Southern Italy

Hey, Mike: Sorrento (along with Capri), the Amalfi Coast, and Paestum come to mind. I think 3 or 4 nights in Sorrento (with day trips to Capri and Pompeii) would be great, plus 3 nights along the Amalfi Coast (perhaps Positano?) and then the drive a bit more south through Salerno to the Ancient Greek Ruins at Paestum. Certainly 2 or 3 nights in Naples, either before these places or afterward, heading back north, would make sense, too. But you don't say how far south you want to go--Callabria? Sicily?--and how much time you have. For Naples, Sorrento (Capri, Pompeii), the Amalfi Coast, and Paestum a leisurely 8-10 days would be ideal, if it was me. Another thing to keep in mind is that while the car will come in handy on the Amalfi Coast and in getting from Naples to Sorrento and to Paestum from the Amalfi Coast, it will be a liability at other times, and probably quite pricey to park it. You won't need it at all in Sorrento or Capri (and it's a very short train ride to Pompeii from Sorrento). Public transport is readily available for all of these destinations, via train or bus. That's a personal preference, though. Buon viaggio!

Another southern Italy destination to consider is Matera, with a day trip to Alberobello. It's in Pulgia, due east of the Amalfi coast. The sassi in Matera and truilli in Alberobello are very interesting. Hotel Sassi in Matera is a good place to stay. Restaurant next to shop with sassi model is excellent - try their chick pea soup.

Sylvia, yes train travel is possible to Sorrento if that's what you were wondering. From Rome you would train down to the Napoli Centrale station where you would then get on the local Circumvesuviana train that goes around the bay, ending in Sorrento. I would highly recommend training down that way as opposed to driving.

But Mike, in terms of the do-not-miss sights down around the Naples area, as others have suggested, I would recommend Capri, Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Mt. Vesuvius, and Paestum (pretty much in that order). Capri and the Amalfi coast towns are definitely my favorite. Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Paestum are worth it if you like visiting historical sites such as those.

Have fun, and try the lemoncello in Sorrento if you get a chance-

Gio...we will be traveling all over Italy late June to early July. We will begin in Roma. We had planned to rent a car there and drive it down to Sorrento. I am having 2nd thoughts, thinking it might be best to pick up a rental after our stay in Sorrento. We are a family of six and am wondering what the cost comparison would be for us to travel via train vs car from Roma to Sorrento...or it that is even possible?
Thank

To be honest, I don't know whether the car or train would be less expensive for six going from Rome to Sorrento. The train would take more time, but also be more of a European & Italian experience. I prefer train, but then again there's just two of us with no children traveling. You should compare costs, and then weigh the type of experience you're seeking. Good luck!

Thanks for your kind suggestions. We will be sure to use them as we plan where to go. In addition to these great ideas we are considering visiting the Parco Pollino in Basilicata for the outdoor activities. Any advice for that location? Thanks again.

One problem in traveling by car with a group of six. Yes, the car will fit six people, but not the luggage for six people. Be very careful about which car you rent and remember big cars do not fit well in Italian cities and gas is very expensive.