Planning on Sept of 2018, yes, far away, but I'm a researcher, and it's for our 25 anniversary. Never been to Italy, and not a fan of big cities, crowds, or museums, so I'd like to avoid Rome. I'm thinking of renting a small apartment in Sorrento as a home base, as Rick Steves did in a YouTube video (his was in a hotel). I'd like to cook every so often, especially breakfast and pack a lunch. Are there enough day trips along the Amalfi Coast to keep us busy for 10 days there? We're very active and in shape, so walking is not a problem. The appeal of the coast and all it's beauty is right up our alley. Is it feasible to rent a scooter and scoot around the towns or is too scary? I don't want a hectic, live out of a suitcase type of experience. We like tours and sightseeing, not sitting and watching people. Also, best airport to fly into if this itinerary stays as planned? Thanks for any advice!
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Fly into and out of Naples (NAP). Easy access to Sorrento via Curreri Viaggi bus.
For an overview of sites and attractions look at http://www.campaniartecard.it/.
Site is a bit squirrely, but contains lots of good info. Look at the Tutta la regione.
The 3 day card includes transportation in the Campania region.
There is an abundance of hiking in the area, including the Path of the Gods and hiking on Capri.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Some possible daytrips might include Capri, Procida, Ischia (islands). Ravello would be a nice daytrip as well, just up from Amalfi town by bus.
You might try renting a scooter for a day to see how you like it - motorized vehicles of any kind are prohibited in some town centers, so I don't know if you would be that much better off with a scooter than a car.
If you can go as far as Paestum, that might make a good daytrip (or an overnight).
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
795 posts
Yes, Paestum is great and if you wanted to, you could do Caserta, great gardens and a grand palace....maybe a visit to Vietri too!
Yes, Paestum may be a bit far for a relaxing day trip, but if you stayed on the Amalfi Coast side for part of your stay, you can make that trip much easier, maybe overnight in Amalfi, Vietri, Cetara, or Salerno (really anywhere between Amalfi and Salerno because that is just 1 bus to get to the train station in Salerno instead of more) ? It might be nice to see the Amalfi Coast side for a bit....
Posted by
San Diego, CA, USA
237 posts
You mentioned not liking museums but does that extend to ruins? The ruins of Pompeii are an easy train ride from Sorrento and will easily eat up an entire day. Herculaneum is further away and smaller but also interesting. There is the Greek "ghost town" of Paestum which is really too far for a day trip probably but with an overnight might be very interesting.
If the coast is really your interest you might look into boat travel down the Amalfi coast to get the full view rather than the drive.
Have a great time,
=Tod