I've been learning a lot from just reading, and now that my husband and I have planned our 16 days in Italy, I thought I'd share our itinerary with you. We have already been to Roma, Pisa, Firenze, Venezia, Siena and Napoli (a one-day excursion). This time around, we plan to begin in Napoli (3 1/2 days), then to Positano (3 1/2 days), train to Roma (4 1/2 days), and then fly to Genova, where we plan to drive down the Ligurian coast to Porto Venere for 3 days. After PortoVenere we'll return to Genova for 1 1/2 days (I know this is not really long enough, but it will have to do) and then back to the States. It's not as slow as we would like, but we have limited time and each of these places is important (family near Napoli, and dear friends in Roma and La Spezia). We've been planning to drive from Genova to PortoVenere. Is there a better alternative (we would have a parking spot available)? And what about the Napoli to Positano connection? What would be the best way to make this trip? Sure would appreciate any of your suggestions.

First, welcome to the Board.

You didn't mention what time of year you will be traveling, although I'd guess it's summer given the waterfront locations.

Your plan is quite over packed, as you noted, and therefore doesn't really fit with the concept of Slowtravel. When I first read through it I assumed all those half days were allowing for travel time, but then I realized it doesn't add up. Those half days include all the time it will take to pack, travel and unpack from and to each location.

As for Positano, the easiest way is a car with driver. A car of your own in the summer would be more hassle than benefit. I suppose you could cut the cost down some by taking the Circumvesuvium train from Naples to Sorrento and picking up a car and driver there.

Returning to Rome will be equally challenging. Car, bus or cab to Sorrento (or all the way to Naples), train to Naples, change to a train for Rome. Best case is a half day to make the trip.

Thanks so much for your input. You were right on both counts. We were thinking we'd lose a half day getting from one place to another. I sure hope we don't lose more. We're traveling in July, and although we'd love to spend more time in each place, we won't have that luxury. On our last trip, we traveled alone and were able to take our time and enjoy so much that's beautiful in Italy. This time, I guess you can say Italy will take second place to the people we plan to meet there. Only in Positano will we be totally on our own. By the way, I should mention that my husband and I are in our late fifties/early sixties, and are both quite active.

Welcome to the board Em.

One thing I would consider changing is the flying from Rome to Genoa. First, it would be just as easy to take the train. But, instead, why not pickup the car in Rome, drive up the Lazio and Tuscany coast to Portovenere?

The drive from Genoa to Portovenere is not that great. You are on autostrada the whole way - if you take back roads, it will take forever and you will be driving through very built up areas. Plus the stretch of Liguria north of Levanto to Genoa, is kind of ugly along the autostrada. Big new built up holiday areas. Pretty mountains and sea views - yes - but lots of tunnels and not worth it as a drive.

If it were me, I would either take the train to Pisa and pickup the car there and drive (or Lucca or La Spezia), or just have a nice drive from Rome. And I would probably drive the SS2 from Rome up through Lazio and Tuscany for a lovely drive - then cut across to the coast.

You could pick up the car in one location and then drop it off in Genoa.

From Naples to Positano is either train to Sorrento then public bus to Positano, or get a car service. We have a list here:
Italy - Trip Planning - Car Services

Thanks Pauline for the information. It was a bit disappointing, though, because we've already booked a flight from Roma to Genova. (I should have posted before booking.) Given the situation, would you suggest the train to La Spezia instead?

The flight wil likley cost you lots more, but it will not save you much travel time. The time spent on the airplane wuill certainly be much shorter than the time spent on a train or a car, but the whole tiem required to get to the airport (a couple of hours in advance), check in, board the flight, do the flight itself, collect your luggage, check out, get anywhere near a town will likely be as much as the time needed for the whole train trip. Consider that the train trip from Roma termini to La Spezia Centrale is slightly less than 4 hours, and costs 48,50 (ES 1st class), 31,09 (ES 2nd class), 42,56 (IC 1st class) or 30,73 (IC 2nd class) per person.

It is a shame you've already invested in the flight. The train from Rome to La Spezia would take about four hours - flight plus driving or train will likely take longer and be more stressful. However, what's done is done, right?

If you're going to rent a car once you get to La Spezia anyway, I'd go ahead and get it in Genova - why add yet another transportation link into this chain?