Planning a trip to Florence, Rome and the AC, leaving at the end of June for 12 days. What is the best mode of transportation to see the AC.
Would it be better to Start in Florence or end there?

What's AC?

AC is air conditioning& AMALFI COAST.
We would have to know more to answer well. Do you plan to drive in Tuscany?
What is your experience level in Italy?
Are you a confident driver? Do you arrive and depart Rome? Help !

Traveled to Italy for the first time in late Sept. Spent a fabulous 3 days in Rome, trained to the Cinque Terre for 2 days, and then via train to Florence (for 3 days) and Venice (for 5 days). I don't know what "AC" stands for. We loved every destination but the jewel of our trip was Venice so if you haven't been there before, I'd recommend including it. You are traveling at a very busy, hot time of the year, so I'd start with Rome and work my way north hoping for a degree or two of cooler weather. My girlfriend and I enjoyed not driving, and it's just too expensive/unnecessary in the cities but if you're planning wandering in the countryside (such as Tuscan villages), I have several friends who have rented cars and really enjoyed the freedom (and Italians drive on the "right" side of the road). Have a wonderful trip (but how can you not).

We did a similar trip this Fall. We flew into Florence, picked up a car as we were leaving to travel through Tuscany, drove to Positano, promptly parked our car and did not touch it until we drove it to Rome where we promptly dropped it off. Take the bus (or boat) while on the AC to close locales.

Sorry for the confusion about AC. In this particular case I meant Amalfi Coast. We have not decided as yet where to fly into to begin out journey or if a train, or bus may be a better way to see the Amalfi Coast rather than trying to drive. We would like to drive in Tuscany but could pick up a car along the way if having one in Rome and on the coast was more of a hassle. We are travelling with another family who have been to Italy several times in the past 6-7 years but have not visited Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast. Anything you could share would be much appreciated.

Arrive FCO--get car--drive to Tuscany base camp---4 nites[ Florence day trip]

Drive to Sorrento--Pompeii enroute--drop car--go to AC base camp--4 nites

Train from Salerno to Rome--to hotel.
See Rome in 4 days--depart for home.

That is a start ! Good luck !

What's the best way to see the Amalfi Coast? What town in the Tuscany area would be fun for kids and easily accessable with a car?

The AC in summer is best by boat, as traffic and parking can be dire in high season.

Steve

Hi What,

We recently returned from Italy, where we spent a week on the AC and 2 weeks in Florence.

I wouldn't recommend a car on the AC in June. The tour buses clog up the only road. Also the driver doesn't get to see the scenery.

There is very good bus and ferry service between Sorrento and Salerno.

I agree with Bob, except that I would use a private limo or take the train out of Sorrento to Naples and on to Rome.

Alternatively you could fly out of Naples, but most of the planes leave very early in the morning.

I think that you will find these two threads helpful,

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34451044

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34443340

I would fly into Naples and use public transport to see Amalfi coast; Capri, Sorrento, Pompeii. (AC is one place I will not drive in Europe) Then take train to Rome, pick up a car when you leave Rome and drive thru Tuscany and drop car off in Florence. Fly home from Florence or Pisa (direct train from Florence train station to Pisa airport 1 hour). This avoids back tracking. You can reverse trip but Amalfi coast is great for relaxing and getting over jet lag. I did this trip this past September. Tuscany was a highlight. Stayed at Hotel Belvedere di San Leonino in Castellina di Chianti at fodorites suggestions. Loved the hotel and its setting. Only stay at hotel if you can get a room with view of vineyards or pool. Orvieto was an interesting town between Rome and Castellina.