First Italy Trip: tour versus independent?
Apr 28th, 2014, 05:47 PM
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First Italy Trip: tour versus independent?
I would like to travel in Italy for 4weeks (sept 2014). I have looked at guided tours to name a few ( ie GateOne, Rick Steves,etc). I have been researching thru travel guide books,websites and this forum for past 8weeks. Needless to say now I'm getting confused and find myself procrastinating about whats the best choice for me. Hence the reason I'm here. I'm drawn to the experience of independent travel. I have only done it in United States (mainland,Hawaii and PuertoRico). I have never done guided tour travel. I will be traveling solo. This is my first experience with European travel. I am a healthy,active,attractive,middle age working professional female with one carryon piece of luggage. I've seen several tours that hit most of the places I'd like to visit. However there seems to be a lot of time spent on bus travel vs train travel to destinations along the guided tours. I don't speak Italian therefore have concerns about getting lost on trains (little apprehensive about first time European independent/solo travel)since limited travel time. I am not interested in renting a car. I am interested in train travel, if it gets me to my destination quicker than a bus. I realize this also requires additional planning/scheduling re; alternative transportation(after looking at sites in Italian ...I'm really clueless how to arrange tickets). I would like to travel North to South flying into Milan and departing from Naples. I'm drawn to the Italian culture in general especially their architecture,art,history and cuisine/agriculture. People and how they live are very inspiring to me. Side-note my maternal grandparents were from Southern Italy( island of Ischia and a small remote town outside of Avillino). I enjoy people but I'm particular about travel mates hence attraction to solo travel. (I prefer to be responsible for my own happiness vs. the disappointment of others). This is sort of a life celebration trip for me approaching empty-nesterhood, (3 kids off to college/graduating).Ive been dreaming of going to Italy for some time.
Therefore I'm seeking info to finalize my travel tour choice and anything else that would benefit a solo independent traveler like myself thru Italy.
Questions:
1.What's the best tour choice for this trip: independent/guided/combination guided n independent?
2. Is this 4 week tentative plan (local/length of stay) realistic?
Milan/2days
Varenna/Lake Como/ Verona /3ays
Dolomites/2days
Venice/2days
Florence/2days
Cinque Terre/2days
Siena/Assisi/2days
Umbria/Orvieto / 2days
Rome/3days
Southern Italy / 7days
would like to include/experience:
*The Costiera Amalfitana/An amalfi coastal drive (private driver).
*visit one of the quaint towns in that local to experience an evening of cuisine and music.(?positano/suggestions) ?base location vs.
*sorrento(as base location ?) with day boat trip to capri
*Ischia / to relax 3 days at thermal mineral healing pools
*end in naples with a day visit Pompeii/museum in naples/then depart next day.
Again I truly appreciate the time anyone has taken to read/reply to any part of this lengthy inquiry.. This site is so amazin thanks to all the insightful contributions that are shared here... I have learned so much about Italy/European travel in general as a result of my frequent visits here.
Peaceful travels to all!
Therefore I'm seeking info to finalize my travel tour choice and anything else that would benefit a solo independent traveler like myself thru Italy.
Questions:
1.What's the best tour choice for this trip: independent/guided/combination guided n independent?
2. Is this 4 week tentative plan (local/length of stay) realistic?
Milan/2days
Varenna/Lake Como/ Verona /3ays
Dolomites/2days
Venice/2days
Florence/2days
Cinque Terre/2days
Siena/Assisi/2days
Umbria/Orvieto / 2days
Rome/3days
Southern Italy / 7days
would like to include/experience:
*The Costiera Amalfitana/An amalfi coastal drive (private driver).
*visit one of the quaint towns in that local to experience an evening of cuisine and music.(?positano/suggestions) ?base location vs.
*sorrento(as base location ?) with day boat trip to capri
*Ischia / to relax 3 days at thermal mineral healing pools
*end in naples with a day visit Pompeii/museum in naples/then depart next day.
Again I truly appreciate the time anyone has taken to read/reply to any part of this lengthy inquiry.. This site is so amazin thanks to all the insightful contributions that are shared here... I have learned so much about Italy/European travel in general as a result of my frequent visits here.
