I'm starting to make bookings for a 19 day trip to Naples and the Amalfi Coast with my newly-retired husband. We fly from the US in and out of Rome, arriving on May 15, 2016. I'd like to start in Naples (and use that as a jumping-off point for Pompeii and Herculaneum) but after that, am unsure of the best order in which to spend a few days each in different towns/locales: Capri, Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi (with a day-trip to Paestum). We would prefer to spend a few days in each location rather than having a single "home-base" since we've found that we enjoy the different atmosphere of a place once the day-trippers depart. The big challenge is making sure that there is reliable and comfortable transportation from place to place (without the huge expense of drivers everywhere, although we would consider using one if necessary for one or two legs of the trip). I'm particularly concerned about how to get back to Rome easily from Amalfi, if that's our last destination (FYI, I plan for us to stay overnight near the airport before our flight home the next day). We'll also have one roller suitcase and a carry-on each, which may encumber us a bit. Before I make reservations at any hotels/B&Bs, I could really use some sound advice. Thanks!

The most frequent method of transit down the coast is the SITA bus, but even in Many it can be very crowded and slow - so not sure it counts as comfortable. Ferries are a more attractive option but the service is very infrequent for Amalfi and Positano. There are also local buses that go from the coast road up into some of the smaller villages further up the cliffs.

Naples, Capri and Sorrento have much more frequent ferry and hydrofoil service - although not really after the late afternoon. You can take the local train as far as Sorrento but that's the end of the line.

Have no idea how to get from Amalfi to Paestrum.

The only benefit is that in May the crowds and traffic will not be at their worst. We have used a car in the area twice, but based in Sorrento, and staying at one of the few hotels that provides free parking. We actually liked driving the coast road - but we were there only 5 or 6 days each time and spent much of our time in Pompeii or Capri.

" I'm particularly concerned about how to get back to Rome easily from Amalfi, if that's our last destination "

The best thing to do therefore is to go to Amalfi first, then Positano, Capri then Sorrento. You can catch the local train, the Circumvesuviana, from Sorrento back into Naples and from the same station catch the train to Rome.

Coming from Naples to the AC is a reverse of the above to Sorrento. As there is no train service along the AC, the only way is by car/taxi or the SITA bus. However, the bus gets very crowded and hot even in mid May and with baggage might be a PIA.

Is there no way to fly back to the US from Naples and save having to travel back to Rome?

Rubicund--Unfortunately, we were somewhat limited in terms of flights because we used frequent flyer miles and the only alternative that would have taken us in and out of Naples required a switch from Heathrow to Gatwick Airport. Going to Amalfi first seems like a good option.

"how to get from Amalfi to Paestrum"

What I did was bus from Amalfi to Salerno, then train to Paestum. I think there may also be a ferry from Amalfi to Salerno, but I could be mistaken.

For really good coverage of transportation options, consult the Rough Guide.

An alternative order: Naples to Capri (ferry), Capri to Positano (ferry), Positano to Amalfi (ferry or bus), Amalfi to Paestum (as described above), then stay in Salerno (vastly underrated, IMO), and take the train to Rome.

Note that I didn't include Sorrento -- perhaps I shouldn't comment, since I didn't visit it, but my impression is that it is a pleasant place to base for those who prefer a base, but it might not make so much sense if you are willing to change hotels frequently. I could be wrong!

Hope that helps!

Agree that Sorrento does not have major sights although it has a much larger selection of hotels, shops and restaurants than any of the other towns. It ism however, very convenient for getting to other places - which is why we stayed there -as well as the fact that we loved out hotel and it's views over the Bay of Naples.

Easy to get from Amalfi back to Rome. Take a ferry to Salerno and then the Trenitalia service direct to Rome.

I don't see any point in staying in Sorrento. Nothing to see there except loads of British tourists, high prices and English pubs.

Just go Naples-Capri-Positano-Amalfi-Rome.

http://www.lucibello.it/web/en/posit...line-to-capri/

Capri to Positano

http://www.lucibello.it/web/en/posit...line-to-capri/

Positano to Amalfi

http://www.coopsantandrea.com/it/ser...arrivo=Salerno

Amalfi to Salerno

use www.trenitalia.com to find trains Salerno to Rome

Thanks, everyone. I think I'm going to take kja and Blueeyedcod's advice (a combination) by skipping Sorrento and going Naples-Capri-Positano-Amalfi, but will end with two nights in Salerno so we can easily get to and from Paestum, and then will have an easy trip back to Rome for our flight home. This route will minimize problems hauling our suitcases on crowded buses.

While in Salerno, consider trying to make time for the cathedral, which holds some incredible treasures (oh, those ambos!) and perhaps for the diocesan museum (oh, those ivories!); note that each of these places takes a LONG siesta. And try to walk the lungomare, which is IMO delightful at any time of day, and perhaps especially at sunset.

Enjoy!