My husband and I have 18 days in Italy. We are young and often ambitious when we travel. This is the itinerary we have been planning:

-4 days in Sorrento (Pompeii, Amalfi Coast by bus, Capri, relax)
-3 days in Rome (Roman ruins, Vatican City) Pick up car
-4 days in Tuscany (Siena, Drive Crete Senses, Relax)
-2 days at car museums near Bologna (my husband’s biggest request- Ferrari and Lamborghini)
-2 days in the Dolomites (Great Dolomite Road, hike)
-2 days in Venice (St Marks Square)

My question is do we scrap the two days in the Dolomites and add them to Tuscany (Chianti region and Florence) or do we do the mountains?

We like mountains but are concerned it’s too much driving to just see mountains. I’m concerned that six days in Tuscany would be too long for us. (Although I know people go for a week all the time!)
We are not really looking to add more time to any of the major cities.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Hello HCart, as I have mentioned many times before here when I read 4 days I never know exactly what the traveller means. For example does 4 days in Sorrento mean 4 nights. Arrive day l, spend that night, then day 2, spend that night etc. and leave on day 5. I will assume that you mean you will be arriving on day 1 and leaving Sorrento on day 4 which would give you 3 nights in Sorrento. Please correct me if I am assuming incorrectly.

Going on my assumption of your definition of days I take it that you will arrive in Venice day 1 and depart Venice on day 2. If so, you will more or less just have the afternoon and evening of day 1 to enjoy Venice. If you are departing Venice on day 2 you will not have much time that day (morning?) to enjoy Venice.

So, although you say you do not want to add any more time to the major cities I would personally add a day to Venice so you will have one day there without arriving or departing.

Regarding the Dolomites and Tuscany. Both areas are so beautiful. But guess in this case I would skip the Dolomites and leave them for another trip when you would have the time to enjoy it more. 4 days in Tuscany is sure not to much (especially if you are arriving on day 1 and departing on day 4). So I would add a day to Tuscany.

In planning your trip don't forget the time needed to get from one place to another. It normally takes longer then one anticipates.

Whatever you decide, have a beautiful time in Italy!

The numbers I listed are nights in each area. That adds up to 17, we're there for 18 days.
You're right about travel time. That's my main concern about the Dolomites. I'm afraid we'll spend more time driving to and from than actually enjoying the mts.

Hello again HCart, just saw your recent post.

I really love the Dolomite area. More then I can say. But also love the other areas you are planning to visit also. They are all fantastic! BTW, when you are in the Bologna area (Ferrari and Lamborghini - yes!) do visit the city of Bologna. It is wonderful.

I would save the Dolomites for the next trip. I truly think that you will not get a lot out of such a short visit. Maybe the next trip could be the Dolomites, the Lake region, Piedmont, Genoa, Cinque Terra etc.

Your visit to Italy sounds wonderful! Do, when you return home and get settled in, give us a trip report.

And do know that once you go to Italy you will return. Italy is addictive! Best wishes.

Sounds wonderful.

But a heads up (if I may), there is a rumor that "The" ferrari museum is invitation only.

I recommend that you check on the museum ahead of time and never, ever pay attention to rumors.

Thanks for the help. I think we will hold off on the Dolomites until another time.
DV, from what I've researched the factory is invitation only, the museum is open to all.

Any other tips or advice regarding the itinerary would be greatly appreciated.

Good advice from loveitaly.The Dolomites are beautiful but can surely wait as there is an enormous amount of twisting turning hair raising driving if you want to get most from the experience.But dont get me wrong its worth it but you need time.
Use the extra days as loveitaly says but if you have not been to Venice before and can afford to stay there you will not regret the extra days .It is totally unique and oh so romantic.