<BR>My wife and I are considering a trip to the Mediterranean/Aegean, one week of which will either be along the Amalfi Coast, or Sicily, but not both. We are interested in history, architecture, natural and man-made beauty and hiking. Which area do you suggest? And while you're at it, would it be better to stay in Sorrento, or on Ischia? How difficult is it to get from the islands to the mainland? If you've got a lot to tell me, just email me direct. Thanks!

Howard, I would suggest the Amalfi for <BR>several reasons. Itis easier to access and more compact. You have the stunning <BR>natural scenery, but also the history of <BR>Pompeii and Hercaleum and wonderful day <BR>trips to Capri and Ischia. Positano is the jewel but staying in Sorrento makes <BR>more practical sense as a base location. <BR>BONA FORTUNA !! <BR>

Last year (Oct. 97) I visited a friend in Rome & we took a 3-day jaunt to the Amalfi Coast. We stayed in Positano, which is a spectacularly beautiful town perched on the cliffs. Just strolling around town is a hike all its own. It' very, very, very hilly. The town overlooks the Mediterranean & if you get accommadations on the "ocean" side you can enjoy both a wonderful vista as well as the sounds of waves crashing on the rocks below. We stayed at a Bed & Breakfast, "El Fenice" which we found thru Karen Brown's book. Our room was on the "lower" section, so we had to walk 3 flights down. For breakfast every morning, we had to trek up those flights which only brings you to the street - then go across the street & up another couple flights stairs to the "dining area". Exhausting? you bet, but I actually left in better shape than when I arrived. You can take a bus from Positano to Amalfi (only 12 miles down the road), however the bus can get very crowded. If you plan on renting a car, then Positano may be a nice base of operations. Amalfi's a bit touristy, so I wouldn't recommend staying there.

Definitely Amalfi. There is history also on Capri, Villa Jovis, and the Blue Grotto, a naturally lit cave on the sea which you can visit. Sorrento would make a lovely base, the Limoncello liqueur is wonderful, but watch the tourist shops in the main piazza - they are overpriced for tourists. Seek out the intriguing alleyway shops. <BR>

Is 7 days in Amalfi too long? If so, what would be good alternatives to splitting up the week. Is Sicily too far for such a short stay? What about a train trip to Venice or Italian Riviera or Lakes (is this trying to fit too much in?) We will be visiting relatives in Naples to start, but will have approximately 7 free days of travel (May '99), either by train or car. Any thoughts would be appreciated. <BR> <BR>

The Amalfi if you're a tourist, Sicily if you're a traveller. <BR>

When you speak of Amalfi, I take it to mean the Amalfi Coast, not just the town of Amalfi. There is interesting history here as well as beautiful scenery. On the Amalfi Coast, visit Positano, Amalfi and Ravello which has two beautiful villas and gorgeous views. We like the 12th C. Hotel Palumbo. The town of Positano is particularly pretty. If you take one day to visit Pompeii and Herculaneum (great Roman ruins), one day for a trip to Capri(you can spend the better part of the day walking the perimeter of the island and up to Anacapri), and one day on Ischia and the other 4 on the Amalfi Coast, there you go. I wouldn't try to do anything else--you'll be too rushed. Sorrento is convenient, but I don't think it's as picturesque as the others on the Amalfi coast. Sicily is also beautiful and historic---almost not Italy--a place of its own. You can't go wrong, but you are wise to chose. <BR>

I did both on the same 2 week trip. The Amalfi coast is breathtaking, and the hotels and such are definately more comfortable. Pompeii and Herculaneum are well worth seeing, and a side trip to Paestum (south of Salerno) is worth doing if you have a car. <BR> <BR>That said, I have to come down in favor of Sicily. Palermo is wonderful, though avoid any hotel less than 3 stars. The shower may not work! The tourist industry is not well-developed. <BR> <BR>I loved the churches, particulary the cathedral in Monreale and the Chapel in the Pallazzo Ducale. Agrigento (on the south coast) is one of the great Greek sites in the world, as is the city of Siricusa on the SE corner of the island. Cefalu is worth a stop, as are Noto, Catania, and Taormina.

Hi, <BR>Pls let me know abt hotels or other things in Sicily. We are going in March 99 for about a week. Any info would be grateful. Thanks Rita <BR>e-mail [email protected]

I don't remember that much, as this was in 1995. I can recommend three guide books for you. <BR> <BR>The Rough Guide is an excellent series of guidebooks written in the UK but available at most US bookstores. This covers the low and medium ends pretty well. Try one for Italy. <BR> <BR>The <i>Lonely Planet</i> guides give better descriptions and go further upmarket, but perhaps don't show ALL the low-end choices. We located a very nice value in Catania using Fodors Italy on a budget guide (a series with light green covers). I worked in Northern Italy in 1994 and late 1996, so we bought several guides..... <BR> <BR>Failing that, try the tourist office (TI) on the main piazza of Palermo. That's what we did, and they have complete listings. As I say the 1 and 2 stars were disappointing compared to standards elsewhere in Italy, so try a 3 star.