pjejae

My husband and I are travelling in Sept. to Italy. We fly to Rome, but have been there so would like to go to South Italy for 10 days. Objective of trip is relax, eat, sightsee, shop. Was thinking of Sorrento as a base for 5 days? Visit Capri, Positano, Amalfi. Looking for Villa recommendations with a view. For the other 5 days any recommendations? Sicily?

sam17

My suggestion would be to make Positano as your Amalfi Coast base rather than Sorrento.

I do not think that a villa will make much sense for two people as they are mostly 2 bedrooms and larger.

zeppole

if you are a dedicated ceramics shopper you might want to add Vietri sul Mare to your list (it's near Salerno). If you have any interest in handcrafted Christmas figurines, Napoli's are world-renowned.

You'll get differing opinions about whether Sicily really fits your requirements. If you pick your spots for relaxation and shopping (again, ceramics) you'll find it rewarding, and of course it is a fascinating place in many ways. But it mainly lacks the resort-infrastructre of the Sorrento/Amafli area except in Taormina.

If you like high-end resort type touristing, Sicily and Sardegna offer those kind of bookings. Beyond the resorts, Sicily gets more challenging. But if you would like something a bit more off the beaten track but still gracious, destinations like Bologna, with day trips to Parma and Ferrara and Verona (without a car), or renting a villa in southern Umbria with a car would offer you something unusual.

zeppole

sorry, in addition to Taormina, I should have mentioned the islands and some other destinations, like Cefalu.

mhyde1

Zeppole, why doesn't anyone suggest Mt. Etna in Sicily? Isn't it in Sicily? I thought I saw a tour going there. Also, wouldn't Salerno be the best place to stay to see: Capri, Greek theater,Paestum, Pompeii and other historical places since they are so close by rather than out on Sorrento?

zeppole

One can enjoy beautiful views of Etna from Taormina and other nearby places in Sicily, but to pick Etna as a destination requires some detailed planning. There are only some safe routes of ascent, at certain times of year. Pjejae posted a list of interests that didn't seem include a desire to go volcano climbing!

Salerno was badly damaged in WWII, and although Italians are quite happy to perch there for their holidays, Sorrento has long been a destination of romantic legend, with beautiful bay views, famous "limoncello" and a very friendly welcome for tour groups. Yes, if your chief interest is archeological sightseeing, Salerno is a very convenient base. But it doesn't have the postcard views of Sorrento (it has the limoncello) and you'll be more on your own there, with all those friendly Italians.

pjejae

Wow...thank you very much for your advice. I greatly appreciate it. I have two more questions. What is the best way to get to Sicily from Positano? I would love to take a boat? And last question. When we arrive in Rome from a long overnight flight, I was going to do the train to Naples, then a boat to Sorrento on that very day. Do you know how long that would take, and is that too much. (I am not in my 20s!)

Babshow

My daughter and I stayed in Praiano for a week--just down the coast from Positano, with views of Positano, a lot less expensive. We stayed at Hotel Le Serine and every room has a terrace overlooking the ocean. Incredible. Just a bus ride from anywhere on the Amalfi and less expensive and touristy than Positano.

zeppole

pjejae,

Where do you want to go in Sicily? If you are going to Taormina and Siracus, it makes more sense to fly to Catania. If it's Palermo and Cefalu or the islands, you might want to take an overnight ferry in lieu of flying to Palermo.

As to getting to the Amalfi from FCO, I almost think it's less a question of age than if you've traveled in Italy before. You will need to collect your luggage, pass thru customs, buy train tickets, switch trains in Roma, and either take a taxi or the subway to get to the port to take a boat to Positano (and I think you may have to switch boats, or get or bus or taxi for the final leg).

How good is your Italian?

Were it me and I really didn't want to spend a night in Roma, I would at least check out the cost of an airport pick-up to whisk me to the doorstep of my hotel. The price will be decandently high, but tote up the cost of all the other tix you will need to buy for you and your husband, and check out the price of a Roma hotel, and then decide if the cost of a car transfer is worth it. Personally, I would skip a fancy meal over the 10 days in favor of pizza to pay for the car transfer. But I'm really cranky when I get off a plane.

Steve_James

Hi Pjejae - There are several ferry routes to Sicily - take your pick

Naples-Palermo
Tirrenia or Snav
www.tirrenia.it
www.snav.it

Naples-Aeolian Islands-Milazzo
Siremar
www.siremar.it

Naples-Catania
TTT Lines
www.tttlines.it

Salerno-Messina
Caronte & Tourist
www.carontetourist.it

All are overnight services except Caronte.

Hope this helps ...

Steve

zeppole

PS, pjejae:

If you don't want to spring for the entire cost of a car service from FCO to Positano, then taking the train from FCO through Roma to Napoli and getting a driver to meet you at the Napoli train station considerably reduces the cost.

mhyde1

Zeppole--found you here. Can you help me out with a hotel in Rome? I am having trouble finding a hotel near the train station, and I know Franco only does apartments. Thanks.

lilJON

I have made this trips several times in the past 7 years. I do the arduous part on the first day. Fly to rome, rent a car and drive to my hotel (usually Amalfi or Ravello). I say having a car is essential! I would not stay on Capri as I feel marooned there. It takes at least an hour to get on or off. Well worth a (daytrip)visit. Same with Positano don't stay there but do visit. I suggest the Marmorata Hotel(lower Ravello) with both pool, small beach and free parking. 4 stars and in October less the $300.00. a night. Depending on your taste Ravello Proper may be the high point of your trip. Best of luck.