jcapecci

Hello, all.<BR><BR>I'm planning two weeks in Italy, the first week of April. I've been twice before, and am returning to some favorite spots while adding on a few new ones. I'll spare you the full itinerary and just ask my specific questions:<BR><BR>1) Can anyone recommend a place to stay in or very near Siena? We will not have a car, but are hoping to find something low-key and homey (i.e., not a hotel). We'd like to use this as our "home-base" while we visit other spots in Tuscany. My past visit to Siena was a very brief day visit, so I don't have a sense of possible accomodations.<BR><BR>2) Each time I've gone to Italy, I've added more time to the Amalfi coast. I'm smitten. I've usually stayed in Maiori while touring the coast, with a few days on Capri. This time, I'm wondering if it's feasible to use Capri as the "home-base," foregoing any coastal hotel stay. Do you think this is possible/practical? I've been checking hydrofoil schedules to Amalfi, but can't find a reliable source that assures me that those routes run regularly in early April. Ideally, I'd like to take day trips to the coast (to visit Positano, Vietri, even Paestum, etc.).<BR><BR>Thanks in advance for your insights.

Mary

I'm sorry, I can't answer your questions but wondered if you would help me. My husband & I are planning 2 weeks in Italy in early July and were thinking of a week in Tuscany and a week along the coast somewhere. We want a combination of sightseeing, relaxing, and wine tasting.<BR><BR>Does this sound like a good plan or is there something else you'd recommend? Do you have any recommendations on where to stay along the coast? We'd like a place with a nice view.<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>Mary

Steve James

I may be wrong but I don't believe the Capri-Amalfi service runs as early as April. But there's a regular Capri-Sorrento service (except in bad weather).<BR><BR>SITA buses run from Sorrento to Positano & Amalfi, and Circumvesuviana trains run every 30 minutes to Pompei, Ercolano & Naples.<BR><BR>Let me know if I can be of more help ...<BR><BR>Steve

John

Steve: Thanks, that is helpful. Do you know how long the trip takes from Capri to Sorrento?<BR><BR>Mary: I think your plan is a good one. I can't make recommendations re: wine tastings, but if you head to the Amalfi Coast, you can't avoid having a view! I usually stay at the relatively inexpensive Hotel Sole Splendid in Maiori since it's a bit off the beaten-path (though on the beach). Not too fancy, but you can get a room with a balcony. If your budget allows, I'd definitely look in Ravello for accomodations. Amalfi and Positano, while gorgeous, can be a bit too touristy. And, of course, the islands of Capri and Ischia!<BR><BR>So much to choose from! Good luck.

Sherry

Hi. While trying to research boat service in this area for April, I seem to remember reading that there is no hydrofoil service in April. This service is more expensive then the regular boats, but I believe faster. I would only be concerned at that time of the year using Capri as a home base because of the weather.

Sherry

Sorry, posted before I was finished. I think if the boat did not run because the weather was bad, you would not be able to take day trips you may plan.<BR>This would be public transportation. Maybe you could check out some tours that would transport you if the regular boats were not running. Just a thought.

Carol

In Siena, we stayed at the Palazzo Ravizza. It is very low key, in fact, it was a pensione. The location is excellent since it is in the heart of the old city. They have a lovely restaurant, sitting rooms, outside terrace/garden. The view from our room was exceptional and never to be forgotten.<BR><BR>The price is a little high because dinner is included...and the dinner was excellent.<BR><BR>Good luck.

richard j vicek

Good afternoon, Jcapecci<BR>Here is a fairly good site for ferries<BR>that ply out of Naples, Capri and<BR>Campania.....www.campania.transporti.it/<BR>snav/snav.htm....<BR>caremar/aliscafi.htm...<BR>imp/aliscaft.htm...<BR>linee/auro.aliscafi.htm...<BR>ali/auro/aliscafi.htm...<BR>nlg/aliscafi.htm....<BR>1. Can not suggest a place near Siena<BR>other than the Villa San Paolo, which<BR>is a 3 star with 18 rooms.. Ran <BR>across it a while ago on internet, however have not stayed there, you <BR>might check it out, did look good...<BR>and reasonable..<BR>2.The only reason would not suggest using Capri as a base is that the time<BR>you would loose going from Capri or<BR>Anacapri to the Marina and the time it<BR>takes you boat/hydrofoil to get to the<BR>shore. However Capri is a wonderful<BR>place and might suggest you look at the <BR>HOTEL SIRENE, which is a four star with<BR>32 rooms facing the Faraglioni in Capri<BR>about two blocks from the Pza Umberto.<BR>see www.caprionline.com/syrene/index.html.<BR>The is also a Best Western...<BR>Richard of LaGrange Park, Il...<BR>PS Paestum is worth the trip as long<BR>as you have a good guide thru<BR>i it...

Shelley

Try typing in aliscafo the name of the hydrofoil in to the search at www.google.com that is how I found the site. It ahs all the schedules.

Steve James

Hello John,<BR><BR>I think Capri-Sorrento by hydrofoil would be about 20 mins. By ferry about 30 mins. The schedules on<BR>www.capri.net<BR>are updated regularly.<BR><BR>Hope this helps ...<BR><BR>Steve

John

Thanks, all!

Chris

I was in Siena two years ago and stayed at the Santa Caterina. We are staying there again in May. It was charming, quiet, and the view was beautiful. It is about a 10 minute walk to the town square.

Cristina

Message: HI!! I would suggest that you rent a guide if you are staying in Siena for three days, I went out with Dario for a couple of day trips, he will take you to see the most charming off the beaten path places and his knowledge and passion of the area are incredible. He has access to so many places that are not open to tourists and is fluent in English It is not easy getting hold of him as he is very well known, (he has also written a book about the area) but you can try at [email protected]<BR><BR>

rex

This might not be the very beginning of the &quot;Dario controversy&quot; (Fodors has deleted SO many of the Dario threads, or closed to them to further posting) - - but it might be close. On this date, &quot;Cristina&quot; posted at least a half dozen times, with more or less this same message (even to posts that were six months old at the time) - - as the solution to any needs a travler might have in Tuscany.

I'm not the house detective here - - I just enjoy putting current posts in a &quot;historical perspective&quot; (i.e. in the context of the &quot;history&quot; of posts here on this forum).

Best wishes,

Rex