As US citizen I am able to be here in UK for 180 days out of 360 days from my date of arrival. On Dec 7 I leave UK after being here for 176 days I am traveling to Italy and Portugal -in Schengen area where I can be 3 months within a 6 month period.
I need some clarification on how to best travel between Schengen area countries and UK or non-Schengen area over a 2 year period.
Can I be in Italy for one month, and then travel to Portugal for two months, then return to UK for three months, beginning a new 6 month stay in one year, and then return to Italy for three months, and return to UK for three months?
When does the Schengen area (90 days within 180 days) start in the Italy? Portugal?
I have heard that it is possible to be in a Schengen country for 3 months, stay in a non-Schengen area country for a few days and then, when I return to Schengen area it begins a new 6 month period. Is this really possible?!