Itinerary and Hotel Recommendations -- Amalfi Coast
Mar 29th, 2013, 04:52 PM
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Itinerary and Hotel Recommendations -- Amalfi Coast
We are planning a 2 week trip to the Amalfi Coast, landing in Naples in early August. Our itinerary is as follows:
2 nights Sorrento - taking private driver from airport
6 nights Positano - thinking we might hire same driver to transport us to Positano too
3 nights Capri- ferry over
We are celebrating my 40th and would love something that has charm, romantic and has great views of the water. We would rather have less of a hotel in order to have a balcony overlooking the water. Our budget is roughly between 300-400 USD/night. We love walking and exploring the towns so we want to be close (but not necessarily in) city center.
Also, any suggestions on sights to see is most appreciated. We are planning on seeing Pompei and exploring Ravello, Amalfi and any other towns in the area. My husband loves to cook, so we would love to do a cooking class or 2 (especially one centered around brick over pizzas).
2 nights Sorrento - taking private driver from airport
6 nights Positano - thinking we might hire same driver to transport us to Positano too
3 nights Capri- ferry over
We are celebrating my 40th and would love something that has charm, romantic and has great views of the water. We would rather have less of a hotel in order to have a balcony overlooking the water. Our budget is roughly between 300-400 USD/night. We love walking and exploring the towns so we want to be close (but not necessarily in) city center.
Also, any suggestions on sights to see is most appreciated. We are planning on seeing Pompei and exploring Ravello, Amalfi and any other towns in the area. My husband loves to cook, so we would love to do a cooking class or 2 (especially one centered around brick over pizzas).
Mar 30th, 2013, 01:18 PM
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heharris,
There are certainly many hotel options in your price point.. and I think the private driver is certainly the most comfortable way to go!
I'd perhaps do a Positano/Ravello/Capri option, just because I like Ravello better than Sorrento - but that's perhaps a personal choice. With a budget of 233 - 310 EUR per night, there are plenty of accommodation options.
On Capri, you might look at Hotel Minerva. Not sure if it will fall into your price range, but it's perhaps the highest-rated "less expensive" hotel on the island. It has some amazing views.
In Positano, you have a choice of being up higher or closer to the beach - depends on how you balance the "view" versus the number of stairs yo have to climb! Make sure you know EXACTLY where your hotel is located before booking! For example, I often help folks into the *Il San Pietro* in Positano, a Virtuoso property. It's an incredible hotel... but a hike into town!
In Positano or Ravello, you also have to decide how you'll get around -local buses, taxis, or private drivers. Perhaps not the best place for novices to rent a car! We've done it on Motorcycle, and while exciting (and beautiful), again - I'd not recommend that method for everyone. Living in Rome, and riding a motorino daily we were prepared for the Amalfi - EXCEPT when we head into Naples (a couple drives that almost ended in DIVORCE!).
There are two excellent cooking classes in Ravello; the most famous perhaps the Mamma Agata Cooking School. I've sent folks to this class and they STILL rave about their experience.
As you can see, I don't talk about Sorrento... for me the further you move away from Naples, the deeper you Amalfi experience... but again, just my personal preferences. You will often find less expensive accommodations in Sorrento.
There are certainly many hotel options in your price point.. and I think the private driver is certainly the most comfortable way to go!
I'd perhaps do a Positano/Ravello/Capri option, just because I like Ravello better than Sorrento - but that's perhaps a personal choice. With a budget of 233 - 310 EUR per night, there are plenty of accommodation options.
On Capri, you might look at Hotel Minerva. Not sure if it will fall into your price range, but it's perhaps the highest-rated "less expensive" hotel on the island. It has some amazing views.
In Positano, you have a choice of being up higher or closer to the beach - depends on how you balance the "view" versus the number of stairs yo have to climb! Make sure you know EXACTLY where your hotel is located before booking! For example, I often help folks into the *Il San Pietro* in Positano, a Virtuoso property. It's an incredible hotel... but a hike into town!
In Positano or Ravello, you also have to decide how you'll get around -local buses, taxis, or private drivers. Perhaps not the best place for novices to rent a car! We've done it on Motorcycle, and while exciting (and beautiful), again - I'd not recommend that method for everyone. Living in Rome, and riding a motorino daily we were prepared for the Amalfi - EXCEPT when we head into Naples (a couple drives that almost ended in DIVORCE!).
