I'd fly into Naples, but don't drive the first day please

You can't get a train to the Amalfi Coast. You can get a train to either end of the coast - Sorrento is at one end and Salerno at the other - and then take a bus or a ferry to your destination.

To have a base on the Amalfi coast where would you recommend. For 2 for 5 nights an apartment or hotel or airbnb

I would stay in Positano or Amalfi as they both have ferry access and choose a hotel. There are all sorts of options and budgets.
Apartments are good if you've already been there and know the ropes but a hotel will help you and guide you and most provide breakfast.

Thanks blueeyedood. Is Salerno worthy of consideration?

Salerno is a nice city, but not the Amalfi Coast experience you are going for.

If you can fly into Naples that is better. If not, then would you consider a private driver from FCO to Amalfi? Its expensive to me for my budget, but well worth it after a long flight. You could also do a private driver from Naples airport to Amalfi if you wanted of course.

Last time, I stayed at Le Sirene in Praiano. I like Praiano because its not resorty and is small and rather quiet. However, it does not have ferry service, so if you are going during peak season, you want to stay in a town with ferry service. You do not want to be trying to get around on the SITA buses during the summer!

PS, i highly recommend Le Sirene, but check for recent reviews.

If going Amalfi to Orvieto, Florence, etc by train going by Salerno is possible but trains then take about an hour longer to get to Orvieto or Florence than via Naples which has many more trains to Florence including more high-speed direct ones (but which may not stop in many towns along the way).

@HappyTrvlr - I like your "first trip" itinerary "Lake Como, Rome, a smaller town in Tuscany, Florence and Venice" - how long was this trip and how many days in each location

tippymouse, thanks for the query

flexible
rome 5 nights
tuscany 6 nights
Florence 3 nights
Venice 3 nights
have another 6 nights but have got flexibility for another 2 nights on top
looking at Amalfi Coast but will listen to comments for alternatives

Looks good, I might either add trips into the Dolomites or down onto the Po as described earlier

Hi Kiwinz
I have just returned from Italy (yesterday) and am trying to get over the jet lag.
We did 4 nights Rome, 4 Nights Tuscany and 4 nights in Sorrento.
We had been to Venice before.
We loved Rome. but in august the whole of Italy is incredibly busy, and Italy was wall to wall people.
Rome for 5 nights is a good idea. there is so much to see.
Tuscany for 6 nights is OK. But it will be incredibly difficult without a car. We hired a car from Rome Termini train station.
Our base in Tuscany was a lovely farmhouse near Cortona.
If you are planning to do the different towns in Tuscany then I think by the end of 6 days you will have enough. You will need a car. and I think I am going to say something really unpopular here - "I think if you see one or 2 towns, you will have seen them all". If you plan to visit wineries, then you will need the time for this.
However, whilst driving you will enjoy the scenery as it is quite beautiful.
One town we did visit was assissi, and if you have a car I would highly recommend it as a must see. I preferred Cortona over Montepulciano.
Sorrento was a great base for the coast. We did day trips to Positano & Capri. I am glad that I went, but I would not hurry back.
This is all personal preference. and everyone enjoys something different.

Hi millie2112

thanks for the insight into your holiday.
What places are the must sees for a first timer?
Why would you not hurry back to the Amalfi Coast area or do you mean just Positano and Capri?

Like your ideas, but I would reverse and start in Venice. Venice is fine in a little rain or mist or chill, with a jacket. The Amalfi Coast is nicer when it is warmer, so I would try to be there during the warmest time, when lots of flowers are blooming and you can sit outside for meals.

The AC gets crowded and hot in Summer, but should still be lovely when you are there. Positano viewed from the water is spectacular!

I would also take a day from Tuscany and give it to Venice to go to Burano and Torcello.

Now starting to look at finer details. Starting dates (includes flying time)
Dates,1st April - 27th April, 8th April - 4th May or 15th April - 11th May

Which dates would be recommended taking weather and crowds into account?
refresh: Amalfi Coast, Rome, Tuscany, Florence, Venice, order not yet decided