Italy advise
 

Hi there!
I'm arriving in Rome from San Francisco on May 26. Then to Florence on May 28. Then to Positano on June 1, leaving back to SF via Rome on June 6.
Keeping that hurried schedule in mind, my question is:
I've reserved a room in Florence for all 4 nights. I've been to Florence twice before, and adore it, but also love the whole area so I'm wondering if at least one of the nights should be spent elsewhere in Tuscany? I will be renting a car.
Any thoughts and what town(s) would you suggest?
Next question:
I'm taking the train from Florence to Naples. From there is there any ferry ride into Positano? Or, would it be better to hire a ride(no busses on the Amalfi coast for me)? Anyone know what a hired car might cost?
Thanks, Jeff

Since you're renting a car and have already been to Florence twice, I'd skip Florence altogether and stay in a Tuscan or Umbrian small town instead. One-night stays anywhere on vacation are hectic and not restful.

Why not spend 4 nights in southern Tuscany like Chiusi, Montepulciano, or Lucignano? Having a car in Florence is a royal PITA [pain in the...], whereas having one in a smaller town is much more manageable. You can use this city as a base for day trips to Cortona/Lake Trasimeno, Perugia, Siena, etc., avoid Florence, AND still have reasonably good train connections to Naples (Chiusi or Arezzo especially).

SFt - There's a direct hydrofoil service between Naples ( Napoli Beverello port) and Positano twice daily in summer.

Departures are usually at 08.50 and 13.45. When the service re-starts you can confirm timetables on:

http://www.metrodelmare.com/l-mm2_b.html

Alternatively there are more frequent ferries to Positano from SALERNO.
Here's the link:

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

Hope this helps ...

Steve

P.S. A limo transfer from Naples to Positano normally costs about € 100

Jeff,
Interesting agenda. If you've been to Florence twice suggest you try something else, such as Siena, San Gimignano, Lucca, branch out and explore. If you go to Florence for the 4 nights why bother renting a car? Yes there is a ferry from Naples to Sorrento, from there you need to take the bus to Positano or you could hire a ride in Sorrento, though costly. Personally I'd just rent a car and drive myself, do not get all worked up about what people say about the roads...yep they are twisty but scenic, you don't have to do them at breakneck speed, parking can be troublesome in towns but getting around the area a car is generally more convenient so long as twists, heights or very narrow roads don't bother you.
Enjoy your trip.

Hi SF,

If you are going to have a car while yo are in Tuscany, why bother with the train to Naples?

I suggets that you drive to Sorrento, drop the car there and take the SITA bus to Positano.

>...no busses on the Amalfi coast for me..<

Why not? (Being bussed on the AC could be pleasant. :) )

((I))