We (me, my husband, my 13 and 10 year old kids) will be travelling to Italy for the first time. It seems like the more reading and research I do the more I want to see.
I already booked our airline reservations on British Airways (they were have a great sale $514 without taxes per ticket) April 23- May 5th. We are travelling into and out of Rome. I probably should have booked us into one city and out of another but it's too late now.
Here are my questions:
1) What type of weather and crowds should we expect during this time frame? 2) We only have 11 days not including travel days. We are interested in renting a villa on the Amalfi Coast. Is there enough exploring and day trips with a 10 and 13 year old. 3) We are considering a "Villa Amore" In Positano ...from the description it doesn't look like it is within walking distance to Positano village (restaurants, shopping etc.). Has anyone ever stayed here??? Any comments? Do we need a car? 4) Anyone have a rough idea what it would cost ($US) to take a flight from Naples to Venice? 5) I know I can't do everything in 11 days, but is this doable?
Fly into Rome Head to Amalfi Coast - Positano Stay for 6 nights in a villa (we would leave a day early) Fly from Naples to Venice Stay 2 nights in Venice then head to Siena/Florence then head to Rome and fly out of Rome at 12:00 on May 5th.
6) One more questions...for now... If this schedule is doable..how would you suggest travelling from venice/florence/rome..train or car rental?
quote:Originally posted by mnatella: 1) What type of weather and crowds should we expect during this time frame?
I don't know about the crowds exactly. The weather should be warm but not hot enough for swimming. it will be warmer in the south, while in the north you _may_ need wintercoats at least at night.
quote:[...] is this doable? [...]
Even though I don't particularly like Venice, I would but everything off your trip and spend the whoole time in Venice and Naples (Positano). As an laternative, since you will be arriving in and leaving from Rome, just have a one week stay in Naples (Positano), since if you are looking for a rental you will likely to find your rental for one full week instead of 6 days, and spend the remaining 5 days in Rome. As for the train thing, you may need a car for at least a couple of days in Naples (Positano), but for the rest of the trip you will not need it.
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I'd bag Venice and Florence/Siena for this trip and do the week in Amalfi (if you think there's enough there to keep you entertained) and the 4-5 nights in Rome. If your kids are anything like mine, the packing, unpacking and traveling will not sit well with them. As is, you're only allowing one full day in Venice and maybe not even that in Florence and Rome.
From each of these towns you can get to Sorrento or Salerno by boat and bus. Do any members of your family suffer from vertigo? There are some very sheer drops on the coast road, that can make sufferers sick. I speak from experience.
It is only a 4-hr train ride from Naples to Florence, and about 4 1/2 hr from Venice to Rome.
May I suggest Fly into Rome. Spend 1 night. Train to Naples and hire a limo for the trip to the Amalfi Coast. Spend 3 nights. Limo back to Naples and train to Florence. Spend 3 nights with side trip to Siena or Lucca. Train to Venice. Spend 2 nights Train to Rome. Spend 2 nights and fly home?
You got a great rate on the airfare.
Posts: 406 | Location: Madison, GA, USA | Registered: 31 October 2002
Please share some more information regarding your goals for this trip. Do you want relaxation time? Are you into history? Art? Outdoor activities ie hiking?
The itinerary you posted is designed to leave all but the heartiest souls on the verge of exhaustion!
Posts: 444 | Location: New Rochelle, NY | Registered: 05 March 2002
Michelle -- yep, trying to do too much, too fast. And I agree that keeping kids happy for 6-7 days based in Positano is a stretch. Have you looked at basing in Sorrento instead, from which you can more quickly access places for daytrips?
By including both the Amalfi Coast and Venice, you're trying to cover about 3/4 of the long Italian peninsula. I'd save Venice for another trip, coupling it with the Italian Lake District and more. For 11 days, the Amalfi Coast, Florence-Siena and Rome is more than enough. Think about the logistics of getting everyone packed/unpacked, luggage into taxis and out, onto trains and off. And then double all that when traveling with kids ages 10 and 13, no matter how well behaved!
It will still be chilly in northern Italy. I was there in early May a few years ago; wasn't on the Amalfi Coast at that time, but don't think you should expect beach weather.
SALLY WATKINS, Certified Travel Counselor sally@century-tvl.com www.sallywatkins.com Italy Specialist Certified Swiss Specialist Certified Aussie Specialist My business depends on referrals - please tell someone today!
