We will be flying from London (USA citizens) to Italy in early Sept, 4 days prior to meeting friends in Rome. We'd like to either visit Stresa (looks lovely and has easy connections from MXP) or Sorrento as a base for exploring Amalfi coast. We will NOT have a car and will be DIY via public transit, no private car/driver/tour. We have been to Cinque Terre-and loved it, but want to see somewhere new to us.
We are in our late 50s and enjoy easy hiking/biking, wine, food, sightseeing. We live on the East Coast, so a beach isn't important to us, but we do love beautiful views/scenery . We'd take a boat to Capri to explore or the IT lakes from Stresa. Budget is mid-range (hotel 4 nights/$1000ish). Sorrento/Naples/Rome is less travel time, but we don't mind training Stresa/Milan/Rome.
I think IT schools are still out--if that matters.
Posted by
Wilmington, DE, USA
1077 posts
I'll recommend Sorrento as a home base. From there it is easy to get to everything else in the area - by boat to the Amalfi Coast and Capri; by train to Pompei. I always suggest taking the boat from Sorrento to Positano and Amalfi Town, then you can take the bus back. That way you get the best of views. On the way back, sit behind the driver for a better view. Sorrento itself has got to be top of my favorites list. I usually spend about a week there and never get less than enthusiastic!
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7501 posts
We loved our 4 nights in Sorrento so I think you can’t go wrong there. We can’t wait to return.
Haven’t been to Stresa yet but we are planning 4 nights there in late September so I can see that working as well. We’re doing at end of a 2 week trip and access to MXP is one of the reasons we chose it over Lake Como.
I think you’ll have more variety of day trips/things to do in Sorrento. Lots of good restaurants, beautiful views, fun shopping and wandering.
Amalfi, Capri, Pompeii, Naples
Stresa you’ve got the garden islands, a few other villages around lake, Orta San Giulio and the possibility of riding the Centovalli into Switzerland
Or day trip to Milan
Posted by
South Louisiana
2 posts
Ironically, I am having been toying with the same decision. In 2019, I traveled with my twin 16 boys on a 3 1/2 week excursion throughout Italy. Arriving in Naples, we were picked up by our wonderful BNB host. He took us on a full tour of Naples, sampling the famous Marguerite Pizza and seeing the city. After our tour, his family hosted a wonderful early dinner cooked by at his grandmother's in her Napoli home before driving us to our Sorrento home for 4 nights. It is perfectly located to see the Amalfi Coast and tour Capri. We were all in agreement, this was our favorite and most relaxing time spent in Italy. ( Assisi was second place)
This year (late July) one of my older sons (30) is getting married in Biella. Prior to him announcing his plans, we were planning a trip to Sicily ( birthplace of my both paternal grandparents ) but was also including Sorrento for a few nights, as well. Now, I must shift our agenda to Northern Italy.....
In my research, Varenna is highly recommended as a base to see Lake Como region and easily accessible by train to/from Milan.
I am having a hard time finalizing my itinerary because we really wanted to see Sorrento again and experience Sicily....... I will be following your thread.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
8096 posts
Abhagen, the town on Lake Como that Rick Steves recommends is Varenna. Ravenna is on the east coast of Italy and has the gorgeous mosaics. Varenna is at a “Y” in the lake, close to Bellagio.
Elaine, I love Stresa, and you would be there at the final dates of the Stresa Music Festival if that interests you. (You might be flying there on their final night; check their site when it’s posted for 2022.). As much as I love Stresa, I would choose Sorrento unless you are looking for a more relaxing/less people site. There’s more to do on the Amalfi Coast.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7501 posts
abhagen-
Ravenna is nowhere near Milan or Lake Como
Are you sure you have the right place?
Do you mean Varenna, which is ON Lake Como?
Posted by
South Louisiana
2 posts
So sorry, it was a typo... not intentional - I have corrected it- did not mean to distract from thread...still following