Rome to Naples - need your help
Sep 2nd, 2010 | 07:20 PM
#21
Original Poster
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 13
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So, now we are feeling good about train from Rome to Naples...kids are seasoned travelers so not worried about losing them.
What about transportation while down there. Is it easier to get around via local transportation or our car? Thanks so much for helping with this...such a different concept than American travel.
What about transportation while down there. Is it easier to get around via local transportation or our car? Thanks so much for helping with this...such a different concept than American travel.
Sep 2nd, 2010 | 09:09 PM
#22
Original Poster
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 13
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Isabel! I just linked into your Italy/Croatia post...your pictures are out of this world! Thanks for sharing...I already don't want to come home (and we havent even gone yet!) Thanks for all of your input as well...
Sep 3rd, 2010 | 02:17 AM
#24
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 567
Likes: 0
AJ,
I beleive you made a sound decision in using Sorrento as your base for the Naples/Amalfi area, it really is an ideal location, lots of great restaurants, shops, and a few small beaches (be advised that you will have to pay for beach chairs/umbrella) There are some nice restaurants/bars directly on the water with some incredible views. Have you decided on the train or are you keeping the car...as many posters have said it makes a big difference in this area. I would strongly recommend keeping the car, as you specified your date, I think you will be fine traffic wise as the European summer vacation is over and students are back to school, and don't worry you are in Southern Italy and the pools and ocean water will be fine. Also if able, take a GPS with you (you have to buy the Italian map for the GPS)...I found it to be invaluable as you will driving Tuscany and Umbria prior to Sorrento...the GPS will literally save you hours, save you lots of stress and most importantly it saved me lots of arguments with my wife!....While the roads in Italy are for the most point signed well, you can get lost fast, especially near Rome. Have a great time, enjoy the limoncello, some of the best pizza in the world, incredible views, sorrento looks over the gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvious, and meet some of the friendliest people we have met in our many travels to Europe. Also how long will you be in Sorrento, and what have you planned for day trips...as you know especially with the kids Pompeii is a must. Have a great trip, we might bump into you as we arrive in St. Agata sui due golfi (a few miles from Sorrento) on September 26th!
Mike
I beleive you made a sound decision in using Sorrento as your base for the Naples/Amalfi area, it really is an ideal location, lots of great restaurants, shops, and a few small beaches (be advised that you will have to pay for beach chairs/umbrella) There are some nice restaurants/bars directly on the water with some incredible views. Have you decided on the train or are you keeping the car...as many posters have said it makes a big difference in this area. I would strongly recommend keeping the car, as you specified your date, I think you will be fine traffic wise as the European summer vacation is over and students are back to school, and don't worry you are in Southern Italy and the pools and ocean water will be fine. Also if able, take a GPS with you (you have to buy the Italian map for the GPS)...I found it to be invaluable as you will driving Tuscany and Umbria prior to Sorrento...the GPS will literally save you hours, save you lots of stress and most importantly it saved me lots of arguments with my wife!....While the roads in Italy are for the most point signed well, you can get lost fast, especially near Rome. Have a great time, enjoy the limoncello, some of the best pizza in the world, incredible views, sorrento looks over the gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvious, and meet some of the friendliest people we have met in our many travels to Europe. Also how long will you be in Sorrento, and what have you planned for day trips...as you know especially with the kids Pompeii is a must. Have a great trip, we might bump into you as we arrive in St. Agata sui due golfi (a few miles from Sorrento) on September 26th!
Mike
Sep 3rd, 2010 | 02:31 AM
#25
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 32,129
Likes: 0
"What about transportation while down there. Is it easier to get around via local transportation or our car?"
Are you talking about Sorrento? There are people here who know more than me. But the train from Sorrento to Pompei is door to door. We also took the train and then tour bus to Vesuvius. We didn't need a car for the day trip to Capri. But to just meander around the coast ... a van would be nice.
Are you talking about Sorrento? There are people here who know more than me. But the train from Sorrento to Pompei is door to door. We also took the train and then tour bus to Vesuvius. We didn't need a car for the day trip to Capri. But to just meander around the coast ... a van would be nice.
