I would like to take a short (4-5 day) holiday in Italy this March. I was originally thinking Naples but because of the garbage strikes I am now thinking that a different destination in Italy would be better.
My criteria are:
I don't want to hire a car---just rely on public transport
I have already been to Rome, Venice, Florence, Verona and Sienna--so I would like to visit somewhere new to me.
I appreciate any suggestions and advice!
Hi Kate!
I'm not sure what kind of vacation you are interested in - but I recently (Sept. 2007) went to Italy and had the most wonderful time in Cinque Terre! It is in the Italian Riviera and consists of 5 villages. Monterosso is the most 'tourist' friendly of the villages and has resorts & beaches. We stayed in another village, Manarola, and had a marvelous time! It's a very relaxing, quaint place and it is impossible to even rent a car! There is a train that connects all 5 villages and there are also hiking trails connecting the villages (it costs 5 euro to hike through).
If you're looking for a nice, relaxing place to visit, Cinque Terre is certainly it!
Regardless of where you go - have a wonderful time!!
Visit this link for more information: http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/italy/cinqueterre_fiatfree.htm
March is still cool in most of Italy. How about somewhere south, say Sorrento and Amalfi Coast?
I would go to the Amalfi Coast. You can access it by train and by public buses. We traveled all throughout Italy a few years ago. We wnet to all the places you did, and also spend time in Sorrento, Amalfi, and Ravello. Ravello is a heavenly experience, and we also loved Sorrento and the bus ride to Positano and Amalfi. We stayed in some pretty pricey places, but even Rick's budget hotels are nice given the beautiful scenery of this area. You can take a cheap little train to Pompei from Sorrento (or from Naples). I thought Pompei was the most interesting place in the world!! A real must!! I am taking my children there this June. The entire Amalfi coast is easily accessible without a car!!
Sorrento is beautiful and is a good base for exploring the Amalfi coast, Pompeii, and Capri or just hanging out. You can do all that by train, bus, or ferry (depending on destination) and since you were thinking of Naples you could still make a day trip there. One thing that may be either a plus or minus to Sorrento for you may be that a lot of Brits go there.
