Hi! I am planning my first trip in Italy for the end of June ( I know it's late to be planning, but my fiance is in Iraq and just got his r & r orders and we have decided to meet in Italy! I am open to any and all suggestions for my iteniary: fly into Rome and stay for two days; take train to Salerno and boat to Amalfi for 1-2 nights, then to Positano for 1-2 nights (go to Pompeii for day trip); then to Capri for 1-2 nights and back to Rome for a couple of days before departing. This is what I need help with...How long should I stay in these 3 towns and should i just pick two? The total vacation time in Rome is 10 days. I am VERY indecisive and would love someone to comment. Thanks!!

Hello lizajame. First of all I would like to express my sincere thanks to your fiance. And to you also. You both have made so many sacrifices. More then most people will ever know.

Now, how absolutely wonderful the two of you can meet in Italy for your fiances R&R. I assume you both will be flying into Rome. I also assume your fiance will no doubt be excited but tired and stressed ( I say that has I come from a military family).

What time will you and also your fiance be arriving in Rome? Morning or afternoon, Rome time of course. I am asking for a reason. If you can post that here I will tell you my thinking, which may or may not be your thinking or anyone elses. I will keep an eye out for your post. God bless.

Lizajane, you and your fiance deserve a wonderful trip. I suggest 5 nights in Rome and 5 nights in 1 hotel in the Amalfi coast area, with day-trips to the other places you mentioned. You can either hire a driver, or use public transportation...trains/buses/boats.

Amalfi, Positano, and Capri are close enough together that you can do day-trips...Sorrento is also close to these places you mentioned...you don't need to keep changing hotels. Choose a hotel in just 1 of these cities and you can visit the others as day-trips.

Pompeii can be a day-trip as well. I know the circumvesuviana train goes from Sorrento to Pompeii and it doesn't cost much.

Rome is wonderful and deserves at least 4 or 5 nights. Stay in an interesting and well-located neighborhood, such as near the Pantheon, which is within walking distance to lots of sights like the Trevi fountain, pantheon, Piazza Navonna, lots of ristorantes on piazzas...

lizajane, Bless both of you. I agree that perhaps two hotels is the way to go. It would seem that your fiancee might need the down time. Last year we stayed in the Hotel Nazionale in Rome, it is near the Pantheon area on a very quiet piazza. There are no cars as it has the parliment building on it. I have only been to Amalfi,Positano and Ravello but loved this area, all were wonderful. Have a wonderful vacation, I am sure that you both need it.

Hi liz,

How nice for you both.

I also suggest only 2 hotels. I also suggest that for purposes of R&R you

>fly into Rome and stay for two days; take train to Salerno and boat to Amalfi..."

Stay on the AC for 4 nights and just relax and enjoy the scenery.

Return to Rome.

We very much liked our stay at the hotel Le Sirene in Praiano. It is 6 km E of Positano. You can get there by ferry to Positano and then Orange bus or by SITA bus from Amalfi.

www.lesirene.com

You might find my trip report helpful:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34451044

I think Ira's got it about right. See the sites of Rome, because there's nowhere else like it. But Rome is neither restful nor relaxing...so go for some <i>real</i> R&amp;R on the coast, and take daytrips if you feel like it.

Above all else, enjoy! I'd say you've both earned it.