For those who have experienced the drive down the Almalfi coast from Rome, would you suggest it to a couple who will be going to Italy for the first time? We are planning to go early October for 2 weeks and thought we may spend a couple of nights in one of the towns near Almalfi so that we can see Pompeii and Ravello if we have the time. <BR><BR>About how long of a drive by car and how long by train? Can you stop along the way for pictures or is this a road where there are no turnoffs? <BR><BR>Still trying to set an itinerary but are having a MAJOR problem deciding on where to go what to see!!

Didi:<BR><BR>We've been to Italy before, but never the Amalfi coast. In May, we are heading there from Rome for the first time. After much research, we have decided that we will train to Naples, then train to Sorrento, and bus to Positano. I don't want the hassle of driving on the coast, I'd rather have someone else do the driving and have time for site seeing.<BR><BR>Another factor in our decision, is that based on our previous experience with public transportation in Italy, that we enjoy traveling this way. We only have backpacks so luggage isn't a problem for us. We find train travel enjoyable.<BR><BR>One other thing... from what I've read, parking on the Amalfi coast can be another nightmare. I found that a lot of the hotels charge about $15 per night for parking too. So, IMO you're really not saving anything by driving.<BR><BR>Good Luck in what you decide.

The Amalfi Drive is only that portion of the road between Sorrento and Salerno. Driving from Rome to Naples can be done all on autostrada and is very easy, even for someone who has not driven in Italy before. But once you reach Naples and have to drive the narrow, curving road to first Sorrento and then on the official Amalfi Drive, things get trickier. Driving from Rome to Naples takes about 2 hours. From Naples to Amalfi it is another 2 to 4 hours depending on traffic. Or you can take the autostrada all the way to Salerno (about 3 hours) then drive another 1 or 2 hours to Amalfi. Would I recommend this for a first time driver in Italy? No. Take the train to either Naples or Salerno and get to your final destination by taxi, private driver or public transportation (train to Sorrento, or bus or hydrofoil to Sorrento, Positano or Amalfi).

I've done the drive 3 times. If you are a nervous driver at home, then don't do it. If not, you'll be fine. Yes, there are pull off areas. I like the freedom that having a car allows.<BR>Besides parking in hotels, you can park in public lots and on the street (where you'll need to pay a meter during the day).<BR>Personally, I would stop in Pompeii on your way to or from Amalfi. Once you get there, you may not want to leave, especially if you have to use public transportation.<BR>On our last trip there, my husband and I actually left Positano in the morning, drove to Pompeii, spent a few hours, and then drove 12 hours all the way to the Swiss Alps, arriving in a blizzard. But we're a little crazy that way...<BR>If you want to read about our trip, go to<BR>http://www.wired2theworld.com and look at the RTW trip page for Sicily and Positano.

Thanks guys! We will definitely take all of your suggestions into consideration.