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Capri, Amalfi Coast, Naples in late June/early July

Capri, Amalfi Coast, Naples in late June/early July

Old May 26th, 2016, 02:47 PM
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Capri, Amalfi Coast, Naples in late June/early July

We are a family of 4 seeking other's experience and guidance re: our tentative Italy 2017 holiday.

Our specifics are as follows
When: Last week of June thru first week of July 2017
Who's going:
- Parents both 53 yo
- 21 yo daughter
- 19 yo son
We are in good health/shape and have an active lifestyle

Key success factors (in order of descending priority):
1. Relaxation & leisurely pace
- Do not want to "be rushed" or "feel rushed"
- Avoid HUGE crowds of "rude, pushy, smelly, lost" tourists
- Avoid wasting time waiting in long lines (auto traffic, waiting for transportation, dining, sights)

2. Beautiful upscale lodging with spectacular views, clean, quiet, modern design/furnishings, great location with easy access to surrounding areas, onsite spa and modern amenities, and an always available, highly attentive, professional staff:
- Targeted lodging:
- 4 nights Capri - La Scalinatella
- 4 nights Amalfi Coast - Santa Caterina
- 2 nights Naples - Marriott Renaissance (using points)

3. It's all about the views - all activities and lodging with beautiful colors/scenery
- Crystal clear (not hazy), sunny, warm days and cool nights; No rain!

4. After the views, "it's about the locals and the food"
- Super tasting food and wine (of course)

Important activities:
- Hiking with spectacular views and photo ops (Capri, God's Trail, Ravello, Amalfi, Vesuvius)
- Leisurely paced outdoor dining with spectacular views and "people watching"
- Evening swim in the Grotto Azura
- Night-time swimming with beautiful views of Naples and/or Sorrentine Peninsula
- Leisurely paced shopping of local artisan goods (sandals, scarves, leather, pottery)
- Touring the Amalfi Coast in a vintage convertible (Salerno to Sorrento)
- Touring private vineyard (prefer Red) over a superb mid-afternoon lunch
- Self-guided tour of historic ruins (Capri, Pompeii, Vesuvius, etc...)

Your insight into the good, the bad, and the ugly of this proposed itinerary (lodging, activities, timing, weather, etc...) is greatly appreciated!

Best Regards,
Darryl & Cathy
Washington DC
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Old May 26th, 2016, 04:18 PM
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Considering the area you are visiting, it may be difficult to avoid those tourist crowds at times.
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Old May 26th, 2016, 04:22 PM
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If you want to avoid masses of tourists (I can't comment on how odiferous, rude or lost they are) you are going to the wrong place at the wrong time of year. And there will be a lot of pushy people everywhere, since that's what happens with so many people in one place.

Either pick a place without mobs of tourists (if you can find one at that time of year) or do this trip in May, when the crowds are less.

Touring the coast road in a vintage convertible will be at about 10mph, sine there is a very narrow 2 lane road cut into the side of the cliff. It often stops completely if 2 large vehicles (buses, truck, etc) meet on a narrow part and one has to back up to let the other pass. Note the large number of passenger side mirrors on the side of the road, they have been scraped off on the rock wall by drivers staying too far right to keep away from oncoming vehicles.
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Old May 26th, 2016, 04:23 PM
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Haha. The tentative timing is just on the "front edge"of the typical heavy tourist season for the Amalfi Coast.

We are looking for a relaxing and slow paced holiday - we will need to decompress from hectic life. Concerned that the huge crowds will already have arrived by July 1.

Any insight?
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Old May 26th, 2016, 04:33 PM
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Argh! I just saw the latest responses re crowds.

Thank you All for confirming our fears and helping us to avoid a poor choice and poor holiday experience.

We originally targeted mid-to late May which I have heard is best time of year to visit Capri/Amalfi Coast. Unfortunately our schedules could not accommodate that plan.
Oh well.

All the best to everyone!
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Old May 26th, 2016, 05:32 PM
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A few points:

1. The only time you won't get a long line of traffic is if you drive at sunrise.

2. The weather is unpredictable. There is no way it will play ball with your demands for things like 'not hazy'. In summer the view from Vesuvius is always hazy.

3. Mid May could still be too cold for swimming in the sea - and you can't swim in the Blue Grotto - it's illegal.

4. Hotel Santa Caterina is in the middle of nowhere. You won't be able to walk anywhere for dinner and the only people watching you'll do from this hotel is watching the other guests. Having a car won't help as there is nowhere to park unless you use a parking garage at 20 euro per hour - and then you need to understand the very strict drink driving laws will forbid you from enjoying any more than one glass of wine. Taxis to and from the hotel will add up. If you want 'upscale and luxury' then stay somewhere convenient (Le Sirenuse in Positano is a good example).
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Old May 26th, 2016, 06:41 PM
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Hi Blueeyedcod

Maybe you misunderstood my last post.

We are unable to go in mid-May. Our fallback was to consider late June/early July.

Our request for weather feedback was to seek those with first hand experience of Capri/Amalfi Coast weather for late June/early July. Your feedback affirms the humid, hazy conditions as reported by various weather websites.

Thank you anyway for your expert guidance!

Have a great summer!
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Old May 27th, 2016, 09:06 AM
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I hope Blueyedcod will agree- The most beautiful view you will ever see, is the view of the Bay of Naples, with Vesuvio in the background, while sitting on a bench on Via Petrarc. I've gone to Naples every year from 1987 to 2010, gone to that view, and every time I went it was like the first time. You will never forget it.
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Old May 27th, 2016, 10:58 AM
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I rent an apartment in Positano the last week of June and find the weather to be great most of the time. Warm but not scorching (other than my first trip in 2010).

We had a lovely vineyard tour and leisurely tasting and lunch at Vigne di Raito, near Vietri Sul Mare (charming in its own right).

Sure, there are tourists in Positano, but it is easy to get away from them if you don't spend all of your time on the main pedestrian walkway. When I am there it is for relaxation, so I spend my time exploring the various beaches, eating fantastic local food, and enjoying the local festivals in Cetara and Amalfi. The Sant Andrea festival on June 27th is something to behold!
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