Help with itinerary in Southern Italy in Maye
Feb 5th, 2016, 12:51 AM
#22
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Well said? It's a complete lie, kja. It's is both of you who are being absurd, purusing a stupid vendetta against me.
In this case, the comment about Capri came from someone -- me -- who walked up to the Villa Jovis. So you are wrong Blueeyedcod!
The walk up to Villa Jovis -- which is so often recommended -- was flat out disappointing. Most of the path going up there is among private walled residences for the rich, whose walls make it difficult to see anything of the sea. I had an unfortunate lunch at a restaurant recommended for not being touristy that was just tired and sad. Villa Jovis itself -- apart from the charming goats -- is not much of an archeological sight in comparison to so much else that is worth seeing in the area. The point of course is the views -- which I said multiple times in my post are the highlight of any trip to the area -- but actually the views from the Villa Jovis are not the best views in Capri that I saw. After walking back down the hill, we also walked to the south side of the island, again in residential areas, for more views (this time a bit more thrilling that those from the Villa Jovis).
I have posted before on Fodor's that many years ago, I was planning a trip to Italy, and was researching the le Cinque Terre as my top destnation. I came across an anonymous post somewhere on the internet (this was in the days of Compuserve) where someone candidly described all the negative aspects of le Cinque Terre. I was immensely grateful to find this post, and if I could ever find the person who wrote, I would thank them profusely. Instead of going to le Cinque Terre, I went to a different part of the Italian Riviera which I never would have done were it not for this post I read -- and now I live here. I have since visited le Cinque Terre and will never go back. I disliked its touristy-ness completely. If that had been my only experience of the Italian Riviera, I would have missed something wonderful that changed my life!
Candor is to valued in travel discussion when people are trying to plan a trip. The people on Fodor's who set themselves against candor are really not being helpful to people trying to plan trips. Why they are here posting, trying to get rid of candor, making up stories about other posters, and being furious at valid, truthful observations from other travelers who have been to the places under discussion, I have no idea.
In this case, the comment about Capri came from someone -- me -- who walked up to the Villa Jovis. So you are wrong Blueeyedcod!
The walk up to Villa Jovis -- which is so often recommended -- was flat out disappointing. Most of the path going up there is among private walled residences for the rich, whose walls make it difficult to see anything of the sea. I had an unfortunate lunch at a restaurant recommended for not being touristy that was just tired and sad. Villa Jovis itself -- apart from the charming goats -- is not much of an archeological sight in comparison to so much else that is worth seeing in the area. The point of course is the views -- which I said multiple times in my post are the highlight of any trip to the area -- but actually the views from the Villa Jovis are not the best views in Capri that I saw. After walking back down the hill, we also walked to the south side of the island, again in residential areas, for more views (this time a bit more thrilling that those from the Villa Jovis).
I have posted before on Fodor's that many years ago, I was planning a trip to Italy, and was researching the le Cinque Terre as my top destnation. I came across an anonymous post somewhere on the internet (this was in the days of Compuserve) where someone candidly described all the negative aspects of le Cinque Terre. I was immensely grateful to find this post, and if I could ever find the person who wrote, I would thank them profusely. Instead of going to le Cinque Terre, I went to a different part of the Italian Riviera which I never would have done were it not for this post I read -- and now I live here. I have since visited le Cinque Terre and will never go back. I disliked its touristy-ness completely. If that had been my only experience of the Italian Riviera, I would have missed something wonderful that changed my life!
Candor is to valued in travel discussion when people are trying to plan a trip. The people on Fodor's who set themselves against candor are really not being helpful to people trying to plan trips. Why they are here posting, trying to get rid of candor, making up stories about other posters, and being furious at valid, truthful observations from other travelers who have been to the places under discussion, I have no idea.
