We are planning a trip to Italy in May and want to contact distant family in Palestrina Italy. Don't really know where to begin, is it a "suburb" of Rome? Would they have some type of public servie to help us locate them?

Hi Vern - No it's not a suburb. Palestrina is about 50 km from Rome centre.

For driving directions see:
http://www.viamichelin.com

Alternatively you can get there by bus or train (- nearest station: Zagarolo).

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Thanks for the info, we had sent a couple of letters and finally received an email 2 days ago. Very happy to learn that the family will meet with us and possibly show us around. Now just have to arrange all the travel plans. Thinking of starting 3 days in Venice, 4 days in Siena with day trips to Florence, Pisa, maybe Bolognia, and the rest in Rome and Palestrina what do you think? Leaving from Rome. Can you rent a car in Siena for all the day trips? How are the Pensiones?

Glad to hear you managed to make contact, Vern. Your plans sound good.

There are several car rental agencies in Siena - Hertz, Avis, Europcar ...
Alternatively you could use public transport (- Florence by bus, Pisa and Bologna by train).

Hope this helps ...

Steve

P.S Florence is easier by bus than car anyway.