Driving in Italy can be challenging but isn't all that bad. The major
problem will be the quality of the roads in the rural areas which will
really slow your progress and crowding in the cities. Both can occur in
areas of the US and in other parts of Europe.
The Amalfi coast is a problem -- like coastal California -- in that a
competent driver will see almost nothing. It is much more enjoyable to
have a professional so that you can look at the views. For your
passengers there is no advantage.
The bends on the coast are much easier than in the mountains of anywhere.
Lynda wrote:
Thanks for this, I found it very helpful.
Is driving in Italy as "bad" as everyone keeps telling me? We''ve
driven in Paris before and lived to tell the tale. Most people we
speak to think we are mad for contemplating any driving - but my
husband is a confident driver, I just wondered what we should expect,
especially on those hairpin bends on the Amalfi coast!
I will probably look out the Tiberius Villa - it's not that I don't
like museums which I probably indicated, more that with only one day
in Rome looking 'round museums would not be my first choice if I could
be outdoors taking photos.
Anyway, thanks again
Lynda
On Sat, 31 Mar 2007 20:53:30 +0100, "FredBear"
wrote:
"Lynda" wrote in message
. ..
Day 3 - head to the coast and travel down the coast to hotel at
Sperlonga
Day 4 - drive as far down the Amalfi coast and back as we can
Day 5 - leisure in or around Sperlonga
I don't know if you have been to this part of Italy before but if you
haven't, you might consider looking at taking a boat from Positano to Amalfi
rather than driving. Here is one link of many:
http://www.costadiamalfi.it/english/...le_ferries.htm
I don't know how accurate it is but you could find out your selves on the
web.
If you drive, the A3 Autostrada past Naples and around Vesuvius is strictly
for the connoisseurs of Italian driving. Unless you are deeply into
masochism, you might want to give it a miss.
Amalfi is nice enough but you might enjoy spending some time in Sorrento as
well. It is a nice town with lots of reasonable restaurants although it is a
bit touristy. You can combine the two by juggling the ferries.
The coast road from Rome to Naples is pretty boring with a succession of
seaside towns such as Anzio and Nettuno which are fine if you want a day
beside the seaside but otherwise not worth the detour. You might be better
driving directly down the via Appia, SS.7, to Terracina thence to Sperlonga
or the via Pontina, SS.146, via Latina (but you don't want to stop off
there) thence to Sperlonga.
Having said that, one part of the coast road which is interesting is the bit
from near Latina to San Felice Circeo thence to Terracina. It is pleasantly
scenic without much traffic. On the way you pass through a New Town,
Sabaudia, built during the Fascist period which I found interesting.
San Felice is nice. it is a weekend retreat for the well healed Romani and,
although quite small, is worth a lunch stop.
If you had the time and felt inclined, you could take the boat to Ponza on
the Pontine Islands. They are much less touristy than Capri and, IMHO, much
nicer. It's about a two hour ride.
It is a pity that you don't like museums because on the road to Sperlonga
you pass the site of one of Tiberius's Villas with a fish farm. It is really
quite interesting.
If your hotel in Sperlonga doesn't inspire you, you might like to look at
this reataurant if you want a good meal: http://www.gliarchi.com/home.htm
Hope this helps.