Sidny

Could you do this trip cheaper on your own? Probably. With the same or similar hotels? Maybe (maybe not), but it would take time. You've already done the work to check on the hotels and know they get generally good reviews. Now you can focus your time on the more important tour guide duties--planning and researching sights and restaurants that your sister would enjoy. Of course, this all changes if your sister says "That looks lovely, but I've really always wanted to visit Naples rather than Rome."

Regarding the itinerary...yes, slower travel is almost always better. But not everyone has the luxury of time for a single trip or multiple trips over a lifetime. I don't think this is too quickly paced (not knowing your ages or any physical limitations), and sometimes for your first trip to Europe (meaning your sister's), just getting a taste of several world-class cities is a very good thing! At least you're not being shuffled around these cities in a tour bus, you should be able to see several things in each city and enjoy each city at your own pace--whether that's crazed marches to all the top sights, or hitting just one or two and enjoying leisurely meals.

One thought, noticed that the overnight train is just listed as First Class...I'm no train expert but I would want to verify that that means couchette or something similar, rather than just having to sit upright in a first class seat all night. Or at least is an upgradable ticket (to couchette or sleeper cabin).

Good luck with your decision. Either way I'm sure you can have a wonderful trip, it's just a difference in planning.

kfusto

Planned tour versus independent travel is a personal choice. I enjoy the planning process and prefer to make my own choices as to accommodations, time of day for travel, what I choose to see, etc.

I am not a fan of overnight trains and would not take one personally. Even with a private compartment, which is pricey, it does not make for a good rest unless you are a very heavy sleeper. I find them miserable.

I would choose to plan my own trip and focus on 3 cities only for this short a trip. While the pace may be fine for some, it would be too much moving around for me which takes up time and adds cost.

We always stay in good hotels, 4 star mostly, and $350 a night is quite a bit more than we pay. However, if it really is too much time and trouble for you to plan, it seems better than a standard bus tour and you would have the major decisions and costs handled for you.