dorkforcemom

Thanks to those who have previously responded to my initial plans. I'm honing in on hotels/sightseeing options at this point. Background - Couple #1 has traveled 3 times to Italy, having never gone to the Amalfi Coast. Couple #2 has never been to Italy. Couple #1 is comfortable driving in Tuscany, but prefers not to have a car in other areas. This one week trip flies in and out of Rome using FF miles (Business Class for the first time!). Couple #1 arrives 3 hours prior to Couple #2.

Suggestions on where at FCO Couple #1 should wait and meet Couple #2 with a 3 hour window between plane arrivals.

Rather than take the Leonardo Express to Rome, then changing to ES to Naples and working our on the local train to Sorrento after flying from Dallas with luggage - we're actually considering a private driver from FCO to Sorrento. Cost between 320 - 350 euros. Even though that is expensive, the time, energy and jet lag might make it worth it. Thoughts or experiences doing this are welcome...

Sorrento hotel - Hotel Antiche Mura at 200 euros per night. I know everyone raves about having a room overlooking the water, but I've read mixed reviews of the actual rooms at many and have determined we can't afford the Excelsior Vittoria. Opinions here are welcome...

Monday - first full day in Sorrento. Unfortunately it is a major holiday (May 1). We were in Rome on May 1 this year and many of the tourist sights were closed, transportation was challenging, and most Romans were enjoying being outside for the day walking the streets. I'm not sure, then, if it's feasible to use this day to boat to Capri.

Tuesday - wander down the Amalfi Coast to Positano, etc.

Wednesday - check out, private driver to Pompeii for half day tour, deliver to Naples train station. Train to Chiusi, pick up rental car. Overnight at La Saracina (loved this place from previous trip).

Thusday - Pienza, Montalcino

Friday - Montapulciano

Saturday - morning return of rental car, train to Rome, stay at Albergo del Senato (also pleased with this stay previously). Question - is Saturday afternoon a feasible time to see one of the catacombs?

Sunday - fly home

ira

Hi dfm,

>...we're ... considering a private driver from FCO to Sorrento.<

I suggest that you keep on going to Naples. The trains from FCO to Rome, 4 ES* 1 cl tickets are 130E, will be 170E. A driver to Sorrento will be 80E for all of you. Use the money you save for a night out.

The excitement of being in Italy overcomes the jet lag, if any.

If you plan on 3hr from the time your plane is scheduled to arrive to FCO, you will make your train.

I suggest that on Wednesday you pick up your car in Sorrento, see Pompeii and drive to La Saracina.

Are you dropping the car in Montepulciano?

dorkforcemom

Ira - thanks for the driver from Sorrento suggestion - I've gone back & forth on that one! Have you driven the Sorrento/Pompeii/Tuscan route? We are usually careful about where we leave luggage in trunks. Would you feel comfortable leaving luggage in the trunk parked at Pompeii? I'm having a hard time visualizing Pompeii - large paved parking lot? tight, small spaces as in other Italian towns?

Car will be returned to Chiusi - evidently they are still doing the "meet & greet" procedure at the train station which is convenient.

Thanks ever-so-much for sharing your thoughts!

ira

Hi dfm,

You have a good point: "Would you feel comfortable leaving luggage in the trunk parked at Pompeii?".

I'll leave that for those who have done it.

Am I to assume that you will hire a car to take you from FCO to Sorrento?

Weadles

I'll politely disagree with Ira. If it's at all within budget, splurge for the driver to pick you up in Rome, esp. since you'll already have had a long day of travel from Dallas-Rome. You can make up for the cost by eating rather inexpensively at some amazing trattorias and pizzerias in Sorrento's old town, if need be. If you'd like personal recommendations for a driver, I can highly recommend Giovanni Gargiulo of tourofitaly.com. There's also a new poster to this forum, Francesco Marapese, based in Sorrento, who has started his own driving business. He can be reached at: [email protected]

Regarding hotels in Sorrento,I was wondering if you've checked out: Hotel Bristol, Hotel Royal, Hotel Ambasciatori, and La Tonnarella? Hotel Bristol and Ambasciatori do cater to lage tour groups and can feel overrun as the season begins, but all of these hotels should be within or close to your stated budget, esp. La Tonnarella. And best of all, most of these hotels have water views available from some if not many of their rooms.

For your question about transportation to Capri on May 1st, I'd suggest posting again for STEVE JAMES or SEA URCHIN, both of whom seem to know a great deal about what goes on in and around Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast.

Have a great trip!

dorkforcemom

I had originally thought of hiring the car from FCO to Sorrento, yet your suggestion of taking the train to Naples & hiring the car from there has validity. I'm mulling over this one...

dorkforcemom

Weadles - thanks for your thoughts. The Hotel Royal is the "runner-up" to Antiche Mura for consideration. It received good reviews (for the most part) from tripadvisor. It's always comforting to hear confirmation!

Weadles

Pompeii is located in a slightly seedy neighborhood, so I wouldn't risk leaving your luggage in the trunk of your car. I seem to remember that there was a guarded luggage place at the entrance, but you'd need to check that out.

dorkforcemom

Thanks Weadles! That's just the kind of info I need to make decisions. I did email Hotel Royal & they quoted 300 euros per night with a caveat that these were 2005 prices (we're going 2006). That may be a bit steep for us...100 euros more per night than Antiche Mura.

ira

Hi dfm,

Would you consider paying only 100E?

Try www.lesirene.com in Praiano and see my trip report
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34451044

Weadles

If you're set on Sorrento,try La Tonnarella, too. And check previous posts. I seem to remember that somebody here raved about it. Good luck!