Yet one more itinerary to critique. Destination: Amalfi Coast
Jun 26th, 2006, 08:33 AM
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Yet one more itinerary to critique. Destination: Amalfi Coast
Please offer advice & suggestions for what is a spontaneous vacation I'm ironing out with dorkforcedad.
Sunday, September 17
American Airlines flight through JFK to Rome (tickets for 2 in roach - I mean coach, $2200)
Monday, September 18
arrive 7:50am Rome airport - Leonardo Express train to main station - ES to Naples - somehow get to Sorrento
Hotel Antiche Mura - standard room 200 euros per night (the only upgrade available is a suite at 350 euros per night which would break the dorkforcebank) for 5 nights.
Thoughts on this location are welcome:
interests lie in daytripping to Pompeii, the archaelogical museum in Naples, taking the bus south to Positano & other towns along the coast, possibly a daytrip to Herculeum or Paestrum...we're not particularly interested in beach or swimming
Why this hotel? from reasearch, am I correct that this hotel is centrally located for daytripping by train or bus? having a view of the ocean is not a priority versus convenience...input welcome
Is 5 nights in one location a good decision since we're only gone for 6 nights total?
Saturday, September 23
work our way to Naples for the ES train to Rome for last night before 7:00am departure to Zurich/DFW
perhaps spend last night at the airport hotel with such an early flight?
Thanks very much for looking over my vacation plans and offering opinions based on experience...we're looking forward to exploring an area of Italy new to us!
Sunday, September 17
American Airlines flight through JFK to Rome (tickets for 2 in roach - I mean coach, $2200)
Monday, September 18
arrive 7:50am Rome airport - Leonardo Express train to main station - ES to Naples - somehow get to Sorrento
Hotel Antiche Mura - standard room 200 euros per night (the only upgrade available is a suite at 350 euros per night which would break the dorkforcebank) for 5 nights.
Thoughts on this location are welcome:
interests lie in daytripping to Pompeii, the archaelogical museum in Naples, taking the bus south to Positano & other towns along the coast, possibly a daytrip to Herculeum or Paestrum...we're not particularly interested in beach or swimming
Why this hotel? from reasearch, am I correct that this hotel is centrally located for daytripping by train or bus? having a view of the ocean is not a priority versus convenience...input welcome
Is 5 nights in one location a good decision since we're only gone for 6 nights total?
Saturday, September 23
work our way to Naples for the ES train to Rome for last night before 7:00am departure to Zurich/DFW
perhaps spend last night at the airport hotel with such an early flight?
Thanks very much for looking over my vacation plans and offering opinions based on experience...we're looking forward to exploring an area of Italy new to us!
Jun 26th, 2006, 09:13 AM
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Hi Mom,
You can find flights DFW/FCO on your dates for as little as $800 with a 09:55 departure at www.kayak.com.
You might also be interested in the $959 DFW/Naples flights departing NAP at 10:40.
You can find flights DFW/FCO on your dates for as little as $800 with a 09:55 departure at www.kayak.com.
You might also be interested in the $959 DFW/Naples flights departing NAP at 10:40.
Jun 26th, 2006, 09:33 AM
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Ira - thanks for the heads up re: Kayak. I punched in numbers & availability and, with my scenario, the higher priced tickets worked best because of the times. Truth be told, I'm utilizing a $3000 travel voucher that needs to be booked by July 1 - thus the "last minute" scenario. Any thoughts about the hotel/location/sightseeing portion of my trip? Many thanks & regards!
Jun 26th, 2006, 10:24 AM
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Hi DM,
OK,
>ES to Naples - somehow get to Sorrento
The least expensive way is to take the Circumvesuviana commuter train from the same station. It is downstairs.
>Is 5 nights in one location a good decision ....
I think so, unless you want to stay 2-3 nights in Naples (in which case I suggest staying in Praiano for the rest of the visit) or 2 nights on Capri.
Since you have such an early departure from FCO, I suggest that you stay in Rome and have a cab collect you in time to make your flight - about 60E.
