Sorrento for 10 days???
Apr 27th, 2005, 09:52 AM
#21
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Thank you all for your insights..I hope I can get to Rome...at least for a day or two...and hopefully my friends will join me...but if not, thank you all and CW for your post...I hope I will have a nice time and won't be thinking I'm missing out on Rome...
Apr 27th, 2005, 10:08 AM
#22
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Ira Dear, I can't imagine why you are writing such odd answers here (or maybe our styles of travel are so very different from yours).
You can't see Naples and Mt. V in one day, how can you even think that? Most people can't or wouldn't want to do Herculaneum and Pompeii on the same day.
I can't even begin to list all the cooking classes, gastronomical tours a person could take in that area of Italy.
And then there is Procida and Ischia.....NYC05, look here and check out some of the excursions your friends can do on their own: http://www.positanotaxi.net/tipologie2.html
You can't see Naples and Mt. V in one day, how can you even think that? Most people can't or wouldn't want to do Herculaneum and Pompeii on the same day.
I can't even begin to list all the cooking classes, gastronomical tours a person could take in that area of Italy.
And then there is Procida and Ischia.....NYC05, look here and check out some of the excursions your friends can do on their own: http://www.positanotaxi.net/tipologie2.html
Apr 27th, 2005, 10:20 AM
#23
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I could easily spend ten days in Sorrento! I could spend ten weeks in Sorrento! Of course, I'd be happy to spend that same amount of time in Rome. There's nothing wrong with going to one place and getting to know it well. You'll be back to visit other places later.
If I were looking for advice on the area, Sea Urchin would be my go-to person. She's proven that she's a veritable expert. You might want to take a look at her excellent and inspiring photos.
If I were looking for advice on the area, Sea Urchin would be my go-to person. She's proven that she's a veritable expert. You might want to take a look at her excellent and inspiring photos.
Apr 27th, 2005, 10:53 AM
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Since she's posted it here before, I'm taking the liberty of posting for her:
www.pbase.com/seaurchin
www.pbase.com/seaurchin
Apr 27th, 2005, 11:02 AM
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We are planning on Pompeii and Herculaneum in one day (one LONG day). However, we're used to walking 12+ miles in a day as we hike almost every weekend. Not that we don't expect to be tired at the end of the day!! ;-)
Apr 27th, 2005, 01:44 PM
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I'm surprised to read that 10 days in Sorrento would be too long. We're going for 10 days in September and I know our time there will be too short! Unlike most of you, we prefer to take it easy when we're on holiday. We like to make excursions and to explore the area. But we also like to spend some time doing nothing but relax at the beach or the pool. What's wrong with 'vegetating and go all the way to Italy to do that'? Thousands of Europeans fly all the way to the Caribbean or Florida to do *just* that and nothing else! To each his own.
We could never do Venice, Florence, Siena and Rome in 10 days time! Even taken into account that it's only a 2 hr flight from Belgium to Italy.
NYC_05: don't rush it. You're on holiday, right?!
We could never do Venice, Florence, Siena and Rome in 10 days time! Even taken into account that it's only a 2 hr flight from Belgium to Italy.
NYC_05: don't rush it. You're on holiday, right?!
Apr 27th, 2005, 02:04 PM
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Personally I think the point of this question is that NYC_05 states in her original post "I am planning on traveling to Italy for the first time with two friends in July for 9-10 days. I would love to see Rome, Florence and Sorrento, but my friends would prefer to stay in one location, Sorrento, and use is as a home base".
It seems to me tht NYC_05 thoughts about her first trip to Italy is different then the ideas of her other two friends.
If I were NYC I would not spend the money to go on this trip if I did NOT want to spend the entire time using Sorrento as a home base. Or I would make arrangements to travel elsewhere during this trip, such as Rome which she indicated she wanted to visit.
It is important, IMO, when friends travel together for everyone to discuss what their desires are for their trip. It does not sound to me, from reading NYC's post, that her wishes for a trip to Italy and the wishes of her two friends are the same. Personally I think that NYC would not be happy under the circumstances. But maybe I am wrong. But sure know from what I have read it would not work for me.
It seems to me tht NYC_05 thoughts about her first trip to Italy is different then the ideas of her other two friends.
If I were NYC I would not spend the money to go on this trip if I did NOT want to spend the entire time using Sorrento as a home base. Or I would make arrangements to travel elsewhere during this trip, such as Rome which she indicated she wanted to visit.
It is important, IMO, when friends travel together for everyone to discuss what their desires are for their trip. It does not sound to me, from reading NYC's post, that her wishes for a trip to Italy and the wishes of her two friends are the same. Personally I think that NYC would not be happy under the circumstances. But maybe I am wrong. But sure know from what I have read it would not work for me.
