cmstraf

We will be going to Italy to see my husband's father in May of May 2012 . We will spend a week in Genoa (where my husband grew up) and then will spend either a week in Genoa or visit the one area of Italy we have never been to and would like to see--Naples, Pompeii, Capri, and perhaps Sorrento. The famed Amalfi coast interests us somewhat less, perhaps because we live in California and have our own beautiful coast so easily available to us. Also we would prefer trains to renting a car.The question is how much time do we need, where should we center ourselves geographically (one place or several, our usual preference is one but sometimes we move about) and what are peoples' thoughts about experiences we shouldn't miss. The time issue is complicated--I would like to take three weeks, but am self-employed in a field where it is hard on people when I am away. A week goes to Genova, leaving one to two more (including travel days ) for the rest of the trip.

Suggestions?
Mille grazie

A_Brit_In_Ischia

Depending on how you'd travel, and how early, perhaps anything between 2 or 3 nights - and a week?

Lots to see in the area, so why not pick a base once you've destinations in mind....

http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/tele

We've visited all those, mostly by train - using the odd bus occasionally - from here on Ischia... but that might be one complication too many?

http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/allaboutischia

Peter

JoanneH

If you base in Naples you can do day trips to the islands of Capri and Ischia (hot pools spa like area of resorts). Day trip it to Pompeii and Sorrento. A Lot of people do not like Naples but actually it is interesting and there is quite a lot to do there. A day on Ischia is quite relaxing several resorts to choose from, and you can just kick back. On Capri you might want to consider an overnight stay it is totally different after the day trippers are gone.

ira

Hi CM,

Have you considered flying into Naples for a week (visit P, C, S and Paestum), taking the train to Florence for 3-4 nights (daytrip to Siena), training to Genoa and finishing up in Milan before flying home?

Or start in Venice and exit from Naples.

kja

I also loved Naples - found it vibrant and dynamic and a bit gritty in very interesting ways. As others have noted, it is each to get from there to Pompeii and/or Ercolano, Paestum, Capri (where I'm glad to have spend a night - its one of those places that has a very different feel after day trippers leave), and other locations.

> The famed Amalfi coast interests us somewhat less, perhaps because we live in California and have our own beautiful coast so easily available to us. Also we would prefer trains to renting a car.

I didn't think the Amalfi coast was much like the Californian coast, but maybe others see it differently. In any case, one doesn't need a car for the Amalfi coast - one can see it by bus and boat. Just FYI.

Sassafrass

I also like Naples - a lot. However, for most people, I would recommend staying in Sorrento to visit Pompeii and Naples, and Amalfi or Positano to visit the rest of the AC by boat/bus, no need for a car.

Also, I am going to second (only more strongly) what Kja said. I have driven the CA coast from San Diego to Mendicino, several hours N of SF. While absolutely beautiful, the CA coast is nothing like the Amalfi Coast, which IMHO, is breath takingly, achingly beautiful. Viewing Positano from the water just about stops my heart. Even from Sorrento (not quite on the AC), viewing Vesuvius and the bay is unforgettable.

cmstraf

Thank you all. Any hotel recommendations?

Perhaps two nights in Capri and 5 nights in either Naples or Sorrento??

We spent a week in Florence a couple of years ago before Christmas. Our preference is to visit this beautiful city only in low season, when we were able to pop into the Uffizi with no reservations and few people. We also like Sienna very much.

We prefer to fly directly out of Genoa rather than taking the train (with luggage to Milan). Lufthansa flies to Munich, which connects to a nonstop flight to San Francisco.

cmstraf

Left out that we spent a week in Venice last November (our favorite city in Italy)

A_Brit_In_Ischia

We like Naples too, and are there fairly frequently: for business, official stuff, whenever we travel elsewhere - and just for the sheer pleasure of visiting...

http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/mainlynaples

That said, during several vacations to the area and in then living on nearby Ischia for the last eight years, we've only rarely been moved to spend the night there!

And if you'll already be having quite a "city" stay up in Genoa, then perhaps somewhere smaller and more relaxing would be the better way to continue your holiday?

A visit to Capri almost has to be on the list - or you'll forever be explaining to people why it wasn't - but the combination of Amalfi and Sorrento might be a better choice.... and bring a wider mix of places within fairly easy reach on public transport?

http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/image/132567370

Peter

bardo1

Naples hotel recommendation:

http://www.decumani.com/en/

We stayed here a few years ago and loved, loved, LOVED it.

The hotel is a converted 18th century Palazzo. Our (standard) room was about 20' x 16' plus a 150 sq st. bathroom with over-sized tub, a king bed, table/chairs, mini-fridge, and 16 ft. ceilings.

Incredible value - we paid 100E/night (in 2009) but it's easily worth twice that. The best thing was the location - right in the Spaccanapoli, a block or so to the Santa Chiara Cloister.