Peaceful travels to all!
Apr 28th, 2014, 06:24 PM
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You will never find a tour that gives you anything close to the flexibility you will need for this kind of trip.
And, if you did, it would cost you 30% more than doing it yourself. Yes, you can do it but you will need a ton of help. The help you need is right here on this Forum.
What I see is too many 2 day destinations---not good. I would drop at least 2 of those and give more time to Venice and Rome. But, what you need first is YOUR commitment to making it happen--it will not be easy---your call.
And, if you did, it would cost you 30% more than doing it yourself. Yes, you can do it but you will need a ton of help. The help you need is right here on this Forum.
What I see is too many 2 day destinations---not good. I would drop at least 2 of those and give more time to Venice and Rome. But, what you need first is YOUR commitment to making it happen--it will not be easy---your call.
Apr 28th, 2014, 06:37 PM
#3
Most people on this board plan their own trips.
>>>However there seems to be a lot of time spent on bus travel vs train travel to destinations along the guided tours. <<<
Some areas/cities in Italy are only served by bus so it depends on where you want to go.
You have to keep in mind that 2 nights somewhere is only 1 sightseeing day. Three nights = 2 sightseeing days. I think you need to trim your list and decide what is most important. From your paired down list, decide what are must sees in each city to see if you actually have time for them.
If you wanted to see Siena, you could with a two night stay, but not Assisi and Siena in that time. Ditto for Orvieto/Umbria.
I would cut half your list.
>>>However there seems to be a lot of time spent on bus travel vs train travel to destinations along the guided tours. <<<
Some areas/cities in Italy are only served by bus so it depends on where you want to go.
You have to keep in mind that 2 nights somewhere is only 1 sightseeing day. Three nights = 2 sightseeing days. I think you need to trim your list and decide what is most important. From your paired down list, decide what are must sees in each city to see if you actually have time for them.
If you wanted to see Siena, you could with a two night stay, but not Assisi and Siena in that time. Ditto for Orvieto/Umbria.
I would cut half your list.
Apr 28th, 2014, 06:43 PM
#4
I should have added that the bus can be as fast as the train, but depends on which city. For example, you can travel from Rome to Siena by Sena bus which drops you at the historic center (the train is not central). There are no changes (the train requires changes) and travel time is the same. Ditto for Florence/Siena which is better by Sita bus. Assisi doesn't have a train station although Sena operates between Siena/Assisi. The train station close to Assisi is in the town S. Maria Angeli and then you take a bus to Assisi.
It's not just transport time, but checking in/out of hotels, getting to/from hotels/train or bus stations. Orienting yourself to a new location. You can count on losing a half day every time you change locations. With a month travel, you also need to factor in some down time to do laundry several times.
It's not just transport time, but checking in/out of hotels, getting to/from hotels/train or bus stations. Orienting yourself to a new location. You can count on losing a half day every time you change locations. With a month travel, you also need to factor in some down time to do laundry several times.
Apr 28th, 2014, 07:43 PM
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Firstly, unless you like riding around on a train and checking in/out of hotels, you will need to set some priorities and reduce the number of stops by a considerable margin. It's an easy mistake because there are so many great places to see. However, you need to make some hard choices.
I have traveled to Italy five time all on my own. You don't needed a guide to take you from place to place. What you do need on occasion is a guide to explain a particular site or city to provide added depth and appreciation. For example, when in Rome, arrange a half-day tour of ancient Rome, and another half- day of the Vatican.
Digressing back to your itinerary, it is best to pick about four to Five destinations for your length of time. You have 10 destinations in 25 days. You can do day trips from each destination if you choose, or just enjoy each local place.
I suggest eliminating the following: Dolomites, Cinque Terre, you could spend three days alone in Lake Como (Verenna is in Lake Como, but Verona is a long day trip. Three days in Rome is not enough, nor is just two days in Florence or Venice. There is nothing wrong with the places you want to see, but you can't see it all.
I have traveled to Italy five time all on my own. You don't needed a guide to take you from place to place. What you do need on occasion is a guide to explain a particular site or city to provide added depth and appreciation. For example, when in Rome, arrange a half-day tour of ancient Rome, and another half- day of the Vatican.
