My husband and I plan on a trip to Italy in February. The reason we are going this time of year is because our daughter is going on a school trip to Rome at this time and we'd like to see her performance. We plan on doing our own thing with the exception of attending the school performance. Neither of us has been to Italy so we'd like to do as much as we can in the allotted time (7-9 days- not definite yet). I'm thinking 3 days max in Rome then maybe go to Sorrento and explore that area, as well as Pompei. I would love any suggestions as to whether anyone feels we should rent a car or travel by train/bus. Also any suggestions for hotels would be much appreciated. We are on a tight budget so we would like something nice but don't need 5 star accommodations. And does anyone have any idea of the weather/temperature in February? This is so overwhelming!

Thanks in advance.

I have been to Rome in February and in March. The temperature is variable. Had one really rainy and miserable day in Rome but also some sunny and warmish ones in February. Pompeii is further south and was nice and warm (at least to us from Massachusetts) in February.

People in Rome were all bundled up in heavy coats and scarves when we were wearing lighter clothes.

I would change that three days max in Rome to three full days minimum. There is more to see in Rome than any other place I have been.

I have not been to Sorrento but I have gotten the impression from this board that the area is not set up as much for winter touring. Someone who has been there might be able to let you know whether most things are open that time of year.

I agree with the above poster about the time spent in Rome. But you can spend three days and then go around to where ever and when you return to Rome for your flight home do more time.

I would take the train if it's your first time in Italy. The next time you go you'll feel more comfortable and put a car to good use.

There is a hotel in Pompeii that is called the Hotel Forum. It's a wonderful hotel and low priced. It's walking distance to the scavi and in the village. It used to have a website, but I can't find it now. You can to to www.italy-by.com or www.venere.com or try another search for it. When you're in Pompeii, you can also go to Herculaneum which is near by and is better preserved.

For Rome go to www.travel.it and you will get a huge list of hotels at all prices and they all have their own websites. I try to go to hotels with their own websites because I get better deals and get to know the staff. I can also contact them for museum reservations or anything I need ahead of time. We stay at the Cortina but there are many hotels that are great in the low price range. The Cortina is on the 1st floor (2nd floor for us). The entrance is a little outdated, but when you get to the Cortina and open the door it's really lovely. In Italy some small hotels will be on a floor or portion of a floor of a large building.

From Pompeii you might also want to go to Torre del Greco. That's a village closer to the Bay of Naples where they make a lot of cameos. Also you may want to go to Naples to see the Archeological museum and other sites there.

These things can all be done by train or bus.

One hint. Taxis are cheap in Rome. Dont' bother with buses and metros. Less chance with pick-pockets and no waiting. You have to find a taxi stand, that's all.

Have fun.

I have a long file on Rome; if you'd like to see it, email me at
[email protected]

Ok, I found it. It was the difference between .com and .it Here it is:
http://www.hotelforum.it/
Nice clean hotel with a wonderful staff and very convenient. You can walk to the train, scavi, village.....anywhere.

If you decided to venture to Sorrento, Nikki is correct that the area is more of a sumer destination. That said, some of the books I have been looking at say that if you go off season, you can appreciate the real charm of the area. We're going to Sorrento late March and plan side trips to Capri, Pompeii and then having a driver take us along the Amalfi Coast. Some of the hotels and restaurants may be closed, but you won't have to deal with the crush of tourists that the area gets in the high season.

Hi
We were in Rome for a few days in January. Coming from the southern US, we found it cold but manageable, even when we had snow flurries. We bought hats and unfortunatly we don't own heavy coats, but dressed in layers. Had a great time.

If you are going to Sorrento, check out this hotel. My uncle just came back from Italy and spent 8 days at this hotel in Sorrento. He said it was fantastic and the food was absolutely fabalous. Best meals he had in all of Italy. And very reasonable, and clean. I plan on staying here in February if we go.

http://www.ilnido.it/
take a look at the guestbook reviews!

We stayed at the il Nido and it was wonderful. The food was so good we ate there two nights instead of going into town. The views from the rooms and the dining room are incredible. We had a fabulous view of the Bay of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius.

To jcsale: That's the smartest thing to do. We also hired a driver to take us on the Amalfi Coast. My husband sat in the front seat and my daughter and I in the back. My husband was able to enjoy the trip (we all did) and didn't have to think about the drive. He let the driver deal with the roads. Also at that time of the year the driver will know what is open and what isn't.

Andrea..may I suggest a reasonable (under $200) hotel in Rome, between the Spanish Steps and Piazza Barberini...we loved it and have made it our Rome headquarters and have recommended it to several people. It's the quaint little Hotel Modigliani
www.hotelmodigliani.com

Stu
Owned by a psychologist and a writer..wonderful breakfast room...try to get a room overllooking the garden..charming.