Wow I was reading some of these posts, you are all so helpful, thanks in advice. I am hoping for some advice as I am traveling this October. So far I have two nights in Rome and then 5 days in Ischia lastly returning to Rome Sunday and departing Rome tues am. We have a wedding to go to in ischia and are using that as a home base. I have been to Italy only once and my companion has never been so I am wondering if someone can advise me how to maximize my time there. Particularly in Ischia, how do I take day trips, what to see? is it a mistake to stay there all those days? Two days will be consumed with wedding activites but I would like to make the most of my time in that region. I know Capri, Positano, and Almalfi are all must see but since I don't have much time i am feeling very overwhelmed. In Ischia we are staying in the section Ischia, Ischia as advised by the groom. We were informed that although many stay along the coast, this area is the best for nightlife and also mostconvenient for him. We are New Yorkers, accustomed to moving around but I have unfortunately very little experience in European travel. I figured 4 days in Rome isn't too much time but am I mistaken? Any advice is greatly appreciated...I am also considering a day to trip to Avellino, Calitri to see where my family is from its very small I am told but if anyone has heard of it any thoughts?

4 days in Rome is not too much, in fact many would say too little. Remember you do not really have 4 days in Rome, rather you have 4 hotel nights. When you account for your travel days you are only really going to have 2 full, non travel days in Rome. Not much at all.

As far as Ischia, my suggestion, and surely some will differ, is that you spend the minimum time there for the wedding, 2 nights, and spend the other nights based in Positano or Sorrento to see the Amalfi Coast. 2 nights is fine for Ischia in October, where the weather will not be conducive for what Ischia is known for, that being a summer resort

My wife and I have been to Rome several times, most recently in 2003, and we'll be going again next year. To me, the highlights are ancient Rome, particularly the Pantheon, the Coliseum, the Capitoline Hll, and the various forums, the art, particularly Caravaggio, the baroque architecture, paricularly the Piazza del Poppolo and the Piazza Navonna, and the food. Believe me, a stay of four days is not too long.

Thanks for your responses so far...i should clarify I am arriving in Rome 7am monday, departing for Ischia Wed and then rerurning Sunday am to Rome so I really have three full days ..leaving Rome tues am.

Hi Novice - Like Mulifat I'd suggest you divide your time between Ischia and the Amalfi Coast.

Positano would be my choice too. It makes a lovely base and is ideal for visiting the Amalfi Coast. Pompeii and Capri are also viable day-trips from Positano.

www.pbase.com/mightyone/amalfi_coast_


Here are some links about Calitri FYI:

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb....i/lastoria.htm

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb....i/history2.htm

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb....itri/Index.htm

http://www.ilcalitrano.it/2%20serie/...%20N.%2032.pdf

http://calitri.asmenet.it/

http://www.calitritradizioni.it/

http://www.calitriantica.it/index.htm

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Do any of you have any ideas on how I can get to Calitri without a car from Avellino. Our rough plan right now if to take a train to Avellino, then take local transportation to Calitri. The problem is I can't figure out if there IS any local transportation. Is a taxi ride possible, or even a good idea? Have any of you ever seen a bus in the area? I am so embarrassed, i can't even locate Calitri on a MAP to try to get an idea of how far it is from Avellino central. Can anyone help me? Please?

novicetrvl: I understand what the previous posters are saying about going to Amalfi, but I think you are staying too few nights in Italy to split it between Rome, Amalfi and Ischia. You can take the aliscafo from Ischia to Capri and Procida for day trips. Ischia offers a lot. If you rent a car or take the bus, there are museums, villages, gardens, beaches,a castle, etc., etc. You won't be bored there. Take the bus/car to the village of Sant Angelo and you won't be sorry. Go to www.ischiaonline.it for a plethera of information.

Ann - The OP's thread is a year old and was traveling last Oct.

Leighmaida - The bus operator on the Avellino-Calitri route is Di Maio:

http://www.gruppodimaio.it/Orari/Orari%20Regionali.pdf

Hope this helps ...

Steve

It does! It does! You are the greatest! Thanks!! Leigh