Digressing back to your itinerary, it is best to pick about four to Five destinations for your length of time. You have 10 destinations in 25 days. You can do day trips from each destination if you choose, or just enjoy each local place.
I suggest eliminating the following: Dolomites, Cinque Terre, you could spend three days alone in Lake Como (Verenna is in Lake Como, but Verona is a long day trip. Three days in Rome is not enough, nor is just two days in Florence or Venice. There is nothing wrong with the places you want to see, but you can't see it all.
Apr 28th, 2014, 08:04 PM
#6
A month (to be precise, 27 days in your scenario) sounds like a lot of time until you find out the logistics and time involved in moving around. You can have hotels do your laundry, but you do need to stay in the hotel long enough to get it back.
You need to get busy prioritizing your list, deciding what you want to see/do in each destination, how much time you think that might take, and how much time it will take to travel from place to place. IMO, unless you plan only to skim the surface everywhere, you don't have enough time except in Milan, possibly the Cinque Terre and in the Naples area.
While you're deciding what to see in a destination, you need to investigate whether those sights will be open during the days you're there. This can be a big issue if you plan to be in Florence on Sunday/Monday.
I would also probably also cut the list (not counting the Naples area) by half.
You need to get busy prioritizing your list, deciding what you want to see/do in each destination, how much time you think that might take, and how much time it will take to travel from place to place. IMO, unless you plan only to skim the surface everywhere, you don't have enough time except in Milan, possibly the Cinque Terre and in the Naples area.
While you're deciding what to see in a destination, you need to investigate whether those sights will be open during the days you're there. This can be a big issue if you plan to be in Florence on Sunday/Monday.
I would also probably also cut the list (not counting the Naples area) by half.
Apr 28th, 2014, 08:26 PM
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Hi Thin,
We are staying in Positano for 3 nights in May. We have not been to this guesthouse yet, but they have been very responsive and the location is great! Here is the information:
LA TAVOLOZZA
Residence House
Via C. Colombo 10
84017 POSITANO (SA)
Italy
We have rented the blue room which has a balcony and the price is 95 Euro per night. Hope this helps!
Laurie
We are staying in Positano for 3 nights in May. We have not been to this guesthouse yet, but they have been very responsive and the location is great! Here is the information:
LA TAVOLOZZA
Residence House
Via C. Colombo 10
84017 POSITANO (SA)
Italy
We have rented the blue room which has a balcony and the price is 95 Euro per night. Hope this helps!
Laurie
Apr 28th, 2014, 08:33 PM
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How about flying into Rome, minimum 4 nights, see those sights that are most important to you, work out the best way to see them, perhaps by yourself, very easy say for St. Peter's get there first thing in the morning, no crowds, then climb to the top immediately it opens, you will be coming back down say around 10.30 am when everyone else is getting there. Take guided tours for things like the Collosseum, Sistine Chapel, Forum, look for after hours opportunities, skip the line tickets etc and prebook on line. After Rome, 4 nights on the Amalfi coast, work out what you want to see, how you will do it, yourself, day tour and then base yourself in the centre. Now it is time for at least 4 nights in the country, say Sienna, take day trips/tours to surrounding towns/areas of interest. Now train to Florence, 4 nights in Florence, shopping, galleries and museums, walking tours. Now a train to Levanto, on the C.T. say 3 nights, take an early morning train via Pisa and spend the day checking out the tower, baptistery etc on your way through. Train from Levanto to Como via MIlan for 3 to 4 nights, can do a day trip to Milan from there and finally your last train trip,to Venice for your final few days, fly home from Venice, can do a daytrip to the Dolomites from there if it is a must do.
You can book all your rail before hand, using Rail Europe ( yes, more expensive than doing it all yourself, but worth it for a first timer) have all your accommodation, transfers, tours etc booked and write your own tour to suit what you want.
Lots of work but oh what fun, planning and creating the trip of your dreams.
You can book all your rail before hand, using Rail Europe ( yes, more expensive than doing it all yourself, but worth it for a first timer) have all your accommodation, transfers, tours etc booked and write your own tour to suit what you want.
