WE are a family of 4 (2 adults/children aged 19 and 14) planning our first European trip 10 days in Italy in June '01. Definitely want to see Rome and Venice...but would love to end the trip with 1-2 days in a resort on the Amalfi Coast. Not too keen so far on Florence, Pisa but wouldn;t mind seeing some smaller towns north. Definitely don't want to cram in too much and don;t want to spend too much time on travel back and forth...want to prioritize and enoy what we see..help with itinerary?

Since you only have 10 days, you really only have time to see three places well. I think Rome and Venice are excellent choices. Allow 4-5 days for Rome and 3 for Venice, leaving 2-3 for the Amalfi coast. I really recommend that you not try to fit in any more than this in the time that you have!

I concur with Lisa -- don't try to cram too much in. Her time frames for visits to cities sounds about right. You didn't say how you plan to get around, but here's a suggestion: Consider renting a car in Rome and driving down to the Amalfi coast. The drive into places like Sorrento is spectacular. Warning: Try to make you car reservations here and find out the full costs. It can be very expensive, but might be worth it if four of you are traveling together. In Rome, you can get some rental companies to drop the car off at your hotel and then pick it up when you're finished, which avoids the hassle of driving around Rome trying to find the rental agency. They charge for pick-up and drop-off, so again, check on the prices. Have a ball! We made a similar trip with our 22- and 20-year-old, and had a great time.

I'm with Lisa 100%. If possible, fly into Venice and out from Rome or vice-versa. After 3 days in Venice, take a train to Naples and find your way (train or bus depending where you plan to stay) to the Amalfi coast. After 2/3 days wrap it up in Rome. <BR> <BR>Paulo <BR>

Hi <BR>I have sightseeing notes on Venice; if you'd like to see them, email me. <BR>

I second the idea of flying into one city and out the other. My personal choice would be into Rome and out of Venice. Rome is truly a must see, but can be a tough 3 or 4 days. There is just SO much to see and do, along with scads of tourists. See it when you're fresh out of the plane and save Venice which needs to be savored for the end of your trip.

I have to say that Florence is a beautiful city with so much to see and do. I would recommend Florence, Rome and Venice. Once in Florence you could take a day trip out to the Chianti Region, San Gimignano and Siena. In my opinion, these regions have more beauty and charm to offer, than a day trip to Pisa. Florence is full of history and beautiful art, icluding the Uffizi Gallery, which is amazing! If you love art Florence has so much to offer. In addition, it is rich in beautiful places, churches, museums, secret corners and beautiful gardens. Have a wonderful trip! Kameron

You picked the busiest time to travel. <BR>Don't rush through italy, there will all <BR>ways be another time. Fly into Roma work <BR>your way upto firenze (do not miss)and <BR>relax in venezia. <BR> <BR>slow down and enjoy

Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, I highly recommend including it in your itinerary. I would do Rome, Florence and Venice. We took our sophisticated 10 year old to Florence, Tuscany and Rome this past July and she absolutely loved it! Your kids will never forget this trip!! Have fun! <BR>Susan