Capri, Positano, Sorrento
Jul 22nd, 2008, 10:33 PM
#61
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
hello all,
thank you all for all of your input. we've booked our tickets to rome! yay!
i have a few more questions:
jim and others- would you recommend a day trip to ischia? and from which city would be easiest logistically?
now that we are flying into rome, would you still recommend private drivers to and from the airport? or should we take trenitalia to salerno or naples? we plan on going straight to sorrento once we arrive in rome. and we plan on leaving from capri to rome.
3 nights in sorrento (day trip to pompei and paestum, maybe ischia?) - booked hotel il nido.
4 nights in positano (day trip to amalfi/ravello, maybe paestum/mozarella farm, cetara for lunch) - booked albergo miramare
4-5 nights in capri- leaning towards minerva - thx for all your input. would you be able to do the blue grotto and the tour around the island on the same day? from capri - should we train out of naples or salerno?
2-3 nights in rome to connect to our flight.
thank you all for all of your input. we've booked our tickets to rome! yay!
i have a few more questions:
jim and others- would you recommend a day trip to ischia? and from which city would be easiest logistically?
now that we are flying into rome, would you still recommend private drivers to and from the airport? or should we take trenitalia to salerno or naples? we plan on going straight to sorrento once we arrive in rome. and we plan on leaving from capri to rome.
3 nights in sorrento (day trip to pompei and paestum, maybe ischia?) - booked hotel il nido.
4 nights in positano (day trip to amalfi/ravello, maybe paestum/mozarella farm, cetara for lunch) - booked albergo miramare
4-5 nights in capri- leaning towards minerva - thx for all your input. would you be able to do the blue grotto and the tour around the island on the same day? from capri - should we train out of naples or salerno?
2-3 nights in rome to connect to our flight.
Jul 23rd, 2008, 05:11 AM
#62
"now that we are flying into rome, would you still recommend private drivers to and from the airport? or should we take trenitalia to salerno or naples? we plan on going straight to sorrento once we arrive in rome" I believe there is a direct train from FCO to Roma Termini, where you can get the train to Naples. At Napoli Centrale you go downstairs to Napoli Piazza Garibaldi to catch the Circumvesuviana to Sorrento - you wouldn't go to Salerno on the way to Sorrento.
Jul 23rd, 2008, 05:21 AM
#63
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 9,422
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you have a very long flight with plane changes to get to Roma, I would at least find out the cost of getting picked up at FCO and driven to Sorrento, unless jet lag just doesn't bother you.
There is a train into Roma from the airport, and there is a nice train to Napoli (into the not so nice station) and another train to Sorrento -- and then presumably you take a taxi to your hotel?
I'd tote up the costs and compare it with a driver.
There is a train into Roma from the airport, and there is a nice train to Napoli (into the not so nice station) and another train to Sorrento -- and then presumably you take a taxi to your hotel?
I'd tote up the costs and compare it with a driver.
Jul 23rd, 2008, 06:02 AM
#65
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We did the Blue Grotto and the circular tour of the island in one tour. They make a stop at the Blue Grotto, you transfer into rowboats, you get rowed in (mind your head) and you're in there for about 10 minutes. Then you come out and continue the rest of the tour around the island.
I also remember you can hire your own little boat to go around the island. Will be more expensive but it's private and you can stop in all the little coves. I was very jealous of the people who did it this way!
I also remember you can hire your own little boat to go around the island. Will be more expensive but it's private and you can stop in all the little coves. I was very jealous of the people who did it this way!
Jul 23rd, 2008, 07:36 AM
#67
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,848
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
re diving
This dive center is a good one in the area:
http://www.divingsorrento.com/english/diving.htm
This dive center is a good one in the area:
http://www.divingsorrento.com/english/diving.htm
Jul 23rd, 2008, 04:20 PM
#68
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 902
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ischia is a definite change of pace from Capri. It's far less crowded, but these days there are many German visitors.
It would be best to day trip there from Capri. They usually have two boats a day coming & going.
I would still suggest getting a driver from the airport to Sorrento. From Rome you'll have to train to Naples, then transfer to the Circumvesuviana...then either walk or taxi to your hotel. The Circumvesuviana is difficult with luggage as its more of a commuter train, and will likely be very crowded. Incidentally, you'll take the Circumvesuviana to Pompeii.
