific - don't know how that'll work for you coming from CT. Without the tower climb you can probably just buy tix when you get there.
You have been advised of the difficulty of this day’s plan. I don’t think you even have time from both CT and Pisa.
From Pisa Centrale to the tower is a 30 min walk thru town. Then a 30 min walk back.
I would suggest going to Pisa first if it is that important. Then to CT

May 27 night I reach

May 28 I don't know how jet lagged I will be - planning Catacombs and waling around

May 29 Vatican City. Is it better to do Vatican city and colosseum tour in one day or divide it say may 27 morning Vatican City Tour and May 30 Colosseum tour?

Going from hotel in Rome to train station - Taxi or Uber?

May 27 night I reach
May 28 I don't know how jet lagged I will be -
planning Catacombs and waling around
May 29 Vatican City. Is it better
to do Vatican city and colosseum tour in one day or divide it say
may
27 morning Vatican City Tour and May 30 Colosseum tour? Going from
hotel in Rome to train station - Taxi or Uber?

Which catacombs? They are all mostly well outside the city.
Just do the RS Heart of Rome walk- Campo De'Fiori, P Navonna, Pantheon, Trevi, Spanish Steps etc.

Both Vatican and Colosseum are exhausting- split them up.

No Uber as we know it in Italy.
Taxis are cheap- have your hotel call for one.

Where is your hotel?

May 29 Vatican City. Is it better to do Vatican city and colosseum
tour in one day or divide it

No. You should not do the two most heavily visited attractions in Rome on the same day. You have 5 days in Rome: you have time to split them up.

May 28 I don't know how jet lagged I will be - planning Catacombs and
waling around

As said above, they are really not walking distance from the historic center unless you're longer-distance walkers like we are; we did San Sebastiano as part of a very long day trekking the Appia Antica from some miles outside Rome back into the city. I'd given you the info links for several catacombs at the end of your earlier thread (link below.) To repeat, they're nothing at all like the catacombs you saw in Paris.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/help-with-itinerary-4cf1c2fb-56c3-445f-937c-6efac2f67cf0

Yes, WHERE is your hotel? It can matter as far as type of transport might be best or if you need it at all. No, no Uber as you know it in Rome. Consider as well that when at all possible, the best way to experience Rome is from the sidewalks and not from a car, bus or metro. Depending on where you're going from your starting point, it can even be quicker!

You have received great advice, and I agree especially that leaving Rome to go to Tuscany is silly when you will be going back to Florence a few days later.
I understand why you think you need that checked bag, because I pack a lot and check a bag all the time, in the US. Believe me, you will not need a big bag and the hassle that goes with it, especially in summer.

Confused

If you are still looking for a Florence hotel suggestion, consider Hotel Albani Firenze. Very classy, on quiet street one block from train station. Great free breakfast when we went.

Just out of curiousity, are you sharing one hotel room with spouse and teenager or getting 2 hotel rooms for 3 people. Personally, if I were in your situation, I would prefer separation from my teenager. It may be more affordable with more breathing space to get a one bedroom Airbnb or vrbo (room for parents and sofa bed for teenager) or a 2 bedroom apartment for not too much more. Make sure you factor in all the fees to compare the average daily rate (ADR) with a hotel.

Whether you take a cab from your Rome hotel to train station depends how far you are from the station. I generally like to stay within walking distance of train stations. FWIW, we stayed in the Hotel IQ Roma and the Olimpia Hotel in Venice. All had great breakfasts. We still rave about the coffee we had at the Olimpia. A fifth night free sounds good, but I would divide total cost of the stay by the 5 nights to see if the ADR is really a big savings or not. When you have limited number of days and trying to see all of Italy from Sorrento to CT to Venice, that extra night in Rome really affects your itinerary. And doing a long day trip North to return to Rome to stay for "free" may end up costing you more time and money as noted by another.

I don't want to cause anymore confusion. You only have about 3 months before you leave and the time to book advance discount train fares will be coming up fast. Good luck.

