Rome-Barcelona-Positano - itinerary help -October 2017

This is a double posted question. This site works best if you only post it in one location so that all of the responses are in the same place and the responders know what the others have posted. So please delete one of your questions. It is to your advantage. Then we can get started with some recommendations.

I was trying to avoid double posting it but wasn't sure how to get advice on both Spain and Italy with the same situation.please advise which one should be deleted.

I will delete the Spain one so please feel free to comment on this Italy forum addressing the Rome, Naples, Amalfi Coast or nearby area. Thank you in advance

Seeing Gaudi need not involve information overload, as the structures were designed to be pleasurable to look at and experience. I was struck at Casa Batllo, how he was trying to delight and surprise at every possible turn. The crowds make it a bit of a trial, but I enjoyed it so much even the crowds couldn't ruin it.

However, I do think you are wise to avoid Gaudi overload, both for its own sake and because seeing all of his sights gets expensive. You should see some other Modernista architects, particularly the Hospital de Sant Pau and/or the Palace of Catalan Music, both by Lluís Domènech i Montaner (say that three times fast!).

Some things I enjoyed that weren't museums or architecture-related were the cable car up to Montjuic (note that the funicular has no views; it's the cable car - telefèric - you want), and going up to Tibidabo (there's a vintage tram, or you can take a bus for less). There's also the beach at Barceloneta, with lots of seaside restaurants. There's also just walking around the Barri Gotic and the Eixample. I found that a little of the Ramblas goes a long way. You'll see some of it going to the La Boqueria market; you can then judge if you need more or not. Which reminds me - La Boqueria is the most famous and touristy, but there are lots of other markets to see. And then there's the synagogue in the Barri Gotic, relatively recently re-discovered. Alas, the nearby Shoe Museum has closed (it was small but fun).

Thank you for the information Harold, notes taken and I agree the shoe museum sounds like The kind of other event I'm searching for. Too bad it closed.

The tip on the cable car being our best choice is also a new and helpful tip.

Barcelona - I am not a Gaudi fan. I spent a total of 12 full days in and around Barcelona in the last couple of years and only visited one of his buildings (Sagrada Familia, of course), though I did spend a few minutes looking at a couple others from the outside. I do love the creations of his teacher, Domènech i Montaner, and highly recommend both the Palau de la Musica and the Hospital de la Santa Creu i de Sant Pau. The first is close to Placa de Catalunya, the second is a 10-15 minute walk from the Sagara Familia. For a couple hundred ideas (you can narrow down the list by category), browse the official TI website. Some of the walking tours are run by the TI, others not. The prices through the TI can be a little cheaper. I loved the TI's moderisme walking tour. Aside from the excellent guide and itinerary, it opened my eyes to things I looked at before. The rooftop tour of the Santa Maria del Mar church was also good, interesting with rooftop views. A good day trip would be to take the train to Figueres and visit the Dali museums, then back toward Barcelona, stopping for a few hours in Girona which has a much better medieval center than Barcelona. I enjoyed the Hash Museum (no samples) in a renovated moderisme building - the exhibits were excellent too. Montjuic - lots of choices, the fortress (with views) at the top, the Miro museum, the ethnology museum (I liked it a lot - but that's the kind of thing I like a lot generally), archaeology museum, MNAC (if you like art, you'll be hard pressed not to enjoy this one), the Caixa Forum (check for temporary exhibits) and a sound and light show after dark at the Magic Fountain.

Amalfi Coast My experience was in February, when there were few tourists. Salerno was my base and I loved the town. It's got a good rail connection to Naples (30-45 minutes) and the station in Salerno is an easy walk to the ferries and to the historic center. If you can stay in Salerno, then it's worth it - a helluva lot cheaper (restaurants too) than Positano. The AC towns aren't as picturesque and certainly not as colorful at the CT towns, but the coastline in much longer and I found its rugged beauty compelling. I only saw the views from the road, but I'm sure those from the ferry are as good, if not better. Use the buses and ferries to visit the AC towns - Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Maiori/Minori and Vietri Sul Mare. They are interesting to explore. Be sure to stop at Sal de Riso in Minori for the best pastries you will ever eat. You can also take the bus or train to Paestum to see the lovely Greek temples and the excellent archaeology museum. There are sights to see in Salerno and about the only sandy beach (much larger than Monterosso) along the AC.

Thanks for the advice Chani. It has been a long week and I am going to check out the TI site now.

For Positano: We are already booked at a hotel mid village in Positano and in checking some of the restaurants I am a little surprised at the cost. Nevertheless, I am hoping to mix it up with regard to restaurants and fun things to do that are new and different.. Suggestions are welcomed for a combination of upscale top restaurants worth the splurge and good local gems which are a little more economical?

( I am a little concerned we may have made a mistake in choosing Positano over Lake Como because of the weather but it seems too late to change now so I am trying to find things to do that will be new adventures.)

Path of the Gods. We did hike Monterroso to Vernazza and it was tough but worth it. I think the Path of the Gods would be a fun challenge. We need the most scenic but not too strenuous way as we are into scenery and photography, but in our 60s so a moderate pace and best approach.

Ravello sounds amazing as an entire day trip to see the houses and gardens with possibly lunch or dinner at the Hotel Belmond(?). Ideas? Cimbrano?

I figure one day's coastal and grotto boat excursion. Private vs group? Suggestions?

Another day could be local walks and either Da Adolfo or Bagni Ariete. We are from Miami so too much beach time won't be necessary but I would like a few hours for the vibe and visuals. Comments?

Sorry this is a bit how are ruthless, I'm just trying to fill in our days with things besides sitting on the beach which we do quite often here in Miami. I figure one day on a special beach should do it.

Any fun ideas regarding the above are welcomed! Thank you!

There are two ways to get to Ravello, either bus or hiking from Amalfi town. Consider bus up and walking down.

If your Positano booking can't be cancelled, then "it is what it is." Expect all restaurants to be expensive in all the towns on the AC. That's why I recommended Salerno.