In Capri, the trip around the island and the Blue Grotto are usually done together. It doesn't take that long.
On a side note, I get the feeling that you're thinking all of these things take a day each to do. Keep in mind that this is a very small area you're going to. Most folks see and do everything we've talked about in 2 or 3 days...and that includes seeing Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, etc...
You're doing it right.
You have the wonderful luxury of 11 or 12 days here. You'll be able to do it all and still have ample time for relaxation.
I wish I was going with you.
It would be best to day trip there from Capri. They usually have two boats a day coming & going.
I would still suggest getting a driver from the airport to Sorrento. From Rome you'll have to train to Naples, then transfer to the Circumvesuviana...then either walk or taxi to your hotel. The Circumvesuviana is difficult with luggage as its more of a commuter train, and will likely be very crowded. Incidentally, you'll take the Circumvesuviana to Pompeii.
In Capri, the trip around the island and the Blue Grotto are usually done together. It doesn't take that long.
On a side note, I get the feeling that you're thinking all of these things take a day each to do. Keep in mind that this is a very small area you're going to. Most folks see and do everything we've talked about in 2 or 3 days...and that includes seeing Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, etc...
You're doing it right.
You have the wonderful luxury of 11 or 12 days here. You'll be able to do it all and still have ample time for relaxation.
I wish I was going with you.
Oct 15th, 2008, 11:44 AM
#69
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We're back. It was wonderful - relaxing and inspiring. Here are some of the highlights of our trip. Thank you all for your guidance in planning!
* Ravello - Villa Cimbrone - the Terrace of Infinity - just beautiful, the Temple of Baccus and the smell of the lavender walking up to it.
* Capri - we loved Capri - it felt like we were on our own private island. We loved exploring every corner of it. Hotel La Minerva was so peaceful and quiet and 5 nights was not too many days.
* Villa San Michele on Capri - I want a garden like Axel Munthe's - what a wonderful private garden.
* Pompei - the bakeries, brothel, amphitheatre
* Greek ruins at Paestum
* having parma (proscuitto) and local cheeses from the salumeria's
* the wonderful breakfasts from the hotels (la minerva in capri was our favorite breakfast - including a great selection of meats, cheeses, eggs cooked to order (3 min soft boiled - yum), fresh juices, cappucino, cookies, pastries
* La Tagliata and the hike there (1700 steps)- amazing food for an amazing value. Out best meal of the trip!
* Albergo Miramare balcony
* Hot chili oil with pizza - delicious! I don't know how I was eating pizza without it.
* Water with gas - this is my third trip to Europe and I have finally acquired the taste of sparkling water.
* Having access to good gelato, al dente pasta and wine cheaper than water everywhere.
* The bus ride from Sorrento to Positano - what a great work out for both arms!
* The ferry from Postiano to Amalfi - so convenient and what a great view.
* Hearing "buongiorno" and "buona serra" from the friendly locals.
* The old man, (he reminded me of Geppetto from Pinochio) making my sandals
* Ravello - Villa Cimbrone - the Terrace of Infinity - just beautiful, the Temple of Baccus and the smell of the lavender walking up to it.
* Capri - we loved Capri - it felt like we were on our own private island. We loved exploring every corner of it. Hotel La Minerva was so peaceful and quiet and 5 nights was not too many days.
* Villa San Michele on Capri - I want a garden like Axel Munthe's - what a wonderful private garden.
* Pompei - the bakeries, brothel, amphitheatre
* Greek ruins at Paestum
* having parma (proscuitto) and local cheeses from the salumeria's
* the wonderful breakfasts from the hotels (la minerva in capri was our favorite breakfast - including a great selection of meats, cheeses, eggs cooked to order (3 min soft boiled - yum), fresh juices, cappucino, cookies, pastries
* La Tagliata and the hike there (1700 steps)- amazing food for an amazing value. Out best meal of the trip!
* Albergo Miramare balcony
* Hot chili oil with pizza - delicious! I don't know how I was eating pizza without it.
* Water with gas - this is my third trip to Europe and I have finally acquired the taste of sparkling water.
