Need itinerary help - Rome to Amalfi coast . . .
Dec 26th, 2004, 07:51 AM
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Need itinerary help - Rome to Amalfi coast . . .
Hi:
I'm trying to plan the Italy portion of our April/May 2005 trip.
We have 5 days to divide between Rome and Amalfi coast (have been to Rome before but many years ago). We've never been to the Amalfi coast.
We'll be flying from Prague and I thought we'd spend 3 nights in Rome, the 2 on Amalfi coast (I know, I know, it's not enough time!). The two big questions are - how to get to Amalfi coast from Rome (car or train) and in what town to stay.
Any and all input is much appreciated. Thanks!
Carol
I'm trying to plan the Italy portion of our April/May 2005 trip.
We have 5 days to divide between Rome and Amalfi coast (have been to Rome before but many years ago). We've never been to the Amalfi coast.
We'll be flying from Prague and I thought we'd spend 3 nights in Rome, the 2 on Amalfi coast (I know, I know, it's not enough time!). The two big questions are - how to get to Amalfi coast from Rome (car or train) and in what town to stay.
Any and all input is much appreciated. Thanks!
Carol
Dec 26th, 2004, 12:00 PM
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Hi Clehrman,
Train from Rome to Naples, change to the Circumvesuviana line (downstairs) to Sorrento. Take SITA bus across the street from the train station.
You might find this link helpful:
Helpful Information: Italy http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34443340
Train from Rome to Naples, change to the Circumvesuviana line (downstairs) to Sorrento. Take SITA bus across the street from the train station.
You might find this link helpful:
Helpful Information: Italy http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34443340
Dec 27th, 2004, 04:10 AM
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Hi,
We just returned from a wonderful 11 day trip to Italy and traveled from Sorrento (Almafi Coast) to Rome. Although we did take the train since we wanted to stop at Pompeii for the day from what I have read the bus is easier. I only have info one way but my guess is that they run 2 ways:
The bus Marozzi leave’s Sorrento’s Piazza Tasso daily for Rome’s Tibertina - 16 euros, 4 hours M-Sat at 6AM and Fri-Sun at 17:00. 0805790111 – buy tickets at any Sorrento travel agency.
We stayed in Sorrento and then went on day trips to Almafi and Capri.
Our driver through Almafi was Marcello: www.seesorrento.com (M.Maresca) ... [email protected]
He was wonderful. He spoke very good English and took us off the beaten path. We paid paid one rate for the day (very reasonable). He picked us up at our hotel at 8 and dropped us off at 8 at night. We had the best meal with him at a little village hill town.
He did talk about himself and how wonderful he was at finding off the beaten path experiences which got to be a bit old but he more than made up for it by the places he took us and the things that he told us about.
We just returned from a wonderful 11 day trip to Italy and traveled from Sorrento (Almafi Coast) to Rome. Although we did take the train since we wanted to stop at Pompeii for the day from what I have read the bus is easier. I only have info one way but my guess is that they run 2 ways:
The bus Marozzi leave’s Sorrento’s Piazza Tasso daily for Rome’s Tibertina - 16 euros, 4 hours M-Sat at 6AM and Fri-Sun at 17:00. 0805790111 – buy tickets at any Sorrento travel agency.
We stayed in Sorrento and then went on day trips to Almafi and Capri.
Our driver through Almafi was Marcello: www.seesorrento.com (M.Maresca) ... [email protected]
He was wonderful. He spoke very good English and took us off the beaten path. We paid paid one rate for the day (very reasonable). He picked us up at our hotel at 8 and dropped us off at 8 at night. We had the best meal with him at a little village hill town.
He did talk about himself and how wonderful he was at finding off the beaten path experiences which got to be a bit old but he more than made up for it by the places he took us and the things that he told us about.
Dec 27th, 2004, 04:28 AM
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Having traveled between Rome and Sorrento all three ways (train, bus, and car) I think the Morozzi bus is easier of you have only two days, because it takes you directly to Sorrento, and you don't have to worry about the transfering at Naples for the local train to Sorrento.
It's a good idea to stay in Sorrento, because it gives you the most day-trip options for such a short stay.
