Italy in November
Oct 13th, 2011, 02:21 PM
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Italy in November
My husband and I are traveling to Italy Oct 29-Nov 10. Spending time in Venice; train to Rome for several days and then a train to the Amalfi Coast region. We have a hotels booked in eact city and are staying in Amalfi while at the Amalfi Coast region.. We then fly home from Naples. Should we take the train from Rome to Naples and rent a car? Are the ferries running in this region in November? We will be in this region for 4 nights and I want to visit Pompeii, Positano etc. Any recommendations about getting around? Actually any advice for a first time Italy visit would be appreciated.
Oct 13th, 2011, 04:20 PM
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I don't have a great answer to your question - but maybe I can help bump your post back to the top...
I don't see why you wouldn't train to Naples. FYI, you can take the Circumvesuviana (sort of a local/light rail train) from Naples to Pompeii, so if that's an all-day affair you might not need the car. Maybe you could rent a car after that and head for Amalfi.
I don't see why you wouldn't train to Naples. FYI, you can take the Circumvesuviana (sort of a local/light rail train) from Naples to Pompeii, so if that's an all-day affair you might not need the car. Maybe you could rent a car after that and head for Amalfi.
Oct 13th, 2011, 04:38 PM
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I would not bother with the Amalfi coast in November. Many places - hotels and restaurants - are closed for the season, ferries either don;t run at all or on limited schedules - and you may well not be able to get to Capri (and the blue grotto is really not an option). To me a beach resort in winter is not a lot of fun. Amalfi and Positano are not cities they are really quite small towns and will be very quiet that time of year. Fine if you want to really explore Pompeii, visit the Archeo and other museums in Naples and do some hiking in the hills - and also all tht climbing in the costal towns.
don;t get me wrong - I love the area and in late May or June it's beautiful and there are a ton of things to see/do - but November is definitely the low season.
I would stick with larger cities - where chilly temps and rain won't matter.
don;t get me wrong - I love the area and in late May or June it's beautiful and there are a ton of things to see/do - but November is definitely the low season.
I would stick with larger cities - where chilly temps and rain won't matter.
Oct 13th, 2011, 05:34 PM
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Interesting... I was concerned about going to Amalfi at this time of year but my travel agent thought that it would be ok. I guess we'll hope for the best as I believe that our hotels are non-refundable. Anyway, now that we're stuck- I guess we'll be hiking. We are from Wisconsin- hopefully the weather will be better in Italy than it will be here. We are pretty resourceful and enjoy hanging out in smaller towns and getting to know the locals and see the lifestyle. I'm sure that we'll make the best of things. We really won't be spending any time in Naples other than to fly out. Yes- my travel agent may be a dimwit. Any suggestions to make the best of things would be appreciated. Thanks
Oct 13th, 2011, 05:39 PM
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also- fyi- I NEVER use a travel agent but thought that it would be helpful since I have never been to Italy and have basically planned this trip in the last week. I should have researched from the beginning on my own. I joined this website mainly because I did not have much faith in her judgement. too little too late.
Oct 13th, 2011, 05:41 PM
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On the upside, Amalfi is one of the "highlights" of Italy, and in season these places are mobbed with tourists. Seeing it - even if you can't get everywhere - may be refreshing without all the other tourists.
I'd check out the Trip Advisor forum on Amalfi and ask specific questions there about what you can see in November before completely bagging that part of your trip.
I stayed in Sorrento as my base for Pompeii and day tripped to Naples (to see the museum) and I really wished I'd stayed a night or two in Naples. I didn't care for Sorrento but enjoyed Naples, which has a reputation for being a bit rough but get away from the train station and some parts seemed very decent to me. So if you don't spend as much time in Amalfi, plan to spend a bit of time in Naples.
FYI, in the future you can plan these trips yourself. Sites like Fodor's and Trip Advisor are full of tips from other travelers, and you can book your own hotels and alternate lodgings (like B&Bs) via the internet or even by calling. With the advent of the internet, I think travel agents are not needed for most people anymore - especially if they give you the wrong information...
I'd check out the Trip Advisor forum on Amalfi and ask specific questions there about what you can see in November before completely bagging that part of your trip.
