I just purchased flights for my husband and I to fly from Indianapolis to Rome on April 9 and depart from Naples April 30!! It will be our first visit to this part of Italy. We’ve been to Tuscany and north 2 different times.
This trip, we will finally brave Rome. I’m thinking 4 nights at a hotel. I’d appreciate any favorite places of yours.
The next order of adventure is still up in the air. We do want to stay possibly on Ischia maybe 3-4 nights at an Airbnb. Thinking of basing in Salerno at an Airbnb or some other less crowded town to take day trips hopefully by ferry if possible to see the Amalfi Coastal towns. Definitely also want to visit Paestum, Herculaneum, Pompei. I can’t wrap my head around the order of our itinerary. We’ll probably stay our final 2 or 3? nights in Naples for our 9:30 flight home.
We will be using public transportation only. We love the beach/ocean but won’t be swimming. Love to walk and take easy hikes and explore. Love the food scene, don’t care about a night scene. Late 60’s, in fairly good shape.
Any thoughts from y’all is greatly appreciated!
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7225 posts
Order of itinerary
Rome 5 nights
Salerno-5 or 6 nights great choice!
Ischia 4 nights
Naples-3 nights
I think that leaves 3 nights?
Could spend a few nights in Sorrento between Salerno and Ischia
Posted by
North Georgia, USA
1159 posts
We were in Italy in April of this year. Here's my recommendation: After Rome, take the train to Salerno and rent a car, drive to Pasteum and spend a couple of nights. It will be a nice "vacation from your vacation" after Rome. We stayed last April in this hotel. To really treat yourself, have dinner in their restaurant. Amazing. The breakfast was also outstanding!
Tenuta Duca Marigliano Boutique Hotel
https://www.tenutaducamarigliano.it/en-gb/boutique-hotel-paestum-en/
Visit a buffalo farm and pet one of these massive animals, and see how mozzarella is made. I emailed in advance and booked a tour at Vannulo which was really interesting. Just us on the tour. Lots of locals there buying mozzarella and eating in the little cafe.
It was a really nice, laid back vibe. And you can easily spend a full day walking around the sites at Pasteum and going to the museum, so don't short-change your time there.
Once you go back to Naples, Pompeii, etc., you'll be happy you had a little break!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
407 posts
Here are three threads that I have posted in the last couple of months, and the informative responses that I have received. (NOTA BENE: These are a bit light on Amalfi Coast, as I have somewhat steered around there and focused a bit more south of there ... Cilento.)
First:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/southern-italy-itinerary-assistance-request
Second:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/puglia-to-naples-itinerary-suggestions
Third:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/naples-and-environs-suggestions-per-favore
Also, we found an "8-day" "self-guided" cycle tour of Puglia, though that is a bit further away than the Naples/Ischia/Salerno focus that you identified. Since you are in your 60s and in good condition, maybe that might interest you, with a shorter one of their options. https://www.pugliacycletours.com They provide bikes [incl. e-bikes], arrange the hotels and luggage transfers.)
Posted by
11606 posts
Our favorite hotel in Rome is Palazzo Navona Hotel, modern interiors inside a vintage palazzo.
Very good location.
Posted by
OP
Indy
59 posts
Thank you all for the great recommendations and forum links!
I’m now contemplating staying a few nights in Minori? Any thoughts? Should we stay there rather than Salerno? Or both? Is there a lot of difference between the ferry access or tour opportunities for these towns? So many fabulous choices!