joearena99

Hello Hello:
My wife and I (both 50 years old) will be heading for Sorrento for 10 days in September. (we'll also spend two days in Capri, and one in Naples, but that's for another post).

Question to all of you Italian experts - It's a given that we'll spend a good bit of time in Pompei and Herculeneum, but, could you please offer two or three of your other 'must sees' ? If enough Fodorites respond, I'll have a good selection of sites to chose from.

Thanx
joe, Rochester, NY

Guy18

I have been to the Amalfi Coast but never Sorrento. Just wanted to let you know that some find Sorrento to be a bit tacky compared to places like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. I'm not sure that, I would choose to spend 10 whole days there. For me, that is an eternity in "travel time." But perhaps you've found a great hotel, want to settle in, and have a bit of a rest?

Anyway, I stayed in Atrani, which is a tiny town just down from Amalfi. It has a lovely square and a really nice cove of a beach. When you get to Amalfi, you might want to take a walk to see Atramo as well.

Ravello, which I'm sure you've read about, is a must-see, with gorgeous views. It is up in the hills, unlike most towns on the A. C. which are along the shore. Definitely pay to see the gardens of the Hotel Cimbrone there. Unbelievably beautiful.

Lunch on the terrace of the Hotel Villa Maria in Ravello is delightful.

Guy18

"Atrani" is right. Not "Atramo."

nytraveler

Sorrento is a larger town than Amalfi, Positano and others further down the coast and up in the hills. I have not found it to be more commercial or tacky - most of the towns on the coast are very tourist-oriented - the ones up in the hills a little less so- but it IS basically a vacation area - so being touristy if really part of the package.

All are better at night when the day trippers have left. And our view of Sorrento may be colored by the hotel we stay in - which has fairly large private gardens, pool and terrace overlooking the Bay of Naples. If you're stuck in the center of town - or on the far outskirts it may well be less pleasant.

You should also see Naples - esp the Museums - and take one or more drives down the coast - depending on how many towns you want to see. You can also take ferries to towns along the coast and then buses up into the hillls for walks and exploring smaller villages.

crzn1

Do not miss Paestum, fantastic greek ruins (better than most in Greece) an easy day trip by train via Pompei train station. http://www.initaly.com/regions/campania/paestum.htm

joearena99

Thanx folks - please keep the suggestions coming !!!

ira

Hi J,

If you continue your questions about Naples and Capri on this thread, it will keep all of your info together.

I suggest 2 nights in Naples.

TuckH

>>please keep the suggestions coming !!!
<<

Massa Lubrense. Specifically the hike from Termini out to Punta Campanella, where you'll find the Isle of Capri within (almost) an arm's reach.

Steve_James

Joe - Must-sees?

Positano, Ravello, Amalfi, Capri, Pompeii, Ercolano, Vesuvius, Sorrento, Paestum, Naples, Ischia, 'Path of the Gods' (- hike), Solfatara, Caserta, Cassino ...

How long have you got

Steve

joearena99

Steve - Thanx. We're staying for 6 nites at the Villa di Sorrento, then 2 nites in Capri, at the La Minerva, followed by 4 more nites in Sorrento at the Villa. Our last day will be spent in Naples - one nite, leaving on an early plane.

Thanx alot !!!

PatRode

Hi all,

My husband and I will also be in the Sorrento area in September and also in Capri for 2 nights at the Minerva. Joe - when are you going? Perhaps our days will overlap. It's our 20th anniversary this year and my husband turns 50 - so this is our big Italian treat to ourselves. I'm definitely planning on Pompeii but wasn't sure about Paestum since it's further out. Do others agree this is a 'must see'? Can it be combined with a tour of the Amalfi Coast in one day?
Thanks,
Pat

HappyCheesehead

Hi Joeareana and PatRode- we will be in Sorrento (area) in September too! 11th through the 17th. Depending on timing perhaps there could be a mini GTG.

I am not quite 50 (I hope that won't exclude me) but my husband just turned 49 on April 16th - we were in Paris at the time - so I do have an appropriatly aged person to bring!

PatRode

We'll be in Sorrento from Sept 17 - 19, then Capri 20 and 21. Maybe the night of Sept 17?

HappyCheesehead

oh, pooh.

We have to leave the 17th, late afternoon though, as we have to get a 10 am flight out of Fiuminico on the 18th.

willit

If you are interested in ancient history, and I presume that you are, as you are visiting both Herculaneum and Pompeii, then I would say Paestum is a "must see". The temples are superb an the museum is excellent. It would make a good day trip as there are severasl places to have lunch. It is a short hop from Paestum to Agropoli, which is quite a pleasant town with a castle, and some superb views. Further down the coast, but reachable by train are the ruins of Velia - I am not sure I would bother if I only had a short time.

Finally I would reiterate that Naples itself, and particularly the Archaeology museum are well worth a trip.

Great though Tuscany, the Lakes and Rome are, I really do enjoy the South of Italy around Naples.

donnapg

When in Ravello walk the steps to the Villa Cimbrone and continue down the main walk to the end to the balcony.

A phenomenal view and well worth the walk.

Donna