a week in Italy and two in Spain. Spain I have covered as I went to HS there and have many family members, but not so in Italy aside one friend in Bologna
with a stop at either Pompeii or Herculaneum is a very good idea. My wife and I did that when we visited Italy as part of a Mediterranean cruise. Beautiful area and a little scary considering what the volcano did there.
I was able to go down to the main beach in Positano and just join a boat. I heard you can do private ones but there were only about 10 people on the boat and plenty of room. Depending on your driver they will take you to some grattos (sp?) and the water is so salty that you can just float with barely trying to swim. The main gratto is very packed and I heard you have to really pay the people there just to get in and it isn't that great compared to the others. I didn't go so I cannot say how cool it was.
There is a restaurant way up high that we got reservations for sunset (because of the angle of the cliffs the sunrises are much better than the sunsets). It was awesome. It might be a little of a tourist trap but it is a flat rate and they just bring out food after food after food. The meat was okay but the vegetables were amazing. La Tagliata in Positano - ( New Window )
It was a little more expensive but worth the hassle of traveling through certain parts of Italy (I heard there are a lot of thieves in Naples) with bulky luggage. It was totally worth it and we had our driver stop in Pompeii for a tour.
Read up a little on ancient Rome so the piles of stones mean something. For a whirlwind tour, you can't miss the Pantheon, the Colosseum and the Forum for ancient Rome. The Vatican could take a whole day. Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps. Go up a side street and pick a restaurant. So many great places there. I could do 2 pages, but if you only have a couple days hit the big things.
but on one trip my wife and I rented a car in Venice, drove to the Cinque Terre, then Lucca, Pisa (shit hole), Siena, and Rome. It was a great trip. The highway rest stops in Italy are unbelievable. Like a Dean and Deluca's every 20 miles.
Capri: the chair lift and grottoes are awesome. Be careful when choosing a restaurant, many crappy tourist traps.
Positano: Walk down to the beach. Max is a great restaurant. Many good places for pizza or gelato.
Praiano: Il Pirata for dinner or lunch, great view on the cliff. Africana Nightclub for dinner or nightlife (it can get a little crazy/crowded later in the night.) Visit the artist's studio in old seaside tower (Paolo something.)
Rovello: Villa Cimbrone Gardens.
Pompeii/Mt Vesuvius is a good day trip. Get a private tour guide to hit the high points.
you switch it to a week in Spain and two in Italy.
Also, eat, drink, and learn some Roman history.
Really can't family is counting on my visit... Wish I had more time, but I bet Italy will leave a thirst for another trip in the future. I can't imagine not visiting Florence, Milan, Tuscany and Venice before my time is up...
you switch it to a week in Spain and two in Italy.
Also, eat, drink, and learn some Roman history.
Really can't family is counting on my visit... Wish I had more time, but I bet Italy will leave a thirst for another trip in the future. I can't imagine not visiting Florence, Milan, Tuscany and Venice before my time is up...
I really like Florence. Venice? Eh. It was cool to visit but not a place I want to go back to. Florence is really cool and there are some side trips you can take out into the country. It is possible to see the Amalfi coast, Rome and Florence but you will be rushing around a lot. I wasn't crazy about Rome but the history alone makes it a must. It is just a place that I am not dying to go back to. Positano and Florence were my favorite places I visited in Italy.
Most wonderful place I've ever been to. This island close to Capri is more popular with Italian and European tourists than Americans, but it's the best place I visited in Italy.
you switch it to a week in Spain and two in Italy.
Also, eat, drink, and learn some Roman history.
Really can't family is counting on my visit... Wish I had more time, but I bet Italy will leave a thirst for another trip in the future. I can't imagine not visiting Florence, Milan, Tuscany and Venice before my time is up...
I really like Florence. Venice? Eh. It was cool to visit but not a place I want to go back to. Florence is really cool and there are some side trips you can take out into the country. It is possible to see the Amalfi coast, Rome and Florence but you will be rushing around a lot. I wasn't crazy about Rome but the history alone makes it a must. It is just a place that I am not dying to go back to. Positano and Florence were my favorite places I visited in Italy.
about a year ago now - we stayed at the hotel santa caterina in Amalfi. Hired a car out to Naples for Pompeii, then to mount vesuvius for the climb up. I know you said you already booked a car, just be veryyyy careful in amalfi with the blind corners/buses/etc (also make sure you have a paper map/ability to drive stick obviously). Rome was great but very much a city of cities, we did did skip the line purchases in rome for the collesium and vatican (i thought it worth it and im not typically prone to do that). One place I wish we had spent more time in in Amalfi was Ravello (little quieter and unreal beautiful).
By the time I got married, our budget basically went as far as the Poconos.
What ever happened to Europe on $5 a Day? I think this place was actually in that book at one point - though maybe just for lunch. Santa Caterina, Amalfi - ( New Window )
I went to Ireland with my wife. We rented a car and got into many arguments because I am worried about staying on the correct side of the road and I asked her to navigate. She wouldn't be paying attention or tell me to turn too late. We did have a GPS but it didn't always work.
