HELP! Amalfi Coast Itinerary
 

My husband and I are travelling from Rome to the Amalfi Coast Region from June 8-15. We don't want to change hotels too much. What would be a really good base to explore the area? Sorrento/positano/ravello/amalfi/salerno? We plan on visiting the islands of capri and ischia as well. Should we plan to stay there or just make day trips? Any suggestions for nicer hotels (<$350.00/night)? What is the best way to get to the area from Rome? Should we rent a car?
HELP! any must-sees in the area?

Others will differ, but Sorrento makes an ideal base for exploring. A great little city in its own right, there are convenient ferries to Capri, Positano and Amalfi, and a short train ride to Pompeii (highly recommended). You can reach Sorrento by train rather easily (circumvensuvia). No car is necessary, and in fact is a detriment. Call Aldo if you want a reliable taxi driver! The only "nicer" hotel is the Grand Vitoria, which is really grand, but quite expensive. Remember, these days $350 = 200 euros or so.

thanks for your input. Should I just stay in Sorrento the entire time?

If price isn't a big deal, take the train from Rome to Naples and get a driver the rest of the way to where ever you want to stay (I found dragging our bags on the circumvensuvia a big pain, plus if you decide to go beyond Sorrento, its the bus from there). Don't bother with a car, take the bus or ferry between towns.

We loved Positano. For a nicer hotel, many recommend Le Sirenuse. I have not stayed on Capri, but many here recommend an overnight stay. I would pick one city as a base (probably not Ravello because of access) and you could easily do an overnight to Capri with the time you have.

Sorrento is more convenient, esp. if you plan on visiting Pompeii ( 30 minutes by train) and Ischia, which is closest to Naples. But it is also a small city with tons of traffic, tour groups,and Fish n Chip restaurants. I think Positano is much more atmospheric and charming, even though it has plenty of crowds in the summer months, too.

Our favorite hotel in the area is the family-run, 4-star Hotel Poseidon, which is a few blocks uphill from the grander and much more expensive (!!) Le Sirenuse. The views from the hotel are exceptional, as are the food and service. We've stayed in a junior suite there that had sweeping views over town- pure magic.

Another hotel in Positano that I'd recommend highly, and which is cheaper is ALBERGO MIRAMARE, and also BUCCO DI BACCO ( I might have that name spelled wrong), down the hill, closer to town and the covered bazaar.

If you stay in Positano, have your hotel arrange lunch or dinner in Montepertuso, a mountain village close to Positano. There are several restaurants there which are fantastic, and the views are gorgeous!

i can't tell you all how much i appreciate the great advice. I may have a few more questions...