Ferries and hydrofoils leave from there to Capri, Naples, and points along the Amalfi Coast.
I also agree with the recommendation of the private driver mentioned here. A one day guided tour would really allow you to enjoy the most of what the Amalfi Coast has to offer, which would be difficult to do without more time. Marcello is a very good guide.
It's a good idea to stay in Sorrento, because it gives you the most day-trip options for such a short stay.
Ferries and hydrofoils leave from there to Capri, Naples, and points along the Amalfi Coast.
I also agree with the recommendation of the private driver mentioned here. A one day guided tour would really allow you to enjoy the most of what the Amalfi Coast has to offer, which would be difficult to do without more time. Marcello is a very good guide.
Dec 27th, 2004, 04:10 PM
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Thanks adnil 1962 and bellastar - the bus info and the private driver info is very helpful - this really helps in planning our trip. I will definately check out the website seesorento.com.
Carol
Carol
Dec 28th, 2004, 02:10 PM
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adnil, Oh my - you spent a whole day with Marcello and didn't go crazy? We had him for just a couple of hours and couldn't get out of the van fast enough. That was two years ago and to this day we still imitate his incessant high-pitched ego-driven chatter through clenched teeth. We end up laughing and grimacing simultaneously at the memory...
Dec 28th, 2004, 02:37 PM
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I just wanted to say, in a little bit of a defense of Marcello, that I just did a search and found your website hightide, with your wonderful Italy trip report (and excellent photographs, by the way)
There I read that the 2 hours you spent in the van with Marcello came after a very lengthy flight after which you arrive in Naples on a hot day with the idea to cover Pompeii (An Herculaneum also?) on the way to Positano and the hotel. It sounded kind of pressured, peobably with a good portion of the time spent in some traffic, so I can understand your point of view.
I know that Marcello has a strong personality, and is very talkative, but your experience is not the same as a complete day tour where he can show people around the Coast, and the leisurely lunch that is part of that experience. I believe that he is a great guide, who loves to specialize in some of the less known places around that area, which makes him a very good choice for people without more than a day to spend. (And I have actually known him to go for as long as 5 minutes without saying a word at times- yes, it's true!)
There I read that the 2 hours you spent in the van with Marcello came after a very lengthy flight after which you arrive in Naples on a hot day with the idea to cover Pompeii (An Herculaneum also?) on the way to Positano and the hotel. It sounded kind of pressured, peobably with a good portion of the time spent in some traffic, so I can understand your point of view.
I know that Marcello has a strong personality, and is very talkative, but your experience is not the same as a complete day tour where he can show people around the Coast, and the leisurely lunch that is part of that experience. I believe that he is a great guide, who loves to specialize in some of the less known places around that area, which makes him a very good choice for people without more than a day to spend. (And I have actually known him to go for as long as 5 minutes without saying a word at times- yes, it's true!)
Dec 28th, 2004, 03:11 PM
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cosmopolitan:
Sure, I just did, To support adnil's original recommendation of that particulat driver. And there are several other very good drivers in the area too, also charming and with different styles, do you want their names? I know about some of them, because I have been to the area several times.
I think a list would be easy to find by doing a search for "Amalfi Coast drivers", I think the various links should come up.
I have seen information for private drivers in Rome and Tuscany on this forum, I think, but I would need to research that. Let me know if I can help.
By the way, these drivers do not come that cheaply, and you can also have a fantastic time going around yourselves and meeting people, which I assure you, will be no problem!
Sure, I just did, To support adnil's original recommendation of that particulat driver. And there are several other very good drivers in the area too, also charming and with different styles, do you want their names? I know about some of them, because I have been to the area several times.
I think a list would be easy to find by doing a search for "Amalfi Coast drivers", I think the various links should come up.
I have seen information for private drivers in Rome and Tuscany on this forum, I think, but I would need to research that. Let me know if I can help.
By the way, these drivers do not come that cheaply, and you can also have a fantastic time going around yourselves and meeting people, which I assure you, will be no problem!
