jd2jc

We are trying to decide whether to train or drive from Orvieto to Sorrento. Will prick-up car in Florence on May 28 to drive around Tuscany. The question is whether to drop off the car in Orvieto on June 1 or just drive on down to Sorrento and return it that evening.

The cost of an extra day of rental is around 100USD plus fuel from AutoEurope where as the cost of two on rail from Orvieto to Naples (2 x 22,72 EUR) and from Naples to Sorrento (2 x 3,50EUR).

Besides the cost, what other factors should be considered. With a car, we have the flexibility of traveling of our own schedule , but have heard stories about driving between Naples & Sorrento.

How long is the drive, is the drive worth it as far as being scenic or towns to visit along the way ? Or should we have hop on the train and just relax...

Thanks in advance for sharing your opinions / experience.

maitaitom

We made this drive in 2001 (on the way to Positano). If I remember correctly, it took about 3 1/2 hours to get to Sorrento. It was not scenic (mostly on major highway). Not a difficult drive. I don't remember anything about the drive between Naples and Sorrento, so I don't know what stories they are.

If you do drive, be sure to do the Amalfi Drive when you're down there. Not as scary as people say.

bobthenavigator

The drive that far is easy--not so when you drive the actual AC. If you already have the car just keep it. Just check your drop times in Sorrento.

jd2jc

So the drive from Orvieto to Sorrento is mostly on major highway and traffic is not too bad ? That's good to know. I commute on the congested freeways of Los Angeles everyday so I prefer to avoid them on vacation if possible =)

Whether we return the car when we arrive in Sorrento (5 day rental) or keep it for 2 more days (weekly rental), the rental rate will be the same, excluding parking fees. Do you recommend taking the bus to tour the AC ?

thanks again!

maitaitom

" I commute on the congested freeways of Los Angeles everyday so I prefer to avoid them on vacation if possible"

"Do you recommend taking the bus to tour the AC"

I commute in L.A., too. The drive to Sorrento, as Bob and I said, is an easy drive on highway most of the way. Personally, if you keep the car, I would do the Amalfi drive. It was a blast. It is no more dangerous than Highway One in California (without the mudslides). Actually, I'd probably be scared if I TOOK the bus (that being in control thing and all). Visit Positano, Amalfi and/or Ravello.

We went in late May, and there was not a lot of traffic on the Amalfi drive (it gets really crowded later in summer). It is kind of exciting when you make that turn and a tour bus is staring you straight in the bumper. But never did I feel any fear. As for my passengers....

ira

Hi jd,

Do you recommend taking the bus to tour the AC ?<

That's a tough one. You do run the risk of a clogged coast road, however, with a car you can drive around the back roads.

jd2jc

OK, you have convinced me that driving to Sorrento is a good idea. Still considering about the AC...

Since you all have experience driving in Italy, which map / atlas do you use / recommend ? Tourist Club Italia maps seem highly regarded here and on SlowTrav, but I can't find them on B&N and Amazon. But Amazon does carry quite a wide (confusing) selection of maps by Michelin, including "Michelin Italy Tourist And Motoring Spiral Atlas (Michelin Tourist and Motoring Atlas : Italy)" ...

thanks again!

bobthenavigator

I like the Michelin 500 series---563 will cover about 90% of your route. You can print any map you want for local areas at the viamichelin site. Just enter "sorrento" or "Positano" and get a good look at the area.

ira

Also look at www.mappy.com

jd2jc

According to the AutoEurope rep on the phone, the Avis rental locations in Orvieto and Chiusi will be closed starting in April!!!

I just found out by accident as I called in to change my car reservation to return the rental in Sorrento instead of Orvieto. The person asked me if I was notified that the Avis office in Orvieto that I was supposed to returned the car to will be closed. I was not. He said that the closure will be effective the first full week of April.

I verified this by trying for pickup/drop-off dates in Orvieto and Chiusi starting on April 3 and no option was offered.