My husband and I are in the early stages of planning a 2 week trip to Italy in early May. We have been several times on Rick Steves tours in Italy and so this time we would like to find 2 maybe 3 "bases" and then go on day trips from there. We were thinking of Florence and Positino, but since it is early in the planning part, we are open. We also are looking at airbnb.com as we would like to have a kitchen since we will be somewhere for a few days. (We don't even have airline tickets yet either, so we are wide open to ideas!)
If anyone could offer some suggestions on 2 maybe 3 towns to stay in and/or an apartment-type accommodations, we would really appreciate it.
Thanks! Cindy
Posted by
Chicago
2124 posts
I always like open canvases!
Assuming you've been around the country already on the tours, you can pick & choose at will here. I'd pick three bases with apartments:
1) Florence(5 nights)--daytrip options Fiesole, Lucca, Siena, Chianti, Tuscany
2) Salerno or Sorrento(4 nights)--daytrip options Pompei, Ercolano, Naples, Amalfi, Positano, Ravello
3) Rome(5 nights)--daytrip options Orvieto, Ostia Antica...but it's Rome--why leave? I've been there twice for a total of 9 days and really haven't scratched the surface of the place!
We've rented apartments in Florence and Rome, fantastic, really allows you to assimilate a little bit. Also stayed at fun B&B's in Salerno and Sorrento.
From San Diego I don't think you can do a nonstop no matter what, so you might as well do an open-jaw itinerary & fly into Florence (2 connections) and out of Rome (1 connection).
Enjoy your planning!
Posted by
OP
San Diego, CA, USA
135 posts
Thank you, Jay! That was exactly what I was looking for. Had not thought of staying in Rome, but you are right, there is so much to see. We have been there several times, but I like the optional day trips you listed.
Could you share any places you have stayed at? It is always nice to get some recommendations.
Cindy
Posted by
Florida, USA
251 posts
You have chosen two great places but I might suggest Sorrento rather than Positano. From Sorrento you can explore all of the Almalfi Coast as well as Pompeii and Herculaneum. Even Naples is only a 1 hour train ride away. Similarly, we prefer Sienna to Florence if the hill towns are on our agenda. From there you can drive or bus anywhere. Another great spot is Lucca. Also within easy reach of Florence.
Unless you are an experienced Italian driver, I would not suggest you drive into Florence nor would I suggest you drive the seaside road between Sorrento and Positano. It is down right frightening, although very beautiful. We prefer the safety of a bus or better yet the ferry from Sorrento.
We spent 1 month outside of Sorrento without a car and used public transportation only. It was really easy and much less expensive than a rental car. And we met some great people.
We have not used Airbnb but we have used HomeAway (now also own VRBO) and have never been disappointed. It is great fun to shop in the local markets then try to replicate that great dish you had at your local restaurant. And your hosts are invariably friendly and helpful.
We will be in Sienna the whole month of May. Maybe we will see you there.
Hope you have a great trip.
Posted by
OP
San Diego, CA, USA
135 posts
Charylm:
You have some great ideas that we have not thought about. We definitely will not drive but plan to use either the bus or train. We have never used airbnb, VRBO, or Homeaway, so this will be a new experience too! This could be really fun!!
Cindy
Posted by
Fort Lauderdale, FL
1245 posts
Since you are not driving, you definitely need to stay where you can use the train or bus. I will agree with others, Florence, Rome, and Sorrento (rather than Positano). These 3 have such easy day trips.
I use Airbnb a lot, just make sure you read the reviews!
We are going in May, too :)