claudiaestrella1010

Hello please help me plan my trip through Italy in 12 days. I will be traveling May 2013 to Italy and plan to begin in the Almafi Coast. Help me plan an itinerary all the way to Milan. I plan to travel by train mostly.

Jean

Is that 12 days after the Amalfi Coast or 12 days total? If 12 days total, how many days will you be in the Amalfi Coast area? Do you want to spend any time in Naples? Rome? Florence? Venice? Do you prefer cities or smaller towns? Have you been to Italy before?

There are more options than you have time, so it's impossible to "plan your itinerary" without knowing more about you, your interests and priorities for this trip.

Dukey1

I suggest YOU plan your own itinerary and then come back and ask if it can be improved.

nytraveler

It would also help to know who/how many you are and how you prefer to travel (train or car) - but that may well depend on where/what sights you want to see.

claudiaestrella1010

Just me! I'm traveling on my own. 12 days in total. I was thinking of staying in the Almafi Coast for 2 days. Then moving North. I want to see Naples, Rome, Florence, Venice...all of the above. Is this realistic? Never been to Italy. I plan to travel by train.

Jean

So, something like this?

Day 1. Arrive Naples and head to the hotel on the Amalfi Coast.
Day 2. Amalfi Coast
Day 3. Morning departure to Naples (No interest in Capri or Pompeii?), evening train to Rome
Day 4. Rome
Day 5. Rome
Day 6. Rome, late afternoon or evening train to Florence
Day 7. Florence
Day 8. Day trip to Siena -or- Pisa/Lucca
Day 9. Florence, late afternoon train to Venice
Day 10. Venice
Day 11. Venice
Day 12. Fly home

(It's not clear to me whether Milan is still in your plans.)

Whether the above is "realistic" depends on what you want to see everywhere and how much time that would require. You need to list/prioritize what you want to see/do and plan your days.

Florence can be tricky if your days there include Sunday-Monday. Some things are only open in the morning, some are open alternate Sundays (and/or Mondays), some are closed every Monday, some closed every Sunday, etc. You can check hours for several of the main sights/museums here:

http://www.polomuseale.firenze.it/en/musei/tutti.php

For churches, the Baptistery, Museum of the Duomo and other sights like the Brancacci Chapel, you'll have to do searches.

StanB

Just a thought, but you may be trying to see too much in too little time. As beautiful as the Amalfi Coast is, for your first trip to Italy you might want to pass on it so you can really savor the places you do visit. I'd suggest flying to to Venice and stay a minimum of 4 nights....then train to Florence for three of four nites...and then to Rome for remainder. There is SO much to see in each of these places.

If you decide to do the Amalfi coast...well, it's gonna take some time to get to and to see Sorrento and to get to Positano.. and a day trip to Capri...and so on. And, you shouldn't miss Pompeii. Italy is a big place. Consider slowing your pace...seeing more in fewer places...and having time to sit in the piazza and chat with people...and wander around...have a gelato or three...and "smell the roses."

bobthenavigator

I would not bother to go to the AC for less than 3 nites---5 is better. Too much hassle in a short 12 day itinerary.

claudiaestrella1010

Thanks everyone for your replies, I will definitely take every word in consideration!