ITALY Itineray feedback
 

My boyfriend and I will be traveling to Italy in November. (The first 2 weeks). I'm trying to finalize our plans, but still have a few questions. I'd love to hear everyone's feedback on our ideas.

Originally our wishlist stops were: Rome, Naples and Almafi Coast and Sicily. We will be flying from Miami, FL and figured it may be cheapest to fly into Rome then take a train down to Naples, then a bus to Almafi Coast and ferry to Sicily. My dilemma is whether it would be cheaper to make our way back up to Rome to fly out again or if there are reasonable flights from Palermo?
Now, we've decided we'd like to add Venice. I know it's way off path, but it's our 2nd thrip to Italy and that's one of the stops we didn't make on our first visit.

Does anyone have any suggestion on where we should fly in and out of and which order we should go? I also read somewhere that the Almafi Coast is a bit deserted in November. Is this true??

Thanks in advance for your help!

Yes, Amalfi Coast will be rather deserted in November. There are year-round residents, so a few restaurants will remain open, but for the most part it will be very, very quiet. Sorrento will feel more "open" than Positano or Amalfi. Ferry service to Capri will be limited and subject to cancellations because of poor weather.

If it were my trip, I'd include Venice or Sicily but not both. I'd choose Venice over Sicily because of the opportunity to experience Venice without the crushing hordes of tourists in high season. The risk is being there during acqua alta (which would be an interesting experience nevertheless). This is more likely around Nov. 5th when there is a full moon but can't really be predicted because of other contributing factors (weather, wind).

I'll leave it to you to research flight costs and options from/to Miami. I live in L.A.

HI. We are doing a very similar trip in November. We are flying into Naples (better rate than Rome), staying in Sorrento (3nights) to explore Pompeii and Capri. Then flight on Air One from Naples to Palermo, Sicily. We will be in Sicily 6 days, and fly out of Catania. Hope this helps.

Just a bit of warning about travel to Capri in November: When we were there that time of the year, the seas were too choppy for the boats to make the trip.

Hi, MiamiNole!

You ask for feedback about your proposed Italy itinerary. I notice that you express interest in the Amalfi Coast. The weather there in November will be as others have already told you: dismal and practically closed down 'til spring.

You initially mentioned Naples. Naples is a difficult city to recommend. Many travelers visit Naples quickly only on a 3rd or 4th visit to Italy; some travelers wisely stay away. It is a city that simply has so much going against it that it is difficult to find any reason for actually going there unless one wishes to see a special museum or cathedral, or to visit with friends or family, or to conduct genealogical research.

Venice, on the other hand, does indeed merit a visit. You mentioned not being able to see Venice on your first visit to Italy; why not scratch off your list the Amalfi Coast and Naples and insert instead Venice.

Your flight plan could look something like this: Miami to Sicily, Sicily to Rome, Rome to Venice, and then Venice to Miami. Or perhaps the reverse!

Whatever you choose, whichever way you decide, do enjoy your travels and keep us all posted afterwards. Buon viaggio!