Here's my preliminary itinerary. I've been to Italy (Rome, Florence, Tuscany) once before so the purpose of this trip is really to go back to see some of the stuff that I had wanted to see the first time but didn't have the time.<BR><BR>November 21- December 3<BR><BR>Day 1 - Arrive Rome -train to Sorrento<BR>Days 2-3 - Sorrento with day trips to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Mount Vesusvius (good time of year for this?)<BR>Day 4 - Sorrento/Rome<BR>Days 5-12 - Rome with two day trips to Orvieto and Florence. Tour to the Catacombs and Appian Way with Enjoy Rome. (I've been to Florence before and would like to go back but I don't want to spend too much time there on this trip because it will be too cold.)<BR>Day 13 - Leave Rome<BR><BR>I was wavering between Sorrento and Naples as a base for Pompeii and surrounds. I decided on Sorrento because I've heard that Naples is iffy and I would only really be there in the evening. Anything nice to do in Sorrento at night? I'm a female, late twenties travelling alone. Thanks.

This looks like a fine trip. Enjoy!

Thanks! Any other feedback?

Vita, Look like a nice trip. I would add one day to the coast and drop the idea of a Florence day trip from Rome unless you get a very early start. Make sure it is not Monday. Have fun !

Vita and I are planning similar trips. I am also a female in my 20s and will be travelling alone in early November. I will have less time (9 nights - Nov4-14) and am looking to spend most of the time in Rome. I do want to make trips to Pompeii, Herculaneum, Paestum and possibly Baia/Cuma but I was going to use Naples as my base. I know some parts of the city are seedy but I thought the transportation might be simpler than from Sorrento or Amalfi. Any suggestions?

Hi, Cecelia. I'm actually still debating. I guess the main questions for me are: <BR><BR>1) Since I will basically only be there in the evenings, what is there to do in Naples and Sorrento at night?<BR><BR>2) Will my safety be compromised by walking around Naples at night?

Vita - I am having the same problems. I am young, small, and an inexperienced traveller and only know a bit of Italian. But, I am also from NYC so I thought that perhaps I would be OK in Naples. Perhaps I should base myself elsewhere and include Naples as a day trip. <BR><BR>Are you the same Vita who stayed at the Hotel Panda in Rome? Based on the recommendations of you and Capo I hope to stay there but I am afraid that if I don't pick an itinerary soon, they will be booked (if they aren't already!).

Yes, Cecilia. I'm the one who stayed at the Panda. It was great. If it alleviates your worry at all, I think I booked it about 3 weeks prior to going and that was for a trip at the beginning of October.

My husband and I will be in Italy same time as you. We are staying at the Hilton Sorrento Palace (on points) Nov 7-9 then we will stay in Rome Sunday night before leaving. Are you interested in going to the opera in Naples? Let me know what you have planned.

I will be arriving in Sorrento on Nov 21 also. I will be traveling with my 10 year old daughter and after alot of questions and research I chose Sorrento rather than Naples as a base for saftey reasons. I do plan to vist Naples and there are alot of things I want to see/do but I felt Sorrento would be better for us. Transportation seems as easy from Sorrento as Naples. <BR><BR>We will also be in Rome for a few nights and have chosen to stay close to Piazza Navona for the main reason of location.<BR><BR>We are going to do Vesuvius, one of the main things on our itenerary. I have been told it will be cold on top but still a good time to visit. Feel free to e-mail if you want any of the info I have found out. I have spent forever planning this trip!<BR><BR>Have a wonderful time!!

I am also planning a trip to Italy and was thinking of taking train from Rome to Naples to see Mt. Vesuvius, but from your suggestions Sorrento seems the way to go. I was then thinking of going from there to Florence and getting a car to tour Tuscany. Any suggestions on how long this might take, etc.?

Last May I stayed at the JOLLY HOTEL in Naples. Its right next to Police Station, but quite a few blocks from Main Train Station. I took Bus tour of Pompeii booked through the Hotel.There are trains that run to Pompeii everyday. Naples is a big city, crowded,loud,crazy drivers,dirty BUT full of what Italy is all about. Enjoy,Ciao