Next year my husband and I are planning the following in late Sept-early Oct: fling into Venice
Belluno 4 nights with family (north of Venice)
4 nights Tuscany/based in Siena
3 nights CT
Possibly on to Rome or Milan before heading home
I am now wondering if we should do Amalfi instead since it seems CT has become so popular & crowded. Can anyone give me comparisons... are they similar or does one have advantages over the other?
CT is more "on your way" than AC
I did not find CT to be anymore crowded feeling then AC or more crowded than Siena or Rome either for that matter, all touristy places in Italy get crowded.
Guess AC being much larger region, easier to escape from the crowds.
You may have better weather at that time in AC.
I prefer the Amalfi Coast but it is more of a region that takes time to see than a small area like the CT where your allotted 3 nights works well for.
If you had a week and were asking which is better, Amalfi Coast no doubt.
If you have 3 nights and trying to fit it into an existing plans, Cinque Terre no doubt
I agree with the previous post. We stayed in the CT in September. It was a number of years ago but it was past the prime tourist season. It was a wonderful time to be there. Stay in Riomaggiore and book an apartment with a terrace overlooking the sea. Riomaggiore is not as overwelmed at Vernazza and Monterosso, but it has lots to do and see. Good restaurants too.
I love tha Amalfi Coast. But travelwise you are looking at a long train ride, including a transfers in Florence, another in Rome, and yet another in Naples. Then there's the not so wonderful Circumversuviana Train to Sorrento. The Amalfi Coast is also crowded in summer, and the highway is definitely not drivable for rookies!
I am also in a dilemma as to planning how much time we need in various cities, towns. We have 3 nights in Rome, 2 nights in Amalfi/ Sorrento, 3 nights in Florence and one night in Tuscany. My fear is it's too much for a 10 day trip to Italy. We have never been to CT but we have been to Amalfi. Going with our daughter and son-in-law who will be first timers. Any suggestions?
caugustine: your plan seems much better suited for a stop in the Cinque Terre.
2 nights on the Amalfi Coast is too short.
Laura-- I would be surprised if AC were less crowded then CT--- given all the rest of your time is northern Italy, CT makes better sense time/transportation wise
caugustine-- your limited time and general area make CT even more the better choice to use your time wisely.
Neither is a bad choice. One is not 'better' than the other. Similar ( villages clinging to a hillside), but each with unique features
If it were me, I would choose the closest one to minimize my travel time and have more time "there"
Thank you all!! I think we will stick with CT and maybe start mid-Sept for 2 weeks and try to be in CT during mid-week. Was going to stay in Manarola but will look at Riomaggiore!
