15 Days in Italy (mostly Southern)

Posted by rwp on 10/08/14 12:03 AM

We will be in Italy for fifteen days in April and May. We will be driving ourselves. Twenty years ago we saw a lot north of Rome but we missed Milan and most of the Cinque Terre. This time we will be flying into Milan and spend the first night around there to recover then go to the Cinque Terre for two nights. After that we will head south so we are thinking about a stop in Orvietto or somewhere else in the general southerly direction towards Naples to break up the drive.

I assume that two nights is enough for staying in the Naples area (giving us a day at Pompeii and maybe some time at Herculaneum) but where should we actually consider staying? Any time for Sorrento? How much time should we allow for Positano and driving through the Amalfi Coast?

After leaving the Naples area we want to drive to Sicily, staying up to five days. Suggestions?

Finally, we need to get back to Rome (to spend out last two days there) either driving up from Sicily or flying back. Once again, suggestions?

Posted by Zoe

Toledo, Ohio, US

10/08/14 12:28 AM

11613 posts

I would rethink the itinerary, but that's me. Look at Viamichelin.com for driving distances/times, and Rome2Rio.com for various transportation methods/costs.

After Cinque Terre I would fly to Palermo, pick up a car, spend some time in Sicily, then drive up to Naples via Calabria, perhaps an overnight in Matera, stop in Paestum (about 2hours from Matera), then settle somewhere along the Amalfi Coast or Sorrento for a couple of days before Naples and finally Rome.

Posted by rwp OP

10/08/14 12:59 AM

10 posts

Thanks for the reply....

Posted by Chani

Tel Aviv

10/08/14 06:31 AM

15576 posts

Yes, spend your time in Sicily and the AC. It looks like you have about 10 days and you could easily spend 2 weeks just in Sicily. With 5 days or less, you'll have to be very selective. I was there this spring, the same time frame you are looking at. The wild flowers were stupendous on the western side, dwindling noticeably as I went east. If you want to see the ancient Greek temples, definitely spend your time in the west. There is plenty to enjoy for 4-5 days.

I'd consider other logistical options - maybe you could fly from the CT (Pisa, I guess) to Palermo and pick up a car there. Then figure out if it's easier (and possibly cheaper) to fly to Naples and get another car.

Do you really want to stay in/near Naples? Sorrento isn't that much farther from the archaeological sites. From what I've read here and other places, it's really better to rely on public transportation on the AC. Roads are narrow and winding and you can't enjoy the view when you're the driver. From Sorrento you can day-trip by local train to Naples, Herculaneum, Pompeii, and to Ravello, Positano, Capri, etc. by bus and/or ferry.

Posted by donna

roswell, ga, usa

10/09/14 04:50 PM

1501 posts

Time is money when you're on vacation, and even the Frugal Rick Steves agrees this is the case. I'd fly from the CT to Sicily, either Palermo or Catania and drive Sicily. Return the car, fly to Naples and Without A Car, enjoy Pompeii/Sorrento using public transportation. Take the train to Rome for your departure. There are plenty of inexpensive flights to/from Palermo and Catania, and
Palermo is usually a few dollars less, but if you're going to tour the East side of Sicily, I'd use Catania.

Five days in Sicily is tight! It's my absolutely favorite place in the world. The rest of Italy comes in second place, but I love it
also. April and May are the Premium months for both Italy and Sicily!