Try Gaeta or Sperlonga on the coast 2 hours south of FCO. I loved Sperlonga---great beach.

I agree - Gaeta and Sperlonga are both very nice (completely different from the Amalfi Coast, but in a good way). Sperlonga has the better beach.

Although we do not have much time, my heart is in visiting Amalfi. I found two b and b's that were available.

They are Maison Raphael in Minori or Villa Amore in Ravello. My understanding is the Ravello lodging does not have air conditioning (would this be an awful experience in July?) I would welcome any feedback or suggestions about the b and b options, and must see sights.

Have you tried the Grand Hotel Vezuvio in Sorrento? It has a bar, restaurant, pool and gorgeous view. Hub and I used a travel agent at one time who hooked us up with tours for the hotel and airfare only so it was quite a touristy hotel. It was a good place to come "home" to though. Little bus took folks to Sorrento's center.

http://www.vesuviosorrento.com/en/

Good luck!

Although we do not have much time, my heart is in visiting Amalfi. I found two b and b's that were available.

They are Maison Raphael in Minori or Villa Amore in Ravello. My understanding is the Ravello lodging does not have air conditioning (would this be an awful experience in July?) I would welcome any feedback or suggestions about the b and b options, and must see sights.

Not sure about the weather as I try to avoid traveling in July.

But Ravello is usually a few degrees cooler than the Coast,so I think you will be fine unless you need frigid temps in your room.

Do not know those B&Bs but am familiar with both towns and like them both very much. Minori is the location of one of the best pastry shops on the coast, Da Riso. Beware if you are counting calories.

I would inquire about the parking situation before I booked. There are also many nice B&Bs and agriturismi in the hills near Furore, Nocelle, etc etc....would have parking and sea views.

Let us know if you need any input about the Bari area.

I would love to hear about any agriturismi recommendations you may have. I was thinking they might not accommodate one night.

We booked at an agriturismo near Bari (Serragambetta ). Of course I welcome any information you have about Bari (sights, excursion, restaurants ).

MBS: I spent a night recently at this small hotel with attached very good restaurant in the hills of Furore, above the coast. But I am not saying that it is any nicer than the ones you are considering. Rooms are simple; there is a free parking lot, and the views are divine. It is pretty much in the middle of nowhere, so you have to endure the winding and steep road to get anyplace from there.

http://www.baccofurore.it/

This is one of several agriturismi in the Furore area; you'll have to check to see if they will take you for one night:

http://www.amalfiholidays.eu/en/

Another one that gets good reports is Serafina, also in Furore.

http://www.agriturismoserafina.it/index_eng.asp

I really liked Minori.

I've only been in the airport in Bari. But I did write 2 trip reports about Puglia that you can find here; I will be more than happy to answer any questions. You know, I am sure, that the agriturismo you mention is not located in the city of Bari, but in the region of Bari about an hour from Bari city. Is the conference in the city of Bari?

http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/puglia-and-matera-from-pane-di-altamura-to-peperoni-di-senise.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/from-pettole-to-pasticiottia-week-in-southern-puglia.cfm


There are quite a few helpful threads here about trips to Puglia, although I can think of only 1 that mentions visiting the city of Bari; see #3 in this terrific accounting of a recent trip:

http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/puglia-and-basilicata-impromptu-trip-food-report-revisited.cfm

Thanks for the links. re: BariI had checked into travel distance for the agriturismo to Bari, and it seemed to be about 24 minutes to a half hour. Are you sure it's an hour?

I re-checked the ViaMichelin website; they are showing the distance from central Bari to the town of Catellana Grotte, the location of the agriturismo, to be 58K and the driving time to be 57-58 minutes. This holds true no matter which of the 3 suggested routes you follow.

But perhaps your partner will be traveling to a convention center outside Bari city? It would help if we had the address of his destination in or near Bari.


<70013 Castellana Grotte – Bari


Ci sono 3 itinerari possibili :



SS16
SP240
SS172 SS100
Costo
6.92 EUR
Pedaggio 0.00 EUR | Carburante 6.92 EUR
Tempo
00h57 di cui 00h18 su strade a scorrimento veloce
Distanza
58 km di cui 32 km su strade a scorrimento veloce>


http://www.serragambetta.com/cms2/en

EKS,

Thanks for your help. I had used a distance calculator, clearly it was not accurate. I wrote to the Agriturismo and Domenico indicated it was about a 40-45 minute drive. Now I know to refer to the Michelin site.

Also, I had success in booking Serafina in Furore. I'm sure we'll enjoy the adventure of finding it (I'll have to pack the Dramamine). I'll be looking forward to the views. A simple room will be fine as it's such a short stay.

Thanks again
M