Dec 28th, 2004, 03:12 PM
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I can highly recommend a driver we've used many times for tours of the coast, if you decide Marcello won't work that well for you. He is Giovanni Gargiulo, based in Sorrento, and he can be reached at tourofitaly.com. I've sent many people his way, and all of them have been very pleased! We call him the Italian version of Archie Bunker-- he is hysterical, funny, an excellent driver, and very reliable. Lots of fun.
For Tuscany, I can also recommend Luca Garrapa of hillsandroads.com. We used him for tours of the Chianti countryside this past summer,and found him reasonably priced and delightful! He is based in Siena.
Good luck with your plans!
For Tuscany, I can also recommend Luca Garrapa of hillsandroads.com. We used him for tours of the Chianti countryside this past summer,and found him reasonably priced and delightful! He is based in Siena.
Good luck with your plans!
Dec 28th, 2004, 05:55 PM
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bellastar, thank you - had so much fun reliving the trip through the write-up and as for the pics, have to credit a digital camera - when you take 700 shots a FEW are going to turn out okay!!!
As for Marcello, yes we were very tired after the flight and Pompeii (had to pass up Herculaneum unfortunately - next time hopefully) and it WAS hot - that may have added to the ire but he just set us over the edge.
We gave him another chance as he was our driver from Positano to Naples three days later. We were fairly well rested and it was no better!
If you enjoyed him though, that is the main thing and others may also. Yes, he is very knowledgable (and he'll tell you that over and over!) and yes, he does know the area. Maybe I just have a low tolerance level?
I don't know if they go that far south but I would highly recommend our other guides Dario Castagno and/or Peter Kilby.
p.s. Marcello going 5 min. without talking - no way, must be a typo...surely you meant 5 sec.??? hehe
As for Marcello, yes we were very tired after the flight and Pompeii (had to pass up Herculaneum unfortunately - next time hopefully) and it WAS hot - that may have added to the ire but he just set us over the edge.
We gave him another chance as he was our driver from Positano to Naples three days later. We were fairly well rested and it was no better!
If you enjoyed him though, that is the main thing and others may also. Yes, he is very knowledgable (and he'll tell you that over and over!) and yes, he does know the area. Maybe I just have a low tolerance level?
I don't know if they go that far south but I would highly recommend our other guides Dario Castagno and/or Peter Kilby.
p.s. Marcello going 5 min. without talking - no way, must be a typo...surely you meant 5 sec.??? hehe
Dec 28th, 2004, 08:50 PM
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hightide- I love your sense of humor! well, maybe it was really more like 5 secs, but I guess the chatter didn't get to me as much, because I was also quite entertained!
I also notice that you are from OK (did I remember that right?) and I hail from NYC, so I'll bet our noise tolerance level is different too. Also, I think that a certain kind of swagger is a very normal part of the Neapolitan personality!
Whatever the OP decides, I would however, strongly recommend that a driver LOCAL to the area, such as Marcello, or the Gargiulios, (father and/or son
(I rode once with them too, and Weadles is right, except the father had better looks than Archie B., but they were great gentlemen, and very funny!!) Drivers form Rome or other places outside the area just won't be able to offer the details and little anecdotes that the locals will. If they want someone more reserved and quiet, I have heard (no first hand experience though) of a driver call Salvatore of Driveamalfi.com. He gets very good reviews also, and I have read that he has a more calm demeanor. He worked at one of the large hotels on the Coast for many years, so is also well versed.
I also notice that you are from OK (did I remember that right?) and I hail from NYC, so I'll bet our noise tolerance level is different too. Also, I think that a certain kind of swagger is a very normal part of the Neapolitan personality!
Whatever the OP decides, I would however, strongly recommend that a driver LOCAL to the area, such as Marcello, or the Gargiulios, (father and/or son
(I rode once with them too, and Weadles is right, except the father had better looks than Archie B., but they were great gentlemen, and very funny!!) Drivers form Rome or other places outside the area just won't be able to offer the details and little anecdotes that the locals will. If they want someone more reserved and quiet, I have heard (no first hand experience though) of a driver call Salvatore of Driveamalfi.com. He gets very good reviews also, and I have read that he has a more calm demeanor. He worked at one of the large hotels on the Coast for many years, so is also well versed.
Dec 29th, 2004, 06:41 AM
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Yup, from good old Okla - and a small rural town to boot so you prolly hit the nail on the head about our different noise tolerance levels!
