After RS "Best of Italy in 9 Days", back to Rome and leave Oct. 7 afternoon for Amalfi Coast. Our plan is to take 1 hr train to Naples and from there to Amalfi Coast. (1) Should we stay one PM in Naples or continue to Sorrento and use S. as base for 4-5 nights? We're flying back to Boston AM of Oct. 12. (2) What's the best way to use the time AND relax in the Amalfi Coast for those days? (3) We'd like to use a guide/car service for drive down the coast (Amalfi, Positano, Ravella) RSteves book recommends some drivers but is it better to arrange once we get there? (4) Which town would you use as a base? (5) What about Pompeii vs. Paestum?
Thanks v.much, Sandy
Posted by
TN, USA
2178 posts
The Best of Italy Tour (which we've taken) is a GREAT tour. Combined with the Amalfi afterward, you will really enjoy.
I'm personally not a fan of Naples (although I'm sure other posters will weigh in to the contrary), so I would recommend staying in Sorrento.
Definitely make arrangements for your driver well ahead of your trip. Good drivers will book up quickly.
Not knowing what interests you or what you might find relaxing, here is what I'd suggest:
1) See Pompeii (with a guide). I'd suggest spending a half day there, although you could easily spent an entire day.
2) Take the hydrofoil (fast ferry) to Capri for a day trip from Sorrento. Pre-arrange for a convertible taxi (they have at least one really cool vintage one) meet you for a tour of the island of Capri. At the top (which is called Anacapri), ride the chair lift. Visit Villa St. Michele while in Anacapri (if you like lovely gardens and a beautiful view).
3) Definitely enjoy the coastal drive (with a local driving) along the Amalfi Coast. Ravello has, perhaps, the most beautiful view from land.
4) Consider taking a boat back to your hotel from the far end of the coast (the views are different, but beautiful from sea, too).
5) Lots of nice restaurants.
6) If you don't mind changing hotels, consider a night or two in Positano. We loved Le Agavi Positano - ask for a room with a huge private terrace. The views are incredible. Hotel sort of 'spills down the cliff.' More remote (and relaxing) than Sorrento.
7) Far from a bargain hotel, but absolutely lovely is the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria in Sorrento. But, you could always lunch there or enjoy a special dinner. Their gardens are spectacular, if you are a garden lover.
8) If I can dig up the name of the restaurant where we had lunch in Ravello (owned by an elderly lady who will 'pinch your cheeks'), I'll post it. The food was absolutely fabulous.
Safe travels, and enjoy!
Posted by
NorthCarolina
1120 posts
We are also planning for our post-RS Tour in October. After much research, we have decided to spend 6nights in Sorrento - basing out of Villa Monica B&B - check it our on TripAdvisor - it's #2 for the area & they have already been so helpful with emails & the price is great. You do not need a car - they have a shuttle that takes you into town many times a day - and they will help you set up day trips to Capri, Positano, Salerno, etc - (we are skipping Pompeii, but they have been VERY helpful with us helping us get to Herculaneum instead {another area destroyed by the volcano, much smaller, but better preserved}). We also signed up for Sorrento Food tours (also on TripAdvisor)- seems like a great way to see the area & sample local food & limoncello! There are so many options out there. I'll be curious as to what you decide.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
"What about Pompeii vs. Paestum?"
Pompeii is the remains of a Roman city, Paestum has three near-intact Greek temples. Apples vs. Oranges. In 4-5 nights, you can easily see both if you want. There's also Herculaneum, destroyed in the same eruption as Pompeii, but apparently quite different (of the three, I've only seen Pompeii).
I certainly recommend a day in Naples. No, it's not for everyone, but the Archeology Museum is a must. All of the good stuff from Pompeii and Herculaneum has been placed here, as well as the amazing huge sculptures from the Baths of Caracalla. In addition, there's the legendary pizza (it really does taste amazing), as well as the Capella Sansevero, with the famous Veiled Christ and the less famous but to me even more amazing Disillusion (wait till you see how the sculptor made marble look like real ropes), as well as the spooky "anatomical machines" in the basement. Rick's books have a very good chapter on how to see Naples in a day; you can then decide for yourself if you want to return. You can either stop in Naples on your way to Sorrento, or see it as a day trip from Sorrento, whichever works better for your itinerary. Cheap Circumvesuviana trains connect Naples and Sorrento in 70 minutes, and stop in Ercolano (for Herculaneum) and Pompeii Scavi (for ancient Pompeii) on the way.
Posted by
OP
24 posts
Thank you everyone for your great suggestions
Going to stay one PM in Naples. Getting quotes fr various hotels.. trying Hotel Il Vonvento, Hotel Partenope, Piazza Bellini (which seems to be much less than RS had in his book), Decumani Hotel and another. Is there any preference among those or something I missed?
Looking to stay 4 PMs in Sorrento So far trying Casa Astarita B&B and Villa Monica. Any other ideas?
Also emailed the Mondo minibus guide for day touring. Seems like one has to have 8 people to qualify for bus or do they aggregate other travelers looking to do same on same date?
As always, very much appreciate your help. Sandyt