Expert: Lisa - 5/24/2009

Question
Hi Lisa

My husband and I plan to visit Italy in July for 12 days. I want to know your thought about this itinerary:
-Rome (2 days)
-Pompeii (1 day)
-Florence (2 days)
-Pisa, Lucca (1 day)
-Chianti, Siena (2 days)
-Venice (3 days)
-Rome (1 day)

Is it possible to make a day trip to Pompeii from Rome? What is the best way to get there? by train or bus?

During in Tuscany region, we plan to stay in Florence for 2 days then in countryside (Chianti or Siena) for 3 days and plan to make a day trip to Pisa and Lucca in between. Is there any direct train or bus to get to those towns from Florence? Do we need to rent a car to explore the country (chianti, siena, lucca) or bus is available?

Thanks.  

Answer
Hi Fani. You have a lot planned here, but it's do-able. Yes, you can do Pompeii as a day trip from Rome. It's about 4 hours each way with a change in Naples. So, if you leave early, you can get there by late morning, stay most of the afternoon and then return.

From Rome, take the train to Florence. Use Florence as your base to visit Pisa/Lucca in one day and Chianti/Siena. Or go from Rome, go to Siena first and visit Chianti as a day-trip from Siena before moving on to Florence. Florence is closer to Pisa/Lucca.

From Florence, take the train to Venice and then back to Rome.

Check out the map of Italy here:
http://europe.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&country=IT&addtohistory...


Train info here:
http://www.raileurope.com/us/rail/point_to_point/triprequest.htm

You will find trains and buses that will take you to your day-trip destinations. Check out Frommers.com for bus info by searching the city. Frommers will tell you how to get there by bus, train, etc.

I don't think renting a car is necessary. Maybe sign up for a little tour to the Chianti country. That could be very relaxing and fun.

Best wishes,
Lisa