I am traveling in Italy during September. Plans are to go from Lucca to the Sorrento/Positano area. I was wondering if it would be possible and worthwhile to go to Alberobello? Should we travel by train or car? I thought that a day or two here would be a completely different experience from what is typical Italy.

Oh well, first of all, what defines "typical Italy" for you? IMO, neither Sorrento/Positano nor Alberobello is. Both areas are just for tourists; no real people living there anymore. Second, did you have a look on the map? You know just how far it is from Positano to Alberobello? If you want real Italy, I'd almost suggest a Puglia-only holiday, where Alberobello would be your one and only non-typical Italy destination (but certainly worth seeing, nonetheless).

There is no "typical" Italy. There is a big difference between touristed Italy and untouristed Italy, and Alberobello gets fewer tourists than Sorrrento and Positano, that's for sure -- but it is still very much affected by tourism.

I think it is a great idea that you go someplace other than the tourist-attractant towns you've chosen, but if you want a completely different experience, try picking a town of this list, clicking on the description, googling up pictures and see if it appeals to you.

http://www.italyworldclub.com/lazio/frosinone/

For instance, I just picked at random Coreno Ausonio

http://www.italyworldclub.com/lazio/...enoausonio.htm

http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:ComuneDiAusonia.jpg

I'd be curious to go there on my way to Positano, or maybe some other town I had clicked on. Take a tour of the coast around Formia, Sperlonga. Have a lunch

http://www.chinappi.it/index.php?lin...glese&ferma=OK

Maybe go see the Roman theatre

http://www.panoramio.com/photo/17951875

Who knows what you'd find? Probably a lot.

PS: I just have to add that I really do love the picture of the Roman theatre apparently right in somebody's backyard, It's apparently only a few miles from Montecassino (and Coreno Ausonio)

http://maps.google.it/maps?client=sa...N&hl=en&tab=wl

Hi Zeppole - those towns between Gaeta and Naples are interesting and pretty. We've stayed in many coastal towns incl. Formia where we rented little beach apartment. We've also stayed inland around Fiuggi, Frosinone, etc. Gaeta few miles from Formia is now a naval center and is quite picturesque. great town for walking as it is very quaint and right on the gulf of Formia. Sperlonga was preferred by the emperors...

Couple things to keep in mind when traveling to these towns:

1) If you speak English then you should have a basic understanding of Italian as finding English in these towns is not common.
2) Siesta is still taken seriously so everything will be closed from 1 -4 so plan accordingly.
3) with rental car license plate may signal you are a tourist-keep bags in trunk and be careful where you park.

If you are looking for action these towns are not the places... although Gaeta is lively & full of locals from the neighboring towns like Formia.

Puglia is a wonderfully rich region, IMO worth more than a day to see Alberobello. Coast is gorgeous, Otranto at the tip is a little gem, and the entire region is rich with art, culture, food and wine...

Of course I have to agree there is no "typical" Italy - It is a peninsula continuously inhabited for 5000 years, but has been one country for little over 100 years. Its 20 regions are unique which differences makes "Italy" a fantastic destination...

bkmk