mamcalice

Why go all the way to the Amalfi Coast to do nothing!?!

hazel1

You should definitely plan on at least one day trip to Naples - it's an amazing, vibrant city, and if you have any interest in Pompeii, it's just 30 minutes to get there from Sorrento on the Circumvesuvia train (and another 30 to Naples - you do NOT want to drive in Naples!) The Archaeological Museum in Naples has most of the treasures that were excavated from Pompeii, including some beautiful mosaics, bronze sculptures, and the Secret Room, which contains the erotic art that was popular at the time. And you have to try the pizza, of course.

Frankly, if it's raining, so what? Put on some rain gear, grab an umbrella and go.

viroze

It's just an expression. I can't say it will rain the whole 6 nights when we're there, but you never know. Rain is always a possibility in Amalfi Coast no matter what time of the year it is. Will try to find out the forecast when the date grew closer. Has anyone here experienced the weather in second half of February around Amalfi Coast before?

Quoted from one of the forumers in Fodors on winter in Amalfi Coast:
"The Amalfi Coast is mostly a summer resort, so tourist traps close down in winter. The better restaurants the locals go to will be open. Ask at the shops, or anywhere - everyone knows where the good restaurants are, and will be glad to point you in the right direction."

It's 9 years old post, but surely it's useful?
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-in-winter.cfm

viroze

Thanks for the wonderful input, Hazel! Will definitely keep those in mind especially the driving part to Naples. And MOST definitely Naples and Pompeii will be one of our to-do list, cos my partner just love to get his hands on Napoli pizzas. Would you recommend Da Michele? Errotic art, eh? I'm sure the guys will want to go here, oh dear At least I can do some art appreciation on the sculptures while the guys escaped to the Secret Room, lol! Omg, I just can't wait.

Do you think Sorrento is the perfect base to stay in Amalfi Coast?

hazel1

There are certainly those (many!) who believe Da Michele to be the epitome of pizza napoletano, but I haven't had it so I can't speak from personal experience. We ate at Pizzeria Brandi, which proclaims to be the originator of Pizza Margharita, created for Margharita, the Queen consort of Italy, in 1889. Their pizza is delicious, and they also serve an antipasti sampler that is fabulous.

I misidentified the erotic collection - it's the Gabinetto Segreto (Secret Cabinet) and it's pretty unbelievable. It takes the phrase "phallic symbols" to a whole 'nother level!
The pictures I took in that gallery are some of the biggest highlights of my travel photos when I show them to people.
We stayed in Sorrento (and Naples) and although some people dismiss it as being too full of British tourists and cruise ship hoardes, we loved it, and you won't have that kind of tourist crowd during the late winter. I thought it was the perfect transit hub - the train to Pompeii and Naples, the SITA bus to the Amalfi coast (sit on the right side for breathtaking views), ferries to Naples, Capri, and AC (altho I don't think they are running during those months), and the town itself is very nice. I still remember the scent of lemons in the air...

viroze

We'll probably try both these places for sure. Oooo, lemons...i just cant imagine...Any recommendations on great pastas around? My dad told me even the fanciest ristorante sells lousy pastas, but that was Rome 30 yrs ago, which can be different since it's the northern part of Italy.

What's an average price per night (double room + extra bed/ triple) in AC? I found a few that's about 70-90 euros.

Marvelous input so far

jamikins

Just to clarify - Sorrento isnt on the AC, are you still looking at staying there? Or on the AC?

blamona

From Barcelona I would stick to exploring Costa Brava, gorgeous little towns, exciting cliff roads. But keep in mind the weather that time of year may not be the best.

I personally think you're being extremely ambitious on your trip. Your not allowing for anything to go wrong, and while Europe is small, it still takes time and effort to get to your countries. Personally, you should take france completely out on concentrate on 2 countries. It will cost more to get around than just going directly to the countries you want to be at. You'll have many travel days, not much vacation days.

I'm an antsy person by nature, the "if it's Tuesday it must be Belgium" type(get in as much as I can!) yet I found 2 weeks not enough just for Italy. I've been going to Spain for years and each time a week is not enough for any given region. France, Paris alone you need days.

Don't forget to add jet lag to the equation too, this can really slow you down.

Also consider a package tour, where all the transportation is done for you. While I did all these countries on my own, for everything you want to do, might be the best way.

blamona

Also to consider, in feb Europe can get extremely foggy (the countries you're considering) might not be able to see much, might add serious delays to travel, as for example, Spain can get socked in and delay for days!

viroze

Jamikins, basically anywhere that's central enough to cover some main spots around the area. Is Sorrento a good choice you think?

You have some valid points there Blamona. The guys in my group are putting high priority on Italy and Spain for now. Paris just serves as the start/stop point of our trip. We'll reserve Paris for future trip (in 3-4 yrs time?)

I have asked some local friends on the jet lag, but for our situation, we will be departing on midnight and after 12 hours flight considering if we sleep half the time, we'll be fine since we'll be arriving in the morning. But we'll most likely be facing trouble adjusting when we come back to our home country.

I guess I should hunt for a place to stay in Italy and perhaps ask them how the weather would be in Feb.

jamikins

Sorrento is fine I just wanted you to be aware it wasnt on the AC - its a bigger centre than the 'villages' of the AC. You can do trips to the AC from there using the bus at that time of year plus Pompeii. Probably more open in Feb than in AC.

annhig

I misidentified the erotic collection - it's the Gabinetto Segreto (Secret Cabinet) and it's pretty unbelievable. It takes the phrase "phallic symbols" to a whole 'nother level!
The pictures I took in that gallery are some of the biggest highlights of my travel photos when I show them to people. >>

i have mentioned this before, but i was a little taken aback to find a room in the vatican museums dedicated to the "groin area" of statues, some being whole sections of the trunk, and others just the "bits" from the front. Why anyone would collect this stuff remains a mystery - it could not by any stretch of the imagination be described as erotic.

viroze

Wow, I'm surprised just by reading the suggestions, can't imagine having to see the actual thing soon. Can't wait to witness them myself!

By the way, here's another round of questions:

1. eDreams or EasyJet?: I've compared both prices, and eDreams tend to be 10 or 20 euros cheaper than EasyJet, which is of course better, but is it any reliable? Has anyone flew using eDreams before?

2. Cabin size luggage or backpack: I've always traveled using cabin size luggage and kinda tempted how backpack would suit this trip especially traveling around Amalfi Coast. I only weigh 92 pounds, so I'm wondering I could carry my stuff over my shoulders.

3. How's early March weather around Amalfi Coast compared to late February? Will the weather improve?