June 4 leave Sorrento for Florence June 5 - Cinque Terre trip.
Couldn't find combined leaning Tower of Pisa and Cinque Terre trip on
that day. Looks like those tours are on alternate days on June 4 and
then June 6. June 6 - spend some time in Florence and then leave for
Venice later in the day.

OP is in Florence for Sun evening then out of town entire Monday, leaves for Venice Tues afternoon.
2 nights, 2 half days.
Apartment doesn't really make sense. I think the son is middle or high school age.

Confused- CT and Pisa seem very important to you. Have you considered just going to Pisa and spending the 2 nights there? Day trip on Day 2 to CT. You don't really have time for much of anything in Florence as it is.
It adds a step to your travel but it's a travel day anyway- why not?

June 4
Sorrento to Florence via Naples
Florence to Pisa- 2 nights
See Tower, etc this afternoon/evening, it's lovely all lit up as well. Town walk is interesting.
We stayed right next to the tower- view from our room, very cool.

June 5 CT day trip
June 6- Leave early for Venice

Blockquote

Here is what you need to know about Walks of Italy and Underground Colosseum tours. They will book you, they will confirm you, but your ticket is not guaranteed. They are scrambling to get tickets just like everyone else. I booked my ticket for the underground, and knowing the challenges that providers were facing getting tickets, I confirmed that it was a go 3 different times prior to my trip. I went knowing that there was a 50-50 chance that they would cancel the tour at the last minute in spite of all their assurances. That is exactly what they did. I did receive a refund.
I knew in advance that this was a real possibility so it wasn't devastating, just disappointing. The good news here is that I went on a regular tour of the Colosseum and enjoyed myself very much. In the end, I didn't really feel badly about my Colosseum experience.
If you book with them you may get the tickets and go on the tour. Just be prepared that the last minute cancellation is also a possibility.

Blockquote

What's the best thing to do - I can book Underground or evening Colosseum tours through Viator and try to get tickets on my own when they open up. If I get the tickets then cancel through Viator. And if I don't then continue with Viator tour hoping if Underground tour is so call cancelled (as tickets not available) at last moment they will at least take me to regular colosseum tour.

Does walk of Italy or city wonders allow free cancellation? Any one has experience with them?

May be I missed it, I have AC Marriott booked in Florence. Should I book some other hotel for 2 nights?

I didn't read through all the comments. But for Pompeii, Amalfi coast, and Capri, I highly recommend Askos tours.

https://www.askostours.com/destination/pompeii-mount-vesuvius/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAi8KfBhCuARIsADp-A57wPqPZDUVzLEEPEHF57Lpl04UeUOY_xbjPpfdxtEBJ09HJhXOqpzMaAicbEALw_wcB

I have AC Marriott booked in Florence. Should I book some other hotel
for 2 nights?

Due to where it is located, I wouldn't have booked that one as it's bit too far from the historic center. We'd already counseled against booking that one earlier in this same thread, and you received an alternate recommendation. You'd also been counseled against that one on yourTripAdvisor thread and received an alternate recommendation.

Colosseum Underground: unless you book with Coopculture, there is no 100% guarantee on getting into the underground. I personally don't think that part is such a big deal that it needs to be stressed over - especially if NOT getting it is going to ruin your trip - so book a tour that doesn't include it. Enough visitors have reported that the Coopculture "FULL EXPERIENCE TICKET WITH ACCESS TO THE ARENA OF THE COLOSSEUM " was just fine - you can see down into the underground from above - and well worth avoiding the headache of trying land underground tickets.

https://www.coopculture.it/en/products/full-experience-ticket-with-access-to-the-arena-of-the-colosseum/

I've been to Rome 3 times, been to the Colosseum twice, have yet to see the underground, and haven't felt like I've missed anything. Rome has so much more to offer!

Editing to add: I see that you're still thinking Trip Advisor's Viator is a tour company. As previously stated, it's not. It'a a 3rd party reseller - they do not operate their own tours - and several of us had previously advised, on your other thread, against booking through them. If you look through the text of the tours offered on the Viator site, you'll find the names of the companies who are actually providing/guiding the tours. As previously counseled, it's best to go to the website of the actual company conducting the tour you are interested in and booking directly with them. Refund policies? You have to read the fine print on the website of the company you're looking at booking with.

