Thanks again for the helpful info everyone. I had a busy wknd and could not get online.

coffeeaddict- I like the idea of a bus ride uphill and the hike down to town. As for Ravello, do you recommend a ferry or bus to get there and back? The vessel of blood sounds like something the kids would get a kick out of seeing. They have been to the torture Mus in San G and thought it was 'cool'. And they've seen 'parts' of St. Catherine all over Italy.

Does anyone know of this hiking trails book?

Letah- I too like deluxe but enjoy charming smaller hotels more than grand places. My husband loves to relax on a balcony, read or listen music and enjoy a great view. Positano and Buca sound perfect.

We'll skip Paestum this trip.

jmv-I've made a reservation at Covo & Buca. I am leaning towards Buca. If as travel time gets closer and we decide we will want a pool then we'll go for Covo.

My husband and I were in Positano this past summer for 10 days with some friends from Germany. I had Lo'Guarracino on my "must do" list from all reviews and pictures. Three of us went there one night but the owner wouldn't let us sit on the balcony that has the wooden rails and trees. We pleaded as there were tables open but she said since we had three people we couldn't sit there. Our view, and meal, were not worth the walk over.

On another note, we ate at several other restaurants and ended up going back many times to La Cambusa. We sat the first couple of times in Luciano's station and from then on he looked for us and saved us a table on the front edge overlooking the beach and water. They were very eager to make me a special salad most meals that was a combination of ingredients from a couple of dishes (I'm cursed with an aversion to all fish) while my husband ate everything on the menu and loved it.

As an alternative trip to Capri, I recommend the all-day trip to Capri with Salvatore who has a 'booth' on the pier. Best money we spend the entire time!

marieb,

I think the hiking book is: "Landscapes of Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast" by Julian Tippett. I never looked into it, but I recall this from other threads (I think). Anyway, here's a link with ordering and book info:

http://www.ondaverde.it/sentiero_deglidei.htm

Also try a search for "Path of the Gods." Good luck.

Parker-Interseting info on Lo' Gurarracino.......we'll keep that in mind. I have read good things about La Cambusa. Did you ever try Chez Black? Sounds like everyone likes Il Ritrovo. We'll definitely go there.

Coffeeaddict-Thanks again for all the helpful info. I'll use your link to look up the trails book. Ever heard of a book on the Amalfi Coast by sunflower books?

We did eat at Chez Black and had a very good meal. The issue we had was that it is at beach level with raised plantings between the tables and the beach. There are oftentimes people sitting on the edge of the planters waiting for a seat, or just hanging out which blocks the view of the water. If you sit near the front (beach-side), it feels like everyone is watching you eat. But they had great pizza!

La Cambusa is one level above the crowds so if you have a great view if you have a table around the edge. We tend to dine early for Italians and got there about 7:30 or 8pm when we ate so had front row seats every time. Buca di Baco dining room is also one level up on the beach with great views, however it didn't have as much variety for my taste (mostly fish - and pictures of each and every very ugly fish to boot) so while my husband was happy, I wasn't.

Haven't heard of the sunflower books you mentioned.

We ate at La Cambusa on the advice of this board. It was OK--nothing special. We felt the service was a little rushed and there was nothing of note with the food.

One place we did go to was Il Mulino Verde (I believe that's the name), which is located right in the center of town and has a sizeable patio (not beachfront, but a nice atmosphere nonetheless). Good, cheap pizza there--not as good as Buca, but still good. You'll see lots of locals carrying take out from there in its green paper.

Do try to go to Donna Rosa if you can. Although it is definitely a "fine dining" experience--your kids probably will think it too fancy--the food is excellent and the service is very warm and gracious. Their pasta is especially delicious. It's pricey--we went to lunch and spent $100 euros for the two of us, but it was the best meal we had in Positano.

Does Da Vincenzo or Lo Guarracino have web sites? I am trying to pick a place for a rehersal dinner.

Hi,
Another route to take is renting a aprarment or house for you and your family. Iplan in doing this the next time I go. If you like go on:
www.viatraveldesign.com
Many, many sizes and prices, some very good.....
Enjoy,
John

Hello again, been busy with work....
coffeeaddict-You have such great info on Positano, thanks for sharing. I'm sure my husband and I will feel comfortable enough to leave the boys for an evening at the hotel so we can dine alone at Donna Rosa. It sounds terrific. I found a post about the sunflower book and a link to order it.

A little twist to our plans, I was able to get our departure flight changed from 7am out of Rome to 11am out of Naples. Now we'll have an extra night for the AC area. Probably add it to Positano.

I'm having some trouble with Capri hotels. I like the Luna, but they are booked for the first night we want there and then only have standard dbls. The Mamela doen't have an email address that I can find and when I try to fax them, it's always busy. I'm waiting on a reply from the Floridiana re: changing the reservation to the first 2 nights of our 6 nights in the AC area.

My questions is, if we stay in Positano first then Capri, would it be difficult go get from Capri to the Naples airport for an 11am flight? Seems like it would be easier to leave from Positano via car/driver directly to the airport.

Any thoughts or suggestions? Thank you!

Marieb,

Many hotels on the AC and in Capri are closed for renovations, repairs, etc during January. And typically they only have part-time staff this time of year. That may be why you're not hearing back from many of them.

As for leaving from Capri for an 11 AM flight out of Naples, there's no way I would chance it. Too many variables.

Maybe you should stay in Naples for one night. Many posters here ( incl. Ira) have recommended it, and it's supposed to be a fascinating city. Also, it would save you from having to get up extremely early ( Positano is about 1 and a half to two hours from Naples, depending on traffic) on your day of departure.