Ruff

We're considering renting an apartment in Rome in late December/early January that is just a block west of the Tiber and just north of the law courts. Is this a good location? (For our definition of a "good location," in Venice, we stay at La Calcina.)

Also, for our second week, I need some advice. We have another 7 or 8 nights, and we want to see Naples and the Amalfi Coast. Given it is January, what do you think about 2 or 3 nights in Naples; 3 nights in Sorrento; and 2 nights in Ravello? We thought about spending one night on Capri but I think it will be really, really dead in January.

Thanks!

unclegus

can't help with the first part of your post but as to the secondmy suggesrtion would be to base yourself in Sorrento for 5 nights and 2 nights in Ravello or Amalfi (Ravello is quite small but only a short distance from Amalfi).
I would give staying in Nalples a miss as you can easily visit there as a day trip from Sorrento.
Another question,will you be renting a car or using public transport?

Ruff

Thanks for your reply, unclegus. We're thinking of relying on public transportation but could be convinced to rent a car. We've driven in France, Italy, Ireland and Switzerland, and we live in the Washington, DC area (talk about traffic!).

kybourbon

What street is the Rome apartment on?

I don't think I would want to move hotels that much. I think since late December/early January is Christmas vacation the coast area will be quite busy. Remember that their holiday lasts longer than the US. If you really want to stay in Ravello, I would stay there first (2 nights)and then end in Sorrento (5 nights with day trips-Pompeii, Naples,etc.). It's easier to get back to Rome or Naples airports from Sorrento if you need to catch a flight.

unclegus

between Sorrento and Amalfi the roads are busy and fairly narrow,but at that time of year it should not be too bad. With your experience of driving i think you will be ok.
One thing to note is that parking is at a premium in the area so if you do rent a car then try and get accommodation with a parking space.There are local buses between these places and also up to Ravello( I have a photo of the lovely gardens at Ravello on my office wall).
The Circumvesuviana is the local train that goes from Naples to Sorrento and takes about an hour,this train will also get you to Pompeii (30 minutes) and Herculeneaum(45 minutes) as well.
Sorrento also has ferries to Capri Ischia and Naples but I don't know how often they run in the wintertime.This website should give lots of info.
http://www.sorrentoinfo.com/

unclegus

I would agree with kybourbon and stay the first couple of nights in Ravello and this makes transportation at the end of your holiday at lot easier.

Vttraveler

By "the law courts" do you mean the Palazzo di Giustizia on Piazza Cavour?

I agree it would help if you gave the street name for the apartment you are considering. Also, what parts of Rome and the Vatican City are you most interested in seeing? The city is of course much bigger than Venice

caroline_edinburgh

I would not go to the Amalfi Coast at that time of year - what's the point ? I'd stick to cities. Bear in mind it will get dark early.

Ruff

Yes, you are right -- a street name would help! It is on Via Luigi Calamatta. And I do mean the Palazzo di Giustizia on Piazza Cavour. Since we've never been to Rome, we want to see the major sites. I could list them, but I think we all know what they are. We want to visit the Vatican, too. I should add that we are very comfortable taking public transportation.

Thanks for the idea on staying in Ravello first. It might be a nice contrast to Rome. We are actually planning on spending 1-2 nights back in Rome before our flight back home.

Vttraveler

The apartment you are looking at is quite close to the Vatican museums and St. Peter's, Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Navona and Piazza della Rotunda (Pantheon). It is farther from the Forum/Colosseum/Palatine. You should be able to get to Trastevere quite easily with public transit.
I would personally prefer to be on the other side of the Tiber near P. Navona or Campo de' Fiori which is more the heart of the central historic district.
We found public transportation (buses) to be affordable and quite easy to use.

Steve_James

Hi Ruff - I think Ravello would be pretty dead in January - so it wouldn't be my choice. Amalfi would be better if you're relying on public transport IMO.

For that time of year I'd probably split my time between Sorrento and Amalfi.

You can easily visit Naples/ Capri/Pompeii etc from Sorrento.

Steve

ira

Hi R,

>Also, for our second week,...

As long as you realize that you will be in the off off season, and most of the hotels and restos will be closed.

I suggest taking the train from Rome to Salerno.

The SITA bus stop is very close to the station.

Take the bus to Amalfi (or Positano) - 2 nights.

Take the SITA bus to Sorrento - 2 nights. (Visit Pompeii)

Take the Circumvesuviana train to Naples - 2 to 3 nights.

In Naples, consider http://www.costantinopoli104.com/en/home

http://piazzabellini.hotelsinnapoli....piazza+bellini

http://www.albergosansevero.it/index_en.php

Enjoy your visit.

ekscrunchy

I don't think that most hotels and restaurants in Amalfi will be closed. From what I have read and heard, Amalfi is quite a popular place to visit over the holiday season.
I believe someone here visited the area at that time and wrote a nice report..


http://www.amalficoastweb.com/atrani...llery_eng.html

Ruff

Thanks for the suggestions. We do plan to go to the Amalfi coast, and quiet and uncrowded appeals to us.

I appreciate your itinerary idea, Ira, and we'll definitely look into it.

ekscrunchy

For the second week, I would split the time between Amalfi and Naples, rather than move hotels twice to include Sorrento. Or, as a second option but one I like less, split between Sorrento and Naples. (I have not been to Sorrento in many years so am not really one to comment)

But that is just my preference.

We actually did this combination (Amalfi/Naples) a few months ago and enjoyed ourselves immensely. Here is a report I wrote, which includes a hotel recommendation in Naples and a lot of food information:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35128776

Ruff

Thanks eks! I already bookmarked your report but have only skimmed it so far....

CasaDelCipresso

I would prbably not stay in Ravello in Jan. - will be very, very quiet (unless, of course, that's what you're looking for)I would proabbly base myself in Naples, Salerno or Sorrento and day-trip to the coastal towns. (I do happen to like Amalfi off-season in general...and a great time to hi Pompeii, Paestum, etc with no crowds!)

Ruff

Hi! I just wanted to report back that we've finalized our plans:

Arrive in Rome
7 nights in Rome -- renting apartment
Train to Salerno & bus to Amalfi
3 nights in Amalfi at Residence del Duca
Bus to Sorrento
5 nights in Sorrento at the Antiche Mura
Train to Naples then Rome
2 nights in Rome at the same apartment
Fly home

Thanks for all of the great suggestions. BTW, we looked into the Hotel Floridiana but it was twice the cost per night as del Duca.

caroline_edinburgh

A good itinerary - if you think it's worth going to the Amalfi Coast at that time of year Even if keeping Amalfi I'd change Sorrento for Naples - but each to his or her own.

A work colleague stayed at the del Duca for his honeymoon & really liked it.

ira

Hi Ruff,

Good itinerary.

Enjoy Italy.