We are 4 adults taking this new tour next June. We will arrive in Florence 2 days ahead and the tour ends in Lucca. We have another week to spend after that. My wife does not like to re-visit places we’ve been. I get to do the planning. I do not want to drive. My ideas included:
-Take the RS Munich, Salzburg, Vienna tour. My concern is the packing for (maybe) two different climates. We pack very light, carry on only. We’ve not been there.
-Go north by train to Bologna, Padua, Venice, fly home from Venice. We have been to Padua and Venice so this is not getting raves from my wife. Any suggested variation?
-Go south by train to Orvieto and Rome, fly home from Rome. Ditto there, we’ve been to both, Rome this year.
-Train to Naples, see Naples, Sorrento (maybe Sorrento as a base?) visit Positano, Capri, Amalfi, fly home from Naples. So far this one is getting the most positive reviews as none of us have been there.
Your input is appreciated. There are no budgetary restrictions. Thanks!
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14932 posts
Oooooh...I'll ALWAYS vote for a back-to-back tour! This sounds wonderful and at that time of year I'd think you would not have much difference in temperatures. You'll have a rain jacket for your Tuscany trip, maybe a sweater or jacket but that's all I would do differently that time of year.
Plus, one of the things I've decided when doing back-to-backs is that I want 2 different cultures! This combo sounds perfect!
Or...my other fall-back plan is always to go to Paris or London for a week. I don't know if you are a Paris lover or not....but I seriously fell in love after taking Rick's Best of Paris trip. If you don't want to have to do massive planning, then Best of ...Paris or London would work too!
Posted by
SF Bay Area
927 posts
I think the Naples/Amalfi Coast option sounds good. A week is a good amount of time for Naples and the Amalfi Coast, and you might be able to fit in Pompeii or Herculaneum. I preferred staying right on the AC (we stayed in Positano, but I'd also consider Amalfi), but many people love Sorrento so you can't go wrong. If the AC is getting the most positive reviews, I'd do a little more research to be sure and if it works, go for it. That portion of a longer trip last year included 1 night Pompeii, 4 nights AC, 2 nights Naples. One more night would have been good, but it was still fine. Of course, the back-to-back tour would also work, I wouldn't worry too much about the packing, as noted by previous poster.
Posted by
Atlanta
2517 posts
Alan,
I vote for the MSV tour because it is completely different from Tuscany. I'm going on this tour in December so you might say I'm biased.
On the other hand, the Naples and Amalfi Coast itinerary is very enticing and would likely be relaxing. I've been to Naples and loved my two days there after the RS 7 Days in Rome tour.
I think the weather will be similar on both tours. Let us know what you decide!
Posted by
WA State
3961 posts
I would definitely ditto the train to Naples and Almalfi coast. Especially a nice addition to the new Tuscany Tour! The weather should be lovely. We were there (tour) in September a number of years ago. We stayed in both Positano and Sorrento and did day excursions, but one base works as well. Have you looked at mode of transportation for this area?
Posted by
OP
Folsom
2739 posts
I have not Janis. Any tips appreciated (guides, transport, etc.)
Posted by
5221 posts
Option four is easy and appealing. All four of you do not have to do the same things as well, which can be convenient.
Sketch out what you want to do first, then suss out transport. The buses are crowded, but there are ferries. I would split between Naples, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast, based on your preferences-- Naples last since you fly home from there and it's a quick ride to the airport.
Posted by
WA State
3961 posts
Alan,
When we toured Southern Italy it was on a tour bus. That in itself was an interesting experience. Fortunately the bus drivers know what their doing! I can't speak to any private guided tours. Perhaps others can chime in with guided tour or bus service recommendations. All in all it was a gorgeous scenic drive.