No we are not into art...but will learn as much as possible before we go. We want to see some of the major attactions .ie Collusiem (sp?), Vatican, Not into seeing a thousand chuches..or museums..maybe a couple of the key museums.
I would like a vacation of adverture and discovery and relaxation. If we go the last week in April thru May 5th will we get decent weather. Nice enough to hang out by a pool and relax.
In Positano: I would not mind spending some time doing a day trips coming back and relaxing for a couple of hours with a glass of wine and then going out to dinner. My kids (at least my 13 year old) does enjoy going out to dinner.
But I also have my mind set on Venice. Unfortuately, I have my mind set on sites all over the map.
I found a villa "Villa Amore" which looks really nice (2 bd room) with a terrace overlooking the sea and a pool for only $1120 ($US). It is in Positano but not in town. It is between Postiano and Priano. So I might need a car. For only 1120 I could afford to check out after 5 nights ..it would be cheaper than paying for two hotel rooms (we are 4 people ..two are kids).
Suggested day trips: Capri Pompeii Ravello Paestum (sp?) maybe Naples..if it's safe and or Sorrent...amalfi. maybe touring the countryside around that area..not the coast drive..I will take a bus or driver for that ride. Can these be day trips
OR..should I be renting a villa in Tuscany and doing day trips?
I highly recommend going to Paestum and Herculaneum (Ercolano) in addition to Pompeii to see ancient ruins. Ercolano is about a half hour drive from Pompeii. It was destroyed by the same eruption of Vesuvius that destroyed Pompeii. However, it's not as popular as Pompeii so it's a lot less crowded.
We went to Italy last spring almost the exact days you are planning on being there and almost the same itineary.(Florence, Siena, Rome, Amalfi Coast, Rome) The weather could not have been more perfect! We were in Florence the first part of our trip and it was warm during the day and cool at night. While we were in Rome and the Amalfi Coast it was warm both night and day, but not hot. We spent a week on the amalfi Coast in a Villa and loved every minute of it. We could have stayed a week longer!We did exactly like you talked about. We would go and tour the little villages and sites then head back and just relax, drink a glass of wine and watch the sunset. Some days we just stayed at the villa and swam in the pool.We stayed outside maiori so we needed a car. I think it would be better to stay directly in Positano, Sorrento or Amalfi so you could just take the bus or water taxi everywhere. Driving along the Amalfi Coast is not for the faint of heart! My husband loved it...I on the other hand closed my eyes most of the time! I think you may want to consider not trying to do too much this time around and focus on the Amalfi Coast and Rome this trip.There is plenty to keep your kids happy both places. In Rome make sure you hire an English guide to show you around. It makes all the difference in the world! You can hire one for the day that can give you a tour of St.Peter's. Colliseum, and the Vatican. He we tell your kids things that that will mesmerize them! One other note:I would email Luca at info@summerinitaly.com and see what villa's he has available diring that time frame located in town. He is so helpful and a wealth of information on the Amalfi Coast.He also lives there.Have fun!! I am so jealous!
Posts: 838 | Location: Nashville, TN USA | Registered: 11 September 2002
quote:Originally posted by mnatella: I would like a vacation of adventure and discovery and relaxation. If we go the last week in April thru May 5th will we get decent weather. Nice enough to hang out by a pool and relax. ...
But I also have my mind set on Venice. Unfortuately, I have my mind set on sites all over the map.
I think you are planning a trip that will be too eaten up by travel in Italy. Packing, hauling your luggage, sitting in a car, hauling your luggage, and unpacking is quite similar everywhere you go, and every move you make consumes 1/2 to 1 day of your 11. Is this a "once in a lifetime, must see everything" trip or a vacation? Please note that I am not opposed to the former, but you're in the place for advice on the latter.
If you MUST see Venice, Rome, Florence, and everything this trip, I'd give up on the week-long rental on the Amalfi coast, and (dare I say it?) consider a commercial tour that will get you to all of your "key" spots in Italy in 10 days, with the agency making the arrangements.
With kids the age of yours, I'd schedule more time in Rome. To me, the chief attraction of Florence is the art and museums, and if you're not that interested, you might want to reconsider that stop. Unless the rest of your family wants to see Venice or Florence, consider doing just Rome and Amalfi coast this trip, and you can go back to Venice with just your husband when the kids graduate from college.
