Sorrento or Praiano?
Feb 6th, 2006 | 04:19 PM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Sorrento or Praiano?
We’ll be arriving from Paris to Naples on July 1 and want to spend 5 days in AC – to relax and have fun (two girls in our mid twenties).
We want to stay in one place that is fun for night life and easy route for day trips to Ravello, Amalfi, Positano, Capri…
Should we choose Sorrento or Praino? Experts of Amalfi Coast - please help to decide.
Your B&B suggestions are very much appreciated too!
We want to stay in one place that is fun for night life and easy route for day trips to Ravello, Amalfi, Positano, Capri…
Should we choose Sorrento or Praino? Experts of Amalfi Coast - please help to decide.
Your B&B suggestions are very much appreciated too!
Aug 23rd, 2006 | 02:43 PM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Bob and Ira,
Thanks for your very wise advice.
We got back from our wonderful vacation sometime ago but still dreaming of destinations we visited.
I won’t be able to write as beautiful as other’s have written and entertained all of us, but here is our tale.
Once upon a time, somewhere in the USA and Germany plans were being made on how to invade Paris, Amalfi Coast and Venice in June 2006.
It was not an easy job to do because there were three divas involved.
Two from Los Angeles (Mary the Navigator, Lily the Planner) and one from the suburbs of Germany (Azik the Shopper).
This was Mary's and Lily's third trip together. Previous trips were organized by Contiki tours to Spain and Italy. This trip was very independent thanks to the Fodors Talk Board.
Mary the Navigator and Lily the Planner had to get to Pari before Azik the Shopper arrived to discover the hidden parts of the city, backdoors and Parisian lifestyle, art and galleries. Azik the Shopper been in Paris many times and her agenda was simple -entertain two ladies from Los Angeles, shop and party. Just for the records, Mary the Navigator and Azik the Shopper are cousins.
Strategy was to get to Paris Sunday (June 25) morning. However, after being delayed in JFK due to an old lady fainting in the cabin (two divas from LA always have eventful flights, just like the time when a goose got crushed in the plane's engine and they were stuck in Madrid's airport for a while and missed the connection in London and arrived home a day later).
As usual, this time they missed the Paris Blue Van shuttle (recommended by this forum) arranged by the Planner and after spending a few hours in the rain the Navigator decided it would be better to take a cab and discover this city of lights and love sooner than later.
By the way, the difference in the price between the shuttle and the cab was only 10 Euros. After our return we contacted Blue Van Shuttle and they were nice enough to refund the charge right away and apologized for the No Show incident.
Our hotel was located on George V Avenue.
Mary the Navigator, quickly memorized the surrounding streets and asked our charming Concierge for suggestions to a French brasserie where they could eat and go over the plans again, which is to see and do it all!
Soon, in the rain, they found themselves at Chez Andre's having grilled fish, salad with goat cheese and red wine. Soon clock on the wall ticked 11:30 pm and we knew we had to go back to get some rest. Energy is all we needed to put 3000 miles on our legs for the next few days.
Rain stopped and our adventures begun and we stepped on lots of French ground.
The Board is right. If you arrive to Paris Monday and have at least 6 days there and want to use Metro, purchase the weekly pass (Carte Orange).
Using Metro was kind of exciting experience for us and our mind never wondered if we would be unsafe (even when we visited my cousin in Cashan and took metro back at 11:30 pm and changed a few lines, getting lost in some areas).
We used our legs and Metro like crazy!!!! Trying to see it all in 7 days was impossible. But here is what we observed:
French people are beautiful. They are very helpful and nice.
They know how to dress and accessorize.
Man love to "x-ray" ladies. We got that a lot everywhere we went.
Paris is an open museum under the blue skies.
Food is delicious, desserts are superb, baguettes are outstanding, and cafes are delight.
Parks and gardens are very well maintained.
There are many Tunisians living in Paris.
Food we ate:
Dinner
Chez Andre - French cuisine. Cozy and delicious.
Chez Alma - French, close to Eiffel Tower. Good food, nice atmosphere.
L'Entrocote - This place is a Must. Especially if you like beef and peppersauce.
Les Argonautes - fun restaurant in the Latin Quarter if you like Greek food, music and entertaining. They actually do all the crazy stuff that were described in this forum - such as holding table with their teeth, dancing on a fire and making you dance on the tables.
Ladies, be aware though. If you are with no man you will get lots of marriage proposals there by the staff.
La Cantine Du Faubourg - very high end. Hip, modern and great French/Japanese food.
