Have 10 days in early May 2003 and having trouble deciding. I figure the weather will be somewhere between iffy and good at both places. We like to relax, enjoy pools and beaches and some sightseeing. Both in our 40's and can navigate stairs in either place. She likes shopping, I like wine. Don't want to split the time between two places. Also realize I need to get cracking on plans.<BR><BR>I guess I'm curious about opinions on how easy (or difficult) is it to get to either place, how crowded either is at that time of year, and the variety of things to do for 8 or 9 days. Apprecciate any and all input!

Have been to both Positano and Santorini twice. In my opinion, 8 days is too long on Santorini since activities are quite limited. The Amalfi coast has much more to see and do (and better wine and shopping). From Positano you can visit Amalfi, Ravello, Pompeii, Capri. Santorini is great for 3/4 days max. It's not hard to get to either place, though you can't fly direct and must make connections in either Rome or Athens.

Paul,<BR><BR>I agree 8 or 9 days is too much time on Santorini... and yes you could branch out in italy as the above poster mentions. However, I'd offer the idea that it would be great to do 3 or 4 days on Santorini, then hop a short flight to another Greek island with an airport (to save time)...or maybe get a small taste of Crete and spend a few days in one of the areas there. <BR><BR>Getting to Santorini is relatively easy. One thing you won't have to worry about is renting a car... it's a 40 min. plane ride from Athens. I personally don't recommend long ferry rides. <BR><BR>Italy and Greece are two totally different (and wonderful) experiences. Either way you'll have a great time. The physical beauty of both the Amalfi coast and Santorini are exquisite.

Have been to both and prefer Santorini but agree with others that 8 days may be too long unless you like just sitting in the sun and relaxing. <BR>To get to Santorini is easier, fly to Athens then fly to Santorini. You can use local buses on the island or taxis. You could always fly from Santorini to Mykonos for 4 days each (or catch a catamaran b/w the two islands then fly back to Athens then home).<BR>To get to Positano, fly into Rome or Naples, train to Naples then switch train lines and train to Sorrento then bus to Positano. Or if you're loaded, private driver from Naples.<BR>Definitely more to do on day trips from Positano. Sounds like your wife would like the shopping in Sorrento, don't forget they shut up shop for siesta from about 12-4pm.<BR>Just remembered (how could I forget?) there are fabulous gold jewellery shops on Santorini.<BR>Kay