Well not exactly I did Italy 35 years ago (V, F, T, M, R) but going back will almost be like 1st time for me. Wife never has been. We land in Rome early a.m. Planning 3 days in Rome and then to ??
Have always wanted to go to Pompeii and Amalfi coast. Do you think it is doable and be back in Rome by evening of last day ?(A.M. Flight out). Certainly Venice and Florence are wonderful options but we were thinkning of something a bit different.
Advice most welcome.

3 days in Rome & 5 on Amalfi coast are doable.

I would recommend reversing it. 5 days in Rome & 3 on Amalfi coast. But depending on your travel style & preferences you might like more "resort" time.

2 cities with 8 days is perfect. Don't try to add that third location or you'll be travel tired.

If you are flying in and out of Rome, then I would go to the coast upon arrival. You might as well since you will be a bit jet lagged. What time of year are you planning to go?

If you are flying in on a transatlantic flight you might not want to add another leg of travel right away, especially the Amalfi coast, which is not easy to get to.

It is also not easy to get to Pompeii from the coast, and I found that when I tried to see it as a day trip, I regretted not having planned to spend more than one day there. It is vast. If you come in from the coast for a day trip in warm weather, you can end up touring the site in the hottest part of the day.

If you are thinking of something a bit different, my question is: How much different? The Amalfi coast is one of Italy's most tourist-heavy places. Do you want to get away from the crowds? Or just do something different from the art cities?

I always think a short trip like 8-10 days is a good time to do open-jaw since it helps to maximize your time. You could fly into Rome, then do Tuscany and some time in Florence - then fly out of Florence.

I agree you want to minimize your time travellling from poists

I agree you want to minimize time travelling between points A, B, C, D, etc.

I would head south as soon as your plane land in Rome. Sorrento would be a good base and would minimize travelling around. From Sorrento you can visit Pompeii and take ferries to towns along the Amalfi coast. Then head back to Rome for the second half of your trip.

3 nights in Rome is nothing. 4 nights in Rome would be my absolute minimum - especially since your wife has never been.

I would do 4 in Rome and 4 based in Sorrento. I agree with bardo to head for Sorrento as soon as the plane lands. Sorrento is a perfect base to enjoy the bay of Naples area and visit the Amalfi coast. Pompeii is a short hop away by train. It is also very easy to take time from Rome for a day trip to Florence, if you decide to. Doing Rome last sets you up for your flight home.

My wife and I have a similar 8 day trip planned for the end of July. Since we have a layover in Milan which we will use to train into Milan to see the Duomo and Last Super, we decided to stay in Rome for 3 nights upon arrival and then head to Sorrento for 3 nights before travelling back to Rome for our last night. We probably would have headed straight to Sorrento upon arrival in Rome if we did not have the lay over in Milan. We plan on visiting Pompeii on the way to Sorrento and then taking ferries and boats to visit the Amalfi Coast towns and Capri during the rest of our time there. We'll probably head back to Rome early on our last full day to visit additional sites in Rome. Whatever you decide, have a great trip.

Thanks very much for the advice

We have to fly in and out of Rome -- freebie tickets. So the idea of going South first and finishing in Rome is a good one. Regarding different - we were discussing the possibility of being 'over arted' so the usual Rome, Venice, Florence might be too much. We've thought about Rome to Florence and back as another option. What do you think about car rentals - I've driven before but wondering if trains might be worthwhile? Appreciate everyone's inputs. The trouble is 8 days is not enough!!

What time of year are you traveling? If you are traveling between mid-May and mid-September, a car in the area of Pompeii and the Amalfi coast is not a good idea because of traffic and lack of parking.

If you are traveling more off-season, it might be a very nice idea to rent one have more of an adventure and to give you more flexibility in seeing Pompeii. You could also use it to get a bit off the beaten track and explore.

You are getting a lot of advice to base yourself in Sorrento and visit the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii as day trips. Personally, I would not enjoy that trip as much I would enjoy being able to spend more time exploring Pompeii by staying near the site or making repeat visits, and spending nights on the Amalfi Coast. (Sorrento, although on the sea, is not on the Amalfi Coast).

However, in the very hottest months, the coast is very crowded and the area is very hot, so you very much might prefer to only take a peek at Pompeii and relax in Sorrento and take a few boat rides to cool off and see some of the Amalfi coast (which has a lot of stairs).

One thing to remember is that a vast amount of the treasure of Pompeii is now housed in the archeological museum in Naples. It is marvelous to see -- but you certainly don't want to drive in Napoli.

If you enjoy ruins, also read up on Ostia Antica and Paestum. You can get "over-ruined" as well as being over-arted, however. Depends on who you are and what you want to experience on this trip.

You don't need a car either way. We also had cars in the past - northern UK and southern Spain, but for the Amalfi Coast you really don't need one. Just take trains/ferries.

As to Rome/Florence vs. Rome/Amalfi Coast - it's your choice. Either one would a fine 8 day (8 nights?) trip. Apples and Oranges, though.

Lucky you-free airline tickets! I would have a hard time choosing between Florence and the Amalfi Coast, but if you do not want to be 'over arted,' the Amalfi Coast may be a better choice. In Florence the main attractions are the Uffizi Museum and the Accademia along with the Duomo and Pisa. On the Amalfi Coast you could see Pompeii, spend time in Sorrento and take day trips to some of the towns along the coast. In Rome there are the ancient ruins and the usual attractions, but even if you are not interested in art, you may be find yourself taking it in at the Vatican and/or in some of the beautiful cathedrals. My husband is more the outdoors type, going for a hike while I take in some museums at times, but he really appreciated the beauty and history we found in Rome. (We can't wait to go back.)

We are going 23 Sept Oct 2. Any suggestions on guides. We would like a semi private or private situation. Not a big bus tour (unless some compelling reasons) Something that we can control the time spent etc. This would be Rome and Florence if we go that directon. Amalfi, NAples, Pompeii. going the other!

Everyone has been so helpful - thanks very much.

For guides, have you seen this thread?

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...aster-list.cfm

You may also want to do a search here on the forum.

Enjoy your trip!

Hi J,

I suggest flying into Naples for 4-5 days on the AC and then on to Rome before flying home.

There are buses from NAP to Sorrento, private limos (about 100E) and train service.

From Sorrento you can visit the rest of the AC.