Jojonana

Hello wise Fodorites!

My husband and I are planning our trip to Italy in mid-September. We want to spend a week in Rome, a week in the countryside (Abruzze) and one week on the Amalfi Coast.

Will it still be bustling with tourists at the end of September?

We like good authentic food and wine, hiking, exploring and want some action, but also much-needed tranquility.

Given all this and that we are planning on arriving by train (according to my information, it's not really useful to rent a car to explore this area), which one of these villages/spots would you recommend?

Thanks for the input!

Amalfi: http://www.vrbo.com/304308#rates
Near Torca: http://www.vrbo.com/318634
Positano: http://www.vrbo.com/312323
Ravello: http://www.vrbo.com/327192

Johanne

Lifeman

In late September it will be quietening down, as most of Europe's schoolchildren will have gone back after the summer break. It will still be busyish though, so don't expect deserted roads etc. but they will be a lot more driveable than in the height of the season.

I'm not sure why you were told that a hire car isn't a good idea, as it's great to be able to stop and start when you want, not when the buses want. My choice is always positano on the coast. It has more to offer than the others and is much more picturesque.

If you are arriving by train, then from Rome I presume that you'll either eventually arrive in Sorrento, or Salerno at the other end of the coast. It is however, a very pleasant drive across from Abruzze to the coast area.

Jojonana

Well, we might rent a car then! Specially since we want to go to the mountains after our week by the see.

Is it very hard to navigate around Naples by car?

Merci!

Lifeman

You won't go into the city as you'll be directed round on the autostrada. It's not difficult at all and if you leave after breakfast, you'll be there for a late lunch.

ira

Hi J,

It won't be mobbed, but it won't be empty.

We very much liked www.lesirene.com in Positano.

You might wish to consider a private limo to take you from Naples to your hotel on the AC.

cindyjo

Lifeman, we will be driving from Abruzzo to Sorrento in mid October. You mention that this is a nice drive. Do you have any suggestions for sightseeing or stops on the way? Did not mean to hijack this post, hope this may shed more light on original poster's question. Thanks.

Lifeman

The drive is about four and a half hours and takes you round Naples and on to the autostrada heading South. The most obvious places to stop would be Pompeii and Herculaneum, unless you've seen them previously.

However, to do justice to both of these places, you're going to need more than a couple of hours there. If you leave around 9am, you should be at Pompeii for around 11:30am. Allowing for sightseeing (you shouldn't be fighting through the crowds at that time of the year)you could be on your way to Sorrento/Amalfi coast by 3 to 4 pm. It's about an hour to Sorrento andan extra 20 or 30 mins to Positano.