Going to Rome and from there to Naples by train- question being-since we will go to Pompeii, Capri and the Amalfi Coast should we make Sorrento our home base? If so, any hotels recommended? Also, are there reasonable day tours to the Amalfi Coast and Paestum? Any advice on transportation in that area. Have been told by many travellers not to drive a car. Will continue the trip from there to Florence and again, should we take a train or drive?

Rose

Hi Rose - The usual recommendations for a base are Positano or Sorrento. Personally I much prefer Positano - but it depends what you want.

No need to take a tour of the Amalfi Coast. Distances are short, and you can plan your day around ferry and bus timetables.

Ferry timetables are on:

http://www.salernocity.com/comune/tr...i/costiera.asp


Paestum too can be reached easily by public transport. Train is quicker than bus (- Paestum station is a 10-15 mins walk from the archeolical site).

You can take the train from Pompeii F.S (- if you're staying in Sorrento) - or from Salerno (- if you're staying in Positano - or elsewhere on the Amalfi Coast).

For details see:
http://www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html

Personally I would avoid driving the Amalfi Coast in high season - much easier by ferry.


Unless you plan to tour Tuscany before Florence it would be advisable to go by train IMO - you won't need a car in Florence.

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Hi V,

When are you going?

Will be going September or October of 2008. You have enlightened me about using public transportation, which is what I would rather use if possible. Any hotels recommended?

Rose

If you put Sorrento hotels or Positano hotels in the search box you will find lots of threadsand recommendations.

Meanwhile these are useful places to start:

http://www.sorrentotourism.com/eng/g...ons/hotels.php

http://www.aziendaturismopositano.it...&idtesto=0

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Thanks for all your help.

Rose