Italy: Naples and Amalfi coast
Dec 3rd, 2012, 04:22 PM
#22
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If you do go to Naples, I'd recommend you stay in Naples. We loved it. I don't think I'd enjoy the travel to get in and out. Our hotel was very nice: Meuble Santa Chiara and super affordable. The B&B Medea that Michael recommends also seemed nice. Just look for air conditioning!
The restaurants in Naples were delicious and a fairly good value.
We were in Positano in late September and I thought the crowds were a bit much. We stayed at the Rifugio degli Dei, about a 20 minute walk from town and 300 steps above the main road at Arienza. They have 3 small apartments and we really loved our time there.
The restaurants in Naples were delicious and a fairly good value.
We were in Positano in late September and I thought the crowds were a bit much. We stayed at the Rifugio degli Dei, about a 20 minute walk from town and 300 steps above the main road at Arienza. They have 3 small apartments and we really loved our time there.
Dec 3rd, 2012, 04:53 PM
#23
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To my mind, Sorrento gets a bad rap. It's a large town not on the Amalfi Coast but situated on a cliff above the Gulf of Naples and has a view of Mt. Vesuvius. Go to Google images and look up Sorrento. You'll see it's quite beautiful. It's kind of a lushly planted town, benefitting by the volcanic ash in the soil. And it does have good transportation connections -- to Capri. Pompeii and Herculaeneum, and Naples as well as the Amalfi Coast. And it has a choice of restaurants.
Whereas Positano is a small, steep town full of expensive hotels and expensive boutiques for rich tourists. I prefer Amalfi or one of the smaller towns on the AC to Positano.
Whereas Positano is a small, steep town full of expensive hotels and expensive boutiques for rich tourists. I prefer Amalfi or one of the smaller towns on the AC to Positano.
Dec 3rd, 2012, 05:14 PM
#24
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Agree with Mimar, especially if you get a great hotel or villa with great views. Just because it isn't actually on the AC doesn't mean the Sorrento location isn't beautiful.
You are right that the AC isn't best known for wonderful beaches. That is why I think a pool in August is a must. I would still stick with the AC for your trip. It is, IMHO, one of the most beautiful places I've been, for me - surpassing even the Greek Islands of Mykonos and Santorini. It is a great combination with Turkey, depending on how much time you are allowing for Turkey.
You are right that the AC isn't best known for wonderful beaches. That is why I think a pool in August is a must. I would still stick with the AC for your trip. It is, IMHO, one of the most beautiful places I've been, for me - surpassing even the Greek Islands of Mykonos and Santorini. It is a great combination with Turkey, depending on how much time you are allowing for Turkey.
Dec 4th, 2012, 11:23 AM
#25
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othank you folks!
yes that's what i figured that AC is worth seeing at least once...if not more.....we've now decided to go June 21-July 7 - so there has been that flexibility with dates phew. Greece is out of the question as one couple has already been and does not want to repeat (that is however my first choice, easiest when paired with turkey but oh well).
we'll stick with amalfi. Turkey is another 10 days...we're going to attempt istanbul, Ephesus, Pammukale and Hot air balloon over Cappodochia....and back to Istanbul.
Our flights are...what can I say....right now for June Expedia shows 1500 for flying into Naples and out of Istanbul. Naples to Istanbul one way ticket on cheapoair is 289$ so that's a whopping $1700 flight from SFO.
yes that's what i figured that AC is worth seeing at least once...if not more.....we've now decided to go June 21-July 7 - so there has been that flexibility with dates phew. Greece is out of the question as one couple has already been and does not want to repeat (that is however my first choice, easiest when paired with turkey but oh well).
we'll stick with amalfi. Turkey is another 10 days...we're going to attempt istanbul, Ephesus, Pammukale and Hot air balloon over Cappodochia....and back to Istanbul.
Our flights are...what can I say....right now for June Expedia shows 1500 for flying into Naples and out of Istanbul. Naples to Istanbul one way ticket on cheapoair is 289$ so that's a whopping $1700 flight from SFO.
Dec 4th, 2012, 11:37 AM
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$1500 from SFO isn't bad - I am looking at $1850 (as of this morning) from PDX (Portland) to Naples! I know that Villa le Sirene has some vacancies for the time you are going to be on the Amalfi Coast - I just emailed with Chiara the owner today.
Dec 4th, 2012, 12:04 PM
#27
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I don't think you will regret the AC. After four visits, I would return at any opportunity. The scenic beauty wows me every time. I had looked forward to Greece for years and enjoyed it, but more by the archeological sites than scenic beauty. Turkey, however, was the biggest Wow of my travels, with Cappodochia (balloon ride) being at the top. Your trip will be fantastic and the new dates are even better.
