Try not to miss Herkulinium. It's a little out of the way, but so worth it. Because it's on the sea, the people tried to hide from the oncoming lava against the cliffs. Their bodies are frozen in time there.

Come over to UK and say hi

Pompeii is amazing. We got tickets ahead of time for the big stuff like the Coliseum and the Vatican (which we saw in one day, our first day in Italy - too much) otherwise the lines are unbelievable. Pick pockets are a serious problem and can easily pull a wallet of of the front pocket of a pair of Levis, don't ask how I know. For all international travel carry a photocopy only of your passport with you (leave the passport in the hotel safe). If you can get to the Cinquterra I recommend it (splurg and get a fancy hotel on a cliff). The big attractions in Florence (and all over Italy) are super crowded, early in the day is somewhat better. Many train stations have electronic kiosks to get tickets. They are a bit confusing but people who offer to help you are there to rip you off. They either grab your money and run away or help you then aggressively badger you forever for a tip or a bigger tip. If you use an ATM on busy public streets one person get money while another person stands with their back to the ATM and watches everybody around you. Sorry to freak you out but if you are careful you should be OK. This stuff is true all over the world, not just in Italy.

Been a couple of times. If I were going back I'd devote a majority of my time to the Vatican. Also the areas around the Coliseum often have some digs going on much of the time and you can see some cool things. But the Vatican has the most amazing historical art you will ever see. I could spend weeks just going thru the murals on many of the walls in corridors. Oh, and monasteries make excellent sleeping arrangements.

There and Herculaneum are the only two places I ever wanted to see. Send pictures please

Will look forward to the pictures!

My friend has just got back from there the pics are pretty impressive and she enjoyed herself

Just try to steer clear of the Vatican, there ARE some truly BAD predators lurking around in the place, they're called Catholic Priests.

I went there on a school trip a thousand years ago and it planted a seed that lead to me studying Roman history and archaeology as a mature student. All I would say is immerse yourself in everything you can find and marvel at what Rome was. One example is the Circus, doesn't exist today but it held 150,000 people, in Roman times that's insane!!!!

Btw, the foods great and the Italians are lovely people