I have 2 questions: We are trying to decide between a tour and going on our own(with the help of Rick's guide books). My friend wants to see the Amalfi Coast and I would like to see Venice. I have been to Rome and Florence on two previous trips. I haven't been able to locate a tour that includes both(Amalfi and Venice), and fits into my timeline of 10-11 days. any suggestions??
Posted by
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
705 posts
I'd be surprised if you find a tour that takes in the areas you want to see. You may well find one that does around Amalfi and Venice is easy to negotiate by yourself. Perhaps book a mini tour of Amalfi and then head up to Venice. I'm sure you will find it quite easy to do.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32351 posts
Pat,
With a time frame of only 10-11 days, your options are somewhat limited. As the others have suggested, your best option is probably to do the trip on your own (using Rick's books for planning, of course). Perhaps 3 days or so in Venice, 1 day travel and the remainder around the Amalfi coast (including Capri and Pompeii?).
I'd suggest using open-jaw flights - inbound Venice and outbound Rome. You could use either fast trains to get from Venice to Rome (and then Amalfi) or budget flight to Rome or Naples (I haven't checked, so don't know what's available?). The transporation options are covered in the books.
If you had more time, a combination of one of Rick's tours along with some self-guided travel would have been a good solution.
Good luck and happy travels!
Posted by
Morrison, CO, USA
893 posts
Pat, Since you have seen Rome & Florence it sounds like doing it on your own is a good bet. How about an open jaw into Venice and out of Naples. Check out www.europebyair.com (I think Ron on this site suggested it)and find a flight from Venice to Naples to do the Amalfi coast. This way you don't spend a whole day on the train. Just don't book a real early flight out of Venice. Should be doable.