Feb 5th, 2016, 12:57 AM
#23
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shame on you blueyedcod and kja. This thread is for the OP, not you. The fact that you don't like the posts of other people who have been to the Amalfi and Capri and have valid observations to report for those who ask doesn't excuse your behavior. Many people go to these places and have mixed experiences and reactions that are every bit as valid as yours. To try to frame them as having done something wrong in their travels is worse than absurd. You're just being downright mean. Why? Because I've exposed you before and you are determined to get even? How many threads are you going to go on ruining blueyedcod taking swipes at what I post?
Feb 5th, 2016, 02:19 AM
#24
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Oh for heaven's sake - take a deep breath.
So much angst and for what? Because your absurd and silly points of view have been challenged and discredited? Someone centuries ago said Cinque Terre was rubbish and you are grateful to this random person and so the OP should listen to you because *your* one off experience validates everything? That is nonsense.
Then you say I have 'framed them (the OP) as having done something wrong' well considering they never even mentioned going to Capri I would withdraw that nonsensical observation.
Calm down.
So much angst and for what? Because your absurd and silly points of view have been challenged and discredited? Someone centuries ago said Cinque Terre was rubbish and you are grateful to this random person and so the OP should listen to you because *your* one off experience validates everything? That is nonsense.
Then you say I have 'framed them (the OP) as having done something wrong' well considering they never even mentioned going to Capri I would withdraw that nonsensical observation.
Calm down.
Feb 5th, 2016, 02:30 AM
#25
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Lol - typo 'framed them (other posters aka Sandralist) as having done something wrong)' - my point still stands.
Your shrill, argumentative tone is, quite frankly, unwarranted. You rail against points of view and yet you chastise me for having exactly that - a point of view.
Baffling.
OP - enjoy your planning.
Your shrill, argumentative tone is, quite frankly, unwarranted. You rail against points of view and yet you chastise me for having exactly that - a point of view.
Baffling.
OP - enjoy your planning.
Feb 5th, 2016, 05:50 AM
#26
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Okay.
I have decided to take out Puglia stay but keep in Matera. We will take train to Naples on our first night which is May 11th.We have 11 nights departing on the 22 in the afternoon. Rome is not a focus of
So Naples 2N/Amalfi 4N/Matera 3N/Rome 2N. renting a minivan from Salerno to Matera and then either driving to Rome or dumping car in Bari and taking train.I think driving to Rome direct is less hassle with luggage. This itinerary gives option of a drive to one of nearby Puglia towns if desired.
Other option is Naples 3Nights/matera2N/amalfi 4Nights/Rome 2 nights. Renting car in Naples in morning and returning it preferably to Salerno but could return to Naples if necessary and arrange a private transfer.
I will look into minivan rental. I found an apartment in Positano for the 4 nights . I need to look at Naples accommodation and Matera.
If both options are feasible any thoughts?
I have decided to take out Puglia stay but keep in Matera. We will take train to Naples on our first night which is May 11th.We have 11 nights departing on the 22 in the afternoon. Rome is not a focus of
So Naples 2N/Amalfi 4N/Matera 3N/Rome 2N. renting a minivan from Salerno to Matera and then either driving to Rome or dumping car in Bari and taking train.I think driving to Rome direct is less hassle with luggage. This itinerary gives option of a drive to one of nearby Puglia towns if desired.
Other option is Naples 3Nights/matera2N/amalfi 4Nights/Rome 2 nights. Renting car in Naples in morning and returning it preferably to Salerno but could return to Naples if necessary and arrange a private transfer.
I will look into minivan rental. I found an apartment in Positano for the 4 nights . I need to look at Naples accommodation and Matera.
If both options are feasible any thoughts?
Feb 5th, 2016, 10:57 AM
#27
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Naples 2 nights or 3 and Matera 2 nights or 3 really just depends on what you want to see/do. Certainly it would take a long time to see all Naples has just within the city center. Matera can be seen in much less time but there are many excursions you can do in the area and just the views could warrant days of sitting and staring. Parking can be a little hairy in Matera so make that part of your accommodation search--but there is public parking and in mid May I think you'll be fine as long as you don't mind walking to your hotel from a spot.