Apr 27th, 2005, 03:41 PM
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TexasAggie-
During one of my visits to the area, I visited Herculaneum and Pompeii on the same day, leaving early in the morning and coming home in the evening, so it can certainly be done, but it's agood idea to read up on both sites first. And also, one can't really explore Pompeii fully in 3 and a half hours, but it was still completely worth it to me,
Another time, I went to Oplontis and Pompeii on the same daytrip, also a good experience.
Hi seaurchin-re you first post to NYC05, can you give some specific suggestions of cooking classes you've taken in the area that you would recommend? I know there's Mami Camilla around Sorrento, have you taken any others?
NYC_05, I also agree with Loveitaly's advice on having a meeting of the minds with your friends beforehand to make sure all of you can have some voice in things, and I seem to read in your post that you want to visit Florence and Rome. I think those 2 cities would be more difficult to work in if you are based in Sorrento than the other way around.
Rome itself could take a minumum of 5-7 days.
Florence maybe less.
That said, you asked about things to do from Sorrento:
I've visited the Amalfi Coast and surrounding area six times, twice for longer periods, and had some amazing and memorable times there, but much of that was because I met and developed friendships with some of the local people.
Sorrento is fun for its' shopping and you'll find concerts in Ravello, and there's certainly no end to the various restaurants to explore. Seaurchin can perhaps give you more specific suggestions on that.
That seems to be the main thing in the area-shopping, eating the incredible food, and enjoying the sun, the lemon and olive groves, the people and the ambient rhythms of life there. If you're from NYC, like me, this can be a rare experience.
Massalubrense (both the town and the commune (like a "county" with different villages) is lovely and more peaceful, and there is wonderful hiking there (It's on the Sorrentine Penninsula, as opposed to the Amalfi Coast).
There's hiking on the "scalinatelli" - ancient stone steps that lace up and down the hillsides. Get a map of the area and Look for "Sta Cosanza" which is a tiny chapel you can hike to on stone path that goes out of Termini (a village out on the tip of The Sorrentine Penninsula with an incredible view of Capri. The little chapel straddles a ridge from where you can have a magnificent sweeping view of both the Bay of Naples and the Tyrrenian Sea at the same time. Not too many people make it up there so it can be pretty dramatic. If a storm is brewing out over the water- you can see it from a great distance.
There are all manner of things to do in Naples, and there is Caserta to visit, and Paestum to the South.
You can go to Ischia and visit the thermal baths at Capo Sant'angelo.
I likw Capri at night.
So if you are seeking activities, I don't think you'd run out of them, if you are willing to try things.
I haven't gone to Italy in the summer months in centuries, but the first time in Italy has never left me-have a magical time with your friends!!!
And as Loveitaly says, talk it over first a bit!
During one of my visits to the area, I visited Herculaneum and Pompeii on the same day, leaving early in the morning and coming home in the evening, so it can certainly be done, but it's agood idea to read up on both sites first. And also, one can't really explore Pompeii fully in 3 and a half hours, but it was still completely worth it to me,
Another time, I went to Oplontis and Pompeii on the same daytrip, also a good experience.
Hi seaurchin-re you first post to NYC05, can you give some specific suggestions of cooking classes you've taken in the area that you would recommend? I know there's Mami Camilla around Sorrento, have you taken any others?
NYC_05, I also agree with Loveitaly's advice on having a meeting of the minds with your friends beforehand to make sure all of you can have some voice in things, and I seem to read in your post that you want to visit Florence and Rome. I think those 2 cities would be more difficult to work in if you are based in Sorrento than the other way around.
Rome itself could take a minumum of 5-7 days.
Florence maybe less.
That said, you asked about things to do from Sorrento:
I've visited the Amalfi Coast and surrounding area six times, twice for longer periods, and had some amazing and memorable times there, but much of that was because I met and developed friendships with some of the local people.
Sorrento is fun for its' shopping and you'll find concerts in Ravello, and there's certainly no end to the various restaurants to explore. Seaurchin can perhaps give you more specific suggestions on that.
That seems to be the main thing in the area-shopping, eating the incredible food, and enjoying the sun, the lemon and olive groves, the people and the ambient rhythms of life there. If you're from NYC, like me, this can be a rare experience.
Massalubrense (both the town and the commune (like a "county" with different villages) is lovely and more peaceful, and there is wonderful hiking there (It's on the Sorrentine Penninsula, as opposed to the Amalfi Coast).
There's hiking on the "scalinatelli" - ancient stone steps that lace up and down the hillsides. Get a map of the area and Look for "Sta Cosanza" which is a tiny chapel you can hike to on stone path that goes out of Termini (a village out on the tip of The Sorrentine Penninsula with an incredible view of Capri. The little chapel straddles a ridge from where you can have a magnificent sweeping view of both the Bay of Naples and the Tyrrenian Sea at the same time. Not too many people make it up there so it can be pretty dramatic. If a storm is brewing out over the water- you can see it from a great distance.
