I'm headed to Italy in April/May for 2 weeks. Planning to visit Rome and Florence, but we also wanted to add one more stop.

Logistically speaking, which would be smarter? Probably the Amalfi Coast?

Which area is more recommended?

Any specific hotels for around $200/night?

Thanks for your help!

The Italian Riviera is a very big place. You can get there fairly easily by train from Florence. You can access Amalfi Coast by train and bus, or train and ferry, from Rome. I think that to get a good answer you should reveal more about what you plan to do on these coasts (just relax?) and whether or not you will have a car. There is no area "more recommended" than another--it is a question of finding what area suits you the best.

Have you done any guidebook reading at all, or looked at any of the trip reports on this forum?

I've done some research...originally my husband said to book Italian Riviera, but I think he was confused. He wants to relax and see the villages built into the hills.

When I think Italian Riviera, I imagine going to Cinque Terre and hiking. When I think of AC, I imagine the colorful villages and more relaxed atmosphere.

We can have a car or not...doesn't make a difference, except I've read that driving south of Rome can be terrifying!

I think the Amalfi Coast (incl. Capri) is much more interesting in just about every aspect. Visit Pompii & Paestum.

We like staying in Positano - but our hotel (the Murat) is out of your price range. We've stayed on the Amalfi Coast 4 times, and SML twice (with visits to Portofino). Drove through San Remo & glad we decided to stay elsewhere.

Stu Dudley

Having been to Amalfi 2 times and CT 1 time,
personally I perfer Cinque Terre over Amalfi.
CT is alot more mellow. No vespa's going by at 90 !!

We didnt hike in CT. We took boat to its villages and ate and drank to our hearts content. We stayed in Corniglia and loved it. I cant wait to take my DH there.

Although you're asking about Amalfi Coast vs. the Italian Riviera, the issue is really about the AC versus Cinque Terre ..... and that's an oft discussed topic.

Have a look-see on one of the threads >>>

Amalfi Coast vs. Cinque Terre
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...nque-terre.cfm

I might consider a small town like Camogli. You could do day trips to SML, CT, Portofino, etc.
Wonderful walking and hiking possibilities. The villages themselves are more colorful here than on the Amalfi coast because the buildings are painted in that glorious Ligurian decorative style.

There is no right or wrong here--both would be terrific!

>>I perfer Cinque Terre over Amalfi.
CT is alot more mellow. No vespa's going by at 90 !!<<

You saw vespas in Positano, Amalfi, or Ravello going fast?? Taking all those stairs must have been quite a feat for the driver.

Stu Dudley

I love them both. The scenery is stunning in both areas.

You wouldnt need a car in CT.

I am an American living and providing daily excursions as well as a 6 day 7 night tour on the Amalfi Coast. Please visit my website at www.amalfivacations.com and let me know if you need any assistance or would like to book any trips.