Rome/Sorrento/Amalfi Itinerary help

Old Jul 25th, 2015, 03:23 AM
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Rome/Sorrento/Amalfi Itinerary help

Hi everyone....

We have 7 full days in the Rome area next year (May 2-May 8) and are curious how much we can do. Was thinking potentially 4 nights in Rome and then going to Sorrento for the final three as a base to explore that town, Amalfi Coast, etc. Can anyone let me know what you think is reasonable to be able to see the highlights of Rome but also sneak down to see some of southern Italy?
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Old Jul 25th, 2015, 06:29 AM
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If you are flying out of Rome, you should be there the night before. (To insure against missing your flight due to strikes, traffic jams, assorted delays endemic to Italy.) So maybe go to Sorrento first, then back to Rome. Or fly out of Naples instead of Rome.

Also if you're arriving after a long, overnight flight, you'll be jet-lagged and sleepy the first day or so. That time would be better spent getting to and relaxing in Sorrento than finding your way around Rome.
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Old Jul 25th, 2015, 06:55 AM
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Agree with Mimar.

Where are you coming from and going to? [not being nosey but your inward and onward travel plans affect how you should best shape your trip]
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Old Jul 26th, 2015, 04:29 AM
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We will be coming down from Florence and were planning to start in Rome for 4 days and then spend the other 3 days down in Sorrento/Amalfi, etc. but we aren't held to that....could reverse it if need be. We fly out of Rome morning of May 9
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Old Jul 26th, 2015, 04:47 AM
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I would definitely go to Sorrent first and then return to Rome for the last 4 days. As you are flying out early in the morning, you will have to spend your last night in Rome.

3 days isn't a lot in Sorrent as you will want to see the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii and other areas but it can be done.
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Old Jul 26th, 2015, 07:14 AM
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yes, it will be much more time efficient [and put you in the right place for catching your flight home] to put your stay in Rome at the end.

you might also like to think about giving yourselves 3 nights in Sorrento and 3 in Rome - either way it's a compromise but it's a long way to go to Sorrento just for 3 nights, bearing in mind you'll lose at least ½ a day getting there.
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Old Jul 26th, 2015, 03:07 PM
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I have to admit that trying to visit Rome AND the Amalfi Coast in one week would be far too rushed for me -- but it isn't my trip. ;-)

I recommend that you consult a good guidebook or two (always a worthy investment, IME, but you can also check your local library), note the things that you most want to see and experience, check their opening hours, and mark them on a calendar. Block out your time for transportation, checking into / out of hotels, meals, etc. Then see where you stand.
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Old Jul 27th, 2015, 06:35 AM
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Actually it's better not to rely on guidebooks for opening days/times. They get out of date. Instead check the site's webpage.
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Old Jul 27th, 2015, 08:24 AM
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I would do it, but definitely go to AC first and end in Rome, ready for the flight out. I would probably stay in Sorrento and do a day trip down the AC and a day trip to Pompeii.
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Old Jul 27th, 2015, 08:41 AM
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I would do a day in Sorrento and a couple days in Ravello/Minori area. It's fabulous there. We spent a full week there. Rome is so marvelous. We started in Rome, but were very tired our first day (jet lagged)
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Old Jul 27th, 2015, 09:11 AM
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Ok, I agree with most that your trip should end in Rome. Keep in mind that Fiumicino is working at about 40 percent capacity due to a recent fire. Considering the Italian economy is questionable at best I wouldn't count on it being fixed anytime soon. I would definitely expect delays both in and out. Alternatively, you could fly into Capodichino (Napoli), transfer to the waterfront and take the ferry to Marina Grande. This way you can see spectacular views (coast line and Vesuvious) without eating up to much of your three days in Sorrento. Don't forget that Italians and for the most part all of Europe vacation in August.
As far as what to do while in Sorrento. If going down the Amalfi Coast, I would definitely take the public bus. I don't reccomend driving for two reasons. 1. Parking, 2. Narrowness of roads and unless your comfortable squeezing by with millimeters to spare ride public transport. All three of the Amalfi Coast towns are very touristy. Ravello slightly less so. We, my wife and I, prefer Positano over the rest. I think it is because it takes some effort to walk down to the town and this discourages some. The scenery is terrific as you go down to Amalfi, but essentially the same from start to finish. Plus Positano is the first stop and people skip it to continue southward. The only drawback, if there is one, is that the public buses are generally pretty full the latter you stay into the night. In other words, you may have to stand for the duration of the ride plastered against another tourist or local.
Pompeii is nice, but it is not for everyone. It is a glimpse back in time and there are several opportunities for photography. Plus, it is served by the train system. I guess my beef with it is that there are no way to do it yourself. In order to maximize your experience your need to hire a private guide.
A day trip to Capri or Ischia islands can be fun, but if you want solitude this is not where you want to go.
There is lots to do in Sorrento proper, if you take the time to find it. Definitely hang out downtown after dusk as the streets are blocked off and become pedestrian only. This is your chance to mingle with the locals and other tourists.
I won't even start with the shopping, but there are some specialities that are unique to Sorrento. Hope you like fresh seafood because this is what is best! Get off the beaten path and you'll be rewarded.
Ciao
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Old Jul 27th, 2015, 05:08 PM
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I agree with Mimar about opening hours -- I said "check them," without meaning that you would rely only on guidebooks to do so. Whenever possible, I confirm the info online. As it turns out, some places still don't seem to have an internet presence, and in those cases, guide books may be the best available source.


