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Amalfi Coast or the Lakes and where to fit in France?

Amalfi Coast or the Lakes and where to fit in France?

Old Jul 30th, 2016, 05:05 AM
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Amalfi Coast or the Lakes and where to fit in France?

Hi there, I am planning on travelling with 2 other women to France then Italy May-July. I have much I want to see and was wanting the bulk of my Europe Trip to be spent in France and Italy.

France I have thought, a week in Paris, then I want to take a train to either Uzes or Chinon or Provence and spend a week or two in a cottage I have found a company who has many cottages throughout France called 'French Cottages" if anyone has stayed in one I would love to know how it went http://www.frenchcottages.com/ - my main criteria is I need to get there by train and I wish to see the lavender in bloom so I am not sure when in June or July that is.

From France I then wish to catch a train to Italy (we would have flown from Australia so not keen to take more flights) and wanted to stay in Amalfi Coast for a few days however I am not sure of the best town to stay in, recommendations welcome. From there I would like to go to Florence to visit Tuscany then up to Lake Como for a week then on to Switzerland and make our way over to Bruges and then London.

I am just in the planning stage right now and am wondering if Amalfi is out of my way seeing as I want to head up to the Lakes then through Switzerland. I have been to Rome so not interested in stopping there.

I guess my main question is should I make the effort to get to Amalfi if I have never been or will I live to regret it if I give it a miss.

Thanks for your help, tips and suggestions, its a lifetime trip of which I may never do again so am very keen to get it right. Any tips on train travel between France and Italy would be appreciated too.
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Old Jul 30th, 2016, 06:25 AM
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Recommending the "best" town is difficult thing because everyone has a different idea about that. Really, every person who's visited the AC and liked it has a favorite place. It might help if you mentioned what you plan to do when you get there. Nothing? Shopping? Beach? Visiting other towns or attractions, such as Pompeii?

The AC is a bit out of the way from the rest of your itinerary, but I don't consider it redundant with the Lakes. Each has a different flavor. Is the AC a must-see? I don't know. I've been there a couple of times and would go back. That's just me.
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Old Jul 30th, 2016, 06:50 AM
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Your main logistical problem is not Amalfi (about 5 hrs by public trnasport from Florence), but Chinon (3 to 4 hrs fom Paris) from where iit's almost impossible to reach Italy the same day. But there are overnight trains.
From Avignon and surroundings, things would be easier. Even then, in order to avoid day long train rides, I would visit Florence before Amalfi. Amalfi - Salerno - Como isn't a problem (about 9 hrs, departures evry hr or so).

All would of course be easier if you would fly into London and back from Rome: London - Belgium - Paris - Provence - Switzerland - Como - Florence - Amalfi
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Old Jul 30th, 2016, 06:53 AM
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I loved the Amalfi Coast. We stayed in Positano but the entire coast is spectacular and there are a number of lovely towns to choose from. We chose it also for a trip of a lifetime to celebrate milestone birthday and anniversary. I am glad we went and wouldn't have wanted to miss it.

Trip report, if you are interested:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...the-titans.cfm
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Old Jul 31st, 2016, 12:20 AM
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Thankyou so much for your replies. @vicenzo32951 we would like to do all of what you suggest, shop, sit a while and take it all in so would love to know peoples views on the best town, at the moment I am thinking Positano but believe this is quite touristy and busy however everywhere will be in June or July.

Thanks for the replies everyone it makes me feel better to add it in as it is a trip of a lifetime and so what if it takes a while to get there, we will be travelling for 6-8 weeks so have enough time.

neckervd, thanks so much for your advice re Chinon, its where one of the cottages is that I was looking to stay and easy to get from Paris by train however if it doesnt flow with the rest then maybe I can look at other accomodation options, now B&B is so popular it might be a good option for the three of us.

Your suggestion to visit Florence first is great and you recommend " I would visit Florence before Amalfi. Amalfi - Salerno - Como isn't a problem (about 9 hrs, departures evry hr or so)" is this from Amalfi (train).
Denisea thanks for keeping my dream alive with your enthusiasm and blog, its what I have wanted to do for so many years, just that someone I work with just came back and said she wouldnt go down to amalfi again, so thankyou for rebutting that opinion lol - My trip is also a long awaited dream.
How was the car hire from Rome, that is a possibility if it is easier than train, bus and boat or all three. What was the cost - there are 3 of us so that will help. I agree for trips of lifetimes where you cannot see yourself going back, just do it and do it the best way you can.