Bill Turner
Posts: 225 | Location: Ithaca NY, USA | Registered: 07 November 2002
quote:Originally posted by mnatella: The villa that I am thinking of renting is in between Positano and Priano.
Good choice. The road there is incredible.
quote:Will we be bored going there for a week with a 10 and 13 year old.
That's hard to say. 13 might be ok, but 10 might be a little young. What do they think of travel in the US? Do they like taking drives? Do they like sightseeing?
My wife and I don't have kids, so we can't really give advice in that regard. A lot would have to depend on what holds their interest.
quote:Our villa does have a pool but will it be warm enough to sit out by the pool and relax?
If you're only in Amalfi for a week, you might not have TIME to relax.
quote:Also, Do you think there are enough day trips from this location to keep us interested?
Thanks for your help.
Absolutely! Go to Capri. Go to Ravello. Go to Amalfi. Go to Pompeii and Ercolano. Drive the Amalfi Coast road from Salerno to Sorrento (you'll be amazed at the beauty). Go to the summit of Mount Vesuvius and check out the volcano. Go to Naples. Go see the cave of the Sybils (sp?), something that we didn't get a chance to do when we were there. Go to Paestum. Go to Salerno.
Is there enough to do there to keep you occupied for a week? Heck, I think there's enough to do there to keep you occupied for a lifetime.
[This message was edited by MikeLastort on 09 October 2003 at 02:05 PM.]
Posts: 291 | Location: Takoma Park, Maryland, USA | Registered: 09 October 2003
I agree that Rome is much more likely to be of interest to your kids than Florence. I further agree with Bill T that you need to be realistic with yourself: you've described a "highlights tour" and perhaps you really should go ahead and buy a package and let Perillo padre e figlio handle the arrangements!
I assume you are flying out of Boston. Why would you plan on flying only to Rome if you want to start your vacation on the Amalfi Coast? Why not catch the easy connection to Naples and drive from there? It won't add much to your airfare and will cut down significantly on your driving.
Late April/Early May the crowds in and around Positano won't be bad. But the water won't be very warm. Still, there is plenty to see and do on the coast; several posters have mentioned the highlights. I would add the palace at Caserta to the list of places worth visiting.
From the villa, why not just go to Rome and spend 3 or 4 nights there. It's an amazing place and your kids will have a ball. Then fly home from Rome and begin planning your return trip - hitting Siena/hilltowns and Venice.
Posts: 444 | Location: New Rochelle, NY | Registered: 05 March 2002
Yes, it was warm enough that time of year for us to sit by the pool and to swim. Though the ocean water was to chilly for my blood. I did check to see if our pool was going to be open. Some don't open until May while others open in April. You can rent your owm boat and take it to capri if you want to or take the ferry. We rented are own and loved it!! Your kids will lenjoy taking the chair lift to the top of Capri. It really is beautiful! Take the chair lift up and hike down. There is a nice path. I would stay in Positano or Sorrento. The coast is much more beautiful on the Positano side but Sorrento is easier to get around. HAve you searched the board for past posts on the Amalfi Coast?
Posts: 838 | Location: Nashville, TN USA | Registered: 11 September 2002
Think I will chime in and echo some others. I love the Almafi Coast but believe that a week will be a long time there for young children when there are more interesting places in Italy for children (as an adult, I could stay on the coast forever.) I would suggest 5 days there--see Pompeii and Herculaneum (for you--the kids will probably have enough with Pompeii.) Stroll Positano which can be done in a day. Visit other places you might choose. A day trip to Capri would interest them. Then, as other have said, Rome would fascinate your children--much there to catch the imagination. If your kids are like most,exercising imagination is much more interesting to them than huge amounts of beauty. So--5 days Almafi (you will use one day lagging from the trip),6 days Rome (including trips to Ostia Antica,catacombs,the Vatican, the vast and fascinating archeological and historical sites within Rome,etc. Kids are not good about being on the go all of the time and so 6 days wouldn't be as long as it sounds. I agree with others that you will have other opportunities to go to Venice and other areas. But then, remember that on this board you are hearing from people who don't particularly enjoy fast travel. You may find this link useful in getting some information about the Almafi Coast, Naples, Pompeii, etc. Nothing about Herculaneum as I wasn't doing a webpage when we went there. Ostia Antica/Almafi Coast
www.janeandken.com Reports and Photos for Italy 2001 and 2003, Spain, Tanzania, Peru, China
Posts: 4299 | Location: San Diego, CA | Registered: 26 June 2001
Good idea to ask if 'your' pool will be open at the time. The sea will definitely be too cool to get into, and your dates are pretty early for most places to open their pools.
