Rocklin, Calif.: Three of us—ages 55, 63 & 65—will travel to Italy in Sept 2009 for three weeks. We have driven all over Western Europe and northern Italy but never in southern Italy. My question is, what is the best way to get around, train or car? We want to see Orvietto, Sienna, Venice, Florence, Cinque Terra, Sicily, Pompeii, & Capri. We will be spending a week in Rome before heading out for the other areas. Any advice is appreciated.

Anne Hanley: If you want to see all those places, car, definitely. You could do it by public transport but you'd spend most of your time waiting for trains and buses.

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Cincinnati, Ohio: What areas would have apartments that are safe and reasonable to rent for myself, my 83-year-old mother and my two sisters? Price is more important than swankiness. Thanks.

Anne Hanley: Anywhere in the centro storico is perfectly safe, though not always particularly reasonable as far as price goes. Anywhere further afield, and it will make the job of moving your mother around rather more difficult and/or expensive, because the only way in to visit the sights will be by public transport or cab. Romanreference.com is a reputable site with many apartments on its books.

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Niles, Ohio: We are taking a cruise to Rome and various other ports in the Mediterranean and I wonder if it would be better to book our own excursion in Rome instead of the one sponsored by the cruise ship? What is a reputable tour agency?

Anne Hanley: Various people have put the same or similar questions, so please don't take offence if I don't answer you all: this is meant for all of you.

You know, this will sound ridiculous, but I really know very little about tour operators: all my work is geared towards independent travellers, keen to find their own way around. I recommend that you look at opinions posted on travel websites: they're probably much more reliable than mine!

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Boulder, Colo.: I've heard rumors that starting in 2008 there will be an admission charge for the Roman Forum. If true, what is the cost? Are there any tickets that include multiple sites in Rome (such as the Forum, Colesseum, museums, etc.)?

Thank you,
Lisa