Destination Amalfi Coast
Jun 5th, 2008, 10:07 AM
#1
Destination Amalfi Coast
We have been travelling to Europe for years and always try to search out non-stop flights from Chicago to our destinations.
For the last year, flying is a big pain with delayed flights etc.
We'd like to go to Amalfi, Capri, etc., but it looks complicated.
My question to all of you who have been there is--What is the best and easiest way to get there? We are not big fans of Rome. We have driven in Italy. Did you fly to Naples and have a driver to Amalfi or rent a car.
I've read alot on this site about Amalfi, and appreciate any more info you'd like to share.
Thanks
For the last year, flying is a big pain with delayed flights etc.
We'd like to go to Amalfi, Capri, etc., but it looks complicated.
My question to all of you who have been there is--What is the best and easiest way to get there? We are not big fans of Rome. We have driven in Italy. Did you fly to Naples and have a driver to Amalfi or rent a car.
I've read alot on this site about Amalfi, and appreciate any more info you'd like to share.
Thanks
Jun 5th, 2008, 10:31 AM
#2
I flew to London and then to Naples, but I like to work in extra time in London. No way I would want to drive the AC! I used public transport - buses and ferries - but several posters here have used a car and driver.
Jun 5th, 2008, 10:44 AM
#3
We usually rent a car - time in Naples- and have driven the coast in both directions several times. If you like to drive, you will enjoy it but if you find driving stressful you will not. It is better to drive the AC sometime other than in the summer. The last time we drove the AC was in January a few years ago where we did it in both directions with 4 people in a Smart Forfour. It was a lot of fun rowing the gears. Outside of the summer, it is not difficult to find a place to stop and enjoy the spectacular views.
Jun 5th, 2008, 05:58 PM
#4
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We just got back from Amalfi Coast this May.
We flew from Boston to Zurich, then on to Naples.
From Naples we had a driver (arranged by the hotel) meet us, drive us to the ferry, and took the ferry to Capri where we spent 3 nights before transferring over to Positano for a week. It was glorious. At the marina in Capri, a person - again arranged by our hotel La Minerva - took us to a waiting taxi, which took us to the Piazza, where she walked us to our hotel. Our bags were taken at the marina by porters and delivered to the hotel about a 1/2 hour later.
We loved Capri- it deserves several nights. We wished we had longer. And we adored Positano, though we wished we had stayed a little closer to the town.
Zurich is a great airport to transfer. Well run, easy to get around. We found the connection times very good as well. Better than Lufthansa in Munich. We bought our tickets on 1-800-fly-Europe at the advice of someone on this board and had no problems.
We flew from Boston to Zurich, then on to Naples.
From Naples we had a driver (arranged by the hotel) meet us, drive us to the ferry, and took the ferry to Capri where we spent 3 nights before transferring over to Positano for a week. It was glorious. At the marina in Capri, a person - again arranged by our hotel La Minerva - took us to a waiting taxi, which took us to the Piazza, where she walked us to our hotel. Our bags were taken at the marina by porters and delivered to the hotel about a 1/2 hour later.
We loved Capri- it deserves several nights. We wished we had longer. And we adored Positano, though we wished we had stayed a little closer to the town.
Zurich is a great airport to transfer. Well run, easy to get around. We found the connection times very good as well. Better than Lufthansa in Munich. We bought our tickets on 1-800-fly-Europe at the advice of someone on this board and had no problems.
Jun 5th, 2008, 06:15 PM
#5
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2 years ago we flew into Rome (we stayed 2 nts) then took the train to Salerno and a hired car/limo to our hotel in Ravello. The hotel arranged the driver. Now to save $$ I would train to Salerno and take the SITA bus to Ravello. We like Ravello! The bus is good if you don't have too much luggage.
Jun 6th, 2008, 03:12 AM
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Definitely fly into Naples and pre-arrange to hire a driver to take you to the Amalfi Coast. THAT'S THE EASIEST WAY. We did it in reverse - train from Pisa to Naples, then train to Sorrento and SITA bus to Positano. Also Naples is said to be a bit scary so having a driver is worth the 100 euros. I don't know where you want to stay - but you could base yourself at Sorrento and go on day trips to Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Pompei and Capri as well as other places. There's a big red bus that will take you to all these places. The SITA buses can get very congested and squash as many people on as they can fit. You can also get the ferries from Sorrento which go to all these places. Positano was just beautiful, Ravello up in the mountains overlooking Amalfi was delightful. I always wanted to go there and certainly wasn't disappointed.
