kaza777

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions! Wow! Losts to think about! Today I am off to the book store and will be gathering info on all the options you sugegsted here. Lots of places I never heard about and need to research. As to 'funky' comments, in no way was I insulting Rome, I just spoke with 4 people who traveled there recently and while they said it is worth visiting, they were put off by food, crowds and other little things. I traveled to Europe and I know that u can get crappy food everywhere along with mobs and other unpleasant things.
Because I am flying from Canada it is not possible to fly to Milan, which would be great, only to Rome or very limited flights to Venice. So, I am going to put together an Itinerary and will post it here for your review and suggestions. Thank u very much people, you are all amazing and your knowledge is greatly appreciated!

pctraveler

We have been going to Italy regularly since 2000, and for my first trip, I would fly into Rome (since Milan is not possible) and immediately go to Florence, stay there for about half your allotted time, then go back to Rome for the rest of the time.

These two cities are bot spectacular, and if you leave them out, you will have to spend too much time explaining why you skipped them, IMHO.

Now if this was a subsequent trip, then I would think about adding (take your pick of several of these): Lucca, Pisa, Venice, Bologna, and the CT,and perhaps some of Umbria. But this is your first trip, and not many folks go to Italy only once. For example, we went with another couple to Amalfi, Rome, Florence and one night in Milan in 2010 for what they labeled "our only trip to Italy" and they are planning to go back.

So I think you would do well to focus on these two cities, and really see them well, and they leave something for later. Changing towns takes most of one day, unless you leave really early in the AM.

Again, this is only one person's opinion. You really can't go wrong in Italy!

hollywoodsc

Maps I love are - 'Streetwise" - laminated, easy fold and very clear to read. You can get one for Venice, Rome, etc.

The other is 'MapEasy" - a glossy paper, waterproof and doesn't tear easily. I love this map. It has amazing details. It highlights Attractions, Food/eats ($,$$) Transit, Shopping, Accommodation. All color coded and comments are inserted on the sights.
You can look up a hotel and see what's nearby (restaurants, sights, etc.)

I got both of these at Barnes and Noble, I'm sure you could also order online. They were about $6 each.

kaza777

Ok, we managed to get 14 days ont he ground! We are flying in and out of Rome. We would love to explore the southern area rather that northern. So far we are thinking to stay in Rome for a couple of days(visit Vatican) , Naples, Ostia Antica, Amalfi coast, and Trulli in Bari region. Please give your suggestion on itinerary and places that are really worth visiting.
P.S. We are not into clubbing or crazy night life. We love to walk for hours, explore culture, some museums( not too much), and relax.