Touring Italy (how much, houses, live)

[Sleddog905]

We are looking into some tours of Italy for either this summer or next. Any thoughts on must see cities, and cities to avoid? What travel companies have you used that you were happy with?

I would definitely want to see Rome and Venice, and probably the Tuscany region. Both my friend and I have our roots in the Naples and Bari area, and wonder if they are worth visiting. My husband has Sicilian roots, but that may be a separate trip!

Obviously this is all just opinions, but I'd like to get the most out of my first visit to Italy!

[Bob The Builder]

Sleddog

I thought of moving to the Puglia region which is where Bari is. If this is your first time to Italy, you should probably hit the usual Rome, Florence, Venice run.

Naples is kind of dicey. Garbage problem too. But down that way you get Pompeii, Capri, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. All very different.

Most tours will rush you through most of these places.

[texmpls]

Originally Posted by Bob The Builder

Naples is kind of dicey. Garbage problem too. But down that way you get Pompeii, Capri, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. All very different.

Really? A friend of mine was in Naples an she told me it was a wonderful city, extremely beautiful architecture, pitoresque streets and wherever you are stunning views of the gulf of naples. She did say it seemed rather poor, but not dangerous at all. I guess everybody sees things with different eyes

[minniemouse]

Hi!
I'm Italian and I can recommend you these cities:

Venice, Milan, Florens, Assisi and Perugia, Rome, Pompei/Naples and, if you can, go to Sicily (Agrigento) or Sardinia also.

In Sardinia, I recommend Stintino (la pelosa beach is fantastic)

ciao

[BlueWillowPlate]

Originally Posted by texmpls

Really? A friend of mine was in Naples an she told me it was a wonderful city, extremely beautiful architecture, pitoresque streets and wherever you are stunning views of the gulf of naples. She did say it seemed rather poor, but not dangerous at all. I guess everybody sees things with different eyes

I saw Naples as your friend saw it. Good pizza, too. Also, Naples has the museum (Museo Archeologico) which houses so many of the items found in Pompeii, including the famous mozaic of Alexander the Great. But Naples has indeed had its difficulties with trash.
The Amalfi coast is indeed beautiful, and Pompeii is definitely worth a visit.
I've never done a tour other than the hop on /hop off bus in London.
I suppose a tour would give you an overview. If you enjoy art and architecture, Florence is definitely a must, and Rome is always a must.
How much time do you have?

[minniemouse]

pizza is very good!!!!!! It's my preferit food!!!!

In Milan, the tipical plate: risotto alla milanese and cotoletta alla milanese

[Sleddog905]

Thank you for your replies so far. We have as much time as we want, but we were thinking 8-10 days. We'd rather spend about 3 days per city, so we can at least get to see the city. Some of these tours only spend a day somewhere, and that's just not enough for me. So, more than likely we'd be looking at 3 different cities. I'd like to look into Florence a bit more, since I'm not very familiar it. If we do go to Naples, then I definitely want to see Pompeii.

Grazie!

[minniemouse]

You must see Rome , Venice and Florence first of all....

[lolagranola]

Originally Posted by texmpls

Really? A friend of mine was in Naples an she told me it was a wonderful city, extremely beautiful architecture, pitoresque streets and wherever you are stunning views of the gulf of naples. She did say it seemed rather poor, but not dangerous at all. I guess everybody sees things with different eyes

When we were there we would joke that there really wasn't any garbage pick up in Naples, instead dumpsters would just be set on fire occassionally!

We lived there with the military for 3 years. Naples is dirty, has lots of crime, but is FABULOUS. So much history! Naples has alot of character, I loved it.

Also in the area of Bari is a town called Arrolabello (sp?). It is a really pretty place, with distinctive mushroom-shaped houses.

Of course Capri and the Almalfi coast are to die for. Man I wish I could go back!!

[minniemouse]

Oh yes, Amalfi and Capri are beautiful! I never seen them but I know that they are an incredible places!