I have asked numerous questions with great advice for help on an italian vacation. I am one who struggles with "seeing it all". Been torn between Amalfi Coast and Tuscany. Venice has been the only place in Italy we've been but for about 6 hours (would love to return). <BR>In trying to determine how to see it all in a week - I have come up with this itin.<BR>fly into Venice for one night (remember we have been to Venice). Train to Florence and pick up a car for two days of Tuscany. return the car to Florence and off to Amalfi coast by train for two nights. Train back to Rome for two nights and fly out.<BR>Should I attmept this or is it too much?

Hi Grant - <BR><BR>So we're kindered spirits in regards to "seeing it all". You wouldn't believe the tussle I am in the middle of with my husband about squeezing Ireland, England and Scotland into 21 days...(Any tips on this problem?)<BR><BR>Your itinerary is way too busy. Both Tuscany and Amalfi coast are places where you will want to slow down, relax, soak up the atmosphere, and get to know the locals - hang out in the same piazza for a few afternoons in a row.<BR><BR>Option 1) land in venice, train to Firenze, spend 2 nights in Firenze (see David!), then maybe two nights (or 3) near Cortona. It's a great central hill town location. Then 2 night (or 3) in Chianti or a countryside location west of Firenze.<BR><BR>Alternately, fly into rome, spend a few days in Rome, then split the remainder of your trip in half, between 2 towns/hotels). We loved Positano with a day trip to Capri, although many posters really recommend staying on Capri. Ravello was magical, too.<BR><BR>Buon Viaggio!

Hi Grant! This is my opinion based on my two trips to Italy. You can do this if you want, BUT you will only feel like you didn't see much & will want to go back again to all the same places to see everything you missed the first time. If it were me, I would limit destinations. Maybe fly into Rome 3 nights, Tuscany 2 nights, & Florence OR Venice 2 nights. Maybe save Venice for another trip to tie in with the Lakes.

Thanks for the input - reason tells me to slow down. You both made good points. I do know from past experiences that i will only leave feeling the need to return and hit all I missed the first time. I don't want this to turn into a view of italy from the window of a train or car. Any other itin. advice is welcomed! Thanks

I agree with the other posters. You'll just have to plan 2 trips to Italy instead of 1. I can never stay as long as I like (2 1 week vacations and 1 10 day to different parts of Italy). I've been there 3 times, I'm not done yet.

I agree with the other posters. This would be insane and I too am a 'try to see too much' type.<BR><BR>I only count 7 nights total. It that's truely all you have available, skip Venice and Amalfi and do 3 nights Rome, two nights Tuscany (stop in Orvieto and/or Siena on the way north) and two nights Florence. If you're truly dying to see the Amalfi coast, then skip Florence and do that...but don't miss Rome!

Grant: Everyone has given you good advice. Another thing to consider, it will take you most of the day to get from Florence to Amalfi. And then another half day to get back to Rome. <BR><BR>Both Kris and Dayle's itineraries sound good. Personally, I would fly in and out of Rome and see Rome, Pompeii, Amalfi, with perhaps a day trip (or day and overnight) to Orvieto. And then the next trip, I would concentrate on Florence, Tuscany and Cinque Terre. The third trip I would spend in Venice and the Lakes area with perhaps a drive through the Dolomites. In my opinion, you are still not allowing enough time in Venice with your current plan.

Thanks for all the input!