My husband and I are looking to take a quick trip (~1 week) to Italy in late September to celebrate his 50th birthday. He really wants to go to Italy but somewhere we haven't been before. We have been to Cinque Terre, Venice, Rome, Lucca, Florence over multiple trips. We have narrowed it down to the Lake District or Amalfi Coast. He would like to have the option for hiking as well as experience beautiful scenery and relaxation. We would prefer not to have a car unless absolutely necessary.

I know these are two complete opposite choices but we we really have been struggling to make this decision. Any advice or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

I think the only "opposite" sides of these choices is that they're far apart geographically. They both feature great beauty and have hiking opportunities. One year we actually went to both on the same trip. I had been hit by a truck and after a huge amount of rehab, decided to take my insurance check and go to Italy. Started in Bellagio and took a plane from Milan to Naples, whence we went to Positano. IME, there is more available hiking on Capri, but not on that particular trip.

I've been to the three big lakes, and prefer Como mid-lake for beauty. But Capri is probably my ideal beauty spot with hiking opportunities that include some historic sites and amazing walks.

You have a lovely choice to make. These are only my experiences.

Thank you for the feedback tuscanlifeedit .I'm so sorry to hear about your injury...how horrifying.

Going to both would probably be the best solution but I'm thinking it may not be possible in our time allowance unfortunately. Although, if we extend by a day or two maybe can swing it. We still have 2 kids at home so will need to rely on my parents to stay with them.

IDtoTX: not really suggesting both in the same short trip, because that might not be "relaxing." It was a special trip and an unexpected check that led us to do so, plus back in those days, we had very little vacation days from work, and squeezing things in was attractive.

I realize that. This is just me having a hard time making a decision.

If you go to Lake Maggiore/Orta/Lugano/Como, make sure to have alternative programs for the case of fog and heavy rainfall during several days.

thanks neckervd . The weather was one of my biggest concerns with the Lake plan for the time of year we can go.

Not touching Puglia or Sicilia?

bilboburgler once we figure out which direction - Northern or Southern Italy we will round out our itinerary. Do you have a preference?

That time of year I would suggest the Amalfi. The weather is going to be better and in the Lakes the boats might be winding down by then.

With one week, I think either could be wonderful, and with one week, I would NOT try to include anything else!

Just as an example: With 1 week on the Amalfi Coast, you would have time for the coast itself (don't miss the gardens of Ravello or hikes in the area), Capri (some lovely hikes there), too, Pompeii and/or Herculaneum, Paestum, Naples (a vibrant city, full of treasures), and Salerno. Perfect for a one week trip!

Thanks annhig and kja i think we're starting to lean towards focusing on southern Italy - Amalfi Coast. Now, we're trying to determine if it's worth staying in one place for a week (Ravello) or would we be better off breaking it up into 2 stays - Capri / Ravello or Capri / Atrani etc.

Capri is, IMO, delightful; it is MUCH more so after day trippers leave.

Ravello is drop-dead gorgeous. Stunningingly so! But it is more expensive than elsewhere and perhaps more importantly, it is less convenient than other locations, as you must always get up and down to the coast to see anything else.

what kja said. much more likely to have good weather in the south that time of year than in the north.

Progol did a TR of her and her DH's long trip in Italy last year which included time on the Amalfi coast; they stayed in Atrani, just up the coast from Amalfi, which they loved.

Just found her TR. Fortunately the part about the south [Naples, Herculaneum, Capri, Atrani etc] starts almost at the top so you don't have far to scroll through. I'm sure you'll enjoy reading it and pick up lots of great ideas.

5 weeks in Italy, continued…Orvieto, Naples, Amalfi Coast, and back to Rome

Thank you! I was just starting my search for it.

We have been to Bellagio four times in late September and always have had beautiful weather.
Capri is beautiful but you need a strategy every day to avoid the crowds.

annhig, you are motivating me to return to my report, as I haven’t finished it! I will do my best to return to it! My apologies, as I’ve had to quickly put together a trip for this spring since my trip to China fell through!

We absolutely loved Atrani and highly recommend it over the larger towns. It’s lovely, and has a feeling of a “real” town which gets some tourists, but not so many that it is overwhelmed by them.

The Amalfi Coast, and I suspect most tourist destinations in Italy, will be crowded, however, at that time of year, so just be prepared. We were there in early-mid October and were surprised how busy it could get.

progol i would love to know where you stayed in Atrani. I feel like we are late in planning this trip and are finding that a lot of places are sold out. Currently I have 3 hotels reserved. A due Passi in Ravello, Hotel Villa Pandora in Maori and La Barbera in Praiano. Does anyone have thoughts on either of these 3 places / locations?

We stayed at a small guesthouse, La Scogliera, run by Pino and Pina who are gems. But I’d be amazed if they had availability as it only has 3 rooms. The Blue room is the prize!
https://www.lascoglierarooms.it

if they don’t have any availability, ask about the rooms next door. It’s got the same spectacular view, although I think they’re simply rooms, not a b&b.