I am planning a somewhat last minute 17 day trip to Italy (April 1-18) I plan to spend the first 6 nights in Rome, then on to Sorrento for 4 or 5 nights, using that as a base to explore Naples, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. My return flight is out of Rome so I will probably spend my last night back there as well. This leaves me 5 or 6 nights that I have yet to plan. I am interested in exploring a few of the smaller towns south of Amalfi that are a bit more off of the beaten path (Maratea, Matera, Alberobello, ???) but it seems that these places may be difficult to get to by public transit. I am not completely opposed to renting a car, but would prefer not to if possible. Also, most of the rental car agencies I looked into are close on Sunday which is when I would need to return. Any thoughts on a workable itinerary for those days would be much appreciated. Also, is that a busy time of year for hotels in Southern Italy? Would I need to have accommodation booked ahead or would I be likely to find a room upon arriving in town? Sorry for the long winded, multi-pronged question. And thanks in advance for your help!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
If Sunday is a problem, couldn't you return to Rome a day earlier and return the car then? Everyone that I know who has traveled south says you need a car. Good luck.
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2451 posts
We only stayed in Positano and loved it. Do not rent a car as you do not want to drive the Amalfi coast. I know there is a great bus from Sorrento to Positano and further on. If you are going to explore Naples, why not stay there on first night or two from Rome and then go on to Sorrento. To me it doesn't make sense to go from Rome to Sorrento and then take train back to Naples to explore. If you book a hotel near the airport in Rome, be aware that we had a terrible time with an international company that we rented from and they charged our credit card when we booked in April for June and charged our account the day we made our reservation in April. We canceled within 24 hours from the date in April and took until December, yes December to get our money back.
Posted by
OP
san francisco
11 posts
I think I will rent a car after all, seems the best way to see the smaller towns of Basilicata. Anyone know if this area is likely to be crowded in early April? Do I need to book accommodation ahead of time? If I am going to have a car it sounds like it would be more fun to be spontaneous but would hate to end up having a very hard time finding a room at the end of the day.