Bob - wasn't making any judgements because I followed your advice and looked up the naples flights and you are right, it was 2 connections and I think almost $300 more. So, you bring up a good point. I think we are just going to do in and out of Rome because the flight connections are better.

I will look up that software. Thanks!

Yep, I have been researching the last few hours about going from Siena to Positano and I am debating on renting a car (but I am terrified of the Amalfi drive) or taking a train to Naples, then hiring a private driver to get us to Positano (I read that you did that and it worked out well), OR take a ferry into Positano. I wish I wasn't so scared of that Amalfi drive because that is the most efficient way!

So drive the car to Sorrento and drop it off.

Continue by ferry, bus or taxi/private driver to your Amalfi Coast destination.

OR

Take the train to Naples and hire a driver to pick you up at the station and drive you to the Amalfi Coast.

Here is some info on the coast, and Naples. If you are interested in food, it might be helpful:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...and-naples.cfm

Exactly!
Driving to Sorrento is easy.

Can you give me advice on this loose itinerary
SFO to Catania
stay in Taormina for 4-5 days -I'll need hotel and drivers for day trips. Then whats the best way to get to somewhere in the Amalfi Coast where we also want to stay for 4-5 days, Hotel? Driver/guide for day trips.
I'm hoping we can do some trips on our own by bus or train.
I'm guessing that to get back to SFO we should go to Rome for a few nights before departure. i appreciate your advice.
thank you

I suggest you click on my name to find my trip report for Sicily as well as this one.

This may help for the AC:
NAVIGATING on the AMALFI COAST
HOW TO GET THERE: You have to want to—it may not be easy. The best option is to land in Naples, but that is not always feasible. Most travelers access it from Rome by train to Naples—a trip of less than two hours. Once in Naples, you have a choice. The local commuter train, Circumversuviana, leaves from the same train station and takes about an hour to SORRENTO, with a possible stop at “ Pompeii Scavi” to see the famed ruins. However, to access any of the coastal towns you must then take a SITA bus or a taxi.

The best option is to hire a private driver to meet you at the Naples station or airport and take you directly to your hotel. Expect to pay about 100E.
www.cuomonet.it www.tourofitaly.com www.francescomarrapese.com
www.angelodriver.com

WHERE TO LOCATE & WHAT TO SEE: Ah, what not to see? This is the most stunning scenery in all of Italy---be sure to pack the camera. Your daily activities will be somewhat determined by your location. SORRENTO is really on the Bay of Naples and not the Amalfi Coast [AC], but is the most convenient location for day trips to Pompeii and the Isle of Capri. The town is larger & relatively flat. In contrast, POSITANO is the most spectacular village on the AC but is almost vertical and a real challenge for your legs.
Hotel choices in Positano should be evaluated by their location in town relative to the beach or position on the hill above the beach. AMALFI & RAVELLO are other popular destinations but are further down the coast.

NOTE: Any of the drivers above can be hired for day trip excursions but should be booked well in advance. Expect to pay about 35E/hour.

Here are my top five activities for this fabulous coast:
• Seeing the coast from the water---the best option. Hire a boat and pray for good weather—here is one www.gennaroesalvatore.it

• Day trip to Capri by hydrofoil from Sorrento or Positano—in season

• Day trip to Ravello by local bus or driver. This lovely village is high above the coast with great views---see Villa Cimbrone.

• Day trip to Pompeii. Plan on spending 4 hours to see it well. You can take the commuter train from Sorrento or hire a driver.

• Shopping for ceramics and sipping LIMONCELLO. The latter is not to be missed---I still have it almost daily at home after dinner.


WHERE TO EAT: I hope you like seafood. Here are some of my favorites:
* In Positano: Da Vincenzo Buca di Bacco Da Constantino

* In Ravello: Cumpa Cosimo Villa Maria

* In Sorrento: Trattoria Da Emilia L’Antica Trattoria

Bob - Nice trip report above. I saw a comment in your response to a recent post and you mentioned Ravello was your favorite spot on the AC. We're thinking two days in Positano with a day trip to Ravello. Any thoughts on that or would you stay in Ravello and day trip to Positano? We're not big beach people but love the scenery and being able to wander through town. Thanks

I don't mean to hijack this post, but maybe I can offer some help for the post above since we were just in Positano last month. The gardens of Ravello are gorgeous, but the actual town is a bit remote in terms of access to other towns on the AC. For instance, you have to take a bus or cab to get back 'down' to Amalfi. Then another boat, bus, or cab to Positano. Whereas if you stay in Positano, you have much easier access and options to other towns/cities along the coast, including Capri.

Also, Positano has some of- if not the best- scenery on the AC. It also has a bigger town center( lots of shops selling everything from ceramics to limoncello) than Ravello, although that can be overrun with tourists. And many restaurants within walking distance of hotels.

I agree with Weadles...although we were smitten with Ravello, Positano would make a better base. The bus to Ravello leaves from the town of Amalfi...you can visit the town of Amalfi before or after your visit to Ravello. We took a ferry from Sorrento to Positano and then from Positano to Amalfi It takes only 25 minutes and is a nice way to see the coast.

Here is a useful website:

http://www.amalficoastweb.com/posita...s_ferries.html

Perfect. Thank you for the responses.

I love Ravello but it is too isolated to use as a base location. We did stay there about 25 years ago but left after 2 nites---I have been back twice since.

Always love the advice on these boards. Thanks Bob. Now if we can only get return flights on miles....(although being stranded in Italy sounds somewhat attractive at times).