Jun 6th, 2008, 03:57 AM
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Agree. Fly into Naples (we flew with Iberia from JFK via Madrid..Madrid is a great airport in which to make a connection). Hire a driver to take you to your hotel on the coast. Shop around for the best prices for this service.
Jun 6th, 2008, 04:28 AM
#9
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You will Love the AMALFI COAST & CAPRI. JUST BEAUTIFUL!
Transportation options are many.
Whay worked for me that was simple and easy:
I flew From JFK TO NAPLES(transfer in PARIS)
Directly outside of the NAPLES Airport (basically the distance was about 1 city block...) we got on A BUS. It was a municipal bus that arrives at the airport every 20 minutes to the PORT with the hydrofoils/ferries to Capri.
"We left from BEVERLERRO, Not Mergalina"
It was the second stop on the bus.
The bus was totally empty, & the bus driver helped us with the luggage on the bus. The bus was much more pleasant then I expected.
I actually enjoyed the ride on the bus, it was comfortable and easy.
The bus stop is only a short walking distance to the Port.
We crossed a street and only walked a short distance.....about 2 blocks.
We bought our tickets for the hydrofoil to CAPRI. In season, the ferries and hydrofoils leave often.
We called our hotel as we boarded the hydrofoil to CAPRI, & our Capri Hotel sent porters to the dock at Capri, to gather the luggage.
The porters all have signs and wear uniforms from the various hotels.
Our hotel porters showed us where the funicular was. It wasn't hard to find, as it was very close.
We bought our funicular ticket, took thee ride up the hill and then walked to our hotel.
After staying in Capri we left for POSITANO.
Gettomg from Capri to Positano,was also very simple.
We took a ferry from CAPRI Port directly to POSITANO.
The port at Capri was a little "crazy" and busy as it was crowed with many tourists arriving and departing. But..........it wasn't a problem.
Upon arriving in Positano the hotel porters met us at the POSITANO dock to pick up our luggage, and then we just walked to the hotel.
We had a taxi service take us from POSITANO To the NAPLES AIRPORT upon our departure, as we had to leave very early in the morning.
Our hotel arranged the taxi pick up. They are so "tourist friendly" in Positano that arrangements are easy to make.
Renting a car would never be an option for me ON THE AMALFI COAST as the roads, traffic, Vespa's zooming by WOULD BE A stressful situation for me.
But that may work for you. 1 location to another.
But......it was well worth it.
Staying on Capri is an entirely different dynamic then just going as a day trip.
Unfortunatley getting to CAPRI & Amalfi Coast takes a little longer as there is usually changing planes involved and getting from
Wish I was going back there this summer.
regards,
TREND GIRL
Transportation options are many.
Whay worked for me that was simple and easy:
I flew From JFK TO NAPLES(transfer in PARIS)
Directly outside of the NAPLES Airport (basically the distance was about 1 city block...) we got on A BUS. It was a municipal bus that arrives at the airport every 20 minutes to the PORT with the hydrofoils/ferries to Capri.
"We left from BEVERLERRO, Not Mergalina"
It was the second stop on the bus.
The bus was totally empty, & the bus driver helped us with the luggage on the bus. The bus was much more pleasant then I expected.
I actually enjoyed the ride on the bus, it was comfortable and easy.
The bus stop is only a short walking distance to the Port.
We crossed a street and only walked a short distance.....about 2 blocks.
We bought our tickets for the hydrofoil to CAPRI. In season, the ferries and hydrofoils leave often.
We called our hotel as we boarded the hydrofoil to CAPRI, & our Capri Hotel sent porters to the dock at Capri, to gather the luggage.
The porters all have signs and wear uniforms from the various hotels.
Our hotel porters showed us where the funicular was. It wasn't hard to find, as it was very close.
We bought our funicular ticket, took thee ride up the hill and then walked to our hotel.
After staying in Capri we left for POSITANO.
Gettomg from Capri to Positano,was also very simple.
We took a ferry from CAPRI Port directly to POSITANO.
The port at Capri was a little "crazy" and busy as it was crowed with many tourists arriving and departing. But..........it wasn't a problem.
Upon arriving in Positano the hotel porters met us at the POSITANO dock to pick up our luggage, and then we just walked to the hotel.
We had a taxi service take us from POSITANO To the NAPLES AIRPORT upon our departure, as we had to leave very early in the morning.