I stayed in Sorrento as my base for Pompeii and day tripped to Naples (to see the museum) and I really wished I'd stayed a night or two in Naples. I didn't care for Sorrento but enjoyed Naples, which has a reputation for being a bit rough but get away from the train station and some parts seemed very decent to me. So if you don't spend as much time in Amalfi, plan to spend a bit of time in Naples.
FYI, in the future you can plan these trips yourself. Sites like Fodor's and Trip Advisor are full of tips from other travelers, and you can book your own hotels and alternate lodgings (like B&Bs) via the internet or even by calling. With the advent of the internet, I think travel agents are not needed for most people anymore - especially if they give you the wrong information...
Oct 13th, 2011, 06:06 PM
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We were on the Amalfi coast mid-Oct and loved it, the weather was perfect for visiting all the small towns and Pompeii. I know this isn't Nov but couldn't be that much different. We had a rental car and loved driving it along the coast road without all the traffic of the summer. We even drove to Pompeii for the day, very easy drive and parking. You'll love Italy, have fun.
Oct 13th, 2011, 06:08 PM
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I second the recommendation that you get advice on Tripadivsor.
I would rent a car at the time of year, but I would pick it up in Salerno. If you get rain on the Amalfi coast, consider paying a visit to Paestum, which is just a bit south of Salerno. Much of the sight is outdoors, but there is also an interesting museum there. Another option would be Caserta. You can look it up on the web. Another possibility would be to go to Vietri sul Mare and poke around the ceramics stores. It is an age-old craft there, and like the glassmakers still in Venice, lots of it can be very touristy, but there are also serious artisans still there.
With a car, you will find it much easier to negotiate a visit to Pompei from the Amalfi Coast. You will of course want a dry day to do that.
I would rent a car at the time of year, but I would pick it up in Salerno. If you get rain on the Amalfi coast, consider paying a visit to Paestum, which is just a bit south of Salerno. Much of the sight is outdoors, but there is also an interesting museum there. Another option would be Caserta. You can look it up on the web. Another possibility would be to go to Vietri sul Mare and poke around the ceramics stores. It is an age-old craft there, and like the glassmakers still in Venice, lots of it can be very touristy, but there are also serious artisans still there.
With a car, you will find it much easier to negotiate a visit to Pompei from the Amalfi Coast. You will of course want a dry day to do that.
Oct 13th, 2011, 07:00 PM
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We were in Rome, Naples, Sorrento, and the A/C in late November 2008 and while it was pretty rainy (an exceptionally rainy autumn that year), it was most definitely warmer than Wisconsin would be at that time of year. We lived in Denver at the time and found the temperatures similar. Average high temps in the 50s... one colder day in the low 40s and a couple days in the low 60s.
Have a lovely vacation!
Have a lovely vacation!
Oct 13th, 2011, 08:21 PM
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Venice and Rome have plenty to do in the winter. And less competition from fellow sightseers. Just read your guidebooks and research online. I just hope your hotel is in Venice proper, not in Mestre or the Lido.
The Amalfi Coast is more problematic off-season. Ordinarily I wouldn't suggest first-time drivers in Italy start off on the Amalfi Coast drive, which is a narrow road wedged into the hillside high above the sea, with lots of twists and turns and tight hairpin curves. But there should be fewer cars and tour buses in November. And you would have a harder time getting to Pompeii without a car. (Also check out Paestum, which is just beyond the AC with some of the best preserved Greek temples in the world.)
If you drive in Italy, you need an International Driver's Permit, easily and cheaply available at AAA/CAA where they'll even take your photo. And when you rent a car in Italy you must buy CDW.
The Amalfi Coast is more problematic off-season. Ordinarily I wouldn't suggest first-time drivers in Italy start off on the Amalfi Coast drive, which is a narrow road wedged into the hillside high above the sea, with lots of twists and turns and tight hairpin curves. But there should be fewer cars and tour buses in November. And you would have a harder time getting to Pompeii without a car. (Also check out Paestum, which is just beyond the AC with some of the best preserved Greek temples in the world.)
If you drive in Italy, you need an International Driver's Permit, easily and cheaply available at AAA/CAA where they'll even take your photo. And when you rent a car in Italy you must buy CDW.
