Planning my first trip to Italy for this summer (most likely late July)... this forum has been absolutely wonderful.

Currently planning to fly in and out of Rome. Draft plan is to spend a few days in Rome, train down to Sorrento and spend a few days there.

From there my idea was to rent a car in Sorrento, drive to Matera (via the Amalfi Coast) for a day or two, to Bari/Poligano for a single night (family is from there), and then to return to Rome to fly home. I realize this is a bit aggressive for a few days, but I want at least a little time on the road in the countryside.

I have two basic questions...

In late July, how much time should I budget to drive Sorrento to Matera along the coast? (Mappy says 3 1/4 hours... I'm assuming that's not considering traffic.)

Second, should I return the car to Sorrento and train back to Rome? To Naples and train to Rome? Or just drive in to FCO in Rome? I'm leaning towards the first option...

Thanks!
Bill

Hi Bill - In July it can take you 3 hrs just to drive the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento to Salerno.

The Mappy timing will not be via the coast road.

Returning to Sorrento just to return the car doesn't seem ideal - it leaves you a 3-4 hr train journey back to Rome.

It you don't want to drive to Rome a good compromise solution IMO would be to return it to Formia (- an hour's train ride from Rome).

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Thanks much for the info! I'll give both issues some further consideration... might be a good reason to try and extend my trip a few extra days...

Bill

Hi WC,

Have you looked into flying into Naples and going up to Rome after the AC?

See www.kayak.com for airfare.

Thanks for the suggestion... unfortunately I'm using FF miles and the only direct I can find is into Rome...
Bill

Are you confusing Maratea for Matera?
The former is along the coast directly south of Salerno---I have driven that coast. Always use viamichelin and add 10% to the times.

Sorry, I should have been more clear. I was going to Matera, but taking the coastal road instead of the most direct route from Sorrento.

However, thanks to additional guidance I'm going to follow the coast down to Paestum for a night before heading east to Matera.

Thanks!
Bill