Our hotel arranged the taxi pick up. They are so "tourist friendly" in Positano that arrangements are easy to make.
Renting a car would never be an option for me ON THE AMALFI COAST as the roads, traffic, Vespa's zooming by WOULD BE A stressful situation for me.
But that may work for you. 1 location to another.
But......it was well worth it.
Staying on Capri is an entirely different dynamic then just going as a day trip.
Unfortunatley getting to CAPRI & Amalfi Coast takes a little longer as there is usually changing planes involved and getting from
Wish I was going back there this summer.
regards,
TREND GIRL
Jun 6th, 2008, 09:04 AM
#10
Thanks again for all your answers.We do plan on doing this trip,however, this Sept. we were looking for something a little easier.
Lake Como was very easy, and anywhere in France also easy. So we may return to those places.
Still in the planning stages.
Lake Como was very easy, and anywhere in France also easy. So we may return to those places.
Still in the planning stages.
Jun 6th, 2008, 09:17 AM
#11
Wanderer 1
Just looked up the La Minerva, and it looks like just what we would like---Thanks for the tip!
Whenever we do decide to go to Capri, that's where we will stay, if possible.
I'm wondering along with Adrien where you stayed in Positano?
Just looked up the La Minerva, and it looks like just what we would like---Thanks for the tip!
Whenever we do decide to go to Capri, that's where we will stay, if possible.
I'm wondering along with Adrien where you stayed in Positano?
Jun 6th, 2008, 02:15 PM
#12
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We stayed at Baleno, an apartment, through Rentvillas.com. The apartment was great. Quite a good value. Very large, clean comfortable, beautiful terrace.
The agency was great. Arrived to a kitchen stocked with food for 3 meals, wine, paper goods, so we could just relax!
Here is the link:
http://www.rentvillas.com/PropertyDe...x?Catalog=1602
As much as we liked Baleno, I think next time I would stay closer to town. The walk into town was not bad. Very enjoyable, as there are shops all along the way. It was the 104 steps up to the apartment each time we came home that was the killer!
If I went back, I would try and stay here. (Link below). We walked by this, and it is the perfect location. Off from the beach (less than a 5 minute walk), so quiet, private, and such a great view. I thought it would be dark and cramped and gloomy inside but it is glorious! It's right in the heart of everything, and best of all - NO STEPS!
If you can't open the link, just go to www.cvtravel.co.uk, choose Italy, Campania, and it is the 5th photo down the one with the beautiful deck (all private).
ttp://www.cvtravel.co.uk/villas/Italy_Campania_Amalfi-Coast-nr-Sorrento-Ischia-_La-Trasita--Positano.cfm
As to the San Pietro, I have a friend who went there for drinks, and said it was spectacular, but we drove by it when we went to Amalfi, and I would not want to be in that location. It is secluded and separated from all of Positano.
Let me know what you decide!
I did a trip report in May when we got back. Has all our photos and things we did. We especially loved traveling to the different towns by boat.
If you do go to Capri and stay at Minerva, you must take a boat tour listed in their guide. The more expensive one was what we did (130 E) but well worth it. The boat was so comfortable.
The agency was great. Arrived to a kitchen stocked with food for 3 meals, wine, paper goods, so we could just relax!
Here is the link:
http://www.rentvillas.com/PropertyDe...x?Catalog=1602
As much as we liked Baleno, I think next time I would stay closer to town. The walk into town was not bad. Very enjoyable, as there are shops all along the way. It was the 104 steps up to the apartment each time we came home that was the killer!
If I went back, I would try and stay here. (Link below). We walked by this, and it is the perfect location. Off from the beach (less than a 5 minute walk), so quiet, private, and such a great view. I thought it would be dark and cramped and gloomy inside but it is glorious! It's right in the heart of everything, and best of all - NO STEPS!
If you can't open the link, just go to www.cvtravel.co.uk, choose Italy, Campania, and it is the 5th photo down the one with the beautiful deck (all private).
ttp://www.cvtravel.co.uk/villas/Italy_Campania_Amalfi-Coast-nr-Sorrento-Ischia-_La-Trasita--Positano.cfm
As to the San Pietro, I have a friend who went there for drinks, and said it was spectacular, but we drove by it when we went to Amalfi, and I would not want to be in that location. It is secluded and separated from all of Positano.
Let me know what you decide!
I did a trip report in May when we got back. Has all our photos and things we did. We especially loved traveling to the different towns by boat.
