O.K. <BR>things are moving along, and not in such a positive way, but that is neither here nor there. I am surviving. <BR>My husband will be in italy with my 2 children and myself for our "Rome week", <BR> and then will be driving down to Formia with us for 2 days, then returning back to the States (for business! ) <BR>We will be in Formia , without him, for 7 days. <BR>I am trying to talk a girlfriend into flying over for the "beach week", <BR>But am not counting on it. <BR>As I am a first time traveler to Europe, I have a bit of trepidation about this. <BR>Specifically, <BR>I would like to know , <BR>should we do Pompeii or Herculaneum, based on ease of getting there from north of Naples.I am leaning toward Herculaneum. <BR>Also, <BR>We will have a car for that week. <BR> I plan on doing day trips to Caserta and one of the islands (Procida or Ischia) <BR>maybe Naples etc. <BR>But, instead of driving the car back to rome <BR> for our flight home, I will be returning the car in Gaeta, <BR>Anyone have advice on train vs. bus to Rome? <BR> <BR>Any other bits of advice for a single woman traveling with her children? <BR>Thank you all very much.

Have you good maps of the area? Why turn the car in in Gaeta -- you can drive to the airport in Rome without going into the city at all. I think with two kids along, it would be a lot easier than trying to move kids, bags, etc. from Gaeta on a bus or train.

Diane, <BR>Thanks for reminding me that good maps are essential. <BR>Are Michelin ones good? <BR>As far as turning the car in and training/buses it north, <BR>we will be returning to Rome for 2 nights prior to our flight home, and while I am willing to be a passanger while my husband drives through rome, I do not think I want to try it! <BR> <BR>I grew up outside New York city, and did alot of my teenage driving there, but have since lived in a fairly ruaral area for 30 yrs, <BR>Here if there are 7 cars ahead of one at a traffic light, or one has to pass more than a dozen cars on the way to the next town, 10 miles away, it is considered "heavy traffic" <BR>So, I definitely want to avoid Roman traffic! <BR>Thanks for the map advice, will pick one up soon.

While in Formia if you have a car, one great place to visit is Monte Cassino, not that far away. The monastery is very interesting, as is the cemetery. If you can get into Naples (bus?), Herculaneum and Pompeii are both easy to do in one day. Both are reachable from via the Circumvesuviana line from Centrale Stazione. Pompeii, the furthest away, is just about one hour (get off at the Pompeii Scavi station and you will be within a couple of minutes walk from the ruins). Then head back toward Naples on the CS line and get off at the Ercolano station. The ruins are very close. Your kids will love both if you are close enough to understand at all. Another thing that is very interesting is the Cuma ruins, just NW of Pozzuli on the coast N of Naples--Greek ruins and a wonderful Sybil's cave--and the amphitheater and Roman ruins in Pozzuoli itself. All of these are easy day trips from Formia, butyou will need a car for Pozzuoli and Cuma. Can't give you any information on train/bus to Rome from Formia, but please feel free to contact me for more "to-dos" if you wish. And do what the southern-Italians do--relax and let tomorrow take care of itself. You'll have a lot of fun.

I've picked up maps from two sources -- Border's carries orange Michelin maps where I got one for central Italy (Rome/Tuscany/Florence) and another for Northern Italy (Venice/Bologna/Dolomites/Lake Country). From Initaly.com I got an overall Italy map and an Amalfi Coast/Sorrento peninsula map. I like the Michelin maps the best. We plan to return our car to FCO after we've visited the Amalfi coast and then take a van/taxi to our hotel in Rome. It's straight A1 highway to the airport from there. No Rome driving at all!

Daine, <BR>thanks. <BR>I have seen the michelin maps,and I can even get them locally at an independent bookstore. <BR>I think there is one specific to the area I need. <BR>Does it not cost more to return a car to the FCO airport? <BR>I thought I read somewhere about a hefty surcharge. <BR> <BR>Linda, <BR>Great advice!! <BR>I had been the planner for this trip as far as getting the arrangements all set, and learning the lnguageMy husband's job was to set the daily itinerary, esp. for thr Formia week. <BR>But, obviously he did not. <BR>So, your suggestion about Monte cassino and the ruins north of Naples are great. <BR>and we will have a car for that week. <BR>I may contact you for more info. <BR>thanks. <BR> <BR>

Good Morning, Nancy! <BR>We usually drop our cars at the airport and train or bus in. It costs us the airport tax which is around 12 to 18$ US. That is the only difference I have encountered. We have found it to be very easy to access the airports. <BR>By the way, I have taken my children to Europe by myself (First trip at the ages of 14, 15, 16! And high energy kids at that!) Those times provided some of my most precious moments with my children. I am sure you will find that same joy with yours! <BR>Thoughts of great fun for you and your kids are being sent your way! <BR>Gloria

Hello Nancy, <BR> <BR>To answer your train question:- <BR>Formia to Roma (Termini) journey time is 1hour 34minutes <BR> <BR>Roma (Termini) to FCO Airport is about 30-45minutes, I think. <BR> <BR>Have you considered a visit to the island of Capri, or the Amalfi Coast? Both are very beautiful, - and not too far... <BR> <BR>Also the island of Ponza is an easy day-trip from Formia. I've never been, but Italian friends tell me it's lovely. <BR> <BR>The medieval town of Sperlonga, just up the coast, is also worth a visit, - with a lovely beach ... if I remember rightly. <BR> <BR>I don't know if any of the following might be useful:- <BR> <BR>www.ponza.com <BR>www.ponza.it <BR>www.ischiaonline.it <BR>www.caprionline.it <BR> <BR>Finally I'd just like to say I really hope you're able to enjoy your trip ... in spite of everything. Good luck! <BR> <BR>Steve

While in Formia, dine at Nostromos! My sister-in-law was living nearby and she took my husband and me to this great restaurant. When Tony requested one of the dishes on the menu, the owner said, no, let me order for you. It was Tony's best meal in Italy! Lot's of food and excellent prices.

