Hi Fodorites,

I have been enjoying this forum for weeks. I've also been reading the big name travel books...Fodor's, Frommer's and Steve's. My husband and I are planning our first trip to Italy next spring. We are 50 somethings and celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary. After much thought we have decided to go for 3 weeks (20 touring days)and spend all of the time in Italy. We'd considered combining with a cruise and our son thinks we should visit another country on the way home just because.

Right now I am thinking begin in Rome (4 nights or so), then travel to the Amalfi Coast. I'm thinking of Sorrento for a home base with a 1 or 2 night stay on Capri. We love hiking and any outdoor pursuits. Let's say 5-6 nights total. Next north to Tuscany possibly based in Siena. I'm still reading about Tuscany and Umbria. We would end our trip in Venice and fly home from there.

My itinerary is not at all etched in stone. I'd like to leave around April 13 and return on May 4. This time suits both our jobs well. My concerns are the weather being too cool to enjoy the coast and the fact that we will be in Italy for 2 national holidays. April 25 and May 1. We certainly can shift the date. One week earlier is the Saturday after Easter. If we left earlier we would miss the May holiday.

I'm anxious for the opinions of all you experienced travelers. Once I pin down the dates I can start to look for bargain airfare. Then I can really fine tune my length of stay in different areas. I am a second generation Italian in the States and I love my heritage. I'd like to have a chance to savor our experience and not rush here and there.

Thanks in advance for any help you can be.

Sounds like a nice trip.

If you are concerned about weather on the coast, then switch the order of the trip starting in Venice and working your way south to take advantage of possibly warmer weather.

I have been in Italy a few times for those holidays. To my mind, just don't plan to travel on the holidays. After you set your locations for the holidays, we can offer suggestions on what you might do those days.

Thanks Ellenem. If we started inVenice would it be too cool there? I figured I'd start where it was warmest and move north. Actually, though the warmth is most important on the coast. Great suggestion. We could end on the coast. I don't think I want to end with Rome it may be more hectic.

Depends on what you want to do on the coast. April is definitely too early for swimming - in the Amalfi area that will start in mid to late May, possibly a little later further north in CT.

Second Ellenum's advice about starting in Venice for another reason. It is easier to fly into Venice than out of Venice. It is super easy to catch the train from Venice to other places in Italy. Venice is beautiful and mysterious no matter what the weather. The AC is more enjoyable in warmer weather.

I would end in Rome. It is not as hectic as you might expect and it is easier to be in the city from which you will depart. After the AC, you would be ready to take on the city sightseeing.

I would go on the later dates and work around the holidays.

Nice trip and good advice---I too would start in Venice and end in Rome. I assume you will drive in Tuscany.

I think you would prefer better/warmer weather for the Amalfi Coast since most of what you want to do and see is out of doors. In Venice there would still be many things to do and see indoors if the weather was cool or wet.

(I'd visit Venice in any month of the year . . . so far the only moths I haven't visited Venice are January, February, and August . . . but I willing to give it a try. Well, perhaps not August . . .)

Thanks everyone. Bob we will drive in tuscany. I'm reading Fodor's Florence and Tuscany book now. I'm sure I'll have many more questions. Ending with Rome instead of the AC sounds good too. Do you think we should have just one base for Tuscany/Florence/Siena or maybe city then countryside?

Thanks again for all of the help. So excited.