We are thinking of the following itinerary 6/1. Days 1-3, 2 adults to Amalfi coast from Rome stay in Sorrento or Positano- thoughts? Then back to Rome joined by 2 other couples and for 3 nights-Villa San Pio. San G for 2 nites w/ a day trip to Siena -stay at Pescille. On to Villa Le Magnolie (comments?) as a base for 4 nites from which to explore Tuscany incl Florence, Lucca, Calamecca. Last 2 nights in Lake Como and fly out of Milan.

Wife and I spent 18 days in Italy last year. Great trip. Rome is fantastic amd will easily take 2-3 days. By all means stay in San G. we enjoyed it more that Sienna - although a day trip to Sienna is certainly worth it - San G just seemed to be more of what we thought a hill village should be and the wall around the city makes a great stroll. We stayed in Sorrento and loved it, talked to couples who stayed in Positano and they loved it there so its your choice -DO NOT miss Pompei a real highlight of our trip. Hope this helps a little.

Your itinerary is doable, but be aware that you'll be doing a lot of travelling your first day (flying to Rome, taking the train from the airport into Rome, taking a train to Naples, changing trains to get to Sorrento. There is some private bus service between Rome and Sorrento that would be worth checking out). You'll probably want to stay in Sorrento, as Positano would mean an additional bus ride. <BR><BR>The rest of your plan sounds great.

Terry and Lorraine, thanks for the words of encouragement. Lorraine, do you know how to contact the private bus service? <BR>Any comments on the base for Florence/Lucca- Montecatino Terme? Okay or not so okay? Thanks for the help. <BR>

John, try an internet search for bus rome sorrento, and search this board for bus as well as limo. Here is a recent posting that may interest you:<BR><BR>Author: Wendy ([email protected])<BR>Date: 01/07/2002, 08:18 pm<BR>Message: Jim,<BR><BR>Most of the hotels in Naples, Sorrento, or along the Amalfi Coast will happily arrange transportation for you from Rome. In researching this last year, I found that you save some money by booking the trip through a private driver. My husband and I used a father-son team based in Sorrento, about whom I have posted many times. If you'd like the info, please feel free to e-mail me.

Wendy, like your idea. If you have specifics re drivers, please post. Thanks to all.

To John:<BR><BR>From time to time, the idea of an Ohio-based Fodorites get-together has been kicked around. There was one in Cincinnati a year or so ago (planned around the visit from Tony and Emily, visiting the US from Scotland) - - but I was unable to go. I'm wondering about such a possibility in April or May. Any interest?<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Rex, if we are around, sure. John.