Southern Itay HELP

Dh and I are thinking of going to Sothern Italy (Amalfi Coast, possibly Sicily as well)

Can anyone recc a travel agent, tour company etc that they have used and liked.

I am undecided on whether I want a formal tour or just do day tours (I think we would like this better)

TIA

Re: Southern Itay HELP

Last summer DH and I spent a little over a week in Southern Italy (Naples, Capri, and Amalfi) After feeling very reluctant about booking our trip ourselves, I finally gave in--and what an amazing time we had planning it before we even got on the plane! We used Trip Advisor and Google Earth to plan the entire vacation. (All of our hotels were amazing, I would return to each of them and highly rec. them) As for traveling, we used public transportation--it's fairly simple b/c there are always ferries, trains or buses. Once in Amalfi, which is a great location to stay while on the Amalfi Coast, we traveled easily between the towns on the CITA buses--very cheap.

I guess I should add that DH and I like to constantly be on the go, but we like to go at our own pace--so an organized tour wouldn't have been something that would work for us. The only organized tour we took was while visiting Pompeii. (We did take other day tours in Rome, of the Vatican and Ruins)

All in all, I wouldn't change a thing--traveling around Italy is very easy and planning the trip yourself is totally do-able.

Re: Southern Itay HELP

Thanks for the info! We dont really want to follow a "tour" either. We would like to go on our own and do some day tours....Amalfi looks to a central location for good day trips...thanks for your help

Re: Southern Itay HELP

have you booked hotels yet? FM me if you need help there, i'm in the hotel industry

Re: Southern Itay HELP

DH and I went last June for 2 1/2 weeks to Rome-Tuscany-Florence-Venice and then flew to Sicily

Dh's cousin is a travel agent that works in Siciliy. she arranged the entire thing for us and it was fabulous!!!! FM if you want her information

Re: Southern Itay HELP

Thanks ladies! Right now Im trying to figure out prices and such Keep any suggestions coming

Re: Southern Itay HELP

I am going to the Amalfi and Naples in May.

I have booked trips all over the world, and NEVER used a travel agent. with all the guide books and websites that exist, you really don't need one if you have the time and desire to do the legwork yourself.

Re: Southern Itay HELP

Ophelia, I know I have planned many trips myself. I actually studied in Italy so I am familar with getting around Italy by train.

Which towns are you staying in??

Re: Southern Itay HELP

Message edited 3/16/2009 10:04:48 AM.

Re: Southern Itay HELP

ETA: I've also been all down the I guess "east" coast of sicily (the one closest to the boot) Taormina, Siracusa, Catania and everything in between. we won't be making it back for this trip 9see above time constraints) but I HIGHLY recommend fitting Sicily into your plans. I LOVED it.

I would love to do Sicily..Ive been DH has not...but like you we have time constraints (and of course budget ) Im still just playing with this idea...it wind up being next yr bc of budget, time etc..you know how it is!

Thanks for your help

Re: Southern Itay HELP

DH and I were in southern Italy (Naples and Amalfi Coast) in September, however we did not use a travel agent or tour guide. As a previous poster mentioned, there are so many books and guides that you really can plan a wonderful trip on your own. I know some people prefer to go with a tour, etc. - if that's the case you can still find tons of useful information in travel guides and books. Most provide a list of recommended excursions, tours, and tour guides.

I also wanted to add that if you do make it to Sicily - I highly recommend visiting Catania and Taormina. I was there a few years back and had an amazing time!

Good luck!

Re: Southern Itay HELP

Posted by BlovesE

Thanks for the info! We dont really want to follow a "tour" either. We would like to go on our own and do some day tours....Amalfi looks to a central location for good day trips...thanks for your help

Re: Southern Itay HELP

Re: Southern Itay HELP

Typicallly when I travel I use Club ABC....just got their book in the mail....lets see...you didnt say when you wanted to go...for 7 nights (total trip 9 days) it would appear that its around $2100 which includes your choice of three 4 star hotels, air fare, buffet breakfast daily, one lunch and three dinners. Bottled water and wine included with meals. Services of pro tour director. Excursion to Amalfi coast drive, guided tour of naples including visits to the Archaelogical Museum and the excavations in Paestum. All tranfers inlcuded.
HTHs

Re: Southern Itay HELP

Re: Southern Itay HELP

Posted by BlovesE

Posted by Domino

Typicallly when I travel I use Club ABC....just got their book in the mail....lets see...you didnt say when you wanted to go...for 7 nights (total trip 9 days) it would appear that its around $2100 which includes your choice of three 4 star hotels, air fare, buffet breakfast daily, one lunch and three dinners. Bottled water and wine included with meals. Services of pro tour director. Excursion to Amalfi coast drive, guided tour of naples including visits to the Archaelogical Museum and the excavations in Paestum. All tranfers inlcuded.
HTHs

NICE! Thanks

Message edited 3/18/2009 7:26:08 AM.