My friend and I arriving in Rome on October 7. We will levae Rome the next day and head to Naples by train. We will be in this area for only 5 days with our base being in Naples. We would like to take day trips to the Amalfi coast. can you suggest what area to visit eg. Positano, Sorrento and Capri? I hope the weather is better then. Any itinary ideas will be much appreciated. The we return to Rome and fly to Brussels so a short stay in the South. thx

Before itinerary ideas, I would like to suggest what has to be the best value hotel in Naples:

http://www.decumani.it/en/

First and foremost is it has the best possible location, smack in the center of the Spaccanapoli area and steps to the Santa Chiara Cloister. The rooms in this converted Palazzo are HUGE with super large bathrooms, 14 ft ceilings, king beds, etc. Oh and rooms are 100E-150E depending on time of year. We loved it and subsequently recommended to friends who also couldn't believe how perfect it was. If you can cancel your existing hotel without penalty, you should consider it. It is SUCH a pleasant area to be based in.

With only 5 days, day trips to Positano, Sorrento and Capri are good options and about the limit. You could also consider an Amalfi/Ravello combo day-trip in lieu of Positano - I would.

In Naples itself, here is a self-guided tour that squeezes a lot of the historic center highlights into a single (long) day:
http://www.frommers.com/destinations...058010008.html
http://www.frommers.com/images/desti...urofnaples.jpg

Naples also has one of the finest art collections in Italy here:
http://en.museo-capodimonte.it/
The museum grounds also afford stunning views of Naples and the bay.

The archeological museum is also worth a visit:
http://museoarcheologiconazionale.ca...iculturali.it/

Unlike most European cities, the waterfront area in Naples is not very nice - go there only to catch ferries to Capri, etc.

Hello bardo1 -- thanks. I am actually staying at the Marriott due to a promotional deal. Is it centrally located? Based on what I have read on their website it is.

Hi jm,

Have you considered going directly to Naples upon arrival, rather than spending a night in Rome. It's only another 2 hr travel time. You can then visit Rome on your way to Brussels.

The AC is not large. Sorrento to Salerno is only about 60 km.

You can also visit Paestum (Greek ruins) by train from Naples.

You might find this helpful: Ira’s Trip Report (Italy 2003)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...2&tid=34451044

Naples is well worth visiting.

>Unlike most European cities, the waterfront area in Naples is not very nice - go there only to catch ferries to Capri, etc.<

We found it quite pleasant. You can also visit the fortress.

Enjoy your visit.

Sorrento is a more convenient base if you plan to see the AC.

Well I would budget a day for Capri - you can take the ferry from Naples. Then another day for Pompeii if that interests you (maybe visit the archeology musem in Naples before going to Pompeii as that is where alot of stuff from Pompeii has been moved to!) IMO Sorrento is not so much of a tourist destination as a convenient base for touring but I'm thinking that your stay in Napels is set. And then if you want to spend a few E's, get a driver for a day to do the coast - Positano, Amalfi, Ravello - much better way than doing the bus from Sorrento, altho that is a much cheaper option. Have a lovely trip and may the weather gods smile on you!

jmrsuccess,

The Marriott location is not too bad, but the Decumani is location (and service!) is just much better. The tripadvisor reviews for the Naples Marriott are too good either - http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR..._Campania.html

I assume the promotion you mentioned means it is free or is paid for with Marriott points? Correct? If so, free is hard to beat. However, if you are actually paying for a hotel room there, you might reconsider.

I think day-tripping to Capri, Amalfi and Positano from Naples is pretty travel intensive if you're only staying 5 days. Are you completely sure you want to stay in Naples? I found it chaotic and quite dirty. The museum is wonderful to see and the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum are close by, but if your intent is to spend time on the Amalfi Coast, you'll waste much of your precious vacation time in transit.

As far as which areas to visit (Positano, Sorrento or Capri) if I had to pick one it would be Positano for it's exceptional beauty, it's winding streets filled with lovely shops, and an array of truly good restaurants. It's also a fine jumping off point to many of the area's other beautiful villages.

I suggest www.sorrentoplares.com where you can find tips about excursions, tourist routes, shopping tours and even the best restaurants and hotels on the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento. You can find all relevant information for a holiday in Sorrento. My advice, however, is to rent a car and so move in total freedom.
www.hirecarpositano.com
www.sorrentocarrent.com

how much a car with driver will cost for a day from sorrento towards positano, amalfi and ravello and back.

About 35E per hour. That loop could be done with stops in 7 or 8 hours. Have lunch in Ravello.

way over my budget. Doing by bus is also possible right

haha, I agree, All the private car/driver are outrageously expensive--the best price i found was $300!!!! yes, you can do by bus, or ferry fron Sorrento to some places along the AC.

re Naples, i did loads of research--just about everything /everyone agrees with bobthenavigator, above--for what OP wants to see, basing for 5 days in Sorrento is better than basing in Naples. Dpending on price yu got for Marriott, even if free, you have to weigh the convenience . There ARE inexpnsive places in Sorrento.
Bardo, thanks for rec for Naples hotel. it looks/sound wonderful for a future trip!

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