SusanG

Hi everyone, thanks to those of you who already helped me with some basic (and good!) decisions on AC trip (which btw is a year away! Planning ahead is part of the joy) Will be in Rome for 9 days, then will train to Naples, thinking a driver to Positano, where I think we will be renting a villa. I've got a schedule, but am wondering, is it too much time in any place? (Not that time in italy is ever too much!) Would love your thoughts:
Monday, arrive Naples, to Positano (what do you guys think of Reggia di Caserta? - worth stopping?)
Tuesday: Pompeii (all day, love of history/archaeology here)
Wed: Capri via hydrofoil
Thurs: Pastum (is this half a day?)
Friday Amalfi/Ravello (via ferry/bus )
Am I correct that I can take the ferry from Positano to Salerno, and then the bus to Pastum?
Seems like it would be a bit simpler to get a driver to Pompeii from Positano.
I know there are many, many posts on this subject and I appreciate your patience with these logistics. Also love all the pictures! Susan

kybourbon

What time of year is your trip? Some ferries don't operate year round.

zeppole

It all looks reasonable, provided transportation is optimal for whatever time of year you are going. But as a lover of history and archaeology, I think you should consider making time to see the archaeology museum in Napoli. One way to fit it into your trip would be to go on your way to Positano. You could have your driver pick you up at the museum, which will hold reasonably sized luggage for a couple while you tour the museum. If you are unsure if they will hold your luggage, you can store it at the train station, and have your driver meet you there.

Another way to see it might be to see it on the day you leave the area.

If by "half a day" for Paestum you mean seeing the sight, yes, but that is exclusive of travel to and from.

If you are going to Pompeii between late April and October, you should plan to get there early to beat the heat, and bring sun protection and water.

If you are thinking of day trips from Rome, you might consider Tarquinia given your interests in archaeology.

Were this my trip (and it's not), I would actually stay in Napoli at least half the time, and use it as a base for seeing Pompeii, Paestum and the archeology of Napoli (as well as other sights there). I'd probably pick two nights or 3 nights on Capri in Anacapri for pure relaxation, and then return to the mainland and have a driver take me up to Ravello, staying through lunch, and then taking the Amalfi drive back to Napoli for a dinner then late train to Rome, stopping for a drink or gelato in Positano. Of if you are flying out of Napoli, one last night in Napoli. (In which case I would head straight to Capri from Rome.)

But you should do what you want!

ira

Hi SG,

>Am I correct that I can take the ferry from Positano to Salerno, and then the bus to Pastum?<

We took the train to Paestum. It was a full day's round trip, especially if you are taking the ferry.
See Ira’s Trip Report (Italy 2003)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...2&tid=34451044

Enjoy your visit.

fanshawe

I'll second ira's suggestion for reserving an entire day for Paestum. It was still plenty hot when I was there in late September, so spending hours at the site was somewhat draining. After admiring the temples and visiting the excellent museum, I wasn't fit for much else besides wining and dining. Also, the ferries and trains don't always run frequently, so you might lose time making your connections. I took two busses to get there, and it took way longer than it was supposed to (but it was so worth it).

That's a thrilling itinerary you've lined up. I agree with zeppole that a visit to the archeology museum is essential for someone of your interests. Buon viaggio!

ekscrunchy

For me one of the joys of visiting Paestum was the stop at the mozzarella "factory" near the site. If your budget allows, you might want to think about hiring a driver who can take you to both the archeological site and a cheese shop/maker. You can do this in half a day with an early start, IF you hire a driver. Otherwise you need to devote a full day including transport to Paestum, without the cheese visit.

We hired a driver from our hotel in Amalfi; we visited Paestum and the museum, and then a mozzarella maker. From there, we returned to the Amalfi Coast in time for a late lunch in Cetara, a fishing town that I highly recommend if you are interested in food.

SusanG

Hi everyone, as always, so appreciate your insight. I actually got an email from my friend today (trip is (2011) end of August/Sept) saying she thinks we should spend a couple days in Naples! So!And a mozzarella factory? Count me in. Your thoughts are all great. Now I'm thinking 2 days/3 nights in Napoli and then perhaps a 3 days on the AC. I need to re work it! Does anyone specially like that Bourbon Palace outside of Sorrento? Reggia di Caserta? Susan

Jean

Reggia di Caserta is not "outside of Sorrento" but about 40 km. north of Naples. IMO, it requires a full day if you're interested in seeing both the palace and gardens.

I won't tell you that you can't see/do it all, but I think your wish list is already getting pretty long for only 5-6 days. You need to consider traffic, crowds and heat.

SusanG

Hi Jean, and thx for comments. I totally agree that we have too many priorities. We have to re-assess. Never enough time to travel. Susan