Our plan is to leave DC on Oct 30 and return Nov 26. I’ve been to only Rome and Florence 4 decades ago. Husband has never been - though we are well travelled independent travelers otherwise! We are way overdue to visit Italy. We’re very mobile active seniors, but WON’T be renting a car for this trip- will rely on public/private. We want to see Rome, Florence, Naples/Almalfi, and a bit of Sicily. Chat gpt gave me a starting itin of basically a week (which included travel days between) in each locale. Trains between Rome/Florence/Naples. And flights between Naples/Palermo…. And flying back to Rome from Catania for flight back to DC. Trains, buses, etc to a few places in Sicily. Would base in Sorrento in Amalfi. What say you experts to this beginning rough itin given 4 weeks in November?

I wouldn't choose to visit Amalfi Coast in November personally. ChatGPT came up with a few pros and cons. Just be aware:

Rain is more likely in November, and some attractions or activities might be limited due to weather conditions.
Some tourist-oriented businesses, like restaurants and shops, may have reduced hours or be closed for the season.
Certain attractions or hotels might be closed or operating on a limited schedule.

No Venice?

Even with a month of days, I wouldn't spend time on the Amalfi Coast in November. Although it's nice without the crowds and with lower hotel rates, the daylight hours are short, lots of things are closed, views and sightseeing can be impacted by weather. Having said that, Naples would be enjoyable when crowds and temperatures are lower, but you could also decide to make a day trip (or two) to Naples from Rome on days when you know the weather will be pleasant. If the Amalfi Coast is a must, I would put it first in the itinerary and not later in the month.

Without a car, I don't think I'd choose Sicily. Before you decide, make sure you understand the public transportation options (and limitations) at that time of year for the places you want to visit. I'd not enjoy flying to/from Sicily, but I admit I'm allergic to airports and all the issues involved. Make sure you know luggage restrictions/limits for those flights. You'd want to fly to Rome the day before your final departure.

You don't mention your interests or priorities, but there are loads of places that are very easy to visit/reach using trains and the occasional bus connections. Just from Florence, there are at least half a dozen easy day trips (which for me would mean I'd want more than a week there). Bologna is another good train hub, and there are towns in Umbria that can easily be visited from a base in, say, Perugia or Spoleto. And there are day trips from Rome besides Naples/Pompeii... Tivoli, Ostia Antica, Orvieto, Frascati. If the weather's really nice, Castel Gandolfo.

Overall, I'd prefer a itinerary that encompasses a smaller area than the AI-generated idea, fewer hotel changes, no flights, etc.

Chat GP continues to generate nonsense on itinerary.

For Rome,Florence and Naples you don't need nor want a car.

I agree with everything above.

Apart from hotels and restaurants, ferry schedules would be reduced in November. Even the scheduled ferries need to be cancelled if the seas are rough, which is a distinct possibility at that time of year.

Also, Sorrento is not on the Amalfi Coast, which would be an advantage in November. Being a larger town, with a good number of year-round inhabitants, they wouldn't roll up the sidewalks in the off season.

You can take an overnight ferry from Naples to Palermo, which might be nice.

In fact, I would be inclined to go straight to Sicily from Naples. You may need to do a little research on public transportation in Sicily, as trains are scarce and buses are operated by different companies.

My birthday is in November and I like to say at my age one day to celebrate just doesn't cut it, so I opt for the month in Europe. (I also go for a month in the Spring). November 2023 Paris-rained every day but 4. Ugh! Paris November 2021 sunny every day but 3 rainy nights. Read about scorching weather in Europe right now. From what I have read, weather is going to be a crap shoot in the future I think! November 2022 Northern Italy and fab light or heavy sweater weather.

That said I will do Southern Italy in November 2024. AC for the first week, and work my way almost around the toe and up the heel. Most towns/cities will be small ones although the ones I will be visiting are popping up "the best", the quaintest", " the whitest", etc.

Ferries will change over in November but certain ones to certain places run year round except I guess in bad weather. Blue Grotto boats end Oct 31, so if interested that might need to be done literally upon landing. Ferry still goes to Capri. I plan my trips a year out to verify I can go to and out of the towns I am visiting. Southern Italy was a tad more challenging but no real issues. I had thought to stay in Sorrento but realized I was visiting 5 cities on the AC and so cancelled staying in Sorrento and opted for Amalfi. Buses heading east and west stop in Amalfi.

This trip I am flying RT Naples but normally fly into one city and out another. I am S, 70+, F, solo traveler and dislike the heat so summer travel will never be in the cards for me. I rent apts as I live to stay for at least 5-14 days in a place so restaurant closures are not a issue for me and sites are easier to get into and less crowded. If I recall correctly staying in Como was great and I worked the ferry schedule and only Bellaggio was almost all shut down in November but that was of little consequence.

I do think you need to move ASAP on accommodations if you haven't already done so. Because I book so early by the time of my trip in a few instances the rate I paid for a week only now covers 4-5 days. Good luck.

What a great way to spend your Nov bday, Jan! This sounds like a great trip. Will you (like us) also be relying on public transport as you move around. For sure weather is a crap shoot. Remember being in Paris in Feb years ago and its was quite cold, but gloriously sunny for an entire week. In 2020 January, Paris was grey/gloomy with a smattering of showers. Feb 2020 in smother Spain on the other hand was fabulous, most every day for 3 weeks sunny and 70-80.