Oct 28th, 2010 | 03:17 AM
#27
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
AJ-
I agree that Sorrento is a good "home base" for a large family, especially if you're not interested in seeing Naples itself.
Here are some thoughts on car vs train/bus:
- WHICH TRAIN? Cost largely depends on *which* train you take. The train from Rome to Naples, for instance, can run between 10 and 44 euro, depending on which one you take (faster = more expensive). If you have a large group (as you do), usually driving is more affordable.
- ROME DRIVING/PARKING. It is possible to drive/park in downtown Rome, but it isn't easy. You might consider either staying outside of town & taking the train in, or a better option: leave your car at a lot outside of town, but stay at a hotel in central Rome; for park-and-ride lots, see www.wikinapoli.com/italy/rome/rome-parking-lots
- SORRENTO DRIVING/PARKING. There is only one (main) road in/out of Sorrento, but it isn't too bad--ask your hotel if they provide parking.
- AMALFI COAST DRIVING/PARKING. Driving this road is not for the faint of heart, but can be very fun. Consider if you enjoy windy roads and cliffs--some people do, some people don't. People don't drive very fast, though...
- TRAIN/BUS IN SORRENTO/AMALFI COAST. If you chose to take the train, you have to transfer in Naples to the "Circumvesuviana" train. This is the same train that runs between Sorrento and Pompeii/Herculaneum. Please review my tips for avoiding pickpockets on this train here: www.wikinapoli.com/transport
To get from Sorrento to the Amalfi Coast, you could hire a car, or take the SITA bus.
- BUS FROM ROME TO SORRENTO. You might also consider a bus from Rome to Sorento...there are two companies, Marozzi and Curreri, and they cost about 16-18 euro. I think there are only a few per day. Probably not a good deal...?
- NAPLES. You didn't say if you're interested in seeing the city of Naples itself. I think it's worth at least a day trip to walk through the Centro Storico and/or see the Archeological Musuem; here are some ideas: www.wikinapoli.com/to-see/naples
...but, as many already said, don't try driving in downtown Naples!
I agree that Sorrento is a good "home base" for a large family, especially if you're not interested in seeing Naples itself.
Here are some thoughts on car vs train/bus:
- WHICH TRAIN? Cost largely depends on *which* train you take. The train from Rome to Naples, for instance, can run between 10 and 44 euro, depending on which one you take (faster = more expensive). If you have a large group (as you do), usually driving is more affordable.
- ROME DRIVING/PARKING. It is possible to drive/park in downtown Rome, but it isn't easy. You might consider either staying outside of town & taking the train in, or a better option: leave your car at a lot outside of town, but stay at a hotel in central Rome; for park-and-ride lots, see www.wikinapoli.com/italy/rome/rome-parking-lots
- SORRENTO DRIVING/PARKING. There is only one (main) road in/out of Sorrento, but it isn't too bad--ask your hotel if they provide parking.
- AMALFI COAST DRIVING/PARKING. Driving this road is not for the faint of heart, but can be very fun. Consider if you enjoy windy roads and cliffs--some people do, some people don't. People don't drive very fast, though...
- TRAIN/BUS IN SORRENTO/AMALFI COAST. If you chose to take the train, you have to transfer in Naples to the "Circumvesuviana" train. This is the same train that runs between Sorrento and Pompeii/Herculaneum. Please review my tips for avoiding pickpockets on this train here: www.wikinapoli.com/transport
To get from Sorrento to the Amalfi Coast, you could hire a car, or take the SITA bus.
- BUS FROM ROME TO SORRENTO. You might also consider a bus from Rome to Sorento...there are two companies, Marozzi and Curreri, and they cost about 16-18 euro. I think there are only a few per day. Probably not a good deal...?
- NAPLES. You didn't say if you're interested in seeing the city of Naples itself. I think it's worth at least a day trip to walk through the Centro Storico and/or see the Archeological Musuem; here are some ideas: www.wikinapoli.com/to-see/naples
...but, as many already said, don't try driving in downtown Naples!