A few years later we went to Italy and she wanted to get a car. I said hell no. I explained how we argued so much and that was with reading most signs in English in Ireland. I could not imagine reading signs in Italian. That is why we just got a car service from Naples to Positano and from Positano to Rome. It was one of the best decisions we made all trip. We were able to relax, not worry about parking, and just enjoy our time together. Totally worth it.
I went to Ireland with my wife. We rented a car and got into many arguments because I am worried about staying on the correct side of the road and I asked her to navigate. She wouldn't be paying attention or tell me to turn too late. We did have a GPS but it didn't always work.
A few years later we went to Italy and she wanted to get a car. I said hell no. I explained how we argued so much and that was with reading most signs in English in Ireland. I could not imagine reading signs in Italian. That is why we just got a car service from Naples to Positano and from Positano to Rome. It was one of the best decisions we made all trip. We were able to relax, not worry about parking, and just enjoy our time together. Totally worth it.
Yeah went back and forth with this and I understand the driving is to say the least, adventurous. However I have driven in the mountainous regions of Spain and quite frankly after taking a few days to get used to it, had no problem overall. Then again if I did I would not be here to tell you about it. That being said, the car is mainly for transport between Rome and Amalfi with a stop in Pompeii, the rest of the time I'm renting a scooter to get around the coast as I find that to be easier than a car around those blind turns. Wife may need a valium to get on, but I'm sure she'll be fine eventually.
Again thank you guys for the info, very much appreciated. You can always count on BBI!!!
I went to Ireland with my wife. We rented a car and got into many arguments because I am worried about staying on the correct side of the road and I asked her to navigate. She wouldn't be paying attention or tell me to turn too late. We did have a GPS but it didn't always work.
A few years later we went to Italy and she wanted to get a car. I said hell no. I explained how we argued so much and that was with reading most signs in English in Ireland. I could not imagine reading signs in Italian. That is why we just got a car service from Naples to Positano and from Positano to Rome. It was one of the best decisions we made all trip. We were able to relax, not worry about parking, and just enjoy our time together. Totally worth it.
Driving in Italy is fine. Especially northern Italy...
Rome has so much it should be a week long for just the city.
Campo De Fiore for chilling. A bar called the Drunkin Ship.
Second Campo de Fiore in Rome. A few bars/restaurants in a closed square where people hang out in the square, music blaring, etc. Just a cool place to drink and have fun. It is also good that this square is happening on a sunday night, when some other paces will be closed.
Avoid the tourist stops. For example, if you want to see the grottos, don't cram yourself on a boat with 30 other people waiting in line just for the Blue Grotto. We hired a man with a small boat just for the two of us. He took us to a little shop to get the most delicious sandwiches to take with us, and we toured all the grottos, getting out to swim in some of them.
A car ride on the Amalfi Coast is a must as the sun is going down. We had a great time in the Santa Catarina hotel in Amalfi. We read about a specific drink (Blue Mare), so we stopped there for a couple of ours. The outdoor lounge is beautiful, the drinks were delicious, and they brought all sorts of finger foods (olives, bruschetta, bread and olive oil, etc.) complimentary. It was a nice way to spend the late afternoon and then hopping in a car back to Positano as the sun is setting.
I'm not sure if it is still there, but there is a restaurant in Positano called Il Fornillo that the driver recommended. It is toward the top of the hills, so it is more of a local place than tourists. the food was cheap, abundant, and delicious. We had pasta, salad, pizza, and seafood there/ All excellent.
staying in Rome, Capri, Positano, Liguria (Aeolian Islands), and Taormina (Sicily). Positano is the only place we stayed in a 3/4 star hotel (Covo di Seracina). It was worth it, but we loved all our other accommodations and really enjoyed the breakfasts they all provide.
Campo De Fiore for chilling. A bar called the Drunkin Ship.
There is a restaurant way up high that we got reservations for sunset (because of the angle of the cliffs the sunrises are much better than the sunsets). It was awesome. It might be a little of a tourist trap but it is a flat rate and they just bring out food after food after food. The meat was okay but the vegetables were amazing.
La Tagliata in Positano - ( New Window )
Also, eat, drink, and learn some Roman history.
Positano: Walk down to the beach. Max is a great restaurant. Many good places for pizza or gelato.
Praiano: Il Pirata for dinner or lunch, great view on the cliff. Africana Nightclub for dinner or nightlife (it can get a little crazy/crowded later in the night.) Visit the artist's studio in old seaside tower (Paolo something.)
Rovello: Villa Cimbrone Gardens.
Pompeii/Mt Vesuvius is a good day trip. Get a private tour guide to hit the high points.
Also, eat, drink, and learn some Roman history.
Really can't family is counting on my visit... Wish I had more time, but I bet Italy will leave a thirst for another trip in the future. I can't imagine not visiting Florence, Milan, Tuscany and Venice before my time is up...
Quote:
you switch it to a week in Spain and two in Italy.
Also, eat, drink, and learn some Roman history.
Really can't family is counting on my visit... Wish I had more time, but I bet Italy will leave a thirst for another trip in the future. I can't imagine not visiting Florence, Milan, Tuscany and Venice before my time is up...
