EmmaJH

Hi!
I'm looking to fly to Positano for a week at the end of may. I had originally decided to do 2 nights In Rome and then move on to AC for the remainder 5 days.But as I'm first time solo traveller, I've now considered leaving Rome and just doing AC for a week. The 2 main reasons for this are 1: for ease and less stress, and 2: I'm not really a major fan of lots of hustle and bustle. I felt like I should see a major attraction while I'm making the effort to go all that way, but now I am thinking that is it worth to go somewhere that I may just find a bit hectic! My quandry is.......do i fly to Rome and then make my way to Naples (Postiano) after 1/2 nights......or, just fly straight to Naples and do a week on AC? I was wondering how much more travelling/hassle it will be to travel from Rome to AC? As it appears to be more pricey to fly to Naples. Any advice would be HUGELY appreciated!! Thanks so much! Also, anyone got any tips about Postiano?!

Thanks again!

Bedar

Positano or Rome ? A no brainer. Spend ALL your time in Rome.

bardo1

I think the experience you have in Rome is what you make of it.

You can certainly situate yourself in a central Roman neighborhood that also has little or no vehicle traffic and is quiet and charming. A big factor would be where exactly in the city you decide to stay.

What major attraction(s) were you thinking you might want to see in Rome. There's a months worth of must see attractions in Rome, IMHO. Which were you thinking of for your two days there?

If you decide to visit Rome, then consider flying into Rome and home from Naples. If not, fly into and out of Naples.

Re. getting from Rome to Positano:
How simple it is depends on how much you are willing to spend.
There are various options:
1) A high speed train from Rome to Naples and then getting a bus to Positano and walking to your hotel (cheapest).
2) A high speed train from Rome to Naples and then getting a ferry to Positano and walking to your hotel.
3) A high speed train from Rome to Naples and then having a private driver/limo drop you at your Positano hotel (easiest and most expensive option).

YOU have to think about it for yourself but Rome does NOT have to be stressful and hustle-bustle (though it can be with poor planning).

Positano is gorgeous and convenient by buses and ferries to the rest of the Amalfi Coast but it is built into the side of a cliff and quite HILLY (most lanes are actually STEPS). Not a good option if you are mobility impaired or so out of shape that the steps would be unbearable. Check Google images of Positano to see for yourself.

A good alternate is the town of Amalfi - equally gorgeous, also convenient by buses and ferries to the rest of the Amalfi Coast. Not nearly as hilly.

Keep in mind, this will be be a wonderful trip whether you visit Rome or not and regardless of where you stay on the Amalfi Coast.

dutyfree

I would also be spending the whole week in Rome!

vincenzo32951

OK, I'll try to answer what I think you're asking.

a. Getting from Rome to Positano isn't what I'd call and ordeal, but as some have noted, it is a bit of a trek: Take a train to the Termini, then a train to Naples, then a train to Sorrento, then a bus to Positano. A private driver from Naples station to Positano will run you about 125 euros.

Given that, if you're dead-set on not seeing much of Rome, it might be worthwhile to fly right to Naples. That's not to say I'm opposed to staying in Rome. Just offering an opinion about what to do if you don't want to see Rome.

b. Rome is hustle-bustle. It's almost unavoidable if you plan to see some of the major sites. If you're going to stay in Rome and not see the major sites, that would lead to the obvious question: Why bother going to Rome?

c. Positano is a good location for the AC, but it is hilly, as others have noted. From there, you can take day trips to Capri, Amalfi, Sorrento and Pompeii. (Or you carve out a day at the end of your trip and visit Pompeii on your way back to Naples when you leave.)

bobthenavigator

Whichever---I would pick one destination for the week. If you pick the AC then do fly via Naples.

WWK

I would do your trip in reverse: Fly into Naples, spend five nights in Positano, then make your way to Rome via Naples fast train or via Salerno, spend two nights, then fly home.

The reason? You'll have several day to relax and recover from jet lag in one of the most beautiful places on earth before going to Rome.

BTW, I disagree that Amalfi is "equally gorgeous". Less hilly yes, but it's more of a city, and I don't think it's nearly as pretty as Positano.

In Rome, try to choose a hotel close to or in the historical center so that you can walk most places. It will minimize the hassle of touring.

Have fun!

EmmaJH

I would just like to thank you all for your very detailed advice, it is hugely appreciated and has been most helpful! I finally decided on AC, as I want a chilled break in a picturesque environment. I have booked flights to Naples (cost the earth!) and I like the idea of visiting Pompeii on the way back (Thanks!!)

My last decision now is Positano or Praiano??!! ;-)

bobthenavigator

Positano !
And I spent a week in Praiano 3 years ago.