Wedding in Amalfi Coast, activities needed for guests

Gina, I'm not too familiar with the transportation options in Atrani, but my first impression is that hiring a small Bus would likely be the most effective and quickest travel method for a group that size. I have no idea what the cost would be? Will the entire group be staying in Atrani, or elsewhere in the area (Amalfi)? Using public transport would be less expensive, and there appears to be train service from Vietri sul Mare-Amalfi to Pompeii, with a travel time of 34M. A visit to Capri may be challenging, as I don't know how often the boats will be operating in April. There are departures from Salerno, Positano, Sorrento and Naples AFAIK. Using a Guide for Pompeii would be a really good idea, as that provides a much more rewarding and interesting visit. I would highly recommend Gaetano Manfredi. Check his website or look for information in the Guidebook. One point to note regarding a visit to Mt. Vesuvius, is that getting to the crater involves about a 30-minute uphill hike. This could be a problem for any "older" members of your group or those with "mobility issues". I found that the downhill hike was almost more stressful on my knees than going uphill. You might find it helpful to check the Italy Guidebook for sightseeing and transportation options in that area. Are you bringing a Photographer along for the wedding or hiring one in that area? Good luck with your planning!

Pompeii and Vesuvius sounds like a lot for one day, but it is doable if your group has a lot of energy. You're close enough to take a side trip to Paestum - Greek ruins, manageable museum, a beach and mozzarella farms.

Thanks for the help - I did not know that about Mt V...and I do have several older guests coming. We will be staying in Amalfi, I am working on hotels now. So far I think I am going to try to book Antica Repubblica and Hotel Floridiana so I can get everyone in just two locations, rather than smaller hotels all over. I am actaully looking to book a photographer there. I was considering bringing one, but then thought they wouldnt really know the area for great spots to shoot.

Gina, I would poll the guests and if enough are interested then renting a bus or a couple of vans and a guide for Pompeii is a great idea. For other activities, I would simply provide the guests with a list of suggestions and a copy of the bus/train/ferry schedules for the A/C at least a month before you leave and let them plan their own trips. You could also give them the name of a couple of guides or tours or van drivers so they can coordinate and book them before they arrive. You will have enough to do with your wedding, and visiting with all 30 guests when you get there, that you should leave most of the leisure activities for the guests to plan themselves.

Are the mozzarella farms worth a visit? How much of a day would that consume and where are they? I think I heard there was one in Ravello?

I think most of the buffalo mozzarella farms are south, around Paestum. Usually you have to get to the farm very early to see the cheese being made, so it would take up at least all morning. Here are a couple of links I found on chowhound: http://www.masserialupatabarlotti.it/ http://www.vannulo.it/ If you are looking for cow's milk mozzarella, then look into Agerola.

Gina, I've toured Tenuta Vannulo and IMO it would be an excellent tour for your group. As I recall, it's in the same general area as Paestum. The guided tour was very interesting, and the leather shop seemed to be especially popular with the ladies! There's also a small Cafe that serves products from the farm. It's a very popular spot though, so I would strongly recommend booking long in advance. Try to poll your group to determine how many might be interested in visiting there. You might enquire on the cost of a group lunch there, in addition to the tour. The Mozzarella di Bufala is excellent! Cheers!