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Rome/Sorrento/Amalfi Coast OR Venice??

Hi Everyone!

We're travelling to Italy this September, and I need some help selecting a destination. The orginal plan was to fly into Rome- stay for 3 days, travel to Sorrento and use the city as a base for touring the Amalfi Coast- staying there for 7 days. We would then travel to Naples and fly to Paris.

But...I've been thinking. Should I scrap those plans and just visit Venice instead? It would be a lot less travel (we're gong for our honeymoon) and might be more convenient. If we don't see Venice, are we really missing out?? Although, I've wanted to go to the Amalfi Coast my entire life...I'm torn!!!!

Any help would be greatly apprecaited, thanks!

Posted by
3313 posts

On the itinerary you've described, going to Amalfi would be less travel, unless you could fly to Paris from Venice.

I think Venice is one of the great sights of the world. You won't forget being there on your honeymoon, because of the light, the mysterious streets, and the canals. I think you would be missing out. But if you've dreamed of going to Amalfi, you won't be disappointed. Just assume you will be come back to Italy another time in your life to see whichever destination you miss. (Of course, Venice is sinking...)

Posted by
172 posts

You really don't need 7 days to see the Amalfi Coast and Naples - why not stay there for 3 or 4 days then fly Naples to Venice. You can 'do' Venice in 2 or 3 days (Venice is not my favorite city in Europe, I have been there twice and second visit I liked it even less than the first). Venice is almost always jam packed with tourists, the Amalfi coast not quite as busy, and very, very beautiful. Then fly Venice to Paris.

Posted by
532 posts

Venice is a fascinating beautiful place but it's very commercial & cramped which takes away some of its magic. The Amalfi Coast is a perfect honeymoon. From the Minerva hotel you look down at a wide expanse of water and see the ferries going to Capri & Naples and below you see the Marina Grande. The swimming pool looks over the magnificant view & be sure you request an upper floor room with balcony. On the ferry to Positano you look up at the cliffs & clinging buildings and when you arrive wander the streets hopefully finding the little lemon granita stand(follow the locals). In Sorrento watch the sunset from the terrace of one of the most romantic hotels I've ever seen,the hidden Bellevue Syrene Hotel. For a splurge you can hire a small boat & driver & circle the island of Capri going into small grottos and swim in the beautiful water. The ruins of Pompeii are also amazing. With Sorrento the base it's all very relaxing, romantic, so beautiful & fun

Posted by
34 posts

That would be a very difficult decision because those are my two most favorite places in Italy! I would split the time and do both. I know there are some that do not like Venice because it can be crowded but I thought it was such a unique place that it shouldn't be missed. We spent much of our time exploring the less populated areas and practically had the place to ourselves in the evening after most of the tourists left. Amalfi is beautiful and Sorrento is a perfect base for enjoying the coast as well as visiting Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Posted by
126 posts

Jessica I completely agree with Karen as Venice is magical but yet it is over run with tourists & is very commercial. Considering it is your honeymoon I would definitely choose the Amalfi Coast. I spent a week on the Amalfi Coast last summer & it is just breath-taking! Rent a scooter in Sorrento & drive the coastal road to Ravello. Have dinner perched above the clouds over looking the water ~ perfection!!! If your interested in accommodations in Positano let me know. Sorrento is nice, but there are cities along the Amalfi Coast that are much more spectacular. Be sure to enjoy a fresh made lemon ice along the coastal road. Have fun!

Posted by
893 posts

Jessica, if you go to Venice, stay in one of the less touristy areas like Cannaregio or Dorsoduro. You can visit the more populated "touristy" areas all you want, but then walk the neighborhoods to have a quiet evening & dinner. It is totally different than any other city you will see. But if you have wanted to go to the Amalfi Coast all of your life that might do it. Rome & Amalfi would mean less travel time for you. What does your future husband like? You could also spend a night in Pompeii & take a day to tour the ruins. Pompeii is a cute little town. Hotel Amleto is a block off the town square and a nice hotel. let us know what you decide.

Posted by
3 posts

Hi Everyone:

Thank you so much for all of your help, your opinions really did play a factor in our decision.

We're sticking with our original plan of Rome for 3 days, and then Sorrento for 7- we think trying to squeeze in Venice will be a bit too much; we'll make a seperate trip for that. We're staying at the Bellevue Syrene in Sorrento- I can't wait!!! I swear...I'm way more excited about the honeymoon than the actual wedding! lol

Thanks again!