I think your itinerary looks really good.

I do agree with the others to drop Pompeii unless it is real must see for some one of your group. For most people there is more than enough to see in Rome in the time you have.

Also agree you will most likely fall in love with Venice, most people do. You don't need to PLAN anything for the time there, just wander around. Obviously go to Piazza San Marco and the Rialto but make sure you wander the back 'streets' - that's where the magic is. (www.pbase.com/annforcier/italy__venezia)

You don't need or want a car for anything except possibly the Tuscany day trips. They can be done by public transportation but require more planning as to bus times.

In Florence climbing the bell tower means you get the view of the Duomo dome (which you obviously don't get if you are IN it) www.pbase.com/annforcier/image/145713401

You only have four nights or less in each location so consider the hassle factor of apartment rentals for that length of time.

I'm with most of the other posters. Drop the day trip to Pompeii and spend that extra day in Rome. I think you have more than enough time in Florence. Drop the day in Chianti and spend that extra day in Venice.

There is so much to see in Venice (and I'm just listing basic "musts"): Basilica di San Marco, Doge's Palace, Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, Piazza San Marco, the Rialto, the Accademia, one of the campanile (either at San Marco, or my favorite - San Giorgio Maggiore). There are many more churches to see, and part of the wonder of Venice is just wandering around. I would also do a gondola ride; many posters are not fans, but I enjoy them.

Thank you so much to everyone who replied. All of your suggestions have been very helpful and they were exactly the type of answers I was looking for. I've decided to drop Pompeii and Chianti as well as split up the churches and museums into different days (I have no idea why I didn't think of that before).

Also, I hope I am wrong about Venice. But, I'd much rather Venice exceed my expectations instead of not living up to them.

"Pompeii can be reached in an hour on an express train from Termini station"
Absolutely incorrect. It takes 70 minutes to get to Naples, then you have to switch trains and it is another 30-ish minutes to Pompeii.

UM, glad you decided to drop Pompeii and Chianti. Have a great trip!

Bookmarking

Pardon me. My mistake. one hour ten minutes Rome to Naples, then take the circumvensuviana train to Pompeii Scavi. This train also goes to Herculanium.

Good for you, umw. You're going to have a wonderful trip. Buon viaggio!

Hi UM,

I agree with the advice to skip Pompeii and Chianti on this trip and add a day to Venice.

One suggestion - since you are doing the "Big 3" + some Tuscan countryside, why not actually stay IN the countryside and really soak up the wine and atmosphere outside the cities? Siena is actually a large town/small city - much bigger than you probably expect. Also, the roads around the city are a bit confusing and if you are driving it's not the easiest to get in/out of.

Wouldn't it be more fun to stay at a well-located apartment or agritourismo for this part? Do a day trip in to Siena.

Buon viaggio!