Lots of work but oh what fun, planning and creating the trip of your dreams.
Apr 28th, 2014, 09:04 PM
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First, kudos to you for concentrating on one country to really see and experience something rather than rushing from country to country, and Italy is the best!
Like your attitude about being responsible for your own happiness and congrats on all the graduations, etc.
Listing nights instead of days or listing days plus travel time will help make logistics and sight seeing time clear. Even though it is nice to be places in the evening, some places work well as day trips, so you would not have to change hotels. A few would be fine to stop just for the day enroute from one place to another. Some might be eliminated unless there are particular reasons you wish to go. A few could be one night instead of two.
This is only a suggestion for layout of itinerary, not actually proposed places.
By days
Day 6, arrive Venice, 1/2 day Venice
Day 7 & 8, Venice
Day 9, travel to Verona, stash luggage at train station, tour Verona, travel to Florence, sleep Florence
Day 10, 11, 12 Florence (day trip to Siena from Florence)
Day 13, travel to Rome 1/2 day Rome
Day 14, 15, 16, 17, Rome (day trip to Orvieto or other place from Rome)
Day 18, travel to Ischia
Day 19, 20, Ischia
Day 21, travel to Sorrento
Day 22, 23, Sorrento base with day trips
Day 24, Pompeii enroute to Naples
Etc.
Or
Venice, 3 nts, 2 days
Travel to Florence via Verona, stopping for the day, 1 day
Florence, 4 nts, 3 days, with day trip to Siena
Travel to Rome, 1/2 day
Rome, 5 nts, 4 days, with day trip to Orvieto
Travel to Ischia, 3/4 day
Etc.
Like your attitude about being responsible for your own happiness and congrats on all the graduations, etc.
Listing nights instead of days or listing days plus travel time will help make logistics and sight seeing time clear. Even though it is nice to be places in the evening, some places work well as day trips, so you would not have to change hotels. A few would be fine to stop just for the day enroute from one place to another. Some might be eliminated unless there are particular reasons you wish to go. A few could be one night instead of two.
This is only a suggestion for layout of itinerary, not actually proposed places.
By days
Day 6, arrive Venice, 1/2 day Venice
Day 7 & 8, Venice
Day 9, travel to Verona, stash luggage at train station, tour Verona, travel to Florence, sleep Florence
Day 10, 11, 12 Florence (day trip to Siena from Florence)
Day 13, travel to Rome 1/2 day Rome
Day 14, 15, 16, 17, Rome (day trip to Orvieto or other place from Rome)
Day 18, travel to Ischia
Day 19, 20, Ischia
Day 21, travel to Sorrento
Day 22, 23, Sorrento base with day trips
Day 24, Pompeii enroute to Naples
Etc.
Or
Venice, 3 nts, 2 days
Travel to Florence via Verona, stopping for the day, 1 day
Florence, 4 nts, 3 days, with day trip to Siena
Travel to Rome, 1/2 day
Rome, 5 nts, 4 days, with day trip to Orvieto
Travel to Ischia, 3/4 day
Etc.
Apr 28th, 2014, 09:09 PM
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No need to go with a tour unless that's your preference -- many of us have travelled independently to these parts of the world, including many of us who are solo female travelers.
I do not think your itinerary is advisable -- too much! Please keep in mind that when many tour itineraries say "see X," they really mean, "drive by X." If you actually want to go into, around, or otherwise experience X, you will need to allot some time for doing so.
Here's a suggestion: Pull out a calendar and mark it up with transportation info: How long it will take to get from place to place (the Rough Guide is a good source of information for that), and then add in time to pack/unpack, check-in/out, get to/from the bus/train station, time to get to each bus/train station in plenty of time for whatever transit you need, and then look at the time that you have left. Basically, you'll be blocking out about 1/2 day each time you change locations. Doing this might help you think about what you need to do to trim your itinerary.
And even if you count transportation, I'm not sure your times are realistic. Only 3 days for Rome? I would think 4 or 5 more reasonable. Only 2 days for Florence? I could go on. Remember that the more you squeeze in, the more you necessarily squeeze out because of all the time lost to relocating. I think you will enjoy your time much more if you try to do much less.
