Italy next week!(updated: TOMORROW!) any last minute Amalfi Coast recommendations?

We leave next Friday - its almost time!

We're flying into Rome and then taking a leisurely drive down to Positano (through Naples). We've rented a villa in Positano for the week.

The trip is to celebrate my parents 35th anniversary (which isn't until Oct), but it will also be my mom's birthday while we're there.

Looking for tips and recommendations for things not to miss, restaurants to go to, etc. I've gotten some info from past posts, but figured I'd post again in case there's more info out there. Are ATMs readily available in town?

Thanks!

Here are some pics (of the villa and views):

Re: Italy next week! any last minute Amalfi Coast recommendations?

I dont really have any tips for you but I wanted to wish you a great trip. Bring lots of film b/c its really beautiful and there is so much to photograph.

Re: Italy next week! any last minute Amalfi Coast recommendations?

My recommendation: Please take me with you!!!!

Amalfi Coast

OMG, lisa ... what an amazing trip! You are going to have the time of your life! Are you spending any time in Rome or going right to the coast?

If you can ... spend some time in Naples doing some shopping. There is some great authentic ... which means not touristy expensive .... shopping in the city. If you need the exact info ... let me know! Also ... it'd be worth it to see Pompeii if there's time for that ... its amazing. Its about 5 minutes outside of Naples. but if there's only relaxing & sunning .... that 's not too bad too! Definitely bring an extra suitcase or leave LOTS OF ROOM for all the wonderful things you'll buy!

Can't wait to see pics!

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Definitely go to dinner in Ravello...it is the highest point on the amalfi coast. I can't remember the name of the restaurant we ate at but the view was better than ANYTHING i had ever seen!

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Wow - Was this a planned trip or a last minute decision? Either