Dec 4th, 2012, 01:23 PM
#28
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oh my gosh im so excited - thank you so much!!! I too feel like turkey will be wow and amalfi so pretty (from the il postino??) movie long back haha.
ok so 1700 from portland wow. ekc are you going around that time as well as we are? are you going to book your flights now or wait ? i just wonder how this game works...esp for the summer months.
I will check out Villa le Sirene.
Sassafrass - do you know of any transportation such as driver/van (to accomodate 8 of us) within turkey? i want to do a road trip from istanbul to cappodochia....vs train or bus.
thank you again!
ok so 1700 from portland wow. ekc are you going around that time as well as we are? are you going to book your flights now or wait ? i just wonder how this game works...esp for the summer months.
I will check out Villa le Sirene.
Sassafrass - do you know of any transportation such as driver/van (to accomodate 8 of us) within turkey? i want to do a road trip from istanbul to cappodochia....vs train or bus.
thank you again!
Dec 4th, 2012, 03:28 PM
#29
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Yes, I am going the last week of June (and I did the same week in Positano last year). Although right now it is looking to be closer to $1850, I am hoping it will go down to closer to $1700. I usually wait to book my tickets until January - hoping for some post-holiday dip in fares. But I check fares every day (looking at Luftansa and United right now) and if I see a decent drop in fares I will jump on it. There just aren't as many options flying from the West Coast (except the Alitalia direct from LAX).
Good luck!!
Good luck!!
Dec 4th, 2012, 04:13 PM
#30
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thanks!! For those of you who recommended I land in naples and immediately head to my base in the Amalfi Coast - is that possible to do if my flight lands at 9pm in Naples? are there buses in the summer that depart past 9pm from naples into the coast?
that is one option in flight that shows right now - the cheapest. and for that option i may end up having to stay in Naples for about 2 days and see Pompeii from Naples before heading to the coast....
that is one option in flight that shows right now - the cheapest. and for that option i may end up having to stay in Naples for about 2 days and see Pompeii from Naples before heading to the coast....
Dec 4th, 2012, 04:17 PM
#31
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I don't know for sure but I doubt the buses run from Naples to the A/C past 9 p.m. (which would really be 10 p.m. after going through passport control, getting luggage, etc.). If you are getting in that late, I would consider staying in Naples at least 1 night.
Dec 4th, 2012, 05:25 PM
#32
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Sorry, I misspelled Cappodocia the first time.
Have you looked into flights from Naples to Nevsehir or Kayseri - the airports that service Cappodocia? Would definitely be my first choice.
The times we've hired vans have not been fun and I won't do it again. With eight people, you will also need room for luggage, so it would have to be a pretty big van. Others may have had a better experience.
After tons of research, we decided to fly between Istanbul and Cappodocia. We landed at Ataturk, short layover, and straight on to Cappodocia. Since your flight from Naples is shorter, this would work especially well for you if you must fly into Istanbul first. Saves time and money by not going into Istanbul for a night first. RT on Turkish Air was $110 from Ist to Cap.
Unless there is something on that road trip you must see, I suggest saving as much travel time as possible and visit the coast instead.
When you start a thread on Turkey, you will get lots more great info. People really helped me with planning our time there.
Have you looked into flights from Naples to Nevsehir or Kayseri - the airports that service Cappodocia? Would definitely be my first choice.
The times we've hired vans have not been fun and I won't do it again. With eight people, you will also need room for luggage, so it would have to be a pretty big van. Others may have had a better experience.
After tons of research, we decided to fly between Istanbul and Cappodocia. We landed at Ataturk, short layover, and straight on to Cappodocia. Since your flight from Naples is shorter, this would work especially well for you if you must fly into Istanbul first. Saves time and money by not going into Istanbul for a night first. RT on Turkish Air was $110 from Ist to Cap.
Unless there is something on that road trip you must see, I suggest saving as much travel time as possible and visit the coast instead.
When you start a thread on Turkey, you will get lots more great info. People really helped me with planning our time there.
Dec 4th, 2012, 05:32 PM
#33
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If your flight is landing that late, then do stay the night in Naples and visit Pompeii on your way to (Sorrento?) the next day. You will be tired, but if you go on so late that night, I think the whole next day will be shot. If you stay in Naples that night, you have a fighting chance of a decent nights sleep.
