bxl4373

My husband and I are leaving for Italy May 1st and returning on May 18th. We will be celebrating our 20th anniversary. Please take a look at our itinerary and tell me what you think. Arrive in Rome May 2, 5 nights at Baldassini B&B. We have Ron in Rome booked for May 2. We are thing about taking the Context tour of Underground Rome the Hidden City, any thoughts on this? We leave for Tuscany- Pienza on Friday May 7th.


We are picking up a car in Chiusi and driving to Fonte Bertusi in Pienza for 4 nights. We will then drop the car in Chiusi and take the train to Salerno and possibly ferry to Amalfi ,where we are staying at Hotel Floridiana for 4 nights. We will then travel to Sorrento and stay at Hotel City Sorrento for 3 nights. On May 18th we will leave Sorrento in the am to fly out of Naples. I was considering cutting our time in Amalfi/Sorrento area in staying in Naples for one or two nights. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

hazel1

I would skip the Sorrento leg and transfer those nights to Naples - it's really a vibrant and interesting city in itself, but also a good place to base to take a day trip to Pompeii (you definitely want to check out the Archaeological Museum in Naples with all the Pompeiian artifacts)- only a 30 min. train trip on the Circumvesuviana. Another great day trip from Naples is the island of Ischia - we went there for the day, strolling from the the port, Porto Ischia, to Ponte Ischia, eating a wonderful lunch at a beachside restaurant, where we rented a couple of shaded beach chairs after our meal for a little siesta and swim, then explored Ponte and bused back to the port for our return to Naples.

Jean

Another easy day trip from Naples is Caserta. Several trains an hour, and the journey is about 45 minutes. The palace at Caserta is modeled after Versailles and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Opposite experience from a day at Pompeii in every way imaginable.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_Caserta

I second hazel1's recommendation of a visit to the archeological museum in Naples.

bxl4373

Any recommendations for a hotel around 110-130 euro in Naples? We will definitely visit Pompeii and The Archeological Museum. Both Ischia and Caserta sound interesting.

bobthenavigator

I would drive to Salerno and stop at Caserta enroute. Otherwise, I love your trip and hotel choices. You have been paying attention. We have an extra bedroom in Praiano staring 22 May if you want to stay over.

zoecat

Sounds like a great trip. Maybe I'll see you at Fonte Bertusi!

tuscanlifeedit

I think your trip sounds lovely.

I disliked Naples. I did love the Archaeological Museum, but even that seemed to reflect the general tattered and gritty atmosphere of the city: closed sections, areas that were unkempt and even left uncleaned, sloppy guardianship of some incredible treasures.

I am not the type that only likes upscale places; in NYC I prefer the East Village to any other neighborhood. In my own city, I live in a solid working class neighborhood.

There was something about Naples that seemed angry and crude and dirty. Just my opinioin, of course.

bxl4373

Bob, I just extended our trip so we can visit with you, haha. It's an honor that you like my trip and hotel choices. Zoecat, I'd love to say hi if your visiting Fonte Bertusi at the same time as us. How was your recent stay there? Bob, if we kept the car and drove to Salerno would it save us any time? We will have a gps and map, is it a pretty easy drive? Thanks to all who responded.

zoecat

I've stayed at FB 5 times, with my last stay Sept/Oct of last year. It was wonderful! I did a lot of hiking/walking (from village to village, loops from Pienza) on my last trip and really enjoyed the experiences. Have you been to the area or FB before? If you are into some 1-6 hour hikes or just need some where/what/etc, let me know and I am happy to suggest some options. May is my favorite time to visit the area- enjoy your trip!

bxl4373

Hi Zoecat, We have never been to the area so we are open to suggestions. The one- two hour hike would be something we would be interested in. We also want to go to the Abby to hear the Monks. We will check in to Fonte Bertusi on Friday the 8th and check out on Monday the 11th of May. We are looking forward to driving around and seeing the beautiful scenery.

bobthenavigator

I feel the time would be about the same--it will take almost all day. You would need an early start for any stops. Have you checked connection times in Chiusi? I assume a change in Rome as well. I just like to drive on my own schedule.

bxl4373

Thanks Bob, I'll check it out. Have a great vacation!