All tips and hints welcome, keep them coming and thanks again for your time, really appreciate it xx
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Old Jul 31st, 2016, 02:39 AM
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Oh and I forgot to thankneckervd for the suggestion " All would of course be easier if you would fly into London and back from Rome: London - Belgium - Paris - Provence - Switzerland - Como - Florence - Amalfi

At the moment I can begin and end wherever it is easier and if its easier to go to London first (we need to skip up to Scotland to visit the girls relatives anyway for a few days) then start our trip from London over to Belgium then fly home from Rome, it makes a lot of sense and would work beautifully so I am grateful for the help, it flows a lot better and perhaps finishing off with Amalfi will be a great ending with placing Como around my birthday puts us in Provence early to mid June so I should also get to see the lavender. Great, great planning

If anyone has tips or suggested towns to stay in any of the above places that would be great.
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Old Jul 31st, 2016, 04:53 AM
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We used Francesco Marapense for the service from FCO to our hotel in Positano. There are certainly many less expensive ways to get there but we opted for the fastest, most direct route after our flight from the U.S. It was 420 euros, door to door. We did not pay a deposit but did have to pay in cash.

http://www.francescomarrapese.com

We used Tiber Limo for the return to Rome. They had wi-fi in the van, which was nice but not a must. The charge was similar and we paid via credit card or PayPal....can't remember but it wasn't in cash. The driver did offer to go to Pompeii on the way but we wanted to get to Rome, so we did not opt for that. We booked the day before with no problems.

http://www.tiberlimo.com

Both services were excellent, roomy vehicles, professional drivers and no complaints.

I can't imagine not enjoying the Amalfi coast. We did a lot less as far as sight seeing but focused on enjoying the views, the food and wine. Good luck with your trip.
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Old Jul 31st, 2016, 07:16 AM
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For cottages look at http://en.gites-de-france.com/. Most cottages may require a car. You'll have to look long and hard for one in a town with good transportation options. Often bus times are convenient for commuters, not tourists.

And plot your possible destinations on a map.
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Old Aug 2nd, 2016, 02:48 AM
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Thanks everyone, will take note of the limo/car hire for Amalfi and yes I cant imagine not going so its back on the list - I will look at your link Mimar for other cottages and yes unfortunately as the driving is on the other side of the road to us Aussies it makes me a bit nervous so we will opt for places we can get to by train and bus.

If anyone has a favourite place for Lake Como I would appreciate it. At the moment I am thinking of staying in Bellagio for 4 nights, and then moving on to Switzerland or perhaps the other way around depending on which way I decide to travel, decisions decisions
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Old Aug 3rd, 2016, 02:52 PM
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I have rented an apartment in Positano for over a week each June for the last 6 years and absolutely adore it. I would spend more time there if my work schedule allowed it!

Renting an apartment is a great way to go - it gives you more room, freedom to do laundry, the option of cooking a meal or two, etc., etc.

An easy and inexpensive way to get to Rome from Positano is to take the ferry from Positano to Salerno, then the direct train from Salerno to Rome.
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Old Aug 9th, 2016, 03:48 AM
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Hello Ekc, now that is a great idea I could consider renting an apartment for a week. I do want to just base ourselves a week in each place, Amalfi, the Lakes, perhaps Florence to see Tuscany etc then over to France for 2 weeks.

Can you recommend where you book your apartment with or advise of a site I can look at to do this.

Many thanks for your positive ideas and experience in the ease of getting to Positano. I have had a photo of Positano on my work wall for many years which goes from job to job with me, its the place I really want to stay in
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Old Aug 9th, 2016, 09:05 AM
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We have rented a few different apartments, both through sites like VRBO and directly with the owner.

One of our favorites is www.villalesirene.com, but it may be booked already for next year.

The apartment we rented this year was at Casa Caldiero. We rented Apartment #1. Great location with wonderful views and a nice short stairway (~60 steps) down to the walkway to the beach. After staying there this June, I already made our reservation for next year!

www.booking.com is also a good website for booking. If you narrow down your choices and need some input, feel free to post the links here and I will happily give you my opinion!

