Going to Italy in December...what to do?

Modena's a hike from Rome... Maybe something to/from Modena? Depends on how you go there.

 

Take the trains, they go everywhere you could possibly want. Then cab it everywhere else. They drive very fast (imagine that) and very close to one another. Head down south along the coast. If you can take the ferry to the Isle Of Capri. Much history and even more beautiful sights. Don't carry a wallet or you will not have it at the end of the day. The wine is great and the food fantastic. Have fun!

 

+1, especially the Capri suggestion.

If you take a train down to Naples to get there, be very wary of people in the train stations. Naples' train station isn't such a pretty place.

 

One week.....damn. Well, in that case you should prioritize your time while not with the family. I was there for 10 days (school trip) and I only managed to hit the regular tourist traps as well as a side trip to Florence. If anything, buy a map and wander around. Hit at least one 'local' cafe for real coffee, none of that Starbucks mudwater.

 

if your visiting family spend as much time with them as you can. that way you'll get the feel of the real rome. take a day or two to visit the sites. but hang around the neighborhood, meet the people, go to the grocers, visit the local markets. try not to be a tourist. do you speak the lingo? if not you'll want to bone up on it. things will go a lot easier. do you homework before you go. study the streets around your folks house and when you get there go out and explore. rome is a bustling city. mass transit is an excellent and easy way to sightsee. hop on the sreetcar and hop off if you see something that looks interesting.