luvtotravel

I'm in the early stages of planning a 13-day trip to Italy. Was able to get a FF ticket LAX-Rome. At least two friends are joining me--possibilty three. Three of the four of us have been to Italy before; I've been there four times. None of us have been south of Rome.

I'm thinking this would be a good time to stay in either Sorrento or Positano. I've been reading pros and cons of both.

Will hotels/restaurants be open mid-to-late April? We arrive in Italy the day after Easter Sunday. We can go right to Amalfi Coast or do that the second week. What can we expect in April?

Two of us fell in love with Santorini. Which location will bring similar emotions to the visual beauty of Santorini?

Thanks.
Diane

cheryllj

Imho, nowhere on the Amalfi Coast is *quite* as beautiful as Santorini - but Capri probably comes the closest. Followed by Ravello and Positano.

ekscrunchy

Different scenery than Santorini but to me, more charming. But again, different. Better food.

Late April is a fantastic time to be there. The beach was crowded on 1 May this year in Amalfi although water is a bit cold for swimming. I do not care for Positano as much as Amalfi, however. Ravello is indeed, spectacularly beautiful. Sorrento is not actually on the AC but it is a nice place to base if you want to visit Pompeii. Otherwise, consider Amalfi..

thursdaysd

I was in s. Italy this year starting in early April and thought it was a great time to be there. (TR at http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35123298) Good weather and not too crowded.

I'd vote for a couple of nights on Capri and then Positano or Amalfi, unless you just want a base to visit Naples and Pompeii, when Sorrento will work better that early in the season.

traveller1959

What a pity that you will arrive one day after Easter!

Easter in Amalfi is very special - with a nightly procession (the night before Easter) with torches, people in white hooded robes singing ancient prayers and carrying an illuminated cross into this gorgeous cathedral..

Of course, everything is open. However, it is not as crowded as in summer. The lemon trees are still in bloom. IMO, the perfect time to visit Amalfi. And Amalfi is a good base to visit Pompeii, Naples and Capri.

Capri is a geological extension of the Amalfi peninsula. Thus, expect the same type of landscape, but Capri is overrun by cruise ship excursions during the day.

luvtotravel

So much to think about. Two friends like to explore, one friend like to relax, and I like to take photos of doors/windows and charming architecture. I hope this area has something for each of us. We already know we love the food, especially the food we had in Tuscany--one outstanding meal after another! Thanks for the advice.

ekscrunchy

The food is so much better than on Santorini!!!! And I thought the locals were much more friendly to tourists..

bellastarr

Hi luvtotravel
As you may already know because you've been there before-the day after Easter is called Pasquetta and is a holiday for Italians. It's a day when everyone and thoer extended families gather and celebrate outside together. That means crowded ferries (especially to Capri or any Island) and roads as they're driving back and forth to get together. I am not completely-but it may also mean that certain business will close earlier than usual to give the owners a chance to be with their relatives. Personally I think you would best choose a day or two later to travel there.
I've been many times for Easter Week and the week following and it's a good time to go, though I agree that it's too bad you'll miss all of the Processioni of Holy Week itself, which are in every town of the Amalfi Coast (and everywhere else too), but the AC has other charms that will more than make up for it!
On Pasquetta- if I were part of your entourage- I would celebrate like the citizens of Italy. Buy some nice bread, cheese, olives, fruit and wine and find a picnic spot with your friends to welcome each other to the place! (Then perhaps travel the next day.) In Rome, I suggest Pamphili Park for a picnic, which is lovely.

(BTW-on Pasquetta- every sister brother cousin aunt and uncle from Naples will be on the ferries to Capri)

luvtotravel

Thank you Bellastarr. We arrive in Rome on Monday and will most likely relax that day--it's a long trip from California. We'll head out somewhere on Tuesday and I'm thinking it will most likely be the Amalfi Coast. But then, we really liked Umbria. Our time in Italy will be much too short. A month would be too short, also. Maybe a year so I could return to all the wonderful spots already visited and hit some new ones.

nytraveler

The weather will probably be pleasant but perhaps not quite warm enough to go in the water. But - it should be not so crowded and great for sightseeing.

bellastarr

Oh dear, Umbria is lovely too! A hard decision if one must chose....One time I landed in Rome and drove straight up to Assissi for a couple of days before heading South, but it is a bit of Travel time that you might need for other things.
And I was no help wth Santorini at all because I haven't ever seen it (..yet..!)