Hope that helps!
I do not think your itinerary is advisable -- too much! Please keep in mind that when many tour itineraries say "see X," they really mean, "drive by X." If you actually want to go into, around, or otherwise experience X, you will need to allot some time for doing so.
Here's a suggestion: Pull out a calendar and mark it up with transportation info: How long it will take to get from place to place (the Rough Guide is a good source of information for that), and then add in time to pack/unpack, check-in/out, get to/from the bus/train station, time to get to each bus/train station in plenty of time for whatever transit you need, and then look at the time that you have left. Basically, you'll be blocking out about 1/2 day each time you change locations. Doing this might help you think about what you need to do to trim your itinerary.
And even if you count transportation, I'm not sure your times are realistic. Only 3 days for Rome? I would think 4 or 5 more reasonable. Only 2 days for Florence? I could go on. Remember that the more you squeeze in, the more you necessarily squeeze out because of all the time lost to relocating. I think you will enjoy your time much more if you try to do much less.
Hope that helps!
Apr 29th, 2014, 07:09 AM
#11
>>>You can book all your rail before hand, using Rail Europe ( yes, more expensive than doing it all yourself, but worth it for a first timer)<<<
Don't use Rail Europe. They are a reseller, deal in passes, mark up prices and don't even offer all trains in Italy. You can book directly with the actual train companies in Italy Trenitalia, Trenord (Milan and north to Lago Como), Italo (between major cities in Italy only). Naples to Sorrento is a private commuter type train (Circumvesuviana) and must be purchased there.
http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/inde...005817f90aRCRD
http://www.italotreno.it/en/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.trenord.it/EN/
Siena/Rome bus - http://www.sena.it/Home/78-1-en.html
Looking at Avellino, it takes 2-3 hours to reach by train from Naples (requires changes). There might be a bus that is faster or that goes to the small town you want to visit. You would need to make sure you could get a return bus (sometimes there can be big gaps in service and no service on Sunday).
Don't use Rail Europe. They are a reseller, deal in passes, mark up prices and don't even offer all trains in Italy. You can book directly with the actual train companies in Italy Trenitalia, Trenord (Milan and north to Lago Como), Italo (between major cities in Italy only). Naples to Sorrento is a private commuter type train (Circumvesuviana) and must be purchased there.
http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/inde...005817f90aRCRD
http://www.italotreno.it/en/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.trenord.it/EN/
Siena/Rome bus - http://www.sena.it/Home/78-1-en.html
Looking at Avellino, it takes 2-3 hours to reach by train from Naples (requires changes). There might be a bus that is faster or that goes to the small town you want to visit. You would need to make sure you could get a return bus (sometimes there can be big gaps in service and no service on Sunday).
Apr 29th, 2014, 08:58 AM
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Can only agree that you are trying to get to too many different places, not allowing the time it will take to get from one to another - or any down time at all. And Italy is all about down time if you want to really understand the culture.
Strongly advise you to get details on train schedules (bahn.de will have schedules for all of europe) so you understand how long it will take to get places - adding in checking in and out time as well as time to and from stations.
Then have a look at the Michelin Green Guide - which will give you an idea of how long it will take to see the major sights (the Vatican is most of a day - not 2 hours) so you can see how long you need to be in each city to see your musts.
Strongly advise you to get details on train schedules (bahn.de will have schedules for all of europe) so you understand how long it will take to get places - adding in checking in and out time as well as time to and from stations.
Then have a look at the Michelin Green Guide - which will give you an idea of how long it will take to see the major sights (the Vatican is most of a day - not 2 hours) so you can see how long you need to be in each city to see your musts.
Apr 29th, 2014, 01:00 PM
#13
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Hi Butterflytraveler! I'm doing the exact same thing this September and am so happy to have found this site and forum. Everyone's input has been so helpful. I'm actually booking travel as we speak, but I'm flying into Marco Polo in the AM, staying a bed and breakfast in the Piazzale Roma area one night, then boarding a cruise for the Greek Isles. Upon my return one week later, I'll take the train to Florence, then on to Rome. I'm a single traveler as well and while I'm terrified at traveling alone in a (for the most part) foreign speaking country, I'm no stranger to traveling alone. I'll hope to learn of your progress and trips on Fodors! Have a wonderful and safe trip. What are your dates of travel?