* Having access to good gelato, al dente pasta and wine cheaper than water everywhere.
* The bus ride from Sorrento to Positano - what a great work out for both arms!
* The ferry from Postiano to Amalfi - so convenient and what a great view.
* Hearing "buongiorno" and "buona serra" from the friendly locals.
* The old man, (he reminded me of Geppetto from Pinochio) making my sandals
Oct 30th, 2008, 09:59 AM
#70
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Appletea, 
i've been for a week this summer in Sorrento, is the perfect base for your trip, there is a boat service from Naples to all the place in Neapolitan Riviera, from Sorrento you can visit Pompei, Ercolano, Positano, Amalfi. From Sorrento Port you can also go for a day to Capri, at night Sorrento is very live, with lots of Restaurant, bar... Me and my Family Sleept in Villarosa a Villa just in the center of Sorrento of the 50’s, recently refurbished and turned into an accommodation facility, large rooms, with all comfort. Fabio Brook the owner is a very kind person. Take a look at www.villarosasorrento.com
Have a nice time in Italy
i've been for a week this summer in Sorrento, is the perfect base for your trip, there is a boat service from Naples to all the place in Neapolitan Riviera, from Sorrento you can visit Pompei, Ercolano, Positano, Amalfi. From Sorrento Port you can also go for a day to Capri, at night Sorrento is very live, with lots of Restaurant, bar... Me and my Family Sleept in Villarosa a Villa just in the center of Sorrento of the 50’s, recently refurbished and turned into an accommodation facility, large rooms, with all comfort. Fabio Brook the owner is a very kind person. Take a look at www.villarosasorrento.com
Have a nice time in Italy
Mar 11th, 2009, 12:35 PM
#72
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
hi appletea (and anyone/everyone else that can help!),
im in the same position you were in when you first started planning your trip! and i was hoping you could help me out. i read through this entire post so i'll try not to make u repeat anything that was already written =)
my husband and i are also both 30, looking to have a good time and relax, take in the beauty and sites, and also appreciate the luxuries in life such as nice hotels and good food!
we're going to Italy in may for 9 days. all we have done so far is book our flights to Rome. we plan on spending the first 2 days in Rome sight-seeing there. then we have 6 days that we wanted to spend on the Amalfi Coast before heading back to Rome for 1 night to catch our return flight to the US. Can you help me figure out what places to go to and how long to stay? these are the places I was thinking about visiting:
Naples - is a few hours good for naples - like grab pizza for lunch and maybe the museum everyone is talking about?
Capri - we were originally thinking a day trip but after reading the post, do you think we should spend 1 or 2 nights?
Sorrento/Positano - i want to visit both places, but which should we stay at? i thought we should pick one since we don't have many nights to begin with, but do u think we should spend 2 nights in each place?
Ravello - is this a day trip or part of the drive along the coast? how did you visit ravello?
Pompeii - can this be a day trip on the way back to rome? or should it be a day trip while we're staying either in sorrento or positano?
Paestum - i never knew of this place before reading this port, so wasn't planning on visiting - but do you think we should?
Also, do you have suggestions on a route from rome to the amalfi coast and then back to rome?
Thanks in advance for your help!
im in the same position you were in when you first started planning your trip! and i was hoping you could help me out. i read through this entire post so i'll try not to make u repeat anything that was already written =)
my husband and i are also both 30, looking to have a good time and relax, take in the beauty and sites, and also appreciate the luxuries in life such as nice hotels and good food!
we're going to Italy in may for 9 days. all we have done so far is book our flights to Rome. we plan on spending the first 2 days in Rome sight-seeing there. then we have 6 days that we wanted to spend on the Amalfi Coast before heading back to Rome for 1 night to catch our return flight to the US. Can you help me figure out what places to go to and how long to stay? these are the places I was thinking about visiting:
Naples - is a few hours good for naples - like grab pizza for lunch and maybe the museum everyone is talking about?
Capri - we were originally thinking a day trip but after reading the post, do you think we should spend 1 or 2 nights?
Sorrento/Positano - i want to visit both places, but which should we stay at? i thought we should pick one since we don't have many nights to begin with, but do u think we should spend 2 nights in each place?