Nancy, you will find in Italy, people are very accepting and adoring of kids; don't feel weird without your husband; people will help you with plans, luggage, and information. If you are fearful of driving in Rome and finding the airport, drop your car at the train station and take the train in; Italy's train system is designed for use, has excellent service and it's not a problem with luggage & children. If you stay in /around Naples, definitely drive south to Amalfi, Positano and Amalfi coastal are...don't miss it! Have a wonderful time!

Gloria, thanks for the cost advice for auto drop-off. <BR>I may be sick of driving by then and be glad to leave the car behind and leave the driving to others. <BR>My kids are 10 and 13. <BR>A good age, and since there are only 2 of them, I have one hand for each child. (to grab with) <BR> <BR>Steve- thanks for the time advice. It is good to know how long of a trip to anticipate. <BR>It might be nice to sit back and be able to look at what I am driving through, not worrying about other cars. <BR>Will think of Ponza, but ralther avoid Capri, and see Ischia or Procida instead. <BR>Dare I even think of driving along that twisty coast? <BR> <BR>Monica, <BR>restaurant noted and will ask owner to order for us. <BR>( Ma,non posso mangiare i fungi) <BR> <BR>Born- <BR>thank you for the encouragement! <BR> <BR>I just know we will have a wonderful time. <BR>How can we not?! <BR>The practical advice is appreciated, and so is the support you guys continue to give me. <BR>Thanks. <BR>

I forgot about Sperlonga, which somebody else thankfully remembered. One thing to do there is to walk the old town. It's small, maybe two city blocks, right off the main town piazza. Your kids will love it; "roads" only two foot wide, houses right on the "roads". A great place to explore, though it won't take you too long. Have fun, whatever you decide to do.

Linda, <BR>both you and Steve are correct, about Sperlonga, from what I have heard. <BR>I almost made reservations at a hotel there, but we chose the hotel in Formia as it is in a quiet setting. <BR>But, I do plan on going to sperlonga at least once!! <BR>thanks.

Hello again Nancy, <BR> <BR>A CORRECTION to what I told you above! <BR> <BR>I've just re-checked the train timetable for the ROME-FIUMICINO airport service, and it departs from Roma Tiburtina station, not (apparently) from the main station (Stazione Termini). The journey time from Roma Tiburtina to FCO is 54minutes. <BR> <BR>I've never used the train service to the airport, but hopefully someone else can confirm this info for you. It looks like you'll have to change station in Rome, unfortunately... <BR> <BR>Best Wishes <BR> <BR>Steve <BR>

Steve, <BR>thanks so much for the update. <BR>I am really more interested ijn the formia- rome train. <BR>I think the children and I will splurge on a taxi to the airpost, as there will only be the 3 of us, and what we spend on taxi will definitely be saved by what my husband does not spend those 7 days eating.At 6'4" amd almost 200lbs , he has a healthy appetite,and a love for wine. <BR>so, I think we will be saving a few $$that way. <BR>But, boy, the air ticket to get him home! <BR>Continental wanted $2400 just to change the date on his ticket!!!! <BR>Something to do with same class service, even though all the seats are coach seats. <BR>So, he ended up purchasing a one way to the States. <BR>Strange how things can change so quickly and there is nothing to do but go with the flow. <BR> <BR>But, the trip will be wonderful and we will be in Italy! <BR>thanks again all.

What a rip-off!!! <BR> <BR>P.S. I forgot to say ... <BR>I wouldn't miss the Amalfi Drive for ANYTHING if I were you! (It really is THE most beautiful coastal scenery in Europe!) If you don't want to drive it (- and I wouldn't), - it's easily doable by public transport... <BR> <BR>And I really wouldn't miss Capri either (it won't be that crowded when you go, - and besides, you can avoid the crowds by going up to Anacapri). <BR> <BR>Those two would be the highlight of your trip, - believe me! I'd hate you to miss the best bits... <BR> <BR>Steve <BR> <BR>

Nancy-glad to hear you are progressing on with your travel plans! Since we are all leaving on our trips the same day-are you getting excited? Now that we are into the "2 months" away time slot it seems to be more real-last Aug. when I started planning for our trip <BR>(and there are 10 of us!!) it did not seem real. So, we are all getting excited!! None of our group (except my husband and myself) have been overseas before. <BR>Anyway, glad you are progressing on your plans. <BR>I'll remind you later about the Leaning Tower..... <BR>Happy planning!!! <BR>Patti

Steve/Nancy - there is an express train from Rome Termini to FCO, it's what we used. It takes just about 35 minutes, leaves 1 to 2 times per hour, costs 15,000 lire apiece (one class only.) You can buy tickets at any little tabacchi, including at the airport and at Termini, you don't need to go to a train station wicket for trips of short distances.)

Nancy, A very long time ago (in Fodor's-thread-time) you mentioned Caserta. It is a must see: the castle and grounds are just beautiful, charming for a picnic. We stayed at a local hotel, the Jolly. My daughter had a Murphy bed in our "matrimonial bedroom",gorgeous bathrooms and not too expensive-a "business" hotel right across the park from the castle. Our dinner and breakfast there turned out to be wonderful (and usually we avoid hotel dining rooms). It would be a great, safe place to go with children where you need not feel awkward and its right across from some military establishment, which my husband, who is himself a consultant to the police and military industries, tells me, keeps things very secure, especially in Southern Italy.

you know, it is too bad he is even going. what a shit, to leave you halfway through the trip with your two kids in tow. <BR> <BR>you will have a great time without him. less stress.