I'd urge you not to do a group tour with kids 10 and 13! In my opinion, they would be bored stiff.
Yes, there are certainly ample things to do while based in the Positano area. The problem with daytrips from there is simply how long it can take to get out of and back into the area itself. Do include a daytrip into Naples for the Archaeology Museum...it makes Pompeii and such much more understandable, and vice-versa. Definitely include Sorrento, too.
If you just 'must' do both the Amalfi Coast and Venice, here's my suggestion to simplify things some, though you're still covering lots of ground:
23 APR, depart USA 24 APR, arrive Rome...take connecting flight to Naples immediately
24, 25, 26, 27, 28 APR, Amalfi Coast area...and pain that it can be, I'd do a rental car
29 APR, fly from Naples to Venice
29, 30 APR and 01 MAY, Venice
02 MAY, train to Rome
02, 03, 04 MAY, Rome
05 MAY, head for home...knowing that once you've been to Italy, you WILL go back and can do some of those other places that are calling to you!
You could also reverse that, and fly from Rome to Venice the first day, then work your way back down.
SALLY WATKINS, Certified Travel Counselor sally@century-tvl.com www.sallywatkins.com Italy Specialist Certified Swiss Specialist Certified Aussie Specialist My business depends on referrals - please tell someone today!
Here's a suggestion for a daytrip that I think will keep your kids interested if you decide to stay on the Amalfi Coast.
Take the traghetto from Sorrento or Positano or Amalfi to Salerno. From there, take the train (the one to Cosenza) to Paestum to see the ruins and the museum (very good gelato at the Bar Museo). Train back to Salerno and bus to Amalfi (boats don't run at night) and then back to your starting site.
Posts: 406 | Location: Madison, GA, USA | Registered: 31 October 2002
The experienced travelers on this board will overwhelming agree that "less is more" for an enjoyable travel plan. I would urge you to reduce your travel plans to include only Rome and Venice. I have not mentioned Florence because your saying that you are not into art. Use trains for traveling as a car is not necessary in Rome and especially not in Venice. Three nights in Venice would be good with the rest of the time in Rome where you can think of day trips by train to Ostia Antica, Orvieto and/or Tivoli. The children can be easily on their own to explore Venice (Just give each of them something to identify the hotel where you will be staying so if they get lost together or individually they will be able to find their way back to your hotel.). My three sons were 12, 11 and 9 and loved being on their own in Venice when we there many years ago.
Did you take note that there are 150 steps up to Villa Amore from the "ground"?
Peter
Posts: 1375 | Location: Essex Fells, NJ and Longboat Key, Florida | Registered: 21 July 2002
we took our 12 and 13 year old nephews to Rome, Toscana and SOrrento.
We spent a day in Napoli doing the Archological museum and having a pizza lunch. They loved Pompeii and Paestum very much. They also loved Sorrento because there was a lot of street life and it was fun to walk around. If you are on the Amalfi side, you will have to get baclk to SOrrento anyways to get the Circumvesuviana back to Pompeii or Napoli. We were there for 3 nights (2 full days and the morning of a third) and could have streched it out for a day or two more.
Rome was the huge hit with them. They lkoved all the Roman ruins and the crowds of people.
The best rule of thumb was bigger was better. BIG ruins amazed them. SO time in Rome with not only the Coloseum, but San clemente, Terme di Caracalla, the Fori Romano e Palatino etc were to their liking. They also liked the museum guuided tour at the Vatican and loved the sisteen chapel. We were there before the resumption of the boat tours on the Tiber, but that would be a winner too.
FLorence and Toscana were not as much to their liking. THey liked San Gim for climbing the tower and they liked San Galgano for the ruins and the bird sanctuary right outside the gate (usually not open but we were very lucky). They loved Pisa.
Slow Travel Talk 