I really like Florence. Venice? Eh. It was cool to visit but not a place I want to go back to. Florence is really cool and there are some side trips you can take out into the country. It is possible to see the Amalfi coast, Rome and Florence but you will be rushing around a lot. I wasn't crazy about Rome but the history alone makes it a must. It is just a place that I am not dying to go back to. Positano and Florence were my favorite places I visited in Italy.
do you have hotels all booked up? Who are you travelling with? What do you like to do?
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In comment 13441155 Deej said:
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you switch it to a week in Spain and two in Italy.
Also, eat, drink, and learn some Roman history.
Really can't family is counting on my visit... Wish I had more time, but I bet Italy will leave a thirst for another trip in the future. I can't imagine not visiting Florence, Milan, Tuscany and Venice before my time is up...
I really like Florence. Venice? Eh. It was cool to visit but not a place I want to go back to. Florence is really cool and there are some side trips you can take out into the country. It is possible to see the Amalfi coast, Rome and Florence but you will be rushing around a lot. I wasn't crazy about Rome but the history alone makes it a must. It is just a place that I am not dying to go back to. Positano and Florence were my favorite places I visited in Italy.
I liked Siena even more than Florence.
do you have hotels all booked up? Who are you travelling with? What do you like to do?
Hotels in Rome and Conca Di Marini booked, car booked. Traveling with my bride. Sightsee, eat, drink, chill, meet people, history, etc...
Have a blast! It's a trip you'll never forget
Would have loved wine country or the coast, but with just 4 days i'm thinking we just stick to Rome. Vatican itself will take a full day, etc.
Nice dinner options befitting a 10-yr anniversary are certainly welcome!!
What ever happened to Europe on $5 a Day? I think this place was actually in that book at one point - though maybe just for lunch.
Santa Caterina, Amalfi - ( New Window )
A few years later we went to Italy and she wanted to get a car. I said hell no. I explained how we argued so much and that was with reading most signs in English in Ireland. I could not imagine reading signs in Italian. That is why we just got a car service from Naples to Positano and from Positano to Rome. It was one of the best decisions we made all trip. We were able to relax, not worry about parking, and just enjoy our time together. Totally worth it.
A few years later we went to Italy and she wanted to get a car. I said hell no. I explained how we argued so much and that was with reading most signs in English in Ireland. I could not imagine reading signs in Italian. That is why we just got a car service from Naples to Positano and from Positano to Rome. It was one of the best decisions we made all trip. We were able to relax, not worry about parking, and just enjoy our time together. Totally worth it.
Yeah went back and forth with this and I understand the driving is to say the least, adventurous. However I have driven in the mountainous regions of Spain and quite frankly after taking a few days to get used to it, had no problem overall. Then again if I did I would not be here to tell you about it. That being said, the car is mainly for transport between Rome and Amalfi with a stop in Pompeii, the rest of the time I'm renting a scooter to get around the coast as I find that to be easier than a car around those blind turns. Wife may need a valium to get on, but I'm sure she'll be fine eventually.
Again thank you guys for the info, very much appreciated. You can always count on BBI!!!
Would have loved wine country or the coast, but with just 4 days i'm thinking we just stick to Rome. Vatican itself will take a full day, etc.
Nice dinner options befitting a 10-yr anniversary are certainly welcome!!
Le Pergola for an absolutely obscene splurge. It's a 3 star Michelin.
Il Nido del Pettirosso. Much, much simpler.
A few years later we went to Italy and she wanted to get a car. I said hell no. I explained how we argued so much and that was with reading most signs in English in Ireland. I could not imagine reading signs in Italian. That is why we just got a car service from Naples to Positano and from Positano to Rome. It was one of the best decisions we made all trip. We were able to relax, not worry about parking, and just enjoy our time together. Totally worth it.
Driving in Italy is fine. Especially northern Italy...
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this September over Labor Day weekend. Just 4 days - but psyched. Staying at Gran Melia, which seems to be centrally located.
Would have loved wine country or the coast, but with just 4 days i'm thinking we just stick to Rome. Vatican itself will take a full day, etc.
Nice dinner options befitting a 10-yr anniversary are certainly welcome!!
Le Pergola for an absolutely obscene splurge. It's a 3 star Michelin.
Il Nido del Pettirosso. Much, much simpler.
Thanks!
Campo De Fiore for chilling. A bar called the Drunkin Ship.
A car ride on the Amalfi Coast is a must as the sun is going down. We had a great time in the Santa Catarina hotel in Amalfi. We read about a specific drink (Blue Mare), so we stopped there for a couple of ours. The outdoor lounge is beautiful, the drinks were delicious, and they brought all sorts of finger foods (olives, bruschetta, bread and olive oil, etc.) complimentary. It was a nice way to spend the late afternoon and then hopping in a car back to Positano as the sun is setting.
I'm not sure if it is still there, but there is a restaurant in Positano called Il Fornillo that the driver recommended. It is toward the top of the hills, so it is more of a local place than tourists. the food was cheap, abundant, and delicious. We had pasta, salad, pizza, and seafood there/ All excellent.