Lunch
Palace Costes - this place is in the hotel. Looked like they have a very high class clientele. Service staff is so attractive, like model type. Just looking at them makes life happier. We enjoyed their service and food was very artistic and delicious, and at the same time very expensive. However, it was worth it.
Buddah Bar - we had to go there. It was crowded and fun despite of the fact that all the cocktails cost about 18 euros.
Misc.
Mandalaray - club. Hard to get in without a connection. But we had a connection. This was a happening place if you want a nice atmosphere and great music.
Laduree - dessert, their macaroons are just extraordinary.
Cohier Patissier - coffee, pastries, sandwiches. Highly recommended. They know what they are doing.
Well, four days later Azik the Shopper arrived. She flew from Bonn to spend only 3 days with us. Those spoiled Europeans…
She was just a charm, full of energy and kindness. Thanks to her hospitality and generosity we experienced Parisian food, Parisian night life to the fullest and of course shopping. She hit the grounds of Paris when all the sales started.
We LOVED Paris! It was a good start and after saying our good byes to each other and our favorite city, Lily the Planner and Mary the Navigator went on their next stop:
Amalfi Coast
We flew from Orly airport to Naples via EasyJet airlines. EasyJet even arranged our pick up from the hotel. On time service, nice and smooth. Flight was delayed again… for 2 hours.
I got worried a bit that the pick up I arranged won’t be there when we land.
Thankfully this very good looking driver was there waiting for us forever…I used Francesco Marapese’s services recommended here a lot (I think this boards just loves him).
Well, an endorsement from Ira and Bob took us to this charming town called Positano.
Villa Rosa became our home away from home for four nights (too short, unfortunately).
We had a room that had an amazing view - at night we never closed the balcony doors to make sure we are taking advantage of this gorgeous looking town.
We enjoyed the fresh smell of the jasmine and blooming flowers throughout as well as B&B's fresh baked croissants, cappuccino every morning.
I can't express enough words of appreciation to the staff and owner - they were so welcoming, helpful and super nice to us.
We needed POSITANO very bad. Paris wore us out. On our way we asked our Italian driver if he would knew a nice message place in Positano and he recommended us to go the beach and FREE Message will actually approach us. He was right.
I will continue later…
Thanks for your very wise advice.
We got back from our wonderful vacation sometime ago but still dreaming of destinations we visited.
I won’t be able to write as beautiful as other’s have written and entertained all of us, but here is our tale.
Once upon a time, somewhere in the USA and Germany plans were being made on how to invade Paris, Amalfi Coast and Venice in June 2006.
It was not an easy job to do because there were three divas involved.
Two from Los Angeles (Mary the Navigator, Lily the Planner) and one from the suburbs of Germany (Azik the Shopper).
This was Mary's and Lily's third trip together. Previous trips were organized by Contiki tours to Spain and Italy. This trip was very independent thanks to the Fodors Talk Board.
Mary the Navigator and Lily the Planner had to get to Pari before Azik the Shopper arrived to discover the hidden parts of the city, backdoors and Parisian lifestyle, art and galleries. Azik the Shopper been in Paris many times and her agenda was simple -entertain two ladies from Los Angeles, shop and party. Just for the records, Mary the Navigator and Azik the Shopper are cousins.
Strategy was to get to Paris Sunday (June 25) morning. However, after being delayed in JFK due to an old lady fainting in the cabin (two divas from LA always have eventful flights, just like the time when a goose got crushed in the plane's engine and they were stuck in Madrid's airport for a while and missed the connection in London and arrived home a day later).
As usual, this time they missed the Paris Blue Van shuttle (recommended by this forum) arranged by the Planner and after spending a few hours in the rain the Navigator decided it would be better to take a cab and discover this city of lights and love sooner than later.
By the way, the difference in the price between the shuttle and the cab was only 10 Euros. After our return we contacted Blue Van Shuttle and they were nice enough to refund the charge right away and apologized for the No Show incident.
Our hotel was located on George V Avenue.
Mary the Navigator, quickly memorized the surrounding streets and asked our charming Concierge for suggestions to a French brasserie where they could eat and go over the plans again, which is to see and do it all!
Soon, in the rain, they found themselves at Chez Andre's having grilled fish, salad with goat cheese and red wine. Soon clock on the wall ticked 11:30 pm and we knew we had to go back to get some rest. Energy is all we needed to put 3000 miles on our legs for the next few days.
