Question: B.N. asks: I am planning a trip to Italy this summer and I’m looking for interesting cities/sites. We are thinking about seeing Florence, Rome, and the west coast near Naples. What are your recommendations?

Answer: Betsy Sell, AAA Travel Services Managing Director and frequent Europe traveler, answers: The west coast is one of my favorite areas in Italy. Naples (the original home of the "Neapolitan" pizza) is a big, sprawling port city with little to offer in the way of interesting sights and things to do. It is, however, the departure point for the ferries to the isle of Capri where you’ll find lush, mountainous landscape and views of the mainland that are breathtaking. I’d also suggest taking the famous Amalfi coastal drive; the views of the Mediterranean are spectacular and the town of Sorrento is quaint with lots of wonderful little shops and outdoor restaurants. The Amalfi drive is narrow and winding so to truly enjoy the beautiful sights you might consider taking a full day coach tour from Rome. BTW, if you decide to take in Naples and Sorrento, be sure to also visit the ruins at Pompeii. Most full day coach tours out of Rome include a visit to the ruins as well as the Amalfi Coast and a stop in Sorrento. Between Rome and Florence, don’t miss the city of Assisi. The city is linked with St. Francis and has a dramatic view of his burial place. While you are there don’t miss the Basilica di San Francesco. For recommendations on what to do while in Rome and Florence, see my answer to a similar question posted yesterday. Excellent information about what to see and do in Italy can be found in the AAA Spiral Guide Italy available at barnesandnoble.com. AAA also has a condensed guide of the top 10 things to do in Italy, AAA Essential Italy, that is also available on barnesandnoble.com. 

AAA members can get a discount on both guides at AAA.com/barnesandnoble (you’ll need your AAA membership number to access the Barnes & Noble section of AAA.com). AAA has some good deals on Italy tour packages available through your local AAA travel agency. I’d encourage you to give them a call. Have an awesome trip and come back to the blog to tell us about it by posting a comment to this Q&A answer.