Feb 5th, 2016, 11:29 AM
#28
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I think option A sounds like the best plan. You will get best use of the car that way. A vehicle on the Amalfi Coast can be an expensive nuisance if you have to pay for parking (unless your apartment has parking and even then if you drive offsite, you still have to sit in traffic and pay to park somewhere else).
Feb 5th, 2016, 12:46 PM
#29
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No matter which option I do we will not have a car in Amalfi Coast...If we go to Matera after Naples we will either bring back the car to Naples or drive from Matera to Salerno and bring it there and move onto our accommodation on the coast.
The apartment in Positano is quite expensive especially with our very low Canadian dollar. I will see if there are other options. There was one in Praiano that looked nice if I take option.
I could do 3 nights in Naples leaving earlier in the day for amalfi coast then 4 amalfi and the 2 nights in Matera and off to Rome.
I will see if getting a minivan in Salerno is a possibility.
The apartment in Positano is quite expensive especially with our very low Canadian dollar. I will see if there are other options. There was one in Praiano that looked nice if I take option.
I could do 3 nights in Naples leaving earlier in the day for amalfi coast then 4 amalfi and the 2 nights in Matera and off to Rome.
I will see if getting a minivan in Salerno is a possibility.
Feb 5th, 2016, 01:34 PM
#30
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I think your option of going to Matera after Naples and then returning the car to Salerno makes the most sense. Actually you could then include the temples in Paestum which are wonderful and very close to Salerno. You could leave Matera in the morning, drive to the temples and spend several hours, then return the car in Salerno and get to your hotel in Positano in time for dinner.
In Matera, if you aren't terribly fussy about a hotel I can recommend Hotel Palace. We choose it (Piazza Michele Bianco, €93) just because it was one of the first you would come to when driving into Matera, yet was close enough to walk to the historic center. I am SOOOO glad we didn’t choose a hotel involving driving into the center itself. The hotel is an easy 10-15 minute walk to the main piazza, has free parking right outside. It’s a large, business type place, no character but everything you need – free wifi that actually seems to work well, mini fridge, TV (with English stations), large room, very clean, nice reception. Decent breakfast included.
In Matera, if you aren't terribly fussy about a hotel I can recommend Hotel Palace. We choose it (Piazza Michele Bianco, €93) just because it was one of the first you would come to when driving into Matera, yet was close enough to walk to the historic center. I am SOOOO glad we didn’t choose a hotel involving driving into the center itself. The hotel is an easy 10-15 minute walk to the main piazza, has free parking right outside. It’s a large, business type place, no character but everything you need – free wifi that actually seems to work well, mini fridge, TV (with English stations), large room, very clean, nice reception. Decent breakfast included.
Feb 5th, 2016, 04:45 PM
#31
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The thing with Praiano - it's cheap because its only transport is the very crowded SITA bus. It has a little shuttle that runs back and forth to Positano but that is only in certain hours. If that doesn't matter to you then Praiano is a lovely village.
Feb 5th, 2016, 05:14 PM
#32
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So I looked into minivans to get to and from Matera .$785 Canadian for a couple of days and not available from Salerno. An economy car for same period was $140.
I will look into train/ bus from either Naples or Salerno to Matera or possibility a private transfer. Or we could rent two cars but I prefer not to.
I will need to determine when to go to Matera- after Naples or after Amalfi.......
How many nights needed in Positano-3 or 4? Without a car 2 nights in Matera will be plenty. I think Naples warrants 3.
I will look into train/ bus from either Naples or Salerno to Matera or possibility a private transfer. Or we could rent two cars but I prefer not to.
I will need to determine when to go to Matera- after Naples or after Amalfi.......
How many nights needed in Positano-3 or 4? Without a car 2 nights in Matera will be plenty. I think Naples warrants 3.
Feb 5th, 2016, 06:20 PM
#33
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IMO, isabel's suggestion to visit Paestum is excellent. Give yourselves a few hours for the temples, consider another hour for the small excellent museum, and be sure to taste the local buffalo mozzarella while there.
I prefer your option of Naples 3Nights/matera2N/amalfi 4Nights/Rome 2 nights, but as already noted, what works for you really depends on YOUR interests, not mine.
