My husband and I are planning to go on the RS Best of South Italy tour, take a little over a week off, and then go on his Best of Sicily tour. This will be next September. I'm looking for thoughts on where to spend the eight days between the tours. First tour spends 2 nights each in Rome, Vieste, Matera, Positano, Sorrento and Naples. Second tour spends nights in Taormina, Syracuse, Agriturismo near Piazza Armerina, Cefalu and Palermo. My first thought was to work our way down the coast from Naples to Reggio di Calabria and then on over to Taormina, but that stretch of Italy looks a little short on attractions. I could spend my time sitting on beaches contemplating life, but husband wants things to see and places to go. Would you suggest staying near Naples, staying on Capri, or ??? We've traveled in the area above Rome, so it makes more sense to stay south this trip. My preference would be to use public transportation, rather than renting a car. I'd love to hear any suggestions from those of you who know this area. Thanks!
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2177 posts
Yes, your two tour days won't scratch the surface in Naples. Naples gets a lot of bad press, but my husband and I really enjoy it. We went to Herculaneum this year, which was fascinating -- more interesting than Pompeii in some ways. (Don't plan to eat lunch at Herculaneum - they had no food service!)
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32209 posts
Nancy,
You'll cover a lot of the main attractions on the RS Best of South Italy tour including Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius as well as major towns on the Amalfi coast (Positano, Sorrento & Napoli). Here's a few other possibilities you might consider:
When in Positano or Sorrento, use your time exploring each town in more detail, or in the case of Sorrento visit Herculaneum or other sites that aren't included on the tour. When in that area, DON'T visit Capri or other sites (more on that later).
After the tour ends, spend a few additional days in Napoli exploring the city in more detail, and possibly taking a few day trips to nearby locations. Fly from Napoli to Sicilia.
After the tour ends, spend a few days in either Ischia, Procida and/or Capri exploring the sites. For travel advice on Ischia or Procida, you'd probably need to have a look at a Lonely Planet, Rough Guides or other Guidebook.
After the tour ends, spend a few days in Napoli and then start working towards Sicilia via Ravello or Amalfi.
Fly to Sicilia a few days before your tour starts and explore places that aren't included with the tour.
There are lots of choices in that area, but it's difficult to know what would appeal equally to both of you.
Happy travels!
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1449 posts
The Lonely Planet guide covers the Southern Italy region pretty well. Earlier this month we spent 4 days in Trani and had plenty to do, and more we didn't see. Your stay in Vieste will cover the Gargano Peninsula, and from Matera you'll see some of the area on that stretch of the Adriatic. However you could travel on your own towards Lecce and Brindisi. Note that public transit isn't that great in the region; there are trains along the coast, but not much thru the mountains. You could ride buses, but finding out the schedules and arranging rides is probably going to require some knowledge of Italian.
Posted by
OP
Seattle, Washington
681 posts
These are excellent suggestions - just what I was looking for. Thanks so much! Janet, I, too, am guessing we will want more time in Naples having never been there before. And, Ken, I like the idea of exploring Positano and Sorrento more thoroughly while on the tour, rather than taking side trips while there. We'll save the side trips for afterward - great idea. I definitely want to go to Capri. Am I assuming right that a couple nights there would be interesting, or is that too much time? I had never heard of Ravello, but it looks very appealing. We especially enjoy towns where we can get around by foot and just soak up the atmosphere. I know we can take a train straight from Naples to Taormina, so that might be a good solution after spending the week up near Naples. Tomorrow I'll head out and check the Lonely Planet Guide. Thanks again!
Posted by
Johns Island, SC
172 posts
Take a look at our Southern Italy trip at our personal blog for some ideas.
http://www.gadtravel.com/2008/07/palermo-naples.html
We did the following route; Palermo – Agrigento – Syracuse - Taormina – Sorrento – Amalfi – Ravello – Positano – Naples
Loved Ravello!
Posted by
Italy
247 posts
After thoroughly exploring the Naples-Paestum area, visit Alberolbello, Lecce and Maratea.
You may also allow more time in Sicily to see Ragusa, Selinunte, Segesta or Erice.
Posted by
Trenton, Ontario, Canada
204 posts
What about Sardinia - I am not sure but you could check about ferries leaving from Naples
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32209 posts
Giovanna,
Alberobello is included in the South Italy tour (including an excellent "slow food & wine tasting event") after exploring the Trulli houses.
Cheers!