Dec 5th, 2012, 10:48 AM
#34
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Turkish Airlines has summer promotion tickets until 11 Dec turkishairlines.com (English available)
IMO you had better do
Naples-İstanbul(131 EUR one way) ex:9 jul ALITALIA(skyscanner)
İstanbul-Nevşehir(43 USD return) ex: 9 jul-11 jul THY
İstanbul-İzmir (return)(43 USD return) ex: 11 jul-15 jul THY
İzmir-Kuşadası/Ephesus-İzmir(bus/midibus)
İzmir-Denizli/Pamukkale-İzmir(bus)
glad to help you more
IMO you had better do
Naples-İstanbul(131 EUR one way) ex:9 jul ALITALIA(skyscanner)
İstanbul-Nevşehir(43 USD return) ex: 9 jul-11 jul THY
İstanbul-İzmir (return)(43 USD return) ex: 11 jul-15 jul THY
İzmir-Kuşadası/Ephesus-İzmir(bus/midibus)
İzmir-Denizli/Pamukkale-İzmir(bus)
glad to help you more
Dec 11th, 2012, 08:39 AM
#36
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folks, i've finalized my itinerary, please review and let me know if anything is irrational.....thank you again.
22 Land in Naples - looking for a morning/afternoon arrival into Naples. Go directly to Amalfi via Bus. Change the bus at Amalfi to Conca Dei Marini (this is where we found a villa with pool for 8 people). OR take private taxi for 180 euros for 8 ppl directly to the villa from Naples.
23 Relax and enjoy the villa
24 Day tour by boat from Amalfi to Capri - 3 hour hop off at Capri, (includes Blue Grotto), tour covers Ravello, Positano, Atrani by boat
25 Spend day in Positano....maybe after lunch take the boat to sorrento....have coffee there in the main square...and then take the bus ride back to Amalfi. (the infamous bus ride along the coast from Sorrento to Amalfi) I don't know if there will be a return bus early evening???
26 I would like to see Ravello, Villa Cimbrone and walk down to Amalfi (90 minutes). BUT I also have to visit Pompeii so today may need to be Pompeii excursion.
27 We check out of villa and head to Naples. Overnight in Naples. I would like to see Pompeii here on the way to Naples. But we will have our luggage. And we will need to go from our Villa in Conca dei Marini to Amalfi first. Take bus to Sorrento??? Then the train to Pompeii?? Leave luggage. Sightsee Pompeii then take train to Naples in evening. Is this stupid or doable with careful planning? Otherwise take private taxi to Pompeii, leave luggage, sightsee, and take train to Naples?
28 flight to Istanbul from Naples.
Any advice??
22 Land in Naples - looking for a morning/afternoon arrival into Naples. Go directly to Amalfi via Bus. Change the bus at Amalfi to Conca Dei Marini (this is where we found a villa with pool for 8 people). OR take private taxi for 180 euros for 8 ppl directly to the villa from Naples.
23 Relax and enjoy the villa
24 Day tour by boat from Amalfi to Capri - 3 hour hop off at Capri, (includes Blue Grotto), tour covers Ravello, Positano, Atrani by boat
25 Spend day in Positano....maybe after lunch take the boat to sorrento....have coffee there in the main square...and then take the bus ride back to Amalfi. (the infamous bus ride along the coast from Sorrento to Amalfi) I don't know if there will be a return bus early evening???
26 I would like to see Ravello, Villa Cimbrone and walk down to Amalfi (90 minutes). BUT I also have to visit Pompeii so today may need to be Pompeii excursion.
27 We check out of villa and head to Naples. Overnight in Naples. I would like to see Pompeii here on the way to Naples. But we will have our luggage. And we will need to go from our Villa in Conca dei Marini to Amalfi first. Take bus to Sorrento??? Then the train to Pompeii?? Leave luggage. Sightsee Pompeii then take train to Naples in evening. Is this stupid or doable with careful planning? Otherwise take private taxi to Pompeii, leave luggage, sightsee, and take train to Naples?
28 flight to Istanbul from Naples.
Any advice??
Dec 11th, 2012, 09:30 AM
#37
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A few thoughts...
On the 25th: Take the bus from Amalfi to Positano. It will drop you all off at the TOP of Positano. Work your downhill through the town during the course of your time there until you end up at the water. From there, take a ferry back to Amalfi. Positano, as you may know is built on the side of a hill and is mostly stairs (check Google images). At least this way, you'll all spend most of the day going DOWN steps.
On the 24th: I'm pretty sure that boat tour does not include Ravello (which is landlocked)...
You really need at least 3-4 days just to see Naples (even without visits to the archeological museum or Pompeii) a week would be better. You don't have the days this time, of course, as there is no where to cut. But do keep it in mind for a future trip.
Most importantly - be prepared to split up and have smaller groups going different places. That means everyone having maps/schedules/transport info on them. You can always plan time together for the evening meal to share the days adventures (dinner typically starts after 8 pm in Italy).