Rain stopped and our adventures begun and we stepped on lots of French ground.
The Board is right. If you arrive to Paris Monday and have at least 6 days there and want to use Metro, purchase the weekly pass (Carte Orange).
Using Metro was kind of exciting experience for us and our mind never wondered if we would be unsafe (even when we visited my cousin in Cashan and took metro back at 11:30 pm and changed a few lines, getting lost in some areas).
We used our legs and Metro like crazy!!!! Trying to see it all in 7 days was impossible. But here is what we observed:
French people are beautiful. They are very helpful and nice.
They know how to dress and accessorize.
Man love to "x-ray" ladies. We got that a lot everywhere we went.
Paris is an open museum under the blue skies.
Food is delicious, desserts are superb, baguettes are outstanding, and cafes are delight.
Parks and gardens are very well maintained.
There are many Tunisians living in Paris.
Food we ate:
Dinner
Chez Andre - French cuisine. Cozy and delicious.
Chez Alma - French, close to Eiffel Tower. Good food, nice atmosphere.
L'Entrocote - This place is a Must. Especially if you like beef and peppersauce.
Les Argonautes - fun restaurant in the Latin Quarter if you like Greek food, music and entertaining. They actually do all the crazy stuff that were described in this forum - such as holding table with their teeth, dancing on a fire and making you dance on the tables.
Ladies, be aware though. If you are with no man you will get lots of marriage proposals there by the staff.
La Cantine Du Faubourg - very high end. Hip, modern and great French/Japanese food.
Lunch
Palace Costes - this place is in the hotel. Looked like they have a very high class clientele. Service staff is so attractive, like model type. Just looking at them makes life happier. We enjoyed their service and food was very artistic and delicious, and at the same time very expensive. However, it was worth it.
Buddah Bar - we had to go there. It was crowded and fun despite of the fact that all the cocktails cost about 18 euros.
Misc.
Mandalaray - club. Hard to get in without a connection. But we had a connection. This was a happening place if you want a nice atmosphere and great music.
Laduree - dessert, their macaroons are just extraordinary.
Cohier Patissier - coffee, pastries, sandwiches. Highly recommended. They know what they are doing.
Well, four days later Azik the Shopper arrived. She flew from Bonn to spend only 3 days with us. Those spoiled Europeans…
She was just a charm, full of energy and kindness. Thanks to her hospitality and generosity we experienced Parisian food, Parisian night life to the fullest and of course shopping. She hit the grounds of Paris when all the sales started.
We LOVED Paris! It was a good start and after saying our good byes to each other and our favorite city, Lily the Planner and Mary the Navigator went on their next stop:
Amalfi Coast
We flew from Orly airport to Naples via EasyJet airlines. EasyJet even arranged our pick up from the hotel. On time service, nice and smooth. Flight was delayed again… for 2 hours.
I got worried a bit that the pick up I arranged won’t be there when we land.
Thankfully this very good looking driver was there waiting for us forever…I used Francesco Marapese’s services recommended here a lot (I think this boards just loves him).
Well, an endorsement from Ira and Bob took us to this charming town called Positano.
Villa Rosa became our home away from home for four nights (too short, unfortunately).
We had a room that had an amazing view - at night we never closed the balcony doors to make sure we are taking advantage of this gorgeous looking town.
We enjoyed the fresh smell of the jasmine and blooming flowers throughout as well as B&B's fresh baked croissants, cappuccino every morning.
I can't express enough words of appreciation to the staff and owner - they were so welcoming, helpful and super nice to us.
We needed POSITANO very bad. Paris wore us out. On our way we asked our Italian driver if he would knew a nice message place in Positano and he recommended us to go the beach and FREE Message will actually approach us. He was right.
I will continue later…
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Aug 25th, 2006 | 10:13 AM
#14
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hello, everyone.
in order not to bore you with my report I tried to spice it up a notch throwing the "massage" conversation in.
But I did in it in a hurry and "massage" turned to "message"...and confused some of you. Sorry.
Yes, local guys will approach girls if they don’t see any man with them which could lead to a nice massage. We never had time to go the beach and experience the free “massage” but I am sure if we did we wouldn’t look back at it with regrets.
Well, after we settled in our lovely room and had our welcome cocktails, we went to DaVinzeto (we asked our front desk girl to make reservations for us) for dinner.
Our driver recommended this place when we were passing by it.
