fehartmann

Hi everyone,

This is my first post on this forum. I am planning my honeymoon for mid-late September 2013 to Paris and the Amalfi Coast. I have already booked plane tickets, four nights at an apartment in the Marais in Paris, and four nights at Le Sirene in Praiano, Italy (Le Sirene thanks to this forum and other great reviews).

Our prospective itinerary is:
Arrive in Paris on Tuesday morning
(Four nights in Paris)
Fly to Naples on Saturday
(One night in Naples or Pompei)
Go to Pompeii ruins on Sunday
Go to Amalfi Coast Sunday night
(Four nights in Praiano)
Go to Rome on Thursday
(Two nights in Rome)
Fly out of Rome Saturday afternoon

I didn't really intend to visit Rome on this trip, but we're flying out of Rome and had a little extra time. The flights can't be changed, but the Italy itinerary can.

My question is if anyone has any suggestions on how to make the itinerary more relaxed so that we're not constantly traveling. We're relatively active and like to hike and eat and drink wine, but I don't want to be on a bus/boat/train every day. We live in Brooklyn, so we're used to cities and public transportation, but would also like to escape the city. I've never been to Paris, which is why I've chosen it as half our trip.

Maybe we should skip Pompeii and/or Rome? Or spend two nights at a nicer hotel/resort with a pool in Rome or the Amalfi Coast, and less time in Praino? I'm not usually into spas, but maybe there is a spa-like place in Paris or on the Amalfi Coast where we could spend a day?

Let me know if you have any suggestions about how to add relaxing elements to this trip. Thanks!

fehartmann

Sorry if it's not clear, the itinerary is 12 days total.

nytraveler

Rome does not really have resorts and very few hotels have pools. It's a busy big city.

the place to go for the resort with great pool is Amalfi Coast

Have never been to Priano - we stay as the Excelsior Grand Vittoria in Sorento - since we prefer larger towns with more restaurant choices and esier trvel to Pompeii, Capri etc.

ekc

If you are looking for more relaxing, here is what I would do:

Arrive in Paris on Tuesday morning
(Four nights in Paris)
Fly to Naples on Saturday morning
Go directly to Pompeii ruins (there is luggage storage at the site)and tour for a couple of hours
Pre-arrange for a driver to meet you at Pompeii and drive you to Praiano Saturday afternoon
(Six nights in Praiano)
Go to Rome on Friday (or very early Saturday morning)
Fly out of Rome Saturday afternoon

Maximize your time on the AC for relaxation and save Rome for another trip.

Personally I would choose Positano over Praiano (and I have) because I like more options of places to eat and things to do, and I wouldn't like to have to rely on getting the bus into Positano to get anywhere. But that's just IMHO!

travelhorizons

I like ekc's suggestion ... here's another variation on it:

Fly to Naples on Saturday morning. Have a private driver pick you up from NAP, wait for you while you tour Pompeii (keeping your bags in the trunk), then take you on to the Amalfi Coast.

WWK

Another vote for Positano. Praiano is too sleepy for me. I like to have a real town to wander around in, especially in the evening when the day trippers are gone. Some of the hotels in Positano have pools or pools and spa. Once you make a decision, post again, and you'll get lots of recommendations.

bobthenavigator

I hope you have good legs---le Sirene is a good vertical hike.
I too would opt for Positano on a honeymoon, and I have stayed in Praiano for a week just 3 years ago.

Here is a sneak preview:
http://www.slowphotos.com/photo/show...y.php?cat=4481

chutney

I agree with everyone regarding Positano. We spent 5 nights there a couple years ago and loved it. Lots of restaurant choices. We stayed in a hotel overlooking the water- no buildings in front of us. I can't remember the name but can look it up. We also went in September and had spectacular weather. You should be able to take a ferry to some of the other towns if you want to explore.
One of the best meals we had was in the little village above Positano. I know you can get a taxi to take you there.
Good luck with your plans! What a wonderful honeymoon!

cybertraveler

One more vote for Positano...we stayed at Hotel Marincanto last summer and loved it. For your time in Rome, check out Albergo del Senato. It overlooks the Pantheon, there are great local restaurants, and they have a romantic rooftop bar where you can sip prosecco while admiring the skyline of Rome. Have a wonderful honeymoon--you can't go wrong in Italy!

fehartmann

Thanks for all your replies. I'm thinking we'll spend 2-3 nights in Praiano (sleepy is okay) and 2-3 nights in Positano or Sorrento. Any suggestions for a nice place with a pool for around $300/night in those towns?