OK,
>ES to Naples - somehow get to Sorrento
The least expensive way is to take the Circumvesuviana commuter train from the same station. It is downstairs.
>Is 5 nights in one location a good decision ....
I think so, unless you want to stay 2-3 nights in Naples (in which case I suggest staying in Praiano for the rest of the visit) or 2 nights on Capri.
Since you have such an early departure from FCO, I suggest that you stay in Rome and have a cab collect you in time to make your flight - about 60E.
Jun 26th, 2006, 11:17 AM
#5
I'm a big fan of Sorrento. Not only for the convenience but the town itself.
The hotel you mention is on a street that meets Piazza Tasso (if I remember correctly). That's the main square in town. I just can't picture how far it is from the square.
The square is a 5-6 minute walk from the commuter train (Circumvesuviana)station (1 hr to Naples, 30 min to Piompeii). Alsi, directly above the marina. Take stairs or winding road down. 10 minute walk.
We've been to Sorrento twice and both times took the commuter. Not very exciting but inexpensive. Not air conditioned and rather hectic. But at least you get off at the end of the line.
Care must be taken at the Naples end.
You go down into the basement and buy tickets on the left. As you leave the ticket counter there's an electronic board on the right that indicates the track number.
Take care here as we're talking about a commuter train with trains flying in and out. When you get to the track (escallator) you'll notice trains may be coming and going in a hurry. Obviously, you don't want to get on the wrong train.
Wait until the little electronic board over the track flashes Sorrento. That means the next train to pass through is for Sorrento. No markings on the train. Just graffiti.
Sorrento is a nice little (actually the big town of the area) town with many restaurants, etc.
Before you leave home, go to some stores that specialize in music boxes. Check them out, price them then turn them over. You may be surprised to see that many are made in Sorrento.
Sorrento specializes in inlaid wood. There are several large factories and many little stores that have their own little factories. Amazing the difference in price just between Sorrento and Rome.
We picked up a few for us and presents.
The hotel you mention is on a street that meets Piazza Tasso (if I remember correctly). That's the main square in town. I just can't picture how far it is from the square.
The square is a 5-6 minute walk from the commuter train (Circumvesuviana)station (1 hr to Naples, 30 min to Piompeii). Alsi, directly above the marina. Take stairs or winding road down. 10 minute walk.
We've been to Sorrento twice and both times took the commuter. Not very exciting but inexpensive. Not air conditioned and rather hectic. But at least you get off at the end of the line.
Care must be taken at the Naples end.
You go down into the basement and buy tickets on the left. As you leave the ticket counter there's an electronic board on the right that indicates the track number.
Take care here as we're talking about a commuter train with trains flying in and out. When you get to the track (escallator) you'll notice trains may be coming and going in a hurry. Obviously, you don't want to get on the wrong train.
Wait until the little electronic board over the track flashes Sorrento. That means the next train to pass through is for Sorrento. No markings on the train. Just graffiti.
Sorrento is a nice little (actually the big town of the area) town with many restaurants, etc.
Before you leave home, go to some stores that specialize in music boxes. Check them out, price them then turn them over. You may be surprised to see that many are made in Sorrento.
Sorrento specializes in inlaid wood. There are several large factories and many little stores that have their own little factories. Amazing the difference in price just between Sorrento and Rome.
We picked up a few for us and presents.
Jun 26th, 2006, 12:03 PM
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This is great info! I appreciate the forewarning about the frentic pace regarding the commuter train from Naples to Sorrento. I hate having that "I'm confused & lost" look in my eyes with luggage that screams out at everyone around.
Jun 26th, 2006, 02:02 PM
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dorkforcemom,
The Sorrento potion of my trip report may be of help.http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...2&tid=34811101
The Sorrento potion of my trip report may be of help.http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...2&tid=34811101
Jun 26th, 2006, 02:11 PM
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I think staying in one spot is a good idea especially on the AC where it can be a challenge getting around.
I would recommend a day trip to Ravello for sure. Its absolutely beautiful and you could combine it with the town of Amalfi. If you do that, I would recommend a walk through Villa Cimbrione and the gardens that will take your breath away. Have lunch on the terrace at hotel Villa Maria on the way. If you like pottery, they have some nice pottery shops in the town.
