Need Italy Advice
 

Here's the thing, we got a late start, but would like to visit all three places, and still have a chance to spend some time in the Chianti region.

Ideally, we would arrive in Rome, stay at 3 nights, maybe four, visit Pompeii and leave for Florence the next day. While in Florence, we would do the museums and Chianti region. After four nights there, we would rail to Venice, where we would stay for 2 nights and fly out.

One of my questions is about using a tour or finding private. Semi-private guide service.
It's late in the game and my dates are set. Any help would be appreciated. I am also interested in good guides and tours in the above regions.

Thanks.

How many nights do you have? When is your trip and what do you want to see in Rome?

While in Italy, we have 10 nights. We would like to split them b/t Rome, Florence and Venice, while being free for excursions.

Of interest in the Tuscany region are The wine territory of Chianti, Bologna, Pisa, San Gimignano, and perhaps anything else that may be enlightening but not creating a rush.

While in Rome, the major spots, Sistine Chapel, Forum, Colosseum, Pantheon, Palatine Hill, Borghese Gallery, National Museum, Vatican Museum. Catacombs are a high want, but not a must.

Venice is more about the canals, the romantic idea of what Venice is supposed to be. St. Mark's Square, Bridge of Sighs, Rialto Bridge, perhaps St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge Palace.

These are the majors for me. We are also looking at a couple of groups who do tours.

I must say we were looking at Pompeii, but it seems to be problematic to do Pompeii unless a whole day is devoted to the site.

I am looking for any and all input, suggestions or just plain thoughts on our plans.

Thanks again.

First off, this is an easy trip to plan by yourself. There is tons of great information on this site - no need to do a group tour.

Second, glad you have realized that Pompeii is problematic. It is, and with only 10 days best you save it for another trip.

Okay, so with 10 nights, I would recommend 4 Rome, 3 Florence and 3 Venice. If you really wanted to while you were in Florence you could spend a day in the Chianti region and visit either San Gimignano or Siena.

I think you could see your must see list in Rome with the 4 nights in Rome, and enjoy romantic Venice with 3 nights.

Not sure you're going to find a tour that meets your exact dates and spends several days in each place.

I would definitely just do it yourself.

And yes, visiting Pompeii from Rome is a very long day trip - starting on the train early am and returning late in the evening - otherwise you won;t have time to see much there (it's a sizable town).

I have two suggestions for Rome. In Rome, buy a Roma Pass; it will save you waiting in line when you go to places like the Colosseum. Pre-book the Sistine Chapel on the official website and select the guided tour in English. I did this last summer, and the tour (2 hours) was great. When you are at the Forum and the Colosseum, there are guides available at the entrances if you want a guided tour.(I didn't use these, but I saw plenty of them.)

And idea for Florence is a guided winery tour. Someone picks you up at a central meeting place and you spend the day in the countryside. This would get you out of the cities and into the vinyards.

Enjoy your trip.

I would recommend Ostia Antica over pompei - very accessible from Rome.