itinerary- good or bad + lodging suggestions
 

Hello- I am planning our honeymoon and banking on the experiences of all of you. We are planning to stay in Rome for at least 2 days, then take a train to Venice for again at least 2 days. Upon a return trip to Rome we are planning on renting a car and heading to the Amalfi Coast for the remainder of the 2 week trip. Are we doing things well or spending too much time in Amalfi? Also, any hotel recs? Thanks in advance!!

I think Rome deserves at least 5 days and Venice at least 3. If you have 14 days, that still leaves you 6 for the Amalfi coast. There is a lot to see in Rome. Two days will hardly scratch the surface.

My only suggestion has to do with the ORDER in which you do these. <BR>Assuming you two are going to arrive in Italy pooped from the wedding festivities...then why not go first to the Amalfi Coast and relax and unwind. Then, after your batteries are recharged, you can go up to the two cities. I know Rome will be exhausting because there is SO much to see/do and Venice will not doubt be crowded and thus less relaxing. how about that?

KK- good idea. now any hotel recs for the amalfi coast. we looked into villas but they usually have sat. check ins and we aren't getting there 'til tuesday. thanks!!

Ben, lots of hotels to choose would you consider a charming (allegedly) B&B in Positano???? <BR>www.villalatartana.it <BR>we are booked in for 3 nights in June as Hotels are fairly sterile places and we have enjoyed B&B's in the past. <BR>Our room has airconditioning, fridge, ensuite and balcony with sea views. It is close to the water.

Kimerly- thanks for your response, it looks beautiful AND affordable!! I put in a query to them. Thanks again

Ben, in 1999 my husband and I had 2 days to see Rome... take my advice, they don't call it the Eternal City for nothin! We did manage to take an overall/hop on hop off tour to get the lay of the land, we visited Palentine Hill, but they only have tours in English at very specific times, so we tried to see it by ourselves with a guide book. Very dissapointing, and we felt like we were missing a lot of historical significance. We did manage to find the famous "Mask of Truth" (Think Audry Hepburn/Gregory Peck in Roman Holiday) and nearly found the Trevi Fountain.. (but didn't), we also strolled around the colosseum. We found Rome a challenging place to navigate in (and my spouse is quite an accomplished Navigator!) bur Rome defeted us. Couldn't make it to the Cistine Chapel or Vatican, though we did see the Pope in front giving his afternoon speech. Next time we take AT LEAST 3-4 days, just for the basics! I feel like we missed so much of value, and I've never felt that way in any other city I've been to. Do yourself a favor and budget a hair more time for Rome.

Ben; Thyra & Lisa and Kimerley are right! We spent a week in Rome and it was just enough! And I think the order KK suggested makes sense! Relax and revive near Amalfi coast, and then do Rome, train it to Venice and fly from there! That would be my ideal itinerary, but it is your honeymoon ;-) and you make the call. <BR>Judy

Yes, you're planning way too much time in Amalfi. As lovely as it is, a two-week trip to Italy leaves plenty of time for the coast even if you spend more than 2 days each in Rome and Venice. I would at minimum spend 4 days each in Venice and Rome and then the balance in Amalfi.

Thank you all. Your advice as to the planning of the trip makes perfect sense. Now- where do we stay?! We don't need absolute luxury but are more concerned about locations, views, and comfort.

Thank you all for your advice. Your ideas on the itinerary make a lot of sense. Now- where do we stay?! We don't need posh luxury but are more concerned about locations and views.

Don't drive from Rome to Amalfi. It will take too much time. Fly from Rome to Naples. Take a taxi to the hydrofoil and then go to Capri. Stay 3 nights there at Brunella. It's very beautiful. <BR> <BR>Then take a hydrofoil to Positano. Stay a La Fenice (about $100 US a night). It's a steal. Great pool there. <BR> <BR>Rent a car and take day trips to Pompeii , Ravello, etc. Send me an e-mail off this board if you want more info. Rex

Rex- where can i get info online about la fenice?

C'mon, Ben - - you can do this... <BR> <BR>(and by the way, I am different from that "other" Rex - - I am the evil, sarcastic one) <BR> <BR>Go to www.yahoo.com <BR> <BR>Type in "La Fenice Positano" <BR> <BR>Click on "Search" <BR> <BR>Boom! you get - - <BR> <BR>www.karenbrown.com/italy/lafenice.html <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Rex- I DID THAT!! However, it doesn't give you an email address. I was trying to find out if anyone knew where I could obtain that.Thanks