We’ve been to Rome 4 times and never felt the need to do the Underground tour. First trip we did a Walks of Italy- Colosseum/Forum/Palatine, next trip we toured these sites on our own.

The Underground tour DOES NOT include Forum/Palatine- which IMO is the part that really benefits from a guide.

Why do you feel you NEED that Underground tour?

Your hotel in Florence is way too far from the historic center, especially given the very very short hours you actually have in Florence. You’ll spend too much time and unnecessary cab fares just getting to/from hotel.

Wondering if you’ve considered the suggestion I made above about just going to Pisa for these 2 nights?
I suppose if you just wanted a peek at Florence you could stop for a few hours on your way from Pisa to Venice- check bags at station- walk to Duomo- about 10 min, cross the Ponte Vecchio, see the David replica in P Signoria, have lunch.

June 4
Sorrento to Pisa- 2 nights, change in Naples and Florence
Book hotel near the tower. See Field of Miracles sites and climb tower this afternoon/evening.
(we stayed at Grand Hotel Duomo https://www.grandhotelduomopisa.it)

June 5- day trip to CT

June 6- Train to Venice- (stop over in Florence if you want)

You don’t seem all that interested in art and perhaps are just listing these as “must do” because a book or YouTube says so. I love art but we didn’t even go into any museums on our 2nd trip to Florence.
(and no way would I drag a “young son” thru the Uffizi if he just doesn’t want to be there).

Anyway I hesitate to respond to your posts anymore- your questions have been answered multiple times. Both here in this thread, in your other threads and on your posts on Trip Advisor. The advice is all the same- you are trying to do too much, your plans are not sensible and the logistics could become a nightmare.
Many folks here have tried to help you figure this trip out but it doesn’t appear that you are willing to make some smart, necessary changes.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Profile/samaG5493BE?tab=forum&fid=7069104e-5f25-42d4-9030-74d921592787

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187895-i68-k14278929-2_nights_in_Florence-Florence_Tuscany.html#116555649

Thanks for the replies and patience.

I have booked hotels and flights.

I am booking train tickets.

I have option of either Italo (Club executive or Salotto) or Trenitalia (Business or Business Salotino).

Any recommendations or just choose whichever time/train (Italo vs Tren Italia) /price, I like the best.

May be I should just Buy Trenitalia Pass as I am doing 4 trips in 7 days. That should be cost effective. Any one has experience with it?

You have to do the math.

The Trenitalia pass is not good on Regional trains and the Circumvesuviana.
You are only taking 3 fast trains- Rome to Naples, Naples to Florence, Florence to Venice.
You must still book your tickets and seat reservations are mandatory.
We have never felt the need to upgrade to Business or otherwise. The Economy seats are perfectly comfortable and clean for such short train rides.

I think you’ll find it just as easy and probably cheaper to just buy your point to point tickets ahead of time.
Have you downloaded the apps? Trenitalia and ItaloTreno both easy to use.

Just a quick check- I see a Trenitalia Rome to Naples 6/1 8am-9:13 still has the special deal left INSIENE- good for 3 travelers- 79€

Trains from Naples to Florence on 6/4 at reasonable times are extremely limited with no discounted seats left. Economy 188€ for 3.

Florence to Venice has the INSIENE deal left on 6/4. 85.50€

So basically you could spend just about 350€ for all 3 of your fast trains for 3 of you.
Looks like the Trenitalia 3 trips/7 days pass Business class would be twice that.

I didn’t check Italotreno.

Whatever you decide you should do it soon.
You are there at a very very busy time.

Be sure to use the Italian statio names:
Roma Termini
Napoli Centrale
Firenze SM Novella
Venezia SM Lucia

We've haven't felt it necessary to book more than a 2nd-class train ticket. The carriages are FAR more comfortable than economy seating in a plane.

Thanks for the reply.

True booking individual tickets is much cheaper than pass.

I could save money by not traveling business class. Can use same money for some activity.