Paul1976 wrote, "Pompeii ... I guess my beef with it is that there are no way to do it yourself. In order to maximize your experience your need to hire a private guide."

I respectfully disagree! 1) You can rent an audioguide on site. Maybe things have changed, but the one I rented in 2007 worked very well for me. 2) There are -- or at least were - docents on site who were happy to provide free information. And 3) there is a TON of information that one can read in advance and/or carry on your mobil device. I read up in advance, planned my route through Pompeii, rented the audioguide, and had several delightful interactions with on-site docents. I found NO need whatsoever for a private guide. Of course, if that's your preference, there are plenty of them by the gates.
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Old Jul 27th, 2015, 08:08 PM
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Paul1976 says no two absurd things.

'No way to DIY Pompeii' - read about it, screen shot some information on your phone/device, buy a guide book at the Porta Marina ticket office, download an app and listen your way around, photocopy some information with a map and so on...and so forth....

'There is lots to do in Sorrento proper' - and he says 'hang out' shop and walk. Like that's lots to do. lol. Sorrento is a resort town - no museums of significance, no architecture of signficance, no galleries of significance. If you want some Campanian culture, Sorrento is not the place.
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Old Jul 28th, 2015, 05:04 AM
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Cod,
It is an opinion forum. I gave mine. You are entitled to yours.
Credi aglow anni.
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Old Jul 28th, 2015, 05:09 AM
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Cod,
Please forgive my autocorrect feature. I meant to say, Credi agli anni.
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Old Jul 28th, 2015, 08:13 AM
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IMHO, a most wonderful way to see the AC is to take a ferry - no crowded bus on a winding, cliffside road.

I have done Pompeii both with a guide and on my own. I enjoyed it much more on my own, picking and choosing what I was most interested in. With a map and decent guide book, you can do just fine. Keep in mind that the site is huge with lots of walking and no shade. If you decide at the last minute that you want a guide, there are always guides at the gate.

Sorento, while a great base for some touring and sight seeing, is IMHO just busy and touristy at night, tiny streets and lots of shops crowded with tourists. Fun for maybe an hour or so, but not a great cultural experience. It is a pleasant little town for walking though, through the park and near the campground, down to the marinas, through the lemon groves north of town, and up higher on Via Capo above the town.
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Old Aug 17th, 2015, 10:11 AM
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