If you do go to Capri and stay at Minerva, you must take a boat tour listed in their guide. The more expensive one was what we did (130 E) but well worth it. The boat was so comfortable.
Jun 6th, 2008, 02:19 PM
#13
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p.s. This "tower" apartment is a 2 min walk from one of the restaurants with the most beautiful view - O' Guaracina (?sp).
A short walk from that is Fornillo beach. Much nicer than the beach at Spiaggia. Much more private, quiet and clean.
A short walk from that is Fornillo beach. Much nicer than the beach at Spiaggia. Much more private, quiet and clean.
Jun 6th, 2008, 02:28 PM
#14
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p.s.s. This is personal opinion, but I would NOT rent a car. You do not need one, and it would not be a relaxing vacation trying to drive/park in this area.
I, like you, wanted a stress-free vacation, no hassles, and up to the last minute was fretting about the transportation and how hard that was going to be - bus here, boat here, train here.
We stuck with ferries from Positano to Amalfi. Took the bus from Amalfi to Ravello, but you could hire a guide (driver) or taxi. When we went to Pompeii, we used Wagner Tours, arranged by our on-site agent, but here is their link. VERY easy - picked us up at a hotel 100 yds up the street, drove us to Amalfi, where we got a bus to Pompeii, had a guide the whole time - on the bus and at Pompeii - which added immensely to the experience, and drove back the same way. Effortless. All for 43E each. Here is the link to that tour company.
The tour company is the travel agent WAGNER TOURS from Ravello, the phone number is +39 089 858416
Antonietta D'Amato.
http://www.wagnertours.it/EXCLUSIVE/pompeiexling.htm
We had a driver from our apartment to take us to the airport in Naples on the way home. 100E. Easy. A driver from the aiport as I mentioned. And then a ferry from Capri to Sorrento, and a driver arranged by the villa to drive us to our apartment.
Easy, easy, easy.
In Capri, we did make use of the taxis, as 1) I like them - the experience was great, although they are CRAZY drivers, and 2) the buses were often packed.
Of all the towns we saw - Capri, Positano, Ravello, Sorrento, Amalfi, we are SO happy we picked Capri and Positano. Just the right amount of laid-back, comfortable, manageable that we were looking for. Ravello is cute but very, very remote and cut off from things. Amalfi we found too crazy busy and touristy. Sorrento too big for our tastes.
I hope you do decide to go and have a lovely trip!! I'll be happy to help with anything else I can.
I, like you, wanted a stress-free vacation, no hassles, and up to the last minute was fretting about the transportation and how hard that was going to be - bus here, boat here, train here.
We stuck with ferries from Positano to Amalfi. Took the bus from Amalfi to Ravello, but you could hire a guide (driver) or taxi. When we went to Pompeii, we used Wagner Tours, arranged by our on-site agent, but here is their link. VERY easy - picked us up at a hotel 100 yds up the street, drove us to Amalfi, where we got a bus to Pompeii, had a guide the whole time - on the bus and at Pompeii - which added immensely to the experience, and drove back the same way. Effortless. All for 43E each. Here is the link to that tour company.
The tour company is the travel agent WAGNER TOURS from Ravello, the phone number is +39 089 858416
Antonietta D'Amato.
http://www.wagnertours.it/EXCLUSIVE/pompeiexling.htm
We had a driver from our apartment to take us to the airport in Naples on the way home. 100E. Easy. A driver from the aiport as I mentioned. And then a ferry from Capri to Sorrento, and a driver arranged by the villa to drive us to our apartment.
Easy, easy, easy.
In Capri, we did make use of the taxis, as 1) I like them - the experience was great, although they are CRAZY drivers, and 2) the buses were often packed.
Of all the towns we saw - Capri, Positano, Ravello, Sorrento, Amalfi, we are SO happy we picked Capri and Positano. Just the right amount of laid-back, comfortable, manageable that we were looking for. Ravello is cute but very, very remote and cut off from things. Amalfi we found too crazy busy and touristy. Sorrento too big for our tastes.
I hope you do decide to go and have a lovely trip!! I'll be happy to help with anything else I can.
Jun 6th, 2008, 06:27 PM
#16
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We went into Naples and just hired a driver for the day. It is really not that bad of a deal; just make sure that you negotiate completely up front. Our driver didn't want to get paid until we returned. Some of the others we talked to wanted 1/2 up front and 1/2 at end. Just make sure to have all of the details clear and let them know exactly what you want out of the experience. Ask lots of questions.
