Honeymoon to Italy..NEED HELP!
 

I'm planning our honeymoon to Italy next September for 8 nights to Rome (3 nights) and the Almafi Coast (5 nights) and I can't decide between staying in Sorrento or Positano. Which one would you recommend for a honeymoon including relaxing on the beach and a few day trips. Also, which hotels would you recommend? preferably 4 star.
Thanks in advance,
Natalie

Did almost the exact trip this past September...7 nights Positano and 3 nights Rome.

It was our honeymoon. Here is my trip report:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34871283

p.s. Positano no debate!!!

My husband and I just returned from a 25th anniversary trip to Rome/Positano/Rome. We stayed at the Villa Franca(4*), which was lovely. You do a search on Trip advisor and see what hotel would suit you. Positano is well-situated along the Amalfi coast if you want to see other towns. But what you must realize is that getting around in this area is a hair-raising experience. Buses run quite frequently between the towns, eliminating the need for a car. I can't advise you what town to stay in--that depends on what you are looking for on your trip. Do lots of research!

saps,

I ready your trip report and it sounds OUT OF THIS WORLD!! I would love to do the same exact itinerary. Did you book the trip yourself? can you email the price range of your trip if you don't mind?
[email protected]

My own view is that you can cut down on the "hair raising" nature of town-hopping in the Amalfi by not town hopping. People seem not to understand that a great deal of the eternal attraction of the Amalfi is the chance to unwind, get away from traffic, worship the sun, live the sybaritic life. That doesn't happen if you've got your nose stuck in a tour book that tells you "should" see Capri, you "should" the church in Amalfi, you "should" see the gardens of Ravello, blah blah.

Bring a book. Some watercolors. Toenail polish. Whatever. Just leave your plans behind.

Exactly, N, one year I rented a duplex in Praiano and every morning had a slow breakfast on my porch admiring the view, then read a book in the garden and admired the view, then went to town for lunch and admired the view then went back to my garden and admired the view and then either cooked dinner at home or went to a restaurant and admired you know what and then in the middle of the night sat on my bedroom veranda and you guessed it. And it was one of the best times of my life.

(Although some days I did take the bus or a taxi to the other towns for the afternoon)

I honeymooned in Positano last year (Oct. 2005). I can't recommend our hotel enough, it was truly amazing. It's called Albergo Miramare and you will defintely be able to find threads on it here. That's how I found it. You can also read my review and see my pictures on tripadvisor.com. It's pricey but if you feel like splurging (or if perhaps it's not a spluge!), I'd say this is a killer spot.

Another highly recommended hotel at probably half the cost is Hotel California. It was recently featured in Budget Travel magazine as one of the best deals on the Amalfi Coast. I walked by it when I was there and it definitely had a great location with amazing views from the front rooms.

We stayed in Positano the entire time, and took day trips from there. I didn't even go to Sorrento, so I really can't compare...but Positano was a great place for a base. We took day trips to Capri, Amalfi, Ravello...very easy to hop on a boat right there in town or a bus. I can't imagine not being able to get wherever you want to go from Positano. Plus, it's a cute town itself with great restaurants, shops, beaches and LOTS OF STEPS!

You will love it!

Hi N,

Much depends on what you want to do other than lying on a beach.

Sorrento is more convenient to Pompeii, Mt Vesuvius and Herculaneum.

Both are convenient to Capri.

((I))

Thank you all for your help. I think I've decided to stay in Positano. After thinking about it...the view and quaintness is what is most important to me.

Hi seaurchin, so are you trying to tell us you really enjoyed the view, LOL! P.S. I truly understand.

Nats,
You know until you asked I don't think I added it up...

I would estimate that it was $8-9K without airfare and the art / souvenirs that we bought.

...and yes I planned and booked the entire trip myself. I used this website, Trip advisor, slowtrav.com and a lot of Google to plan everything.

Planning it yourself is half the fun (well maybe 10%)

Yes, Love Italy, I loved the view. Here are the photos on my other site.

www.pbase.com/mightyone

SeaUrchin,

What gorgeous photos. Will you share the name of the rental? I'm taking my daughter to Rome and Florence this winter, but next summer I would love to visit the coast and have a more "laid back" Italian experience. Thanks again for sharing your beautiful pictures. (Can't decide if I liked the view or Gino better!)

Gino was so sweet but he only understood Italian!! I would talk to him and he would just look at me in a puzzled expression, like what is this woman saying?

This is one of my favorite rentals that I have used in the area.

http://www.villeinitalia.com/houses/Portapenta.jsp

Happy planning!

I would say Positano for sure. WE used a great company called ITR and you can email the owner direct at [email protected] this lead to another great chauffeur company who took care of all the driving in Italy for us.
You will feel like a star by the time you leave. Good luck with the wedding.