Hi!

My dream has always been to quit my job and run away to Italy for a few weeks.... and today I finally did it! (yay!)

So now I need some help-- I don't have too much time before I have to start my new job, but I booked a trip for me and my parents today-- 11 days. I'm leaving in 14 days.... and flying into and out of Rome (tried to do the open jaw, but it would have bankrupted my points balance and it just wasn't worth it since I expect to go back one day!)

In any case, we were thinking of a Rome, Florence, Amalfi Coast trip... some say that's good-- some say too much--- some say to little for us (an active group)

So here's the scoop---
Me: 33... single / parents: active & super fun

We all love the ocean, food, and especially wine, and there are a couple must sees in Rome, but other than that, we're totally flexible. We're easy going and would rather spend $ on wine than on fancy hotels. We're also ok to drive... in fact Dad loves it, so that's not a problem.

Mom has been to Venice and Milan only--- Dad has only seen the inside of Italy's airports. I've never been at all.... and have been dying to go!

I looked for Navigator Bob's Amalfi trip (dolce vita) but somehow couldn't find the details.

Any suggestions for me?? Thanks so much!

I just topped a post for you, and the thread is called Month In Italy. You will see Bob the Navigator's post on that thread.

Personally, it may all be too much. Right now, I know you're enthused and excited, but you & the folks need to put together a list of "must see/do" and "would like to do" and choose directions to head off in after you arrive in Rome. But I'm happy for you that you were able to take the time---Italy's my favorite, and has never let me down.

Buon Viaggio,
BC

Hi BC-- thanks for the info-- I thought there was more detail than this, but maybe not. Thanks for the note... much appreciated!

I took my daughter to Italy this summer for a couple of weeks. We took the trains and traveled the the route of Rice Steeves Italy 2006. Would do it over again.

Ok, you're looking for feedback, and so I will give you some, but do remember that these are just my opinions.

Personally, I wouldn't go to a summery, resort destination at the end of October.

As far as driving goes, it wouldn't be so awful on the Amalfi Coast at this time of year, because the crowds won't be overwhelming, but you are taking a big chance on weather in an area where the primary pasttime is looking at scenery.

I think you should land in Rome, spend some time there then rent a car, see some of Umbria or Tuscany on your way to Florence. Drop the car in Florence and then train back to Rome.

Also, to make getting to your flight home easier, you could leave Rome upon arrival, renting a car at the airport, go to some places such as (pick one or two) Assisi, Perugia, Orvieto, Siena, San Gimignano... then drop the car off in Florence, enjoy a few days there, then train to Rome for your final destination.

I would certainly choose some places that had indoor, as well as outdoor attractions. When it's nice, you can walk and enjoy scenery. When it's not, you will be blessed with an abundance of churches, museums and other historical sites.

Now, what do you like to do?

What's your hotel budget? Will you be looking for triple rooms, or a double and a single?

In the short list of interests you provided, you don't mention art or shopping. For that reason and because I personally think the food in the south is better, I'd suggest you skip Florence and spend your time in Rome and the Amalfi Coast.

Unless you're flying directly to Rome from the U.S. East Coast, your first day on the ground will be shortened and jet-lag affected to some degree. You'll lose at least half a day getting to the Amalfi Coast and another half day getting back to Rome for your flight home. So, now you're down to 8 or 9 days of actual exploring. How you divide that between Rome and the A.C. is your choice based on your must-do and want-to-do lists.

hi all-- thanks so much for the advice!

lbruns01: my folks just picked up the rick steves book-- I'm a lonely planet gal.... but I'm looking forward to using the guides in the RS book (mom & I followed them throughout London & Paris in the spring and loved them)

tuscanlife-- great suggestion to plan indoor and outdoor activities... I'll definitely keep that in mind.

jean-- to answer your question, we lucked out with a direct flight to Rome from JFK... and you're right, I didn't mention art (as a former art student, I certainly have an appreciation, but don't have a huge desire to museum hop all week)... and shopping-- well, I'm a bit of an addict, but with Dad along, we won't do much. Quite frankly, we're all easily amused...happy just cruising around exploring....tend to prefer the 'off the beaten path' gems to any real touristy hotels/restaurants/etc.

I understand we're taking a chance with the weather in the south, but it's a chance I'm willing to take.... I've been wanting to visit Italy for a while and if I don't do it now, I'll have to put it off for a year or two.

Thanks agin for your suggestions-- I really appreciate it!

Actually, the fun thing about Rome and Italy is that you don't have to go into a museum to see the art. Merely walking the city streets you can see the art in the fountains, etc.

Since you already have tickets going into Rome, then I would suggest Rome and Florence, or Rome and Amalfi Coast, but not all 3. You will find you won't have enough time to do all the things you want to do anyway. Especially if you're driving and see little towns here and there that pique your interest.

brink,
While I agree with the above posters to pick two places I also understand fulfilling a dream. Consider landing in Rome and going straight to Florence, maybe day trip to Siena. Train from Florence to Amalfi coast then train to Rome. You don't need a car in Rome or Florence and probably not on the Amalfi coast. also consider Sorrento for your coast stay because it has good transportation options to the big attractions.

My trip report may give you some ideas.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34811101

Henry

If you like wine, my recollection is that Lazio (the region around Rome) has at least one great winery area, Frascati. We considered it as a day trip. Here's some info http://www.italyheaven.co.uk/frascati.html

I would recommend Florence and Tuscany to you for at least a few days, because it is also just a little gem. The beauty is everywhere. Also, it is a smaller walking city that you could split up from your dad, for an hour or two shopping and easily find him again later. My dad was really comfortable with this arrangement in Florence (and he is not particularly well traveled). Florence is known for its great leather goods and beautiful paper, but has many great shops.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.