Beth
Beth
May 2nd, 2014, 08:23 PM
#15
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I really appreciate all the feedback Bob/KyBourbon/Cawino/Jean/Jan/Sassafrass/Kja/nytraveler and Beth. It provided me with a better perspective on how much I was missing out on as a result of such an unrealistic tour of Italy. Therefore I'm negotiating a 5 th week of vacation from my medical director as well as this pared down itineray. Train transportation to/from most of locations seems to work as well until get to southern Italy. I'd like to have a base location to spend sometime around the amalfi coastline. However from what I've read sept is really crazy with tourists n the Sevita bus service is unpredictable. Although I love hiking and walking , I'd prefer not to be in a local that's too remote. Would it be better to be in Salerno or Positano? This is my tentative itinerary pending the 5th week request. I also would like to spend 4hrs at Pompeii. As well as visit the archeological museum in Naples once back their before departing for my return home. Even though I have so so much more to do and figure out ,It's getting pretty exciting planning this adventure thanks to all the support and inspiration from each of you.
Milan day 1(arrive airport),2
Lake Como/Varenna day 3(a.m.train arrive),4,5
Venice day 6(a.m. train arrive),7,8,9
Cinque Terre day 10(a.m.train arrive),11
Florence day 12(a.m.train arrive),13,14,15
Rome. day 16(a.m.train arrive),17,18,19
Amalfi coast day 20(a.m.train arrive),21,22,23,24
Ischia. day 25(a.m.ferry/depart from?Sorrento),26,27,28
Naples day 29(a.m.ferry/depart from Ischia)30,
Depart pm of day 30 or day 31?for Boston.
Again is this realistic? As always your feedback is so greatly appreciated....have an awesome weekend!
Milan day 1(arrive airport),2
Lake Como/Varenna day 3(a.m.train arrive),4,5
Venice day 6(a.m. train arrive),7,8,9
Cinque Terre day 10(a.m.train arrive),11
Florence day 12(a.m.train arrive),13,14,15
Rome. day 16(a.m.train arrive),17,18,19
Amalfi coast day 20(a.m.train arrive),21,22,23,24
Ischia. day 25(a.m.ferry/depart from?Sorrento),26,27,28
Naples day 29(a.m.ferry/depart from Ischia)30,
Depart pm of day 30 or day 31?for Boston.
Again is this realistic? As always your feedback is so greatly appreciated....have an awesome weekend!
May 3rd, 2014, 01:56 AM
#17
>>>Milan day 1(arrive airport),2<<<
Why? Many people skip Milan. Is there something you must see there?
>>>Venice day 6(a.m. train arrive),7,8,9<<<
Won't happen. It will take you at least 4 hours to get from Como to Venice.
>>>Cinque Terre day 10(a.m.train arrive),11<<<
Won't happen. It will take you at least 6 hours to get from Venice to CT.
>>>Florence day 12(a.m.train arrive),13,14,15<<<
Maybe you could arrive by noon.
>>>I'd like to have a base location to spend sometime around the amalfi coastline. However from what I've read sept is really crazy with tourists n the Sevita bus service is unpredictable<<<
If you mean the Sita buses, you have no choice if you want to visit various locations. Ferries don't run often so depending on where you stay, a ferry might not depart until 10am. Buses are much more frequent (abut hourly along the coast). I don't know where you would have read the buses are unpredictable. Crowded yes, but not unpredictable.
>>>Would it be better to be in Salerno or Positano?<<<
I would not stay in Salerno. You would be a good distance from many of the towns people visit on the Amalfi coast. What is your reason for even thinking about staying there?
I think you are spending too much time in the Amalfi/Ishcia area (10 days) when there are so many other towns you could be visiting, but maybe you are just wanting to hang out then. By Oct. the weather can start to get iffy. Some people have wonderful weather early Oct., but you can also have rain/cold.
Why? Many people skip Milan. Is there something you must see there?
