Starting to plan a 9 day trip...would like to visit Rome, Florence, and Sorrento. Sorrento was suggested to me as a good base for seeing Amalfi Coast, Capri, etc. However, I am torn about the number of days for each location. Does it make sense to use Rome as a base for a day trip to Florence?? Should I give up another day for travelling between cities??? I am really unsure which way to go. My original idea was to do 3 nights Rome, 2 Florence, 3 or 4 in Sorrento...now not so sure. Please help and thanks!

Hi L,

When are you going?

If it's in the warm weather, I suggest (in this order)

A) 4 days in Venice, 5 days in Florence (daytrip to Siena, daytrip to Orvieto)

B) 4 days in Venice - fly to Naples, 5 days on the AC (We stayed in Praiano)

C) 4 days in Venice, 5 days in Rome (daytrip to Orvieto)

D) 5 days in Rome, 4 days on the AC fly home from Naples

E) 5 days in Rome, 4 days in Florence

Sorry about that...I am going (hopefully) in July '06.

I think Ira's suggestions are great, as opposed to trying to see all the places you originally mentioned.

Hi L,

For July, I would go with B or, if you must go to Rome in the Summer, D.

My husband's vacation is in July so I have no choice...If I choose option D, is a day trip to Florence from Rome doable? I really want to see David.

Yes, you can do a daytrip from Rome to Florence. Take ES trains (1.5 hours each way), which depart almost every hour, to maiximize time. If you are traveling in high season, make a reservation for the Academia Museum (where David lives) to avoid waiting in a long line.