Amalfi Coast
 

Just back from 9 days in the Amalfi Coast area (Positano, Ravello, Capri, Amalfi and Naples)...any questions?

Pat, <BR> <BR>I did that trip! How wonderful! <BR> <BR>What are some of your favorites - restaurants, hotels, sights?? <BR> <BR>Welcome home...

Hi Pat, <BR>How did you get to Ravello, and from where did you depart? I know it's north of Positano & Amalfi. Maybe a taxi is the best means of transportation there, but that might be quite expensive if Ravello is far from Amalfi or Positano. From what I've read in this forum, it's worth a trip up to see the town. Would you agree? THANKS!!!

My wife and I will be in the Amalfi Coast area in Nov for 2 nights. What sights and lodgings would you recommend? Thanks.

Elsa...i traveled to Ravello by taking a bus from Amalfi, you could take a cab from Amalfi or from Positano, but cabs are fairly expensive (but air conditioned and convenient). If you do take the bus, they leave every half hour from right in front of the marina where the ferries drop you off. The buses to Ravello are bright orange and can be very crowded during peak hours (cost is about $1.00). Don't miss Ravello, it is beautiful and has a very isolated, rustic feel. The views and the gardens are amazing and there is lots to see and do during the day. I would highly recommend the restaurant Cumpa Cosima, Netta the host is so friendly and the food and wine are amazing and inexpensive. I stayed at the Hotel Belvedere Carusso which was very nice...there are many other great hotels in the town. <BR> <BR>You can't go wrong in visiting Positano and Ravello...they are amazing with great hotels, food, wine, shopping, views and people...I would skip Amalfi which pales in comparison to other nearby towns...definitely see Pompei if you have time and try to skip Naples...the biggest surprise to me was how much i liked Capri. it was the clear highlight of the trip, the most beautiful, romatic spot i have ever visited. i spent one night and two days there, it was not enough...i would not daytrip there, get a hotel and relax...if you can, stay at the Hotel Punta Tragore and get a room with a balcony, you will remember it forever...amazing <BR> <BR>please feel free to e-mail me directly if anyone has any questions <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

My daughter and I going to Rome in mid october and I wanted to go spend 2 nites in Positano at the San Pietro, What is the best way to get to Positano. Thank you and If you know of a hotel at the Spanish Steps that is nice under $300 a nite. <BR>

COnnie, <BR> <BR>Not sure of the exact price, but I really like Scalinata de Spagna a the top of the Spanish Steps...

I stayed at the Hotel Piazza di Spagna in Rome. It is right near the Spanish steps and was not terribly expensive. It was a Best Western property. Not exactly the Ritz Carlton but the room was clean. <BR> <BR>Hotel Piazza di Spagna <BR>Via Mario de Fiori, 61 <BR>00187 Rome, Italy <BR> <BR>FAX: 06-679-0654 <BR>

<BR>It appears I've waited to long to book a room in Positano and In Roma around the Spanish Steps. I'm Hoping something wil l open up. Thanks for all the help

A message for anyone planning (or just contemplating) a trip for the Amalfi Coast. I have not ventured there yet, but plan to within the next few years, so I look around for info when I get a chance. <BR> <BR>While in Seattle on business recently, I came across two great little books. Both published by Fodor's and they contain photographs and general travel information. They are informative as well as entertaining. One is the Amalfi Coast and the other is Tuscany. Once you read them, you'll want to go! <BR> <BR>I found them at "Waldenbooks".

Connie, <BR> <BR>Re: Positano hotels...our friends also were having difficulty finding hotel. They were successful [after many attempts] by using one of their Platinum credit cards, either Master Card or Visa. Hope this helps.

We will be in Amalfi in September. I have booked 2 nights at the Aurora Hotel which I chose as a result of their website. Has anyone ever stayed at this hotel? Any remarks? In addition, we're driving !!!! YIKES !!! Do I need to fear for my life?????

I think we were able to book a room in Positano at the Poseidon it looks very nice on the web. any comments. <BR> <BR>Also hase any one stay at the Carriage, Condotti or Gregoriana in Rome they should all be very close to the Spanish Steps. Thanks <BR>

Irit, <BR> <BR>Relax... I always drive in Italy, drove the Amalfi coast - and loved it. In fact, last year I learned to drive a manual shift car in Puglia and only got in trouble once - stopping on a hill to make a left turn into traffic while everyone was trying to get home for lunch. I simply put the car in neutral and waved everyone to come around me!! The Italians are very forgiving - and, look, it's 18 months later and I made it home!! LOL (Only kidding) <BR> <BR>Have a wonderful trip, relax and enjoy it!!

<BR>I'll 2nd the Capri comment. It was also for us the highlight, and the Punta Tragara hotel is mostly responsible for that, I think. We stayed on the top floor and felt like royalty with a 300 degree wraparond terrace and amazing ocean views. Capri is best mid-week to avoid the weekend crowds. The pace is nicely moderate with very few cars or mopeds spewing exhaust fumes everywhere. I'd love to go back and repeat this one again!

Connie, <BR>If you are going to be in Rome before Positano it might be easier and about the same price to hire car and driver through San Pietro. I found this out the hard way on my honeymoon last Summer. While my Wife and I flew into Naples the car ride was still over and hour after just a 25 minute flight from Rome. On way back we booked train tickets before hand but found out that Rome was only two hours away and that the car and driver who drove us back to the Naples train station was more than willing to take us up to Rome. <BR>I hope this info helps and might be worth looking into.