Michelle, As a very small child I became totally facinated with Pompei. I knew it was at the top of my list. As I began to study the area and knew we were going I knew I also wanted to see Herculaneum and actually I would like to have had time to do Opolontis and Scabia (sp?). My daughter is fascinated with volcanoes so we wanted to climb Vesuvius. The more I read and studied I found the dense city life of Naples to fascinate me and I knew I really wanted to tour Naples. Just for the scenery, I wanted to see part of the Amalfi coast. These are the reasons for the Naples/Sorrento side of my trip. <BR><BR>Rome of course I guess is a must and I truely loved it as I felt sure I would. <BR><BR>I definately want to see Venice, but I want at least 3 days to see it more in depth than just to say &quot;I rode down the Grand Canal and fed pigeons at St Marks&quot;. I didn't want to rush the trip and spend alot of time in transit so we just picked spots close together and I am very happy with my choices.<BR><BR>I guess I am weird but as much as I have read about Florence I still don't see it at the top of any future itinerary. It must be wonderful because everyone loves it and I am sure I will go there at least as day trip on my next Italian trip.<BR><BR>Thanks for your interest in my trip.<BR><BR>April

Dear April:<BR><BR>Well I guess I'm weird too. Florence is fine, but Venice, Rome, Pompeii etc. I think are much better as far as the whole package. I was with my mother and sister in Italy in October and just haven't got the motive to post a trip report. We had a blast on the trip. Had a car for a week for Pasteum, Basilcata and the Amalfi Coast. Fun, but you need two people: one to drive and one to navigate.<BR><BR>I can also relate to having a tiny daughter. Mine is nine and can also wear 6-6x with length being a problem. Your report has inspired me to make sure she goes on the next trip to Europe with us.<BR><BR>Thank you,<BR>Michelle

Michelle, please do post your trip report when you can. I got so many great ideas and inspirations reading others trip reports. <BR><BR>Do take your daughter to Italy, being with mine made the trip all the more special. I would have the trip regardless but seeing it all through her eyes too made it double-special!!<BR>She is already figuring out when Thanksgiving break will be next year so she can go again. We are definatly going back, I personally would like to go before next Thanksgiving but that might not be a possibility.<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>April<BR>

April - a lovely trip report - the image of your daughter dancing for you in the ampitheatre just resonates. <BR><BR>And thank you for your Scala Reale comments - we're taking our 8 year old to itly in June - he has been obsessed with mythology since he was five and I've been debating about spending the money for a tour - it's sounds like they can really tailor the tour to your interests/needs/age groups.<BR>Congratulations on giving you child such a wonderful experience!!!

very topworthy<BR>

Thank you so much for a fun trip report. I always enjoy trip reports but yours read more like a an easy read novel. Your daughter is a very lucky child. I can just imagine her dancing and seeing the wonders of Italy for the first time. <BR><BR>I have a question about Scala Reale, Did they tailor your tour since it was private or was it still a set tour and you did this, then this and ended with this? I would be very interested in doing a private tour with with them for my son who is 8 if they will tailor tours.<BR><BR>I would also like to know about Hotel Mignon in Sorrento. I can't find it on any of the hotel booking sites I have checked. <BR><BR>You help will be appreciated,<BR><BR>Sarah

Sarah: Try this -<BR><BR>http://www.sorrentohotels.net/scheda...hotel=mig01824

Sarah, <BR>Sorry, I haven't been on the computer for a while (daughter in Nutcracker dress rehersals 8 hours a day). I see someone has given you a link to Hotel Mignon. As for Scala Reale, from my dealings with them I am sure they would tailor a tour to exactly what you want. They were wonderful to deal with. On our Ancient Rome tour we mentioned we wanted to go to Mamertine Prison, even though it was not on our schedule our guide fit it in for us. Just call them and tell them what you are looking for or e-mail them.<BR><BR>April

April,<BR>Welcome to the elite, but ever-growing, group of Naples lovers. <BR><BR>Enjoyed your report a great deal.<BR>Wish I had gone to Caserta...

Thanks for your report! My sister and I have been discussing Italy as our next trip and you have just decided it for me. How did you figure out where all you wanted to go? Did you have a guide book or suggestions from friends or what.

CJ, In answer to your question, I did read a few guide books. I found the most informative to be Fodors and Rick Steves. They are sort of on opposite ends of the spectrum so it really gave me a good range of info. I also read some in Frommers and Lonely Planet. <BR><BR>The biggest help I received was actually for spending alot of time on this forum, not only asking questions but reading lots of trip reports and reading lots of others questions and answers.<BR><BR>Have fun planning you next trip. I am!!<BR><BR>April

April<BR>I really enjoyed reading your report about your wonderful trip. Thank you so much for sharing it.<BR>Kavey

Dear April,<BR>Thanks for the wonderful overview: so useful for us since we'll be going to Rome and Tuscany in March'03. I was hoping you could provide the feedback on Hotel Navona: did you have a pleasant experience there (we booked it for three nights since their prices are so reasonable). Our daughter (11) is going with us too and I fear that all the walking will be tiring for her. What would be your suggestions based your experience? <BR><BR>Many thanks!<BR>Katie

Katie, Your daughter will love the trip regardless, I think children handle things better than adults regardless of any situation. Yes you do walk alot but you can easily use public transportation if you want to. There is a taxi stand about 1 1/2 blocks from Hotel Navonna and a bus stops about the same distance. We found when we did get a taxi back, we came out quite a bit cheaper just asking them to take us to Piazza Navona and then walking to the hotel. The hotel is the best location in Rome I can imagine, The Pantheon and Trevi are about a 5 min. walk, the spanish steps are about a 10 min. walk, the coloseum is about 15 min. We both walk fast so if you are a slower paced walker add a few minutes. Most everything around that we walked to was flat ground so that helps alot also. Just take time to rest when you need to.<BR><BR>As to Hotel Navonna, The people there were very friendly, nothing fancy but that was not what I went for. The hotel was strictly where we slept and showered. My room was very clean, the only thing was the mat in the bathroom didn't seem real clean but I just pushed it under the sink and didn't use it. The room was over a side street. There was some noise but not enough to bother us. I never ate breakfast there so I can't comment on that, we were always off and gone by the time it was served. When I return to Rome I will probably stay at Hotel Navona again, given the price and the location.<BR><BR>Have a wonderful trip and if I can help in any way, please feel free to e-mail me personally. I don't get on the computer alot which is why it has taken me so long to respond to this post. <BR><BR>April