LovetoTraveltoEurope

Hi there,

My family and I (husband and 2 boys) are planning a trip to Italy this summer and are trying to finalize the itinerary to include Florence, Rome, Positano and Capri over 12 nights. This will not be our first time travelling to Italy, but the last time we went to Rome and Florence, our boys were a bit younger. This would be our first time travelling to the Amalfi Coast. We are looking to keep it as simple and relaxing as possible.

We were originally planning to travel to fly into Florence for 3 nights, then head down to the Amalfi coast, spending the rest of our vacation there between Positano and Capri (total of 9 nights), and fly out of Naples. However, in looking at flights more closely, there are no direct flights to Florence and from Naples (to our home city). Given we can take a quick 1.5 hour train ride from Rome to Florence and taking into consideration we don't want to spend any time in Naples, simply get on a flight back home, I thought it may be easier to fly direct into Rome and out of Rome. If we wanted to fly out of Naples, we'd have to take into consideration the travel from either Positano or Capri early in the morning on the day of our flight out of Naples.

As a result, I am now thinking we fly into Rome, take a train immediately to Florence (3 nights), take a train to Naples and head to Positano (3 nights) and Capri (4 nights), take a train back to Rome (2 nights) and fly back home direct from Rome. Any thoughts on this itinerary and order of cities? Does it make sense to do 3 nights in Positano and 4 nights in Capri? Is it sufficient and the right amount of time in Positano and Capri? We're looking to relax, shop, do some boat tours, spend time poolside and beachside.

Any thoughts on itinerary would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

vincenzo32951

It's a little busy for me, but to each his own. A couple of things:

If you take into account the amount of time it takes to pack up, get yourself from Point A to Point B, and get settled into your accommodations at Point B, you'll have used up just about two full days getting from one place to another: Florence to Positano and Capri to Rome. And that's assuming all your connections and schedules work smoothly. (Am assuming you're relying on trains and taxis for the bulk of the travel on those days.)

Four nights in Capri would be too much for me. Now, if your goal is just to sit by a beach or poolside hotel, then I guess it's OK. But if that's true, then why not just spend more time in Positano and make Capri a day trip or overnight trip. Also, I think leaving Positano for Rome would be simpler and easier. I'd consider hiring a driver to take you to Sorrento or Naples, and then catch the train, with my preference being to be driven to Naples. That's a cost-effective approach with four of you. Another alternative would be to rent a car in Sorrento, drive to Rome and drop the car there. I've done it, and drive isn't bad at all. (Maybe with a car, you want to cut some time from Capri and stop at Pompeii.)

Mimar

How old are your boys?

I'm wondering why you are going to Positano and Capri. Only to "shop, do some boat tours, spend time poolside and beachside?" Because there are easier places to get to and from where you can do those things. Like Portovenere, Sperlonga, even Sardinia.

Dogeared

"Is it sufficient and the right amount of time in Positano and Capri? We're looking to relax, shop, do some boat tours, spend time poolside and beachside."

Is it sufficient and the right amount of time, who knows. That all depends on the individual and how long a place holds their interest for. No one here can answer that question for you.

Given what you say you are looking to do, why are you simply not going to one destination and spending all your time there? It's a bit of a contradiction to say you want to relax and then list 4 places to stay in just 12 nights. You are going to spend 30% of your time just moving around. Do you consider that best use of time?

Quantity is not synonymous with quality.

isabel

The idea to fly in/out of Rome is fine if you have better flights from your home city to Rome, and yes it's a good idea to spend at lest the last night IN Rome before a flight out (definitely not on Capri where it's possible boats could not be running due to weather - even in summer).

But if I were going to do 7 nights in the Amalfi Coast area I wouldn't do Positano/Capri. I actually prefer Sorrento but I know that's not everyone's choice. Do you have any interest in Pompeii, Herculaneum or Paestum. If so Sorrento, or even Amalfi would be better choices. If not I still would probably pick Amalfi as it's more central (eg can get to Atrani, Ravello, etc. as well as Positano, Capri). But that's just my opinion, nothing really wrong with the way you have it.

lindygirl

I went to Positano and Capri and thought it was beautiful but not as interesting as Rome or Florence. Seaside town with expensive dining and water-only activities. I'm not a fan of the beach and would've preferred more time in Rome or Florence but everyone is different. It really depends on what you like to do for fun and how quickly or slowly you like the pace.

ekc

I rent an apartment in Positano for a week each June, so obviously I would vote for more time in Positano - especially if you want to spend time exploring the other villages on the Amalfi Coast.

Especially with kids, you should consider renting an apartment. Cheaper than a hotel, more room, laundry facilities, etc.

Personally, I would cut out Florence and just divide your time between Rome (with a Florence day trip), Positano and Capri. Upon arrival in Rome, take the train immediately to Salerno and then ferry to Positano (5 nights). Then move to Capri (3 nights). Then ferry from Capri to Naples, where you can take the train (70 minutes) to Rome (4 nights). If your boys are interested in Pompeii, you could see it on your way to Rome.

tuscanlifeedit

If I were returning to the AC area, I would choose Positano and Capri, just as you have. Those are my favorites. I might do 4 in Positano and 3 in Capri, but it's really a toss up in my book.

Get a good pool.

tuscanlifeedit

My off-the-beaten path choices in Florence, keeping in mind that these are ALL on the very beaten path, would be The Bargello and the The Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. Followed by Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella and the Brancacci chapel. I'd follow that with a temporary art exhibit.

I'll have to narrow down Venice... will take a bit of thought.