I made my first trip to Italy in 2001, and it definitely won't be the last. There's so much to see and take in.

We spent five days in Rome, and hardly touched on the things to see there and in Vatican City. Then a day trip to Pompei, taking the train - a long day, but really worth seeing. Another train to

Florence and a couple of days there, then by bus to Siena during the week of the Palio., another great experience. Then a few days in the Cinque Terre before heading on to Germany.

We got around on the trains and buses with no problem, but really didn't get out into the countryside much at all. I'm not sure how they manage to park in Rome, everywhere I saw the cars were parked absolutely bumper to bumper. Getting around the city in the subway was pretty easy. Siena is a great walking city, and along with Rome is the place I'd most like to return to. My daughter spent six months there going to school, and still wants to go back. And Venice will be on the list the next time.

Have a great time ...

Phil Vancouver, Washington