Bob is back from the AC--with pics to prove it.
 

I will try to do a brief trip report later, but for now let me tell you my overall impressions:
1. Four days in Naples is two too many
2. Good weather makes all the difference
3. Ravello is still my favorite AC destination
4. A private driver is a VERY good idea
5. Transportation options on that coast are complex and will vary based on your budget, legs, and desired destinations. There is no right answer--it all depends.

Here are some pics--hope you enjoy.

http://www.slowphotos.com/photo/show...y.php?cat=4481

I'm about to post about my trip too! I definitely agree about Ravello, but not about Naples.

Alice

Wonderful photos, Bob. Your photography skills get better every year!

Alice and Bob, I await both of your comments on Naples. We're thinking of spending a week in Naples in September so I need to know whether 4 nights are two too many or two too few.

Marija, we were there 3 nights, so really only 2 1/2 days to do things. There were areas of Naples we wanted to visit but didn't have time to get to. I don't know about a whole week, but I could have easily added a night or two.

Besides how can you eat enough of that pizza in only 2 days?

Alice

It's been about 10 years since we last visited the AC. Your pics help me remember why we thought it is a slice of paradise.

Stu Dudley

Marija: I think that a week in Napes would suit you just fine, especially if you plan to do daytrips. Without day trips, and with apologies to the OP, I would counsel a minimum of four days for people who have an interest in more than a superficial peek into the city's art/architectural riches and the vibrant street life. For people not use to cities, especially port cities and southern Italian port cities in particular, Naples can be overwhelming and I think that is why some visitors take a brief look and then scurry away to "safety"...

Looking forward to the trip report and hotel reviews.

Welcome back, Bob.
Can't wait to hear more!!!

Bob,
Thanks for the pictures!
I can see myself buying one of those dresses in Positano!

Marija,

Bob once wrote an entire essay about how to visit Europe without going to any cities at all. I don't think I'm being unfair to Bob to say he really hates being in cities.

When I saw it on his itinerary before he left I thought: "This guy could use a trip planner to help him tailor a trip to his interests!"

But it's a new Bob who now tells us "There are no right answers." I look forward to hearing more about that.

People told me to see Naples and I did. After 16 trips to Italy I would have been remiss not to. I am glad I went and now understand what Naples is all about. My wife liked it better than I---it was the chaos that turned me off.

Looking forward to more details. Loved the photos too.

ms_go, DD and I recommended Naples primarily because we knew Mrs. Nav (my mom) would love being surrounded by so much history at every turn. But yeah, I kinda figured 4 nights there would probably be a bit much for Granpa Bob.

Glad to have you back. And I'm really happy y'all had such nice weather!

Lovely pics as usual.

We liked Naples, but I can understand why some are not charmed. IMO you have to visit some places to know what you think about them. To each his/her own.

Great pictures. Brought back terrific memories of my Amalfi Coast trip last year...loved Ravello too! :-)

As always, great photos, Bob! Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to your trip report.

PS, I'm one of those 'loves Naples' sorts, but I can certainly understand that the chaos turns people off.

bmarking

Gorgeous photos!!! Going to Paris next week, but still longing for Italy. I agree with you about Ravello!!! I wish Gore Vidal had left me his palazzo instead of selling it to a local. I could spend hours on the Balcony of Infinity. If there is ever a more beautiful vista, I have yet to see it. The Amalfi Coast is truly enchanted. I can see why they call it the Divine Coast. (Maybe next year....)

Great photos!! Thanks for sharing.

Can I assume you are taken with Ravello and Positano?

Can't wait for Tuscany in a couple of weeks.

Wonderful photos!!! Thanks for sharing!