Seven people traveling together can be VERY unwieldy and there is no way everyone will always want to see and do the exact same things or go to the exact same places. EVERYONE in your group should be travel savvy enough to get around by foot, bus, train, and ferry without someone (you?) holding their hand.
On the 25th: Take the bus from Amalfi to Positano. It will drop you all off at the TOP of Positano. Work your downhill through the town during the course of your time there until you end up at the water. From there, take a ferry back to Amalfi. Positano, as you may know is built on the side of a hill and is mostly stairs (check Google images). At least this way, you'll all spend most of the day going DOWN steps.
On the 24th: I'm pretty sure that boat tour does not include Ravello (which is landlocked)...
You really need at least 3-4 days just to see Naples (even without visits to the archeological museum or Pompeii) a week would be better. You don't have the days this time, of course, as there is no where to cut. But do keep it in mind for a future trip.
Most importantly - be prepared to split up and have smaller groups going different places. That means everyone having maps/schedules/transport info on them. You can always plan time together for the evening meal to share the days adventures (dinner typically starts after 8 pm in Italy).
Seven people traveling together can be VERY unwieldy and there is no way everyone will always want to see and do the exact same things or go to the exact same places. EVERYONE in your group should be travel savvy enough to get around by foot, bus, train, and ferry without someone (you?) holding their hand.
Dec 11th, 2012, 10:38 AM
#39
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thanks folks! Does the 27th seem doable???? As in, will i be able to leave my luggage at Pompeii sightsee and move on to Naples??
I know traveling with 8 ppl....i've done it twice before...it was fun....but trying at times.
And yes, definitely am prepared for splitting up. The option is I can do Naples and Amalfi coast for the entire two weeks that I have....
That would be an ideal trip....the folks wanna split countries and hence we're off to Turkey...but I will surely return to the Amalfi Coast one day I know...with just me and my husband...so at that point I will make sure to sightsee it in a much more leisurely way.
I know traveling with 8 ppl....i've done it twice before...it was fun....but trying at times.
And yes, definitely am prepared for splitting up. The option is I can do Naples and Amalfi coast for the entire two weeks that I have....
That would be an ideal trip....the folks wanna split countries and hence we're off to Turkey...but I will surely return to the Amalfi Coast one day I know...with just me and my husband...so at that point I will make sure to sightsee it in a much more leisurely way.
Dec 11th, 2012, 12:10 PM
#40
>>>22 Land in Naples - looking for a morning/afternoon arrival into Naples. Go directly to Amalfi via Bus.<<<
You might consider taking the Ali bus from the airport to the port and catching a ferry to Amalfi. Check ferry schedules in late spring to see if the times would work. Otherwise, I would take the Curreri shuttle bus from the airport to Sorrento (10€) and catch the Sita bus on to Amalfi.
>>>And we will need to go from our Villa in Conca dei Marini to Amalfi first. Take bus to Sorrento???<<<
You should be able to catch the Sita bus to Sorrento in the lower town of Conca dei Marini. From Sorrento you would catch the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii.
http://www.summerinitaly.com/plannin...a_sorrento.asp
There is a different Sita bus that you should be able to catch in the upper part of Conca that goes to Naples. It has a stop in Castellammare which is very close to Pompeii (only 9 minutes by Circumvesuviana train). This bus is also a possibility for arrival day - bus from Naples to Conca. I doubt these schedules are up to date so you would need to check next summer when the new schedules are out.
http://www.summerinitaly.com/plannin...ore_naples.asp
>>>>As in, will i be able to leave my luggage at Pompeii sightsee and move on to Naples??<<<
Yes. There is free storage at the entrance to Pompeii.
You might consider taking the Ali bus from the airport to the port and catching a ferry to Amalfi. Check ferry schedules in late spring to see if the times would work. Otherwise, I would take the Curreri shuttle bus from the airport to Sorrento (10€) and catch the Sita bus on to Amalfi.
>>>And we will need to go from our Villa in Conca dei Marini to Amalfi first. Take bus to Sorrento???<<<
You should be able to catch the Sita bus to Sorrento in the lower town of Conca dei Marini. From Sorrento you would catch the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii.
http://www.summerinitaly.com/plannin...a_sorrento.asp
There is a different Sita bus that you should be able to catch in the upper part of Conca that goes to Naples. It has a stop in Castellammare which is very close to Pompeii (only 9 minutes by Circumvesuviana train). This bus is also a possibility for arrival day - bus from Naples to Conca. I doubt these schedules are up to date so you would need to check next summer when the new schedules are out.
http://www.summerinitaly.com/plannin...ore_naples.asp
>>>>As in, will i be able to leave my luggage at Pompeii sightsee and move on to Naples??<<<
Yes. There is free storage at the entrance to Pompeii.