There are all manner of things to do in Naples, and there is Caserta to visit, and Paestum to the South.
You can go to Ischia and visit the thermal baths at Capo Sant'angelo.
I likw Capri at night.
So if you are seeking activities, I don't think you'd run out of them, if you are willing to try things.
I haven't gone to Italy in the summer months in centuries, but the first time in Italy has never left me-have a magical time with your friends!!!
And as Loveitaly says, talk it over first a bit!
Apr 27th, 2005, 07:47 PM
#31
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The conversation to go to Italy came up about two weeks ago with my friends and they said they wanted to go to Sorrento and I didn't disagree which is probably my fault and will never do again
I did mention that I wanted to go to Rome, but no one wanted to go Rome because it's going to be hot and crowded which is probably true. The thought of finally getting to Italy was appealing and I didn't know enough about the coast to have any input at the time. I do feel kind of obligated to go because they made the plans for July because of my schedule. They would have preferred to go in May/June. They said if I wasn't going to be happy, not to worry about it. I still do..I want to have a good time and its just the thought of the expense in going and not seeing all I want to see too that's disappointing, but I could go another time. From your wonderful posts though, I'm feeling a little better about the trip. It sounds like I won't be disappointed if I stay in Sorrento and do the day trips. That is if we all agree on where to goIs it pretty easy to make plans when we get to Sorrento in the summer for the day trips? or would it be better to plan the trips from here (NY)? Thanks again for all your advice!
I did mention that I wanted to go to Rome, but no one wanted to go Rome because it's going to be hot and crowded which is probably true. The thought of finally getting to Italy was appealing and I didn't know enough about the coast to have any input at the time. I do feel kind of obligated to go because they made the plans for July because of my schedule. They would have preferred to go in May/June. They said if I wasn't going to be happy, not to worry about it. I still do..I want to have a good time and its just the thought of the expense in going and not seeing all I want to see too that's disappointing, but I could go another time. From your wonderful posts though, I'm feeling a little better about the trip. It sounds like I won't be disappointed if I stay in Sorrento and do the day trips. That is if we all agree on where to goIs it pretty easy to make plans when we get to Sorrento in the summer for the day trips? or would it be better to plan the trips from here (NY)? Thanks again for all your advice!
Apr 27th, 2005, 08:34 PM
#32
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Don't listen to the nay-sayers. There's tons to do in and around Sorrento. You will be in a super saturated environment. Ten days is NOT enough time. Unless you are boring, you will NOT be bored!
I suggest you do your planning before you go; that is, you should know what you are going to do everyday you are there.
Get a simple book. I recommend Rick Steve's ITALY 2005 for starters. Build your plan around his recommendations. This plan should include a theme for each day (Greeks, Romans, Amalfi Coast, Regional foods, Urban living, Geography, Moder engineering marvels, etc.) arranged in some logical order. The daily plan should go into great detail even down to where you plan to eat each night. If you leave something to chance you will waste your time & later regret it.
Once you have your days planned. Get a more sophisticated book, like the Blue Guide to Southern Italy and research each day's historical setting in depth, or a good regional cook book to get a sense of the local culture, etc. As you learn more, adjust the plan.
You are in for a great adventure. Embrace it and your life will change forever...
Smell the roses.
...my $0.02,
-------------
Michael'nA2
I suggest you do your planning before you go; that is, you should know what you are going to do everyday you are there.
Get a simple book. I recommend Rick Steve's ITALY 2005 for starters. Build your plan around his recommendations. This plan should include a theme for each day (Greeks, Romans, Amalfi Coast, Regional foods, Urban living, Geography, Moder engineering marvels, etc.) arranged in some logical order. The daily plan should go into great detail even down to where you plan to eat each night. If you leave something to chance you will waste your time & later regret it.
Once you have your days planned. Get a more sophisticated book, like the Blue Guide to Southern Italy and research each day's historical setting in depth, or a good regional cook book to get a sense of the local culture, etc. As you learn more, adjust the plan.
You are in for a great adventure. Embrace it and your life will change forever...
Smell the roses.
...my $0.02,
-------------
Michael'nA2
Apr 28th, 2005, 12:42 AM
#33
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NYC_05
As a fellow NY'er-I totally sympathize with the restrictions of a busy schedule.
No, it's not hard to make daytrip plans for Sorrento at all-they are set up to deal with American tourists there. Ha ha, I am a different animal from the previous poster-I've never seen the inside of a Rick Steves guidebook, though a good friend is a Rick Steves guide!
You can make map out things vaguely from NY, then once you're there- fill in the details. In Italy, things can become spontaneous (and fun) in the wink of an eye.