Around here a traffic jam is three cars at the same time at the stop light (we have 5 - woohoo!!!); rush hour is 5 minutes at 8am and 5 minutes at 5pm (it can be monstrous - I've seen up to 6 cars at once in line to turn, sheesh it's BAD)
And the most noise you'll hear is when the Baptists get to the buffet line first after church on Sun. (they always clear out the mashed potatoes in RECORD time. Now the Methodists go straight for the gravy so you can see the lopsided dilemma this can cause if you're a Presbyterian who LIVES for the chicken fried steak and must smother it in BOTH mashed potatoes and gravy...can be quite LOUD and brutal)
Don't even get me started on our racial/ethnic diversity and cultural stimulation...
But I digress...
I DO agree that whomever you choose as a driver should be from the area...
Around here a traffic jam is three cars at the same time at the stop light (we have 5 - woohoo!!!); rush hour is 5 minutes at 8am and 5 minutes at 5pm (it can be monstrous - I've seen up to 6 cars at once in line to turn, sheesh it's BAD)
And the most noise you'll hear is when the Baptists get to the buffet line first after church on Sun. (they always clear out the mashed potatoes in RECORD time. Now the Methodists go straight for the gravy so you can see the lopsided dilemma this can cause if you're a Presbyterian who LIVES for the chicken fried steak and must smother it in BOTH mashed potatoes and gravy...can be quite LOUD and brutal)
Don't even get me started on our racial/ethnic diversity and cultural stimulation...
But I digress...
I DO agree that whomever you choose as a driver should be from the area...
Dec 29th, 2004, 10:18 AM
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hightide-sounds like a little bit of heaven to me...and you're making me hungry!
my experiences in rural small towns ( and there have been a few, cause lots of relatives live in small towns around Va and NC, have always been good memories. Although my southern Baptist Aunts can be real chatterboxes when they need to be...
I was thinking about this noise thing last night, trying to drift off and counting the sounds:
-A loud argument out on the street
-The church folks who rent space in my building had a Gospel Singing event- so there was the spillover
-Mac Trucks with air brakes turned on (hi-way is nearby)
-Hip Hop radio blaring for a few hours from a car doubleparked in front of the building
-Constant barking of dogs (dozens of dogowners live on this block)
-Sirens (police mostly, occasional fire)
-Car alarms
-Helicopters
-Commercial planes (flight path over this neighborhood)
and so forth.
After this nightly symphony, the buzz of those Amalfi Coast Motorinos (and motormouths) is very easy to take!!!!
And now I digress....sorry!
Enjoy your travels in the New Year, hightide..
my experiences in rural small towns ( and there have been a few, cause lots of relatives live in small towns around Va and NC, have always been good memories. Although my southern Baptist Aunts can be real chatterboxes when they need to be...
I was thinking about this noise thing last night, trying to drift off and counting the sounds:
-A loud argument out on the street
-The church folks who rent space in my building had a Gospel Singing event- so there was the spillover
-Mac Trucks with air brakes turned on (hi-way is nearby)
-Hip Hop radio blaring for a few hours from a car doubleparked in front of the building
-Constant barking of dogs (dozens of dogowners live on this block)
-Sirens (police mostly, occasional fire)
-Car alarms
-Helicopters
-Commercial planes (flight path over this neighborhood)
and so forth.
After this nightly symphony, the buzz of those Amalfi Coast Motorinos (and motormouths) is very easy to take!!!!
And now I digress....sorry!
Enjoy your travels in the New Year, hightide..
Dec 29th, 2004, 10:22 AM
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See my posting below regarding transportation between Rome and Positano. Follow the same directions to reach the town of Amalfi.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...o+the+fast+way
Dec 29th, 2004, 10:58 AM
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My daughter and I also hired Marcello for a day - truly a memorable experience. To this day we use some of his phrases in our conversations and it always brings a smile to our faces. You will learn alot about the area and about him as well - some people will enjoy him more than others - the info on this board should help you decide if he fits what you are looking for. And by the way I think Marcello likes to keep up with what his customers have to say about him - happy 2005 Marcello! May it be a good one for you!
