I've traveled frequently to Italy...however, in Sept. I'd like to go to the Amalfi region with a friend. From Chicago to Rome first to visit relatives then the train to Naples. THEN WHAT??? Any suggestion please of where to stay ... want to see it all ... Capri, Pompeii, Ravello, Sorrento, Positano. Thank you ... you're the best. PM
We stayed in Positano in September 2005. I loved it. We rented an apartment. It was nothing special, it actually reminded me of condos in Destin, but the view was fantastic. Budget Travel recently had an article about good accomodations on the Amalfi Coast. I think it was sometime last fall. Lots of people seem to like Sorrento has a home base.
We drove. I didn't think it was that bad, but my husband recommends to everyone that once they get to Naples, they travel by bus and/or ferry.
I think it is best to stay on the mainland. You can always ferry to Capri, but if you stay in Capri then you have to ferry anywhere you want to go.
Shari has some great suggestions for you. We used Rick's book and found his advice "spot on". In 2004 we rented an wonderful apt in Sorrento right off the main drag for $500 E/ week (for 2 couples....found it on one of the Sorrento web sites, which has a grea "live" web cam)
Sorrento is the perfect base for your trips to the surrounding areas. Pompeii and Herculaneam are on the train or bus ride from Naples. All of the stuff that was removed from Pompeii is in a wonderful Museum in Naples. Doing Rick's downtown walk thru bustling Naples was a kick, and real Napolean pizza can't be beat! We took the bus trips to Positano and Amalfi, and took ferries back to Sorrento. We took ferries out to outlying islands for day trips, and absolutley loved dining "on the cheap" in Sorrento. Some our most memorable meals were dining at the great waterfront restaurants in Sorrento. At times I thought that the native language in Sorrento was english......everyone spoke it! Also try VRBO.com for apts.
Take a look at The Parker Company (US) and Summer in Italy (IT). Both have wonderful, reputable villas for rent along the Amalfi Coast. You can stay in the biggest cities or the smallest towns along the coast - your choice. A one week rental is probably required. Enjoy!