i think my itinerary is perfect! (for us)
 

What do you think?
Fly into Venice, and out of Rome:
Venice: May 1-4
Rome: May 4-5
Positano: May 5-9
Capri: May 9-10
Rome: May 10-12
(We're doing Rome twice in case the weather is iffy at the end and we can't leave Capri when we need to.)
How does this sound? Do you think that the weather in May will affect any of our planned boat traveling (ferries, tours, etc?)
Thanks!

Hi M,

If YOU think it's perfect, why are you asking for comments?

First time Italy jitters, I guess. Just wanting to make sure I'm considering everything!
Also a little wary of my dates, I guess. Unsure of the weather in Italy.

Maybe I'm misreading it, but are you stopping in Rome the first time for just 1 night?

HI M,

That looks like a perfect itinerary for you.

I checked the weather forecast. It is going to rain in Rome on May 4-5 and May 10-12. Go there on May 8.

Seriously, it looks good.

Funny:)
Yep, on the way there, we'll just stop for one night in Rome, and then we'll do two on the way back.
Even if the weather stinks, we're still in Italy, right?

John Kerry better never post here. You people are merciless.

I think the title for my message was the problem. I was trying to be clever to get people to open it! Basically, though, it's perfect because of the info on this board.
Again, though, just wanted to do a final check before I start booking.

If you think it is perfect then it is since nobody here is going to take the trip for you.

Nobody can predict the weather but there are sites you can go to for retrieval of historical weather data such as weatherunderground.com

I won't do that 1 night in Rome, I would go directly from Venice to Positano. Too much packing/unpacking and moving about. In fact, if weather is a concern, I'd take a night off of Postitano and add it to Rome. There's so much to do in Rome in any weather, alhough I believe the weather in May is quite nice.

How are you travelling between cities?

I agree--stay in Rome only once--at the end.

We've been to Italy several times the first weeks of May - perfect weather every time! That said, I agree that I'd go directly from Venice to Positano - that way you'll enjoy Rome at the end in a more comprehensive way not wasting time packing, checking in, checking out, etc.

Maybe we will do that (stay in rome only at the end).
The only bad part would be that it would be a long day of travel, though, right? (going from Venice straight to Positano)
We were planning on doing the train to Naples, the hydrofoil to Sorrento, and the boat to Positano. Are we looking at like 10 hours of travel time?

That is too complex. Train to Naples and hire a driver from there--right to your hotel in Positano. Any other way will make it too hard.

I agree with Bob. If you land at the beach and your hotel is not one of the few right on the water you will be hiking up hill with luggage or you be paying a porter to carry each piece of luggage up (and you will still have to hike up).

A private driver (in a Mercedes) from Naples to your hotel should be about 100 Euros.

Maybe you're right. I'll do a search for hiring drivers to Positano; I've seen a lot of discussions on that lately. What can I expect to pay?

We were in Italy this past May 7- 22, beginning in Rome, then traveling north. The day-time weather was in the low 70s, mostly sunny everyday. Just one morning of torrential rain in Rome on May 9, but it cleared by noon. It was great weather. The flowers were in full bloom everywhere, especially on the Spanish Steps. Just take layers for the evenings, including a water resistant jacket. I wore sandals at night, no problem with cold feet. You'll love it.
:)>-

Alpi Eagle flies from Venice to Naples. Right now their promotional rate is 39 euros - one way. There's an early a.m. flight and an early afternoon one.

http://www.alpieagles.com/default.aspx

I was also thinking of flying. You shoud check Jeanne's rec. It may save you lots of time.

is that something i could book closer to the day?

Where is Florence ? Why Rome twice ? Why moving so much ? Probably wouldn't waste the time on a day (essentially) in Capri either.

<i>is that something i could book closer to the day?</i>

Yes. Watch the site through the winter. You may even get one of those 9 euros specials.

thanks!

Be sure to check luggage restrictions. Those small airlines are pretty stingy.

HI MN,

Train schedules are at www.trenitalia.com

Whether you go from Venice to Naples or Venice to Salerno to get to Positano, you are looking at a very long day.

The night train to Salerno arrives at 04:30

Either stick with your day in Rome, or fly to Naples. There is a bus from NAP to Sorrento: www.curreriviaggi.it/

((I))

I will, thanks!

Alitalia also flies from Venice to Naples. We got flights this year for &euro;50 each - the sooner you book, the cheaper.

IMO Rome needs at least 4 nights. I wouldn't do it last, though, since it's quite tiring.

Given only 5 nights total for Positano &amp; Capri I wouldn't stay in both of them, just one.

I agree with the suggestions to go straight through to Positano. Fly if can or take train, then driver. Yes, it is a long day, but I would rather have one long day than break up Rome like that. It will take time to check in and out, move, wait for transport, etc...

Happy travels!