Charming place and charming people. Restaurant was packed with locals; owner greeted us as he knew us for years. The atmosphere is “family” like, where family members and friends are running around and trying to serve the hungry crowd. We loved this place, the food, the interaction. We came back a few days later again to have dinner here and this time they greeted us with our names… so friendly. They make you feel like you are home.
Well, after we finished our dinner we noticed our B&B porter waiting for us outside. He wanted to introduce us to the owner of Villa Rosa and show us around.
OK. That’s perfectly fine with us. We had a few drinks with them at Café Positano under the bright looking stars and a live music playing right in front of us (Café Positano has life music every night). The owner, who by the way looks like Armand Assante (the actor from Mambo Kings), is such a down to earth person! After getting to know each other we started our Positano walking tour with our very special guide. We got to our hotel room at about 3 am… oh, “Music on the Rocks” dance club is very popular on the weekends. We noticed the line when we were passing by it. Too bad we couldn’t find time to go in.
Next morning we were on our way to catch a boat to “Le Sirene”. This is a private small beach where you can swim, rent a sun chair, relax and eat. There are two restaurants there. It was full of locals again; we met our lovely B&B owner there with his family and friends. I wish I was still there – swimming, reading a book and people watching.
Food at Le Sirene is magnificent. The waiters are very attentive and again super nice. They kept offering us free drinks such as lemonchellos, wine with peaches, and other cocktails that I can’t recall the names… We had a very relaxed and fun day there. The guys working there suggested a great pizza place above the restaurant (about 450 stairs up if I remember correctly) and volunteered to take us there. Of course we couldn’t refuse the offer and set a date with them.
Next on our list was Amalfi Coast tour with Gennaroe Salvatore. Salvatore is full of life, energy, wisdom and fun to be around. We were fascinated by the nature’s beauty, by the man power that created life in those areas.
We again appreciated the fact that we are alive and able to see all this beauty. We thanked for the opportunities that brought us to this magnificent part of the world. Swimming, eating, drinking, singing with him and listening to Salvatore’s stories made our day.
Thanks, Fodors activists for pointing his name in your reports. We really enjoyed every moment of it.
In the evening we headed to “Le Sirenuse” restaurant to go to the pizza place with our new friends. Once we claimed the 450 some stairs and got to the top, all our efforts were worth it. The most romantic spot was right in front of us and we were surrounded by those handsome looking Italians – one from Positano, the other one from Napoli. The air was peaceful and full of love. So what we do? We head right to the pizza place. I don’t remember the name of this restaurant. But it was very modern and authentic at the same time. Outstanding pizza and beer!
We dedicated next day to Capri/Anacapri. What’s there not to love about Capri. Only the crowds. The island was full of people. We adored the views once again realized that “LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL” and we got to make the best of it as long as we are alive.
Back to Positano and off to a dinner at La Tagliata (Fodor’s forums recommendation).
You must go there even if you are not hungry just to see Peppe. It’s like going to Florence and not seeing David is a big minus.
Another eventful dinner full of wine, awesome food and views that I could only dream of, followed by the fireworks (village was celebrating Virgin Mary’s victory).
Again, we found ourselves in the celebrations among the people who live here.
Later at night we met with our friends from DaVinzeto and LeSirenuse to go to “Next to” bar to catch up on the news, our lifestyle differences and just hang together for a good time.
Highlights of Positano
People are full of life and energy, hospitality and kindness
Food is all natural and tasteful
Lemonchellos are to die for
Soccer celebrations – Mama Mia!!! Full of joy
Life is too good to be true
That’s all we could do this time. We missed a lot, such as Pompeii, Ravello, Sorrento… which gives us a good reason to go back. If we get a chance we’ll go back in a heartbeat.
Arrivaderci Positano… we will be back!
Venice – get ready, we are on our way, relaxed and energized.
in order not to bore you with my report I tried to spice it up a notch throwing the "massage" conversation in.
But I did in it in a hurry and "massage" turned to "message"...and confused some of you. Sorry.
Yes, local guys will approach girls if they don’t see any man with them which could lead to a nice massage. We never had time to go the beach and experience the free “massage” but I am sure if we did we wouldn’t look back at it with regrets.
Well, after we settled in our lovely room and had our welcome cocktails, we went to DaVinzeto (we asked our front desk girl to make reservations for us) for dinner.
Our driver recommended this place when we were passing by it.
Charming place and charming people. Restaurant was packed with locals; owner greeted us as he knew us for years. The atmosphere is “family” like, where family members and friends are running around and trying to serve the hungry crowd. We loved this place, the food, the interaction. We came back a few days later again to have dinner here and this time they greeted us with our names… so friendly. They make you feel like you are home.
