I'm planning a 5 day European mini-vacation in Rome. I'd like to spend one night outside of Rome. What I'm looking for is a southern Italian experience--a place where people talk with their hands! Positano is in the South, but too touristy. We've already been to Pompeii. Naples is too big. Any suggestions?
Consider Orvieto--it's a one hour train ride from Rome.
If you liked Pompeii, check out Ostia Antica. It's close to Rome and can be done in about half a day. Because the town was buried in mud, and not ash, it's far more preserved than Pompeii and because it's not as famous, a lot less crowded.
Orvieto is also wonderful. It's a beautiful town on top of cliffs, not too big and not too crowded. I wouldn't call it southern Italian exactly--it's more like Tuscany (except it's in Umbria).
Sorrento has a good reputation, but I think it's too far for a day trip.
Here are a few to consider:
Day Trip from Rome - Ostia Antica CLICK HERE
Day Trip from Rome - Orvieto CLICK HERE
Day Trip from Rome – Tivoli (Villa D’Este) CLICK HERE
Day Trip from Rome – Lake Bracciano CLICK HERE