Don't wait too long to book, as good places get booked a year in advance in this internet age.
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Old Aug 9th, 2016, 11:33 AM
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Any tips on train travel between France and Italy would be appreciated too.>

From southern France to say Rome is a long long train ride - consider a cheap flight - for long-distance trains you can book deep discounted tickets at www.voyages-sncf.com (France) and www.trenitalia.com (Italy) if you book way way in advance on a specific train that cannot be changed but the savings are great - ditto Italy to Switzerland.

In Switzerland a Swiss Pass may be a good deal even if there just a few days or the Swiss Transfer Ticket, Half-Fare Card, etc.

anyway for details on trains check www.ricksteves.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.seat61.com. For Switzerland also www.swisstravelsystem.com.

If you want first class travel and able to chose which trains to hop once there look at a Eurail Select Pass or a France-Italy Pass +a Swiss Pass.
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Old Aug 11th, 2016, 03:52 AM
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Thankyou PalenQ for all your helpful advice and everyone here - this forum is fantastic to get help with travel tips, I have appreciated every one of your comments and will take it all on board when I am considering my route. Thanks for all the train websites and yes the suggestion of flying from France to Rome is a great one too. I know flights are cheap accross Europe so will consider this as well.

For me now the trick is to get the direction right from London either go over to Bruges across to Switzerland down to Italy then accross to France and fly home from there or start in Paris, Southern France then accross to Italy up through Switzerland then accross to London/Scotland/London then home.

My main priority is to be in France to see the lavender in bloom and be in Italy the last week of June for my birthday so the rest is dependant on these two. Wish me luck and thankyou again
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Old Aug 11th, 2016, 04:09 AM
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one more thing ekc, my trip is for 2018 so all is ok with booking, I will book everything this time next year, thanks very much for the apartment details, looks perfect! .
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Old Aug 11th, 2016, 05:26 AM
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I understand the desire to cut out flying, but if you are starting with the Amalfi Coast as your first stop in Italy, it would make a lot of sense and be very easy to fly into Naples, then fly from Naples to Milan for the lakes.

BTW, I have been to the Amalfi Coast three times. It is one of my favorite places and I hope to visit it at least one more time in my travels. Touristy? Yes, but absolutely stunning scenery.
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Old Aug 11th, 2016, 05:47 AM
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Mid-June will probably be too early for Lavender in Provence - and is best seen if you have rental car.
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Old Aug 11th, 2016, 10:15 AM
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then fly from Naples to Milan for the lakes.>

Well trains I believe take only about 4 h 45 min Naples Centrale to Milan Centrale and that it where you catch trains to either Lake Stresa (Maggiore) or Lake Como - if flying you have to take time boarding and de-boarding and then taking the long train or taxi ride into Milan Centrale to catch trains to the lakes (though you can take transfers to them from the airport though)- so time saved by flying may not be much at all and on the train at least you will see the hinterlands of Italy.
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Old Aug 11th, 2016, 02:22 PM
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If you can work the schedule to be in Positano the last week of June, you will be there for a few saint celebration days. There is a fantastic fireworks show that you can see from Positano (put on by Hotel San Pietro just outside of Positano) on Sant Pietro day - June 29. The town of Amalfi also celebrates their patron saint Sant Andrea on June 27 with a wonderful processional and fantastic fireworks. It is a fun time to be on the AC.
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Old Aug 12th, 2016, 03:04 AM
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So much to think about, yes I will look at the flights option but perhaps PalenQ's idea is better and we do get to see the sights on the train. My biggest decision is where to be on June 26th which is my birthday as I know there are fireworks on the 24th on lake Como as well, but I think ekc you have swayed me with the fireworks on AC, if we book there from say 25th - 30th June/1st July we can take it all in and celebrate another year for me at the same time

Thanks so much f1racegirl for the tip on the lavender in France,this is very important information for me and perhaps I need to ensure we are in France in July then after Italy which makes me think should start off in London/Scotland in late May spend June travelling accross through Belgium, Switzerland and down to Vencie and be in Lake Como mid June then AC at the end of June, make our way back to either Naples or Rome to travel to France then Paris at the end of our trip and fly out from there...ahhh its beginning to feel real, you all have no idea how long I have dreamed of this trip
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