FROM TUSCANY TO ROME THEN NAPLES OR VICE VERSA
 

Our 21 day itinerary for September 2010 has a few gaps.

1 September – arrive Venice.
1 September – 4 September – Venice (3 days)
4 September – Depart Venice for Florence
4 September – 8 September Florence (4 days)
8 September - Rent car depart for Agriturismo in Pienza
8 September – 13 September Pienza/Tuscany (5 days)
Return Rental car to Chuisi.
This is where my indecision lies

Our departure is on 22 September at aprox. 18h00 from Rome. Yip, Have found that if I book directly on line I can book open-jaw.

1.Travel by train From Chuisi directly to Naples/ Sorrento/Amalfi Coast (4 days) 13 September – 17 September, then depart for Rome 17 September – 22 September – Home.
Or
2. Travel by train to Rome 5 days 13 September – 18 September then depart for Naples /Amalfi/Sorrento 18 September – 22 September. 22 September return to Rome – Home

Your suggestions please as to First Rome or First Naples.

I'd put Rome last. It will leave you more leisure time on your departure day without worrying about making the connections Naples-Rome-FCO.

I'd put Rome last too. It's stressful to not be close to the international airport of choice on the day of departure. Plus the Italians do have train strikes fairly frequently which could screw up the best of plans.

Your trip sounds lovely, not too rushed which is good. Don't forget about my hot trip for Florence (published in the 2010 Fodor's Italian Guide!!) and go to Accademia at about 5pm. You won't have to queue for more than about 10 minutes. Plus all the day trippers/bus tours are gone by then and it's less crowded inside.

I agree, save Rome for last. And, drive to Sorrento and drop the car there--much easier.

Another vote for putting Rome last.

Assuming you can't depart from Naples.... ?

Jean: Unfortunayely no departure from Naples
Then Rome for last it will be.
Will drive to Sorento (thanks Bob)
Cathies: After a lot of searching, locally, I found the Fodors Guide . Wonderful source of info. Plan to do just that.
Thanks all for your input. Now I can book accommodation accordingly.