Hi all,
Just to restate my itinerary, I’ll fly into Venice 4 nights, BnB outside Siena 4 nights, Montepulciano and area 4 nights, Rome 3 nights and fly home. My traveling friend raised the possibility of going to the Amalfi coast in addition, but I can’t stay that long because I’m a caretaker for my elderly mom. We have both been to Rome. Ihave never been to Amalfi so am unclear about things. Flying multicity home from Naples is between 1850-2200 (way too much) whereas from Rome right now is $1527. We would need to omit staying in Rome and probably need to take one day off Montepulciano. The train from Amalfi to Rome is 2 1/2 hours but flights for US leave in the morning. Someone said Sorrento is more reasonable? Is there an area you especially like? How expensive is it to stay in the area? I know we would need a driver, cost of the ferry, and I don’t know what else. Is it packed with tourists in May? My gut says to keep Rome and save Amalfi for another trip. Please advise.
Posted by
Chicago
7910 posts
Go with your gut.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
6215 posts
My advice would be to trust your gut and save Amalfi for another trip.
If you do decide to head there- go from Montepulciano- I believe you are dropping car in Chiusi? Train all the way to Naples (if you are staying in Sorrento) or Salerno (if you are staying ON the coast in a town like Amalfi)
Sorrento is lovely and makes a good base but it is not on the AC. You can easily visit Pompeii, Capri, AC towns from Sorrento.
The area needs at least 3 nights, 4 would be better. It takes some effort and time to get there.
You will need to stay in Rome the night before your departure if you leave from Rome.
Yes it will be crowded in May, it can be expensive and hotels book up very early so you'll need to make a decision soon.
Not sure if you've already been to Rome but 3 nights there is barely enough to scratch the surface. Honestly I would drop a night or 2 from Tuscany region (you have 8 there) and give Rome the time it deserves.
Posted by
Land of La
8713 posts
Stay with your original plan. Save Amalfi for a future visit.
Posted by
WA State
3961 posts
I will join the chorus and suggest to save Amalfi for another trip. For myself, I believe “less is more.”
I recall my first time to Italy was a tour titled “A Taste of Tuscany.” It included Umbria and covered some bases and day trips. Just enough to entice us to enjoy more regions throughout the years!
Posted by
OP
North Carolina
226 posts
If you all have taught me anything, and you have taught me a LOT, is to not pack too much into a trip. I’m going to say no to Amalfi this time, and trust my gut, so a big thank you. We have both been to Rome and don’t want to do the big attractions this time, but to wander around the city and see things we haven’t seen at a relaxing pace. Our accommodation in Rome does have an extra night we could add at the front of our reservation if we take one night from Montepulciano. I love the thought of returning to Orvieto for a night on the way to Rome instead of 4 nights in Rome, but I imagine too much?
Posted by
OP
North Carolina
226 posts
We decided to take one day from Montepulciano and add it to Rome. We think it’s a good decision. And no Orvieto this time. 😀 Thanks for your wise advice.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8424 posts
@Kathy. I’m so glad you are able to do this. The challenge of caring for an elderly parent takes a toll on a person no matter how much they love that parent. Good for you for taking a few days for yourself and to “recharge.”
Posted by
OP
North Carolina
226 posts
Carol, thank you for your kind words and encouragement. I’m fortunate to have my brother and sister-in-law to care for my mom while I’m gone.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32220 posts
I most definitely agree with the others.... save Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast for another trip. There's a lot to see south of Rome, so save that for a time when you can see it properly. Transportation in the south is not as well developed so more planning is required to travel around that region. You could also consider the RS South Italy tour.
Posted by
11218 posts
We never have mixed north of Rome with the areas south of Rome, works best for us.