I am planning my first trip to Italy for the middle of April. I want to visit the town where my great-grandpa was born (it is near Campobasso in Molise) but other than that have a pretty open itinerary. Any suggestions of what cities to visit?

Are you flying in and out of Rome or how and where are you arriving? The big ciites typically are Rome, Florence and Venice but you'll have to be a bit more specific and let us know what your travel interests are. I suggest a quick trip to your nearest library or bookstore and picking up some guidebooks to see what interests you. How are you planning to get around Italy - train or car? If you want to make hotel reservations, you'll have to act quickly.

Hi KathrynT. So far my plan is to fly into Rome, spend a couple nights there, and then take the train down to the Amalfi Coast. From there I am going to Campobasso, and then taking the train to Siena and then Florence. I was thinking about flying out of Venice. I am travelling with my mom and our travel style is definitely laid back, we are more into seeing the country than spending a lot of time in the big cities. I have never planned a trip this long and have never been to Europe so I am basically open to suggestions. Thanks!

monalena:

sometimes less is more
I was writing a suggested itinerary, but as I did I saw your second post. Your plans look just fine, especially for a first trip in!
Enjoy Italy. It's glorious. If you think you're missing something (southern Italy or Sicily), don't fret. You'll be back.

This thread should be of interest to you...

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34559090

Thank you for all of your input. I am having such a blast planning this trip and the information on this board is invaluable for a first time traveler.

monalena, I'm curious...what town are you visiting near Campobasso. We have family there as well and we visited my mother-in-law's town a few years ago...very emotional and defintely worth doing. You will be glad you did.

Carol

My goodness, this is interesting, another Fodorite with ties to Molise.

TuckH, thanks for posting the other thread. I hope you get a chance to read it monalena. And yes, what town or village is your family from?

My great-grandpa was from Carpinone...our surname is Valente, though it was changed to Valenty when we came to Ellis Island. I am going on the trip for my grandfather, who has always wanted to visit his father's town but is now too sick to travel.

I forgot to ask....what is the best way to get to Carpinone? We are not renting a car. Is there generally a train or bus servicing the smaller villages?