There are two excellent cooking classes in Ravello; the most famous perhaps the Mamma Agata Cooking School. I've sent folks to this class and they STILL rave about their experience.
As you can see, I don't talk about Sorrento... for me the further you move away from Naples, the deeper you Amalfi experience... but again, just my personal preferences. You will often find less expensive accommodations in Sorrento.
Mar 30th, 2013, 04:08 PM
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Congratulations on your 40th.
I'm obsessed with the Hotel Poseidon in Positano, which ticks off everything on your list. We last visited for the 4th time in June. It is about midway up the hill from town- about a 15 minute walk-, and has exquisite views of the coast from most rooms and the restaurant terrace. The staff is exceptional, the champagne (!) breakfast is amazing, and there's a small spa and swimming pool on site. For an anniversary blow-out room, look at THE FUNNY SUITE, which is on the top floor of the hotel. The room itself is very comfortable, but not that special, however it comes with a private terrace that runs half the length of the hotel.
IF you are interested, you should try to book soon. August is vacation time in Europe, and popular hotels fill up quickly.
Other hotels I'd recommend in Positano, though I have only lunched at them or walked by during several visits:
BUCCA DI BACCO- right in town, close to beach and dock, but also close to the heavy tourist crowds. Has lovely rooms looking straight out over the water, and a very good restaurant.
ALBERGO MIRAMARE- have only walked past it, but gets excellent online reviews and looks lovely
COVO DEI SARCENI- right by the town dock, has a large pool which could be appealing for August. Very central location.
A driver I'd highly recommend for transfers: Giovanni Gargiulo, TOUROFITALY.com
A lunch place that makes me smile just to think about it in Positano: LO GUARACINO, located along the seaside path that leads to FORNILLO BEACH. ( Path starts at COVO DEI SARCENI Hotel in town, and is a gorgeous flower-filled walk with astounding views of the surrounding coast).
The restaurant has excellent brick-oven pizzas, homemade pastas, and stunning water views.
Lastly, in Sorrento we really liked HOTEL TRAMONTANO, which is very close to the old town. It had nice rooms and water views, but I hear that BELLE SYRENE is even better.
Have a great time!
I'm obsessed with the Hotel Poseidon in Positano, which ticks off everything on your list. We last visited for the 4th time in June. It is about midway up the hill from town- about a 15 minute walk-, and has exquisite views of the coast from most rooms and the restaurant terrace. The staff is exceptional, the champagne (!) breakfast is amazing, and there's a small spa and swimming pool on site. For an anniversary blow-out room, look at THE FUNNY SUITE, which is on the top floor of the hotel. The room itself is very comfortable, but not that special, however it comes with a private terrace that runs half the length of the hotel.
IF you are interested, you should try to book soon. August is vacation time in Europe, and popular hotels fill up quickly.
Other hotels I'd recommend in Positano, though I have only lunched at them or walked by during several visits:
BUCCA DI BACCO- right in town, close to beach and dock, but also close to the heavy tourist crowds. Has lovely rooms looking straight out over the water, and a very good restaurant.
ALBERGO MIRAMARE- have only walked past it, but gets excellent online reviews and looks lovely
COVO DEI SARCENI- right by the town dock, has a large pool which could be appealing for August. Very central location.
A driver I'd highly recommend for transfers: Giovanni Gargiulo, TOUROFITALY.com
A lunch place that makes me smile just to think about it in Positano: LO GUARACINO, located along the seaside path that leads to FORNILLO BEACH. ( Path starts at COVO DEI SARCENI Hotel in town, and is a gorgeous flower-filled walk with astounding views of the surrounding coast).
The restaurant has excellent brick-oven pizzas, homemade pastas, and stunning water views.
Lastly, in Sorrento we really liked HOTEL TRAMONTANO, which is very close to the old town. It had nice rooms and water views, but I hear that BELLE SYRENE is even better.
Have a great time!
Apr 2nd, 2013, 06:01 PM
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Thank you so much for the information. Tentatively, i have booked the following hotels because they seemed to get great reviews and were incredible values. In Sorrento, Hotel Regina with a sea view room, in Positano, Villa Rosa (superior sea view room) and in Capri, Aiano B&B with sea view room. Please advise if you have any feedback on these properties. Also, need help with exursions we should do while in Capri and Positano. We love adventure and exploring. thank you