Oct 14th, 2011, 03:58 AM
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Our hotel in Venice is in the Castello district... My husband thinks that he is Mario Andretti so I just close my eyes on those types of roads. I will do some more researching on these suggestions. Much Appreciation!
Oct 14th, 2011, 04:06 AM
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It seems a long way from Amalfi to go to Salerno to hire a car. If you're coming in by train to Naples, then take the Circumvesuviana as Andrew suggests and hire your car in Sorrento.
It's an easy drive in November from there to Amalfi, as the road will be reasonably quiet and you can use the car for your sightseeing whilst on the AC. You then leave your car back in Sorrento and take the train back to Naples for your flight home. Having to drop the car back in Salerno takes you way out of your way by having to drive a fair way East before heading to Naples, even though I'm sure that there is a train from Salerno.
It's an easy drive in November from there to Amalfi, as the road will be reasonably quiet and you can use the car for your sightseeing whilst on the AC. You then leave your car back in Sorrento and take the train back to Naples for your flight home. Having to drop the car back in Salerno takes you way out of your way by having to drive a fair way East before heading to Naples, even though I'm sure that there is a train from Salerno.
Oct 14th, 2011, 04:58 AM
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Heartily second the rec to visit Paestum. We've seen it 3 times and would happily go again if in the area. There are 3 amazingly well preserved Greek temples as well as some other ruins. Even in Greece, we have only twice seen temples as well preserved as these are.
Oct 14th, 2011, 07:10 AM
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The advantage of Salerno is the OP can train straight through from Rome to Salerno, no change of train. And Salerno is actually closer to Amalfi, where they will be staying than is Sorrento.
To the OP, at the end of your stay you can drive the car back to Naples and drop it there.
To the OP, at the end of your stay you can drive the car back to Naples and drop it there.
Oct 14th, 2011, 10:48 AM
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We made the unfortunate mistake of scheduling our travel to the AC on a Sunday- the car rental agencies are closed - I don't think that buses run. We may have to hire a private driver to get from Salerno rail station to Amalfi. My agent is checking with our hotel re: transfers and car rental for a few days. We will tour Paestum- looks pretty amazing. So I think that we will have plenty to see and do once we have a car or some form of travel. I really hate to hire a driver.
Oct 14th, 2011, 11:02 AM
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Why not rent the car in Rome and drive to Amalfi instead of taking the train? There are a few rental agencies open on Sunday in Rome and at the airport, and it's about a 3 hour drive. Saves you having to trek back to Salerno on Monday to get your car.
Oct 14th, 2011, 03:20 PM
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In case you couldn't tell, the above double post is an ad -- so discount the advice about "the most convenient way to tour" being an escorted coach.
I also recommend you rent a car out of Rome. On Sunday morning, especially if you leave fairly early, traffic will be light. If you can't find a rental office open in the city proper, take a taxi to Ciampino Airport. But as suggested above, that may not be necessary.
I also recommend you rent a car out of Rome. On Sunday morning, especially if you leave fairly early, traffic will be light. If you can't find a rental office open in the city proper, take a taxi to Ciampino Airport. But as suggested above, that may not be necessary.
Oct 14th, 2011, 03:36 PM
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Off season rental car is the most convenient and the most fun way of touring the Amalfi Coast - as long as you are prepared for the weather and the you may not have ferry access.
We have stayed twice in May and driven without any problems. Yes, the road is narrow and twisting - but the speed is necessarily slow for that reason (lots of blind curves and blind driveways) so driving more than about 25 is simply not safe - at any time of year.
The key thing is to be sure that your hotel has parking or will arrange it for you. Street parking is minimal and requires good parallel parking skills on both sides. (Not a problem for us - but we are used to parking in NY - not malls with huge parking spaces and think nothing of looking 10 minutes looking for a place to put it.)
We have stayed twice in May and driven without any problems. Yes, the road is narrow and twisting - but the speed is necessarily slow for that reason (lots of blind curves and blind driveways) so driving more than about 25 is simply not safe - at any time of year.
The key thing is to be sure that your hotel has parking or will arrange it for you. Street parking is minimal and requires good parallel parking skills on both sides. (Not a problem for us - but we are used to parking in NY - not malls with huge parking spaces and think nothing of looking 10 minutes looking for a place to put it.)
