First trip to Europe

[tldammann]

Hi! I will be heading to Europe for the first time in October. As I have a 4 yr old daughter, I will only be going for 16 days. I have decided to spend that time in Italy. I have been doing alot of reading and research trying to plan this trip for me and my friend. I am thinking of spending 3-4 days in the Naples area visiting Naples, Pompeii and enjoying the Amafi coast. Next I will travel by train to Rome and spend 3 to 4 days. Then I was planning to travel by train to Florence for 3 to 4 days including a daytrip to a Siena or Bolonga or Pisa. Then I was planning to travel by train to Venice and spend 2 days(is that enough?) and take a daytrip to Verona or Padua or Vicenza.
Does this sound like a good itinerary? Or am I trying to do too much in such a short visit? I know I am mostly just visiting the main cities and not spending much time enjoying the smaller towns, but as this is my first visit, I really want to see the museums, ruins, churchs etc.
Any tips or advice you could give me about my plans would be greatly appreciated!!!

[me]

be sure to try some of that real italian ice cream

[Cat]

Do not spend to much time in the city of Napels. You'd be better off spending two days in Pompei, one day for the ruins and another for the beautyful surroundings. Naples is a dirty city with only a few sights and a lot of rude people. That's my experience, anyway.
A daytrip to Siena is a good choice, we loved it. Take the bus from Florence to Siena, not the trains, they are a lot more expensive and take way more time.
Before I forget.... you've got to try the 'caffee freddo'! mmmmmmmmmm......

[Kim]

I definately agree regarding Naples, not a big fan myself. Maybe head over to the Isle of Capri-you can go into the blue grotto in a little boat-it's very beautiful.

Siena is very nice-the only thing in Pisa is the leaning tower, if you wanted to do that, you could take a train from Florence, see the tower and be back within a few hours.

Kim

[nitsansh]

Just a few suggestions:
If you want to see Bologna, you better stop there between Firenze and Padova.
Padova could be used as a home base for Venezia and Verona.