Amalfi's La Dolce Vida in 3 days...
Apr 2nd, 2013, 02:39 PM
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Amalfi's La Dolce Vida in 3 days...
HI! We are taking the Windstar from Rome to Athens in August and have 3 days/nights before we get on the ship. Via the Windstar, we will visit Capri, Lipari, Naxos and cruise down the coast. So on our own we want to experience the classic La Dolce Vida. We've already been to Pompeii and we will be getting plenty of water time via the Windstar. We want to stay in one place, and use it as a base. We initially thought of Ravello (the views, gardens concerts) , but I am getting the impression it is not that easy access for the bus to visit the other towns ? I have heard that Positano, while beautufil, is completely overrun with tourists and is predominantly clothes shopping? Amalfi ? Opinions from those in the know please......
Apr 2nd, 2013, 03:14 PM
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Diana:
We were there in 2011.This is my report:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...1-to-oct-3.cfm
We really liked Amalfi as our base, but of course, this worked for us.
I think Ravello is too isolated; but Positano also is a suitable location for 3 days.
Anyway, you can't go wrong!!
Enjoy your trip(no doubt you will).
We were there in 2011.This is my report:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...1-to-oct-3.cfm
We really liked Amalfi as our base, but of course, this worked for us.
I think Ravello is too isolated; but Positano also is a suitable location for 3 days.
Anyway, you can't go wrong!!
Enjoy your trip(no doubt you will).
Apr 2nd, 2013, 03:28 PM
#3
I like Amalfi too, but I wouldn't travel all that way (probably at least 4 hours) for just a couple of days before heading (another 3 hours minimum) to Civitavecchia for the cruise. Depending on when you need to check in for the cruise, you might have to be in Civitavecchia the night before the cruise embarks.
In an itinerary that is already all coastal towns I'd probably go somewhere inland for a couple of days before boarding the ship. Northern Lazio or even part of Umbria would be easy to reach from Rome and still be not too far from Civitavecchia. You'd have the most options if you rented a car when you landed at Rome and returned it at Civitavecchia.
Or I'd just stay in Rome before the cruise.
In an itinerary that is already all coastal towns I'd probably go somewhere inland for a couple of days before boarding the ship. Northern Lazio or even part of Umbria would be easy to reach from Rome and still be not too far from Civitavecchia. You'd have the most options if you rented a car when you landed at Rome and returned it at Civitavecchia.
Or I'd just stay in Rome before the cruise.
Apr 2nd, 2013, 04:20 PM
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This is our 4th trip to Italy, and our first to the south. Our last trip was supposed to be 1/2 Rome and 1/2 Amalfi coast. Due to recovering from an illness, we did only Rome, for 10 days. So we know Rome well. I was hoping that if we took the train to/from Naples and then had a private driver get us back/forth, via the A3, it would be ok ??. Still too much for Amalfi ? Does Sorrento have beautiful views?
Apr 2nd, 2013, 05:58 PM
#5
Take the train all the way to Salerno and meet up with the driver there. Amalfi is much closer to Salerno than Naples.
Sorrento does have beautiful views... of the Bay of Naples, the city of Naples and Vesuvius.
Both towns, and all the towns in between, will be packed with tourists in August.
Sorrento does have beautiful views... of the Bay of Naples, the city of Naples and Vesuvius.
Both towns, and all the towns in between, will be packed with tourists in August.
Apr 2nd, 2013, 06:18 PM
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Yes, Sorrento has some beautiful views, but you will be seeing views quite as nice on your cruise.
So where did you go on your 3 other trips to Italy? I love Umbria and for a few nights I think it would be perfect.
So where did you go on your 3 other trips to Italy? I love Umbria and for a few nights I think it would be perfect.
Apr 3rd, 2013, 06:39 PM
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1: 2003: With 2 mobility limited, Florence 3 days, 1 day side trip to Siena, driving Tuscany/Umbria (I combined these 2), Orvieto, then Rome for 3 days, with day trip to Pompeii. Over all trip very good; Not enough time in Rome or Orvieto. BUT future exploration plans for longer term getting in-depth with central Italy.
2: 2005: Last minute trip: Fly to Milan, train to central Venice 3 days, almost floaded out; train to Florence. Stayed at a fabulous B&B i bloc from the Duomo for several days, with day trips to gardens and wineries.
3: 2008: Rome 10 days, recovering from radiation, over NY. Stayed close to Campo d-Fiori. Highly recommend, the location as we could walk everywhere have now hit most of the 25 places to see in Rome, but my favorite thing to do is just walk the older parts stopping to have a Gelato or 2. Do plan a FEW very special meals. Check out Zagat for this. I still remeber a few. Very pricey but worth it. DO get advanced tickets for whatever you can. AND DO a few specialized 1-4 person guided tours, esp. for the larger attractions: Vatican Museums, etc. They are worth it and and save you time and money. And best is that with a real expert you learn so much more.
Feel free to ask questions, I do have some notes, but tend to forget the hotel and restaurant details unless VERY special.
2: 2005: Last minute trip: Fly to Milan, train to central Venice 3 days, almost floaded out; train to Florence. Stayed at a fabulous B&B i bloc from the Duomo for several days, with day trips to gardens and wineries.
3: 2008: Rome 10 days, recovering from radiation, over NY. Stayed close to Campo d-Fiori. Highly recommend, the location as we could walk everywhere have now hit most of the 25 places to see in Rome, but my favorite thing to do is just walk the older parts stopping to have a Gelato or 2. Do plan a FEW very special meals. Check out Zagat for this. I still remeber a few. Very pricey but worth it. DO get advanced tickets for whatever you can. AND DO a few specialized 1-4 person guided tours, esp. for the larger attractions: Vatican Museums, etc. They are worth it and and save you time and money. And best is that with a real expert you learn so much more.
Feel free to ask questions, I do have some notes, but tend to forget the hotel and restaurant details unless VERY special.
Apr 3rd, 2013, 06:44 PM
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Based on recommendataions, I think we will stay in Sorennto after all for the 3 nights that we have. Any recommnendations of higher end B&B's ? (I used to have a book on this and can't find it).
