Doubts about Rome-Amalfi Coast leg of trip

In my mind, 3 days (nights) booked in Rome really means two full days in Rome, plus part of the day that you arrive. You certainly can't see it all, but you will be able to see the major sights and have a great experience. And then you can decide if you want to go back again someday to see more. For myself, I was there several years ago for four nights and had a great time, but I have no desire to go back.

I'm wondering if you have allowed for enough travel time between each location. How are you getting from Rome to Amalfi? If you're driving, check the travel times using Google maps (and add some time onto that). If you're not driving, you'll need to take a taxi service from Naples or wherever you get to by plane or train. All of this will take time and you will consume most of a day.

Thank you for your reply Roger. I am planning on taking early train from Rome to Naples and then private hire to Amalfi. I thought I would be at my hotel in Amalfi by noon. I am flying from Paris to Rome so again hoping to get to my Rome hotel by noon. Then after Capri, flying out of Naples to London.

If you are taking a taxi/transfer to Amalfi for the final leg, it is faster to travel on a high-speed train to Salerno, and have the car/taxi pick you up there instead of Napoli. Italo Treno has a handful of morning trips Roma Tiburtina - Salerno, the whole trips takes a tad less than 2 hours, allowing you to have breakfeast early in your hotel, head to the station, travel to Salerno, get on the hired transfer and arrive at your hotel early in the afternoon just in time for check-in.

My first trip to Rome was three days and it was just enough time to realize that my wife and I want to go back this June and stay for a week. With some good planning using our hosts guide book you can maximize time at the major sites. As much as I want to explore new places I found Rome so amazing that going back is a high priority for me.

I think you sound excited about your itinerary. And I think it sounds logistically doable so stop questioning and enjoy!! You will never be able to see everything so just save it for your next trip.

BUT since you are asking for opinions...if you are looking for a way to pair down your itinerary, I would consider turning Capri into a day trip (or skipping it all together). It's a beautiful area and I would spend more time there if I had a lot more travel time available. But I think a lot of the great things about Capri (scenery, views, walks) you will get in Positano and Amalfi and they are better.

I have not stayed at Hotel Nerva but I have stayed in that area. I like that area in Rome. It's more cost friendly and easy walking distance to the sights and Termini.

Have a good trip!!

Hi Tim,

I think that your times frames in each place are fine. It doesn't give much room for slow travel, but that may not be your style. The only suggestion that I would make is to stay in the same hotel in Amalfi during your time in that area. You can take the morning hydro foil from Amalfi to Capri and spend the day there and then come back to Amalfi in the afternoon. That should be plenty of time there to accomplish your itinerary and then you don't have to change hotels.

Happy travels!

Thank you Andre L for the suggestion to take the train from Rome all the way to Salerno. The bus or ferry from there to Amalfi looks quite fine as well so probably no need for private hire. Thanks again.

I have a strong feeling I will be going back to Rome as well Richard and I haven't even been there yet.

Thank you Kristen and April for your feedback. I am very excited and if it were a U.S. destination I would to say to heck with what others think and do my own thing. But everyone who has been there seems to think Capri is day trip worthy but falls short beauty wise to Positano/Amalfi. Something about staying overnight on an island seems more lavish which I guess is silly. Paris and Rome will do that tenfold I'm sure.

The real problem is waiting for 8 months til I get to go so I am overanalyzing when I should be using my time to learn french and italian :)

I know what you mean Tim. I am planning a June Italy trip and the waiting is driving me crazy. That's why I like the message boards. I like to remember by previous trips and hear about everyone else's trips. Helps pass the time. Have a great trip!!