Well, after we finished our dinner we noticed our B&B porter waiting for us outside. He wanted to introduce us to the owner of Villa Rosa and show us around.
OK. That’s perfectly fine with us. We had a few drinks with them at Café Positano under the bright looking stars and a live music playing right in front of us (Café Positano has life music every night). The owner, who by the way looks like Armand Assante (the actor from Mambo Kings), is such a down to earth person! After getting to know each other we started our Positano walking tour with our very special guide. We got to our hotel room at about 3 am… oh, “Music on the Rocks” dance club is very popular on the weekends. We noticed the line when we were passing by it. Too bad we couldn’t find time to go in.
Next morning we were on our way to catch a boat to “Le Sirene”. This is a private small beach where you can swim, rent a sun chair, relax and eat. There are two restaurants there. It was full of locals again; we met our lovely B&B owner there with his family and friends. I wish I was still there – swimming, reading a book and people watching.
Food at Le Sirene is magnificent. The waiters are very attentive and again super nice. They kept offering us free drinks such as lemonchellos, wine with peaches, and other cocktails that I can’t recall the names… We had a very relaxed and fun day there. The guys working there suggested a great pizza place above the restaurant (about 450 stairs up if I remember correctly) and volunteered to take us there. Of course we couldn’t refuse the offer and set a date with them.
Next on our list was Amalfi Coast tour with Gennaroe Salvatore. Salvatore is full of life, energy, wisdom and fun to be around. We were fascinated by the nature’s beauty, by the man power that created life in those areas.
We again appreciated the fact that we are alive and able to see all this beauty. We thanked for the opportunities that brought us to this magnificent part of the world. Swimming, eating, drinking, singing with him and listening to Salvatore’s stories made our day.
Thanks, Fodors activists for pointing his name in your reports. We really enjoyed every moment of it.
In the evening we headed to “Le Sirenuse” restaurant to go to the pizza place with our new friends. Once we claimed the 450 some stairs and got to the top, all our efforts were worth it. The most romantic spot was right in front of us and we were surrounded by those handsome looking Italians – one from Positano, the other one from Napoli. The air was peaceful and full of love. So what we do? We head right to the pizza place. I don’t remember the name of this restaurant. But it was very modern and authentic at the same time. Outstanding pizza and beer!
We dedicated next day to Capri/Anacapri. What’s there not to love about Capri. Only the crowds. The island was full of people. We adored the views once again realized that “LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL” and we got to make the best of it as long as we are alive.
Back to Positano and off to a dinner at La Tagliata (Fodor’s forums recommendation).
You must go there even if you are not hungry just to see Peppe. It’s like going to Florence and not seeing David is a big minus.
Another eventful dinner full of wine, awesome food and views that I could only dream of, followed by the fireworks (village was celebrating Virgin Mary’s victory).
Again, we found ourselves in the celebrations among the people who live here.
Later at night we met with our friends from DaVinzeto and LeSirenuse to go to “Next to” bar to catch up on the news, our lifestyle differences and just hang together for a good time.
Highlights of Positano
People are full of life and energy, hospitality and kindness
Food is all natural and tasteful
Lemonchellos are to die for
Soccer celebrations – Mama Mia!!! Full of joy
Life is too good to be true
That’s all we could do this time. We missed a lot, such as Pompeii, Ravello, Sorrento… which gives us a good reason to go back. If we get a chance we’ll go back in a heartbeat.
Arrivaderci Positano… we will be back!
Venice – get ready, we are on our way, relaxed and energized.
Aug 25th, 2006 | 10:48 AM
#16
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
Lilit,
I am confused about the beach Le Sirene, is that the cove that you take the red boat from Positano beach to get to?
Will be there in a few weeks and thought I would check it out. I usually just go to the main beach and rent chairs but this sounded nice.
I can relate to your enjoyment of the area, this will be my third summer back in a row and also to the friendliness of the locals (esp. the boys)
. Music on the rocks is great fun - you will have to check it out next time.
JenV
I am confused about the beach Le Sirene, is that the cove that you take the red boat from Positano beach to get to?
Will be there in a few weeks and thought I would check it out. I usually just go to the main beach and rent chairs but this sounded nice.
I can relate to your enjoyment of the area, this will be my third summer back in a row and also to the friendliness of the locals (esp. the boys)
. Music on the rocks is great fun - you will have to check it out next time.JenV
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