I am not sure the best way to get to Ravello from Sorrento. We stayed in Ravello itself and took the bus to Positano and Amalfi. Others will know though.
I would recommend a day trip to Ravello for sure. Its absolutely beautiful and you could combine it with the town of Amalfi. If you do that, I would recommend a walk through Villa Cimbrione and the gardens that will take your breath away. Have lunch on the terrace at hotel Villa Maria on the way. If you like pottery, they have some nice pottery shops in the town.
I am not sure the best way to get to Ravello from Sorrento. We stayed in Ravello itself and took the bus to Positano and Amalfi. Others will know though.
Jun 26th, 2006, 02:54 PM
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Dork-you know if you flew directly into Naples Airport, you could just get on a bus right there at the airport to take you direct to Sorrento. Something to think about.
But you can still take the bus from Rome. It's called the Marozzi bus, it goes both ways, leaving from Rome Tiburtina to Sorrento's Piazza Tasso, and takes 3 hours.
I should think that would be far preferabloe than all that train changing business.
Here's the website in English:
www.alfonsoamare.it/english/marozzi.htm
and the official site in Italian:
www.marozzivt.it
But you can still take the bus from Rome. It's called the Marozzi bus, it goes both ways, leaving from Rome Tiburtina to Sorrento's Piazza Tasso, and takes 3 hours.
I should think that would be far preferabloe than all that train changing business.
Here's the website in English:
www.alfonsoamare.it/english/marozzi.htm
and the official site in Italian:
www.marozzivt.it
Jun 27th, 2006, 05:17 AM
#11
There are a few options to get from Sorrento to Ravello (just beautiful).
The world famous Amalfi Coast bus ride from Sorento to Amalfi (through Positano - or stop in Positano and then continue). Then a short 15 minute bus up to Ravello.
I walked back down to Amalfi and took a boat back to Sorrento.
The AC bus is only for those whose stomach is cast iron.
In my opinion it's not the winding road or the fact the the bus hangs over the cliffs above the water.
I believe it's the way the bus drivers drive; one foot on the gas, one foot on the brakes and a hand on the horn.
It doesn't take long before start-stop-start-stop-turn-start-stop (get the drift) leaves your stomach in a 'not to friendly' location.
I barely made it to Amalfi. I walked around near the bus stop/marina for 30 minutes to get myself together. I then took the bus up to Ravello. That bus was fine.
After walking around Ravello and the Villas, I decided to take a slow walk back down to Amalfi. Took me over an hour.
Boy, was i glad the boat season had just started that day and I took a boat back to Sorrento. I'm not sure how I was going to convince myself to get back on the bus.
Maybe I would have started to walk back to Sorrento. I'd still be walking. Maybe somebody driving would have stopped and pick me up. Not sure that would have been better.
The world famous Amalfi Coast bus ride from Sorento to Amalfi (through Positano - or stop in Positano and then continue). Then a short 15 minute bus up to Ravello.
I walked back down to Amalfi and took a boat back to Sorrento.
The AC bus is only for those whose stomach is cast iron.
In my opinion it's not the winding road or the fact the the bus hangs over the cliffs above the water.
I believe it's the way the bus drivers drive; one foot on the gas, one foot on the brakes and a hand on the horn.
It doesn't take long before start-stop-start-stop-turn-start-stop (get the drift) leaves your stomach in a 'not to friendly' location.
I barely made it to Amalfi. I walked around near the bus stop/marina for 30 minutes to get myself together. I then took the bus up to Ravello. That bus was fine.
After walking around Ravello and the Villas, I decided to take a slow walk back down to Amalfi. Took me over an hour.
Boy, was i glad the boat season had just started that day and I took a boat back to Sorrento. I'm not sure how I was going to convince myself to get back on the bus.
Maybe I would have started to walk back to Sorrento. I'd still be walking. Maybe somebody driving would have stopped and pick me up. Not sure that would have been better.