Ravello - is this a day trip or part of the drive along the coast? how did you visit ravello?
Pompeii - can this be a day trip on the way back to rome? or should it be a day trip while we're staying either in sorrento or positano?
Paestum - i never knew of this place before reading this port, so wasn't planning on visiting - but do you think we should?
Also, do you have suggestions on a route from rome to the amalfi coast and then back to rome?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Mar 11th, 2009, 12:59 PM
#73
I would stay in Capri first. It's not that difficult to arrive from the airport (bus will take you from the airport to the port to catch a ferry).
http://www.portal.gesac.it/portal/pa...OPORTO/Autobus
After Capri, I would stay in Positano. Last move to Sorrento. There is an airport shuttle bus from Sorrento to the airport unless you have a very early flight.
http://www.curreriviaggi.it/
http://www.portal.gesac.it/portal/pa...OPORTO/Autobus
After Capri, I would stay in Positano. Last move to Sorrento. There is an airport shuttle bus from Sorrento to the airport unless you have a very early flight.
http://www.curreriviaggi.it/
Mar 11th, 2009, 01:54 PM
#75
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,120
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi, dtph -
> we plan on spending the first 2 days in Rome sight-seeing there
I trust you realize that 2 days is very little time for a city with as many treasures as Rome!
> Naples - is a few hours good for naples - like grab pizza for lunch and maybe the museum everyone is talking about?
It depends on what you want to see and do! If all you want to do is have pizza and see the Museum of Archeology, you could probably get by with 3 or 4 hours. I found 2.5 days far too little for what I wanted to do there!
> Capri - we were originally thinking a day trip but after reading the post, do you think we should spend 1 or 2 nights?
Many of us found Capri much more enjoyable after the day-trippers have left, so if you can, staying there a night is worth considering.
> Ravello - is this a day trip or part of the drive along the coast? how did you visit ravello?
You can visit Ravello by bus from Amalfi. It is high above the coast.
> Paestum - i never knew of this place before reading this port, so wasn't planning on visiting - but do you think we should?
Paestum is magnificent and well worth the visit if you have any interest in Greek temples.
Hope that helps!
> we plan on spending the first 2 days in Rome sight-seeing there
I trust you realize that 2 days is very little time for a city with as many treasures as Rome!
> Naples - is a few hours good for naples - like grab pizza for lunch and maybe the museum everyone is talking about?
It depends on what you want to see and do! If all you want to do is have pizza and see the Museum of Archeology, you could probably get by with 3 or 4 hours. I found 2.5 days far too little for what I wanted to do there!
> Capri - we were originally thinking a day trip but after reading the post, do you think we should spend 1 or 2 nights?
Many of us found Capri much more enjoyable after the day-trippers have left, so if you can, staying there a night is worth considering.
> Ravello - is this a day trip or part of the drive along the coast? how did you visit ravello?
You can visit Ravello by bus from Amalfi. It is high above the coast.
> Paestum - i never knew of this place before reading this port, so wasn't planning on visiting - but do you think we should?
Paestum is magnificent and well worth the visit if you have any interest in Greek temples.
Hope that helps!
Mar 11th, 2009, 02:52 PM
#77
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
hi dtph,
how exciting! =)
>my husband and i are also both 30, looking to have a good time and relax, take in the beauty and sites, and also appreciate the luxuries in life such as nice hotels and good food!
since you say this, i recommend staying 2-3 nights in positano and 2-3 nights in capri. we fell in love with our hotel in both places (albergo miramare in positano and hotel la minerva in capri). the hotel la minerva is one of my all time favorite hotels ever. the breakfast and the views and how peaceful it was, makes me so happy just to think about it.
>Naples - is a few hours good for naples - like grab pizza for lunch and maybe the museum everyone is talking about? - i'm not sure it's even worth visiting keeping in mind that you only have 6 days and you want to relax and take in the beauty and the sites.
>Capri - we were originally thinking a day trip but after reading the post, do you think we should spend 1 or 2 nights?
yes, as i said above, it is one of our favorite places we've visited. we felt like we had our own island sometimes, especially after the day trippers left. what month are you going?
