Finally starting to more seriously plan our first trip to Italy! Arrive in Rome on 10.28. Depart from Rome on 11.7.
Thought we'd start in Rome, go to Florence, then Sorrento, then back to Rome. Will coastal attractions/restaurants shutter after 11.1? Should we flip the plan and start in Sorrento, to Florence to Rome?
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6587 posts
We were in Sorrento at the beginning of November a few years ago. We used the bus to visit the Amalfi coast cities. The weather wasn't ideal, but for much of Italy that is a rainier time of year. We did get some rain when we were visiting Amalfi city and Ravello. I recall one of the Sorrento restaurants we ate at was closing for a few weeks mid November for a break before opening again for Christmas activities in December.
I recall Positano was "quiet". Shops were open as well as restaurants except those right on the beach. We enjoyed being in Positano without crowds.We had visited Cinque Terre a few weeks earlier and a few of the towns were very crowded.
Posted by
Atlanta
189 posts
We did a trip almost exactly like yours and around the same dates but after flying into Rome we went directly to the Amalfi coast. So we were there in late Oct. and some restaurants were getting ready to close. By Nov 1st I would think chances are more so for closures. So definitely flip to do Amalfi, Florence and end in Rome.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7229 posts
The ferries stop running some time in October
You might do better staying in Salerno
It’s a real town not touristy at all so no worries about closures.
Direct train access from Rome and to/from Florence
What are your plans while in Sorrento?
From Salerno you can visit Paestum-(well worth it for the gorgeous Greek temples), AC towns by bus or ferry or driver
( Sorrento is not in the AC) and Pompeii by train
Salerno has great restaurants, a lovely waterfront, nice views and much less expensive lodging.
The problem with going from arrival in Rome to Sorrento is the amount of time it takes. Train to Naples then train or driver to Sorrento-that’s a lot to deal with after an overnight flight.
To Salerno would just be one direct fast train
It looks like you have 10 nights?
I would give 4 nights to whichever you choose-Sorrento or Salerno because of time it takes to get there
That leaves just 6 nights to split between Florence and Rome-that’s bare minimum required.
You also might consider just Florence and Rome-5 nights each with a day trip from each.
You won’t waste the better part of 2 of your days in transit ( Rome to Sorrento/Salerno, to/from Sorrento/Florence)
A 3 night stay gives you just 2.5 days in location for sightseeing.
Posted by
314 posts
I will arrive in Naples Nov 3, and as I get in late will spend the night then leave early for the day in Sorrento and stay 4 days in Amalfi. Was originally booked for Sorrento for the 5 days but found out there was no Blue Grotto tour in November and all my days were going to be on the AC so why stay in Sorrento! I would recommend Sorrento first if Blue Grotto is on your must list (it also depends on the weather as well, so may be a crap shoot) but depends on tics for places you want to see in Rome and Florence. We spent a month in Florence when I retired and I like to stay sights are closed on the first Thursday after the last Tuesday before the first full moon! Basically you might want to check your visitation tics for Florence and Rome and decide about odds for Blue Grotto and then see whether Rome first or last works best!