I prefer your option of Naples 3Nights/matera2N/amalfi 4Nights/Rome 2 nights, but as already noted, what works for you really depends on YOUR interests, not mine.
Feb 6th, 2016, 07:39 AM
#34
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I checked Paestum hours and it is closed the Monday we would be going from Matera and Amalfi. It's too bad as I would have worked out a transfer with a local company from Salerno train station to Paestum and then to apartment.
The trains and buses should work out okay. I like using local transportation but usually we are just 2.
The trains and buses should work out okay. I like using local transportation but usually we are just 2.
Feb 13th, 2016, 05:17 PM
#37
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At this point my itinerary for the 6 of us looks like this.
On day of arrival at FCO May 11th- taxi to Rome Termini and take fast train to Naples.
3 night stay in Naples.
May 14th morning taxi to Naples airport and pick up Fiat Skudo van and drive to Positano. Apartment has parking and is just north of the town, walking distance to centre. can take public transit while in Amalfi Coast area to avoid driving.....
4 nights in Positano until the 18th.
May 18th drive Positano to Matera for 2 night stay.( under 4 hours)
May 20th drive Matera to Rome Termini station and deposit car.
I have not finalized accommodations. Will need to find somewhere in Matera where we can park the van.
I did consider returning the van at Bari airport and then taking train to Rome but thought 5 hour drive Matera to Rome termini is doable.
Another option was private transfers from Naples to Positano; Positano to Matera; Matera to Bari train station with train Rome to Naples and Bari to Rome. I looked into costs and they would be similar to car rental cost with the extra cost being the train from Bari for 6.
I think the order makes sense with less wasted days driving around.
Looking at Hotel Carrera 241 in Naples or Hotel Piazza Bellini (more expensive but doable).
Apartment in Positano..
Not sure where in Matera or Rome.
Suggestions welcome....We need 2 doubles, and 2 singles.
Van rental would be through AutoEurope - Europcar or Budget..Europcar slightly more expensive but seems to come with all inclusive insurance.....I do have insurance from Visa card. .
any comments re car rentals...
Thanks
On day of arrival at FCO May 11th- taxi to Rome Termini and take fast train to Naples.
3 night stay in Naples.
May 14th morning taxi to Naples airport and pick up Fiat Skudo van and drive to Positano. Apartment has parking and is just north of the town, walking distance to centre. can take public transit while in Amalfi Coast area to avoid driving.....
4 nights in Positano until the 18th.
May 18th drive Positano to Matera for 2 night stay.( under 4 hours)
May 20th drive Matera to Rome Termini station and deposit car.
I have not finalized accommodations. Will need to find somewhere in Matera where we can park the van.
I did consider returning the van at Bari airport and then taking train to Rome but thought 5 hour drive Matera to Rome termini is doable.
Another option was private transfers from Naples to Positano; Positano to Matera; Matera to Bari train station with train Rome to Naples and Bari to Rome. I looked into costs and they would be similar to car rental cost with the extra cost being the train from Bari for 6.
I think the order makes sense with less wasted days driving around.
Looking at Hotel Carrera 241 in Naples or Hotel Piazza Bellini (more expensive but doable).
Apartment in Positano..
Not sure where in Matera or Rome.
Suggestions welcome....We need 2 doubles, and 2 singles.
Van rental would be through AutoEurope - Europcar or Budget..Europcar slightly more expensive but seems to come with all inclusive insurance.....I do have insurance from Visa card. .
any comments re car rentals...
Thanks
Feb 13th, 2016, 06:51 PM
#38
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I've already given you a recommendation for lodging in Matera -- the Locanda di San Martino:
http://www.locandadisanmartino.it
http://www.locandadisanmartino.it
Feb 13th, 2016, 07:30 PM
#39
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Thanks. The hotel looks great and they have parking options too. The room prices look fair. I am also looking at Le Case di Stano -an apartment. I am not sure my husband is keen on a cave hotel although the Locanda has non cave room options.
