Hi We are a Canadian couple (late 40's) traveling in Italy this summer. We arrive in Rome July 27 and plan on driving to Amalfi (Sorrento)on July 28 and spending time going to Capri, Pompeii, Positano and maybe Ravello depending on time returning to Rome on Aug 1.Any other suggestions of places to see? Also we are leaving Rome by Inner City train on Aug 6 to Catania and ferrying it to Malta on Aug 7. Any experience with the Italian Inner City trains? Thanks. Sandy

Do you mean "Intercity" train to Catania? I suspect so--usually abbreviated IC here. IC trains make a few more stops than an ES (Eurostar). Your accomodations will depend on if you get a new or old train. It might be one big train car, or perhaps compartments of six seats. For IC over this distance, I would recommend first class seats--more comfy, less crowded, better window soundproofing, better air conditioning.

I suggest you go to the slowtrav website/italy/trains and the excellent descriptions of train service.

Thanks for your help

Hi. Not sure if there is an option for another train, but the IC trains are sooooo slow. It's nice to see the countryside and all, but it really is a long ride. Anyway, my husband and I went to Capri, Positano and Ravello a few years back and it was an amazing time!! Taking the time to go to Ravello is definitely worth it. It is absolutely gorgeous! Have fun!!

Are you sure you want to rent a car? I really don't think you will end up using it as there isn't much parking available and the local busses/trains are so frequent.

It doesn't really make sense to fly into Rome and head south to the Amalfi coast and then back north to Rome and then back south to Catania. If you plan on touring Rome then you should stay there first and then go to Sorrento. You can get a very cheap flight from Naples to Catania on Alpi Eagles without having to backtrack to Rome.