>Sorrento/Positano - i want to visit both places, but which should we stay at? i thought we should pick one since we don't have many nights to begin with, but do u think we should spend 2 nights in each place?
sorrento is a great base if you want to go to paestum and pompeii, so it depends if you want to see those two sites. positano is just beautiful and also allows easy access to go to ravello.
>Ravello - is this a day trip or part of the drive along the coast? how did you visit ravello?
it would be a great day trip and we took a ferry from positano to amalfi, and then a bus up to ravello. villa cimbrone is simply amazing.
>Pompeii - can this be a day trip on the way back to rome? or should it be a day trip while we're staying either in sorrento or positano?
i recommend this be a day trip from sorrento . . .day trip on the way back to rome might be too hectic.
>Paestum - i never knew of this place before reading this port, so wasn't planning on visiting - but do you think we should?
so many beautiful things to see! i guess it depends on what you are most interested in seeing.
>Also, do you have suggestions on a route from rome to the amalfi coast and then back to rome?
we took the train from rome to naples and then the circumvesuviana to sorrento. on our way back we took the ferry from capri to naples and naples train back to rome.
Please let me know if you have any more questions. Glad to help! =)
how exciting! =)
>my husband and i are also both 30, looking to have a good time and relax, take in the beauty and sites, and also appreciate the luxuries in life such as nice hotels and good food!
since you say this, i recommend staying 2-3 nights in positano and 2-3 nights in capri. we fell in love with our hotel in both places (albergo miramare in positano and hotel la minerva in capri). the hotel la minerva is one of my all time favorite hotels ever. the breakfast and the views and how peaceful it was, makes me so happy just to think about it.
>Naples - is a few hours good for naples - like grab pizza for lunch and maybe the museum everyone is talking about? - i'm not sure it's even worth visiting keeping in mind that you only have 6 days and you want to relax and take in the beauty and the sites.
>Capri - we were originally thinking a day trip but after reading the post, do you think we should spend 1 or 2 nights?
yes, as i said above, it is one of our favorite places we've visited. we felt like we had our own island sometimes, especially after the day trippers left. what month are you going?
>Sorrento/Positano - i want to visit both places, but which should we stay at? i thought we should pick one since we don't have many nights to begin with, but do u think we should spend 2 nights in each place?
sorrento is a great base if you want to go to paestum and pompeii, so it depends if you want to see those two sites. positano is just beautiful and also allows easy access to go to ravello.
>Ravello - is this a day trip or part of the drive along the coast? how did you visit ravello?
it would be a great day trip and we took a ferry from positano to amalfi, and then a bus up to ravello. villa cimbrone is simply amazing.
>Pompeii - can this be a day trip on the way back to rome? or should it be a day trip while we're staying either in sorrento or positano?
i recommend this be a day trip from sorrento . . .day trip on the way back to rome might be too hectic.
>Paestum - i never knew of this place before reading this port, so wasn't planning on visiting - but do you think we should?
so many beautiful things to see! i guess it depends on what you are most interested in seeing.
>Also, do you have suggestions on a route from rome to the amalfi coast and then back to rome?
we took the train from rome to naples and then the circumvesuviana to sorrento. on our way back we took the ferry from capri to naples and naples train back to rome.
Please let me know if you have any more questions. Glad to help! =)
Mar 12th, 2009, 09:07 AM
#79
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
do you think we will need to rent a car on this trip? if so, for what portions? my husband and i love coastal drives and i've read that the amalfi coast is the most scenic drive in the world! should we do the drive ourselves? we've driven both sides of the mountain on the road to hana and back (in hawaii).
Mar 12th, 2009, 09:42 AM
#80
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
hi dtph, we did the road to hana too. that was fun driving and stopping to go on hikes and explore the waterfalls.
for amalfi coast, we didn't rent a car for the trip, it's really easy to use the buses and ferries to get around. it seems like parking would be difficult in the areas, in my opinion. also, you might enjoy the scenic drive more if you aren't driving. =)
for amalfi coast, we didn't rent a car for the trip, it's really easy to use the buses and ferries to get around. it seems like parking would be difficult in the areas, in my opinion. also, you might enjoy the scenic drive more if you aren't driving. =)
