ITALY Readers's Tips - You're definitely trying to pack way too much into too little time. We experienced travelers on this board generally recommend no more than three destinations in ten days 45 days in Rome, 23 days in Florence (possibly with side trip to Siena or Pisa, and 3 days in Venice.You're proposing four destinations in nine days. Have you been to Europe before You should realize that your arrival day is likely to be significantly clouded by jet lag and should not be counted on for significant sightseeing.My usual plan for arrival day is to check into the hotel and walk around in a fuzzy haze trying to stay awake until a local bedtime to avoid dragging the jet lag out for additional days. The barest minimum for Rome for the wellorganized firsttime traveler is two full days one day for ancient Rome (Forum, Coliseum, Pantheon and one day for the Vatican (St.eter's and Vatican Museum, with the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona stuffed in there somewhere, probably at night.That leaves out scads of topnotch sights and allows no time for shopping, strolling, and just getting the feel for the place.Rome is a very hectic, chaotic city, and chances are that with a twoday visit you won't enjoy it much.It improves with a longer stay. The Amalfi Coast is significantly south of Rome and away from your other destinations.It will take you around half a day each way from Rome for transportation.You could get there by taking the train to Naples, bus to the port, and ferry to Positano probably the most efficient and scenic.A substitute would be to head to Sorrento, which can be reached from Naples by the Circumvesuviana commuter train and would be quicker to get to, although less scenic once you've arrived. Venice is another place you probably won't enjoy if you only have a day or so there.The most popular sights are flooded with daytrippers and reached by overcrowded routes in narrow passageways.If you have more time, you can wander away from the main drags and discover all the glories which aren't in the guidebooks. I suggest you limit yourselves to no more than three stops, preferably two with your short stay. I highly recommend sticking with the trains.Tuscany is the one area that is better by car.Traveling between the cities of Italy is far easier and less expensive than driving.City driving in Italy can be hairraising, and parking is scarce, difficult, and costly.

TRAINTRAIN We had always driven6 trips, but this year, we decided to try trains and only rent a car for one day.That day, we were glad to give it up and return to trainsthis way, even the driver can see the scenery That is quite a bit.You have to take into account the travel time between places will eat into your viewing time. Personally I would decide what your interests are and tailor from there.If you love ancient history then plan for time in Rome and make a day trip down to Pompeii (or combine that with the Amalfi coast and a day trip to Capri. If you love

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