We are going to Rome in mid-March and would like to travel to a second destination in Italy. We are active, "outdoorsy" types so it has been suggested that we might enjoy the Amalfi Coast for three or four days. Or would we get more from a sidetrip to Venice?
I enjoy reading all the posts for Italy so I hope some "experts" could help me with my trip. THANK YOU !!!

Well, both fabulous locations, but along the Amalfi Coast you must continually drive from village to village; but once you get to Venice you walk all over the city. Along the Amalfi Coast scenery is the thing, be sure to include Capri in that itinerary. Venice is fascinating unto itself; since you're doing Rome, I'd opt for Amalfi just as a better mix, but be sure to get to Venice another time. On Amalfi Coast, be sure to get to Positano, Ravello and absolutely go to Pompeii. We visited Sorrento in late March and had great weather after one heavy rainy day.

I just saw the post and asked my wife who was standing behind me which she would prefer.

She said that the choice was too hard.

I agree. We love them both. :-B

We observed on a recent brief visit to the Amalfi coast, that it is really crowded ( certainly less so in mid March, but not the time to enjoy the water)

Venice is unique and my favorite italian city to visit. There is just nothing like it in the whole wide world. ,My advice Go north young man!

( Rome however would be my favorite italian city in which to live)

A/D

I would say that the only outdoor activity on the AC in March would be some steep hiking up and down steps and roads.

You would certainly do a lot of walking in Venice, but you'll do a lot in Rome, too.

Have you considered any other areas in Italy? Or another time of year for "outdoorsy" and nature activities?

But as to the original question: set aside your outdoorsy leanings for a trip to Italy in March. Go to Venice. Everyone should.

In my opinion there is nothing like Venice. It is my favorite Italian city. It is in the top three of my favorite cities in all of Europe. So I would definitely go to Venice, over Amalfi Coast.

I am going to Rome for 3 days in Nov. and then to the Amalfi Coast for 5 days and stay in Sorrento. I found a great place on the side of the mountain that overlooks Naples. Check this out:
www.ilnido.it
They offer shuttle service and the price is right. We can then see several places on the coast with this being our base. I hope we have made the right decision. Any comments?

My sister, mom and I stayed at Il Nido three years ago. The price was right, nothing fancy, but we enjoyed it very much. My mom speaks Italian so she enjoyed Gianni and the family. The shuttle worked well for us. The day we went to Pompeii, they took us right to the train station. Only draw back is if you like being in the thick of things, this is way up the hill from Sorrento. This was OK for us since we were always too pooped out at night to care about night life. I would definitly stay at Il Nido again. Be sure to try for a room with a view of the Bay of Naples.

MY

I vote for Venice. Like someone else earlier said, there's no other place quite like it. It's pure magic.

marshagenn - I've stayed at Il Nido also. Be sure to get Gianni to explain the public bus schedule for the times of day when the shuttle from Il Nido isn't running. We had some great meals at Il Nido on the terrace overlooking the bay and the prices were much better than in town.

We have also stayed at Il Nido and it is wonderful. Altho my vote is still for Venice, if you decide on Sorrento, I highly recommend Il Nido.

If you have never been, by all means go to Venice. Unique, exquisite, and likely to become one of the most memorable places you have ever visited. I would save Sorrento for a time of the year when the weather is likely to be warmer and sunnier.