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Need some advice /suggestions for Amalfi Coast and then to Tuscany

Hello - I am planning a rather last minute trip to Italy, leaving September 30th! Arriving in Rome and taking train to Naples and then train or ferry? to Sorrento. Idea is to spend two nights one in Sorrento and one in Positano (although having difficutly still with finding lodging). Would it be better to try to stay in same location for two nights? What is your favorite way to see the sights of the coast? Also any recommended boat cruise up the coast? The third day need to get to Paestrum as we will be visiting family in a nearby town. WIl be approx a 2.5 hour drive. I will need to hire a driver so any recommendations? From here we will be traveling to Tuscany region. Will go to Siena, Florence and not sure where else. We will be there for 4 days. Suggestions? Favorite wine tours? Food tours? Favorite tour guides? Should I rent a car? Thanks for any suggestions !

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Posted by
23574 posts

Since you are at the train station, take the train (Circumvesuviana) to Sorrento. Stay put. Changing any location you lose a good half day between checking in and out, find transportation, finding hotel, etc.

However, I have alternate and easier plan. Any particular reason for Sorrento? Why not go to Salerno -- on the eastern edge of the same general area. Salerno is easy to reach via train from Rome and then you are closer to Paestrum and can take the train to Paestrum from Salerno. Makes your logistics much easier. A private driver from Sorrento to Paestrum could easily run a couple hundred euro.

Posted by
303 posts

Agreed. Take a Frecciarossa train from Rome to Salerno and make it home base. It is a transportation hub on the Amalfi, and you can easily ferry the coast to the other villages. No need for a private tour. You can also take the train south to Paestrum. Salerno is less touristy and has a lovely shoreline walk- the Lungamare. Every evening the locals participate the Italian stroll around town. They get all dolled up, and even elderly Italians can be seen strolling arm in arm. There is also a charming old town to explore. We loved Salerno on our A.C. trip.

Posted by
4105 posts

If you'll tell us the nearby town to visit relatives, we could make recommendations on train, bus or private driver or car. Do use the Rome/Salerno suggestion.

The same would apply to your Siena/Florence portion. It would be faster to train to Florence first then bus to Siena after you visit Florence.
The bus drops you in town. There are day trips from both cities, both small group and big bus.

Posted by
5 posts

Thank you for the replies! I will be visiting the town of Roccadaspide to visit birthplace of my great grandmother and grandmother . and meet newest generation of family members!

Posted by
7061 posts

Another vote for Salerno
We really liked Sorrento but your destinations are more easily reached from Salerno. We really enjoyed our 2 nights in Salerno as well

Salerno is a lovely town, inexpensive lodgings and more likely to have availability at this late date, great restaurants, nice waterfront, easy inexpensive train to Paestum, easy inexpensive bus or a delightful ferry ride to Positano and direct trains from Rome, to Florence

Check booking .com
We stayed at Hotel Montestella for just about 100 euros a night
Right in the center, 5-10 min walk to train station and ferry port
Recently renovated, very comfortable modern rooms and a nice breakfast

Posted by
393 posts

Amen to Salerno.
We stayed there this April/May and did day trips to Positano, Paestum, Pompeii, Naples
Paestum was GREAT. underrated.