>>>Venice day 6(a.m. train arrive),7,8,9<<<
Won't happen. It will take you at least 4 hours to get from Como to Venice.
>>>Cinque Terre day 10(a.m.train arrive),11<<<
Won't happen. It will take you at least 6 hours to get from Venice to CT.
>>>Florence day 12(a.m.train arrive),13,14,15<<<
Maybe you could arrive by noon.
>>>I'd like to have a base location to spend sometime around the amalfi coastline. However from what I've read sept is really crazy with tourists n the Sevita bus service is unpredictable<<<
If you mean the Sita buses, you have no choice if you want to visit various locations. Ferries don't run often so depending on where you stay, a ferry might not depart until 10am. Buses are much more frequent (abut hourly along the coast). I don't know where you would have read the buses are unpredictable. Crowded yes, but not unpredictable.
>>>Would it be better to be in Salerno or Positano?<<<
I would not stay in Salerno. You would be a good distance from many of the towns people visit on the Amalfi coast. What is your reason for even thinking about staying there?
I think you are spending too much time in the Amalfi/Ishcia area (10 days) when there are so many other towns you could be visiting, but maybe you are just wanting to hang out then. By Oct. the weather can start to get iffy. Some people have wonderful weather early Oct., but you can also have rain/cold.
May 3rd, 2014, 05:39 AM
#18
Join Date: Jan 2003
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I agree with kybourbon---as I often do.
I would skip Milan unless you have a specific purpose.
On the AC, Positano is spectacular but Sorrento is more convenient asa transport hub---forget Salerno.
This may help:
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. If you want a guide for Pompeii consider www.luciapompeiiguide.com/
• 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 Montepertuso above Positano: http://www.latagliata.com/
I would skip Milan unless you have a specific purpose.
On the AC, Positano is spectacular but Sorrento is more convenient asa transport hub---forget Salerno.
This may help:
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. If you want a guide for Pompeii consider www.luciapompeiiguide.com/
• 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 Montepertuso above Positano: http://www.latagliata.com/
May 3rd, 2014, 06:52 AM
#19
Join Date: Feb 2007
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First I would like to encourage you to do the trip solo only using guides in specific cities for specific sites
I am a very senior woman who has made numerous trips to Italy alone using public transportation.
I have met wonderful people and had fabulous times .
The kindness of the Italians to tourists I have found to be remarkable.
In looking at your last proposed trip, I would eliminate tne 2 days in Cinque Terre really only 1 1/2 and add them to either Florence or Rome. There is to much to see and enjoy in these 2 cities that you can easily spend 1 week in each.
In Florence you can do day trips by bus to Sienna or other towns in Tuscany.
I understand your wanting to go to Ischia the birthplace of your grandparents. You should try to see if you have any cousins or other relatives still living there and perhaps try to visit them.
My first trip to Europe about 60 years ago I visited Calabria the birth place of my father and maternal grandparents. I met many cousins, aunts and uncles while there. It was an experience that I still savor.
Have a wonerful time planning the trip and actually making it.
I am a very senior woman who has made numerous trips to Italy alone using public transportation.
I have met wonderful people and had fabulous times .
The kindness of the Italians to tourists I have found to be remarkable.
In looking at your last proposed trip, I would eliminate tne 2 days in Cinque Terre really only 1 1/2 and add them to either Florence or Rome. There is to much to see and enjoy in these 2 cities that you can easily spend 1 week in each.
In Florence you can do day trips by bus to Sienna or other towns in Tuscany.
I understand your wanting to go to Ischia the birthplace of your grandparents. You should try to see if you have any cousins or other relatives still living there and perhaps try to visit them.
My first trip to Europe about 60 years ago I visited Calabria the birth place of my father and maternal grandparents. I met many cousins, aunts and uncles while there. It was an experience that I still savor.
Have a wonerful time planning the trip and actually making it.
May 3rd, 2014, 07:27 AM
#20
Just to discuss the whole getting to know the culture aspect of your holiday and your lack of Italian. I'd look at doing somehting like a cooking course for a couple of days, those based in English tend to be a bit more expensive but you will get a good idea of how food fits in and meet some people.
