bluesean

14-day, 15 night first visit to Italy - Itinerary

•Florence – 2 days (1 ½ days), fly into Rome from Philadelphia, arrive 8:45am, take train to Rome and then to Florence.
•Tuscany – 3 days (2 ¾ days), drive to Tuscany, visit Siena, San Gimignano ect.
•Venice – 2 days (1 ½ days), drive to from Tuscany to Venice
•Sorrento – 3 (2 ½) days, fly from Venice to Naples, take train to Sorrento. Be at hotel by 12pm. Take day trips to visit Capri & Amalfi Coast, and maybe Pompeii
•Rome – 4 days (3 1/2 days) , take train from Sorrento to Rome. Take train directly to airport from Rome Termini to go home on 11:15am flight.

bobthenavigator

Yes I think so.
You are hoping to see 5 distinct destinations each of which really deserve more time. I would drop one---the obvious choices are the north or south extremes. If you keep Venice, and I would, then make it your 2nd stop and train from Florence. With 14 days I would do this:

Arrive FCO--to Florence--3
Train to Venice---3
Get car---to Tuscany base---4
Drop car at Orvieto--train into Rome--4

The Amali coast deserves 4 to 5 days on your next trip. Good luck !

sherhatfield

I absolutely agree with bobthenavigator's advice. The itinerary he wrote will give you a great trip without being too rushed.

LoveItaly

Hello bluesea (love your screename by the way) I agree with bob's itinerary. I note you have 15 nights in Italy so I would add the additional night onto your stay in Rome.

IF you have not made your plane reservations yet you could fly into Venice, and fly home from Rome. Then you could first visit Venice, then Florence, next the countryside of Tuscany and stay in Rome the last five nights. Same amount of nights in each location as bob suggested.

bluesean

Thanks for replying. I guess Sorrento will have to wait for my next trip. What is a good base for visiting Tuscany for 4 days? I will have a car.

bobthenavigator

Here is a good start. I prefer south of Siena between Montalcino and Montepulciano.


BOB’S FAVORITE DIGS IN TUSCANY

Siena province is easily my favorite part of Tuscany. Here is a list of accommodations that I suggest. All prices assume a typical double room.

A. RURAL LOCATIONS: All have parking and good food options nearby

1. Relais La Saracina www.lasaracina.it 230 to 300E
Fabulous country home near Montepulciano—helpful owners

2. Le Traverse www.letraverse.it 155E
Small B&B just south of Pienza—hard to beat at the price—has pool

3. Terre di Nano www.terredinano.com 100 to 155 [apts. more]
Both rooms and apartments at rural agriturismo near Monticchiello

4. Hotel Pescille www.pescille.it Good value at a rustic hotel only 3 km from famed San Gimignano with great views---100 to 130E

5. Fattoria Tregole www.fattoria-tregole.com 110E to 180E
Has both B&B and apartment accommodations. Near Castellina in Chianti


B. IN-TOWN LOCATIONS: For walking convenience to shops etc.

1. Palazzo del Capitano www.palazzodelcapitano.com 130 to 180E
Very nice small hotel in center of San Quirico—perfect location to explore.

2. Vecchia Oliviera www.tuscany.net/oliviera/ 130 to 180E
Nice 4 star hotel at the gate into lovely Montalcino---has pool.

3. Palazzina Cesari www.montalcinoitaly.com 80 to 110E
Lovely small B&B in heart of Montalcino—great value—2 nite stay minimum.

4. Locanda di San Francesco www.locandasanfrancesco.it 180 to 200E
New boutique B&B in a lovely location in Montepulciano—great reviews !

5. Palazzo Ravizza www.palazzoravizza.it 130 to 180E
Very nice & popular hotel in Siena with parking.

Dayle

Totally agree with LoveItaly's suggestion. Most time efficient and a lovely frist trip to bella Italia.

buon viaggio

bluesean

Thank you so much for the detailed list of places to stay. I will make great use of it.

Mimar

So you're going to follow Bob's suggested itinerary? Good.

You need to allow some time to recover from jet lag. You'll be a bit drowsy for a day or 2.

StCirq

Listen to Bob.