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Naples, Sorrento, Sicily
I'm planning to spend (alone) about two weeks in the Naples, Sorrento,
Amalfi Coast area and another two weeks in Sicily. I have some questions: 1 - I'd like to swim at the beaches in Sicily. Will the water be warm enough in May, or should I wait until September? 2 - All the travel guides (and posters here) recommend staying in Sorrento and just taking a day trip to Naples. But it looks like the sights I want to see in Naples will take at least three days. I realize Naples is crowded, bustling, and (allegedly) crime-ridden, but is it REALLY such a bad idea to stay there? I could stay in Naples, e.g., 5 days, seeing Naples and Cumae, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Vesuvius -- then move on to Sorrento to stay for several more days, seeing Sorrento, Capri and other islands, Positano and the Amalfi Coast, and Paestum. It just seems that would be better than trying to do EVERYTHING out of Sorrento, spending a lot of time commuting to Naples, missing Naples nightlife, etc..... 3- I had planned to take the train from Sorrento to Sicily, but now I'm reading that that is not such a good idea -- it's a long trip, the trains are uncomfortable and schedules undependable (unlike those I've ridden all over northern Italy). I've been told that a boat or hydrofoil out of Naples or Sorrento to Sicily would be better. Is this true? What are the relative costs and length of time? Would I miss worthwhile southern Italy sights by doing this (e.g., Salerno)? 4 - I had planned to rent a car in Sicily, since I want to see ALL of the island. But I would prefer to take a train between coastal cities and bus to inland towns rather than bother with a car. Is that feasible? 5 - Tips, things to see or avoid, recommended restaurants and hotels (80 euro range), are very welcome. (I have Rick Steves's Italy and the new Eyewitness Guides to Naples/Amalfi Coast and Sicily.) Thanks to the group for your input..... |
#2
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Naples, Sorrento, Sicily
2 - All the travel guides (and posters here) recommend staying in Sorrento and just taking a day trip to Naples. But it looks like the sights I want to see in Naples will take at least three days. I realize Naples is crowded, bustling, and (allegedly) crime-ridden, but is it REALLY such a bad idea to stay there? I could stay in Naples, e.g., 5 days, seeing Naples and Cumae, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Vesuvius -- then move on to Sorrento to stay for several more days, seeing Sorrento, Capri and other islands, Positano and the Amalfi Coast, and Paestum. It just seems that would be better than trying to do EVERYTHING out of Sorrento, spending a lot of time commuting to Naples, missing Naples nightlife, etc..... We were in Naples. It is hectic but be cautious. Check out the Campania Artecard (English link on left). We got a the three day pass which included transportation in Naples. You might consider the 7 day which would cover transportation to the big archaeological sites. http://www.campaniartecard.it/ One small restaurant you might try is Cantina della Sapienza, via della Sapienza 40. Lunch only. Cheap, about 15 Euros. No credit. Time Out says it is the nearest thing to Neapolitan home cooking you will find in a restaurant. Good food, friendly, small. Near the hospital. Lots to see in Naples. Enjoy! Frances Toronto, Canada |
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Naples, Sorrento, Sicily
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Naples, Sorrento, Sicily
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#5
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Naples, Sorrento, Sicily
Thanks to all for your replies.
The Artecard is strange: the 3-day card includes full use of public transit systems, while the 7-day card does not include any transportation at all! But it's a good tip, and I'll see which one best meets my needs. Maybe I can combine it with a separate multi-day transit pass... By nightlife in Naples, I just meant going out to dinner, and seeing sights that are illuminated at night, and perhaps sitting and chatting at a sidewalk cafe or doing a passagiata. That's how I usually spend my evenings when I travel; I'm not into clubs or bars or dancing..... I thought lodging in Positano would be considerably more expensive than Sorrento; hence my idea to do it as a daytrip (or two). But moving on down there for a couple of days would definitely be preferable if I can fit it into my budget, since there is quite a bit along that coast I would like to see.... |
#6
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Naples, Sorrento, Sicily
In article ,
(Terryo) wrote: When you go to the archaeological museum in Naples, be sure to ask for a free ticket for the secret room. It's got some sexually explicit artefacts that are very interesting. There was a tour guide when we were there to introduce them - a little dry but interesting. Also about the Artecard, there is one just for Naples and Campi Flegrei and one for Campania. We used our Campania card to get in free to Herculaneum and Pompeii, for the train (Circumvesuviana) both days both ways, and then discounted entrance to other sites as well as local transit in Naples. http://www.inaples.it/eng/artecard.htm We bought our tickets at the airport on arrival. BTW, good transport from the airport to the city by public transport. Get a map of the transit system when you get there - there are new subway (metro) lines and stops. Frances Toronto, Canada |
#8
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Naples, Sorrento, Sicily
"Terryo" wrote in message m... I'm planning to spend (alone) about two weeks in the Naples, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast area and another two weeks in Sicily. I have some questions: 1 - I'd like to swim at the beaches in Sicily. Will the water be warm enough in May, or should I wait until September? We went to Sicily in March and it was warm enough. For a real experience try to get to Vulcano or Stromboli for a few days. Stromboli has a nice safe usually active vulcano and black sand. 4 - I had planned to rent a car in Sicily, since I want to see ALL of the island. But I would prefer to take a train between coastal cities and bus to inland towns rather than bother with a car. Is that feasible? We spent three weks travelling by bus and train. The trains are a bit slow but it is much more interesting and relaxing. One problem was that stations were sometime a bit out of town and often did not have a bus or taxi service. We usually found that someone would offer us a lift into town. 5 - Tips, things to see or avoid, recommended restaurants and hotels (80 euro range), are very welcome. (I have Rick Steves's Italy and the new Eyewitness Guides to Naples/Amalfi Coast and Sicily.) We often stayed in private houses after meeting people on Hydrofoils or asking about accommodation as we were there in the off season. We rented a nice house one time and on Stromboli an exoctic bungalow right on the beach. It had been designed by it's architect owner who also invited us to dinner. Derek. |
#9
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Naples, Sorrento, Sicily
Derek F wrote in message ... We went to Sicily in March and it was warm enough. For a real experience try to get to Vulcano or Stromboli for a few days. Stromboli has a nice safe usually active vulcano and black sand. Always wanted to do so. And UK papers are now advertising an 8 days package in the Aeolian Isles for £399. OK - it's a package. But looks like an effective and economical (flights, transfers, hotel, half-board) way in which to 'do' the volcanoes. Surreyman |
#10
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Naples, Sorrento, Sicily
"a.spencer3" wrote in message ... Derek F wrote in message ... We went to Sicily in March and it was warm enough. For a real experience try to get to Vulcano or Stromboli for a few days. Stromboli has a nice safe usually active vulcano and black sand. Always wanted to do so. And UK papers are now advertising an 8 days package in the Aeolian Isles for £399. OK - it's a package. But looks like an effective and economical (flights, transfers, hotel, half-board) way in which to 'do' the volcanoes. Surreyman There is not much accommodation on Vulcano or Stromboli. We were very lucky not to be sleeping on the beach. The journey to the islands can be quite rough. Derek. |
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