Amalfi Coast with multi-generational group
 

ARe we crazy to take a mult-generational group to the Amalfi coast this August? We are with teens and grandparents and our middle-age selves for 2 weeks in Italy. First week is in a villa in Tuscany. Nice for everyone. But we have gone back and forth on where to spend the next 3-4 days. Staying In Sorrento or an Amalfi village sounds wonderful, but will it be easy to take day trips to Pompei, Naples, Positano? OR will we be in traffic with everyone annoyed? Can anyone suggest an interesting place as an alternative that will satisfy our adventurous teens AND our healthy, fit but cautious in-laws who are 79 and 81? Thanks!

If you stay in the center of the coast and take the bus back and forth you will waste a huge amount of time (traffic barely moves and buses are often too full to get on). Ferries along the coast are a better option - or staying in Sorrento (a larger town with many more shops and restaurants) - which has train service to Naples and Pompeii as well as a ferry to Capri. Or - if you stay in Sorrento you might want to rent a car - just be sure your hotel has parking (most don;t).

Yes, August is a zoo.
Try Lake Como--not as hot.

I don't think anyone in your group would enjoy Pompeii in August. Or probably Naples, for that matter. I would also head north to the mountains or lakes.

If you pick the right lodging, you should be able to satisfy the teens who likely want some activities and the oldsters who who might want a slower pace. I'd figure this out and book as soon as you can.

Have you booked your flights yet?

Yes, our flights are all booked, thanks. As is the villa in Tuscany. My qualm about going to the mountains is that the teen love people watching and city walking and browsing shops and flea markets and that kind of thing. WHich is why I thought the AMalfi-Sorrento thing might work- busy village/beach, etc. Are there some interesting busy places in the mountain /lake areas that you recommend that have good walking trails, maybe bike riding, and browsing, people waching, flea markets, cafes for coffee, etc.? THANKS so much.