From Naples to Pompeii, it's suggested to take Campania Express as will have confirmed seats (but did not see option to choose seat numbers), A/C train and luggage storage instead of Circumvesuviana train. However only 4 trains run so considerability less flexibility.

It costs 15 Euro x 3 = 45 Euro. I was wondering if it would be better to just book a Taxi from Naples Centrale train station to Pompeii. Any experience with cost of Taxi for 3 people and Luggage?

May be I can do same from Pompeii to Sorrento as need to buy Campania train ticket (45 Euro for 3) then Taxi from Sorrento train (I guess atleast 20 Euro) station to hotel. I don't know how difficult is it to get Taxi from Pompeii to Sorrento and what will it cost.

Taxi or private driver Naples to Pompeii is going to be over 100 euros.
From Pompeii to Sorrento close to the same.

https://www.topexcursionsorrento.com/en/i/SM8RN

The Campania Express is nice IF the schedule works out for you- unfortunately it often doesn't!

Top Excursion Sorrento (link above) offers all sort of transfers/tours but it will cost.

TBH I'd just take the Circumvesuiviana Naples to Pompeii- tour the site- then get back on Circ to Sorrento.
If your hotel is close to station, no need for taxi in Sorrento. If not figure at least 20 euros.

If your hotel is close to station, no need for taxi in Sorrento. If
not figure at least 20 euros.

You mentioned staying at the Hilton earlier in in this thread:

However from Sorrento to Napoli - options are Hilton hotel to Sorrento
train station via taxi (cost of taxi?) and then 8 am Circumvesuviana
vs taking taxi from Hilton Hotel in Sorrento to Napoli train station.

The Hilton Palace Sorrento is a mile and 1/4 from the train station and not walkable with luggage. Recent comments from guests on both booking.com and TripAdvisor note a $20 cab ride each way from the hotel, which apparently is an uphill walk from the town center. Other guests commented that "It is quite a "climb" on foot up to the hotel during the daytime in hot weather" and "location a bit far from the center, and uphill going back wasn’t easy." No hotel shuttle or bus service, and few restaurants close by. The trek up from center doesn't appear to have been an issue with most for daily sightseeing - 15-20 minutes - but a head's up that it's likely a different story with bags.

To add: Be cautious about using outdated cost estimates for cab or private driver fares found on the internet? Prices have increased more recently due to rising fuel costs. Especially don't use Rome2Rio, which is stating a ridiculous $4-$5 taxi fare from Pompeii to Sorrento.

Any suggestions where should I stay in Florence? I was looking at Hilton, AC Hotel by Marriott and other hotels.

Have you traveled in Europe before? I know you posted later that you've booked, but I feel compelled to say you are missing out by staying in chain hotels. Half the charm of traveling in Europe is staying in locally owned accommodations. Some of our most memorable experiences in Europe has been staying at small B&Bs and agriturismos.

Again, it's a day late and a dollar short, but I totally agree with the person who suggested you book and RS tour for your first trip to Italy. The group here has been very patient in trying to help you out, but your responses indicate you are not paying attention to the veteran travelers who have responded. We are basing our responses on years of experience.

I wish you the best. Happy travels.

Thanks for all the replies.

I have travelled in Europe before using trains and I am actually quite comfortable with trains.

I have stayed in boutique hotels too in Europe.

I appreciate all the advise and make changes in my plan with all the input I receive.

By doing this on my own, I learn a lot which I wouldn't if I just booked a tour.

With much appreciation.

I will take Campania Express from Napoli Garibaldi at 11:37 AM (instead of 08: 49 AM to have a relaxed start for my day). I can leave Pompeii on 16:11 train (instead of 18:35 train) after hiring a guide at Pompeii. I understand I will have confirmed seats but no allotted seat numbers and I am traveling with family and luggage. How tough is to seat together and find space for luggage as it will be a busy season.

From Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale, I can choose one of the following trains:

Trenitalia 9:15 to 10:28
Italo 9:41 to 10:53
Trenitalia 9:53 to 11:03

How much time should I keep between 2 trains?