Another thought-It is possible to take the train from Naples or Salerno up to Rome, and even Florence for a brief time, and you could choose one or two things you want to see very badly, then rejoin your friends afterwards. It would make an exciting experience.
This is not difficult at all you figure out the train schedules ahead of time. Think of it sort of like heading to Boston or Washington DC from NYC; there are lots of trains back and forth. And Florence is just about an hour and a half further than Rome.
BTW, for Rome, you might check out the walking tours of "Scala Reale"- a small company who uses redidents of Rome or students of Art and Architecture from the American Academy as their guides-it might be a good way to get a feel for the city in a brief visit. They're excellent, and have a website.
As a fellow NY'er-I totally sympathize with the restrictions of a busy schedule.
No, it's not hard to make daytrip plans for Sorrento at all-they are set up to deal with American tourists there. Ha ha, I am a different animal from the previous poster-I've never seen the inside of a Rick Steves guidebook, though a good friend is a Rick Steves guide!
You can make map out things vaguely from NY, then once you're there- fill in the details. In Italy, things can become spontaneous (and fun) in the wink of an eye.
Another thought-It is possible to take the train from Naples or Salerno up to Rome, and even Florence for a brief time, and you could choose one or two things you want to see very badly, then rejoin your friends afterwards. It would make an exciting experience.
This is not difficult at all you figure out the train schedules ahead of time. Think of it sort of like heading to Boston or Washington DC from NYC; there are lots of trains back and forth. And Florence is just about an hour and a half further than Rome.
BTW, for Rome, you might check out the walking tours of "Scala Reale"- a small company who uses redidents of Rome or students of Art and Architecture from the American Academy as their guides-it might be a good way to get a feel for the city in a brief visit. They're excellent, and have a website.
Apr 28th, 2005, 02:20 AM
#34
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Hi NYC_05, I sure understand how you agreed to go along with your friends idea of staying in Sorrento. And by the way,, Sorrento is beautiful. I just felt bad because it seemed as though the trip you were taking was not the trip you wanted to take. But of course you have a lifetime to return to beautiful Italy and investigate all of the other cities, villages and areas.
I personally agree with bellastar, don't have every moment planned. Italy, and especially southern Italy is a place to not be scheduled every moment. But of course it is good to have some plans made.
Enjoy! And don't forget to give us a trip report. Best wishes.
I personally agree with bellastar, don't have every moment planned. Italy, and especially southern Italy is a place to not be scheduled every moment. But of course it is good to have some plans made.
Enjoy! And don't forget to give us a trip report. Best wishes.
Apr 28th, 2005, 06:30 AM
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Hi NY,
>Is it pretty easy to make plans when we get to Sorrento in the summer for the day trips? or would it be better to plan the trips from here ..<
I suggest that you have a list of "must sees" and plan for them. Leave a lot of time for "Il Dolce Far Niente".
Enjoy your visit.
>Is it pretty easy to make plans when we get to Sorrento in the summer for the day trips? or would it be better to plan the trips from here ..<
I suggest that you have a list of "must sees" and plan for them. Leave a lot of time for "Il Dolce Far Niente".
Enjoy your visit.
Apr 28th, 2005, 07:44 AM
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NYC, You and your friends may want to see if you can find an apartment. You might save money, and for 10 days you'll have a lot more space to stretch out.
10 days in Sorrento is a lovely problem to have!
10 days in Sorrento is a lovely problem to have!
Apr 28th, 2005, 09:16 AM
#38
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Hi! It looks I'm going to Sorrento! I'm really looking forward to it now thanks to all of your wonderful posts and suggestions! I feel better knowing that there's lots to see and do. I didn't realize that you could rent an apartment for the week. Good to know for next time. We're actually going to be staying at the Imperial Tramonano..Please tell me its wonderful Now its time to figure out what we all want to see when we're there. We basically agree on the day trips that I mentioned before. I'll look into the books that were mentioned too and the suggestions on the posts. The one good thing is that we all do agree that we don't want to be rushing around. So we will stop and smell the roses Ira - What is "Il Dolce Far Niente"?
Now its time to figure out what we all want to see when we're there. We basically agree on the day trips that I mentioned before. I'll look into the books that were mentioned too and the suggestions on the posts. The one good thing is that we all do agree that we don't want to be rushing around. So we will stop and smell the roses Ira - What is "Il Dolce Far Niente"?
Apr 28th, 2005, 09:34 AM
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Il dolce far niente = The sweetness of doing nothing.
NYC, your hotel looks wonderful! Imagine sitting on that deck sipping a drink with your friends and enjoying the view. You'll have a fantastic time.
NYC, your hotel looks wonderful! Imagine sitting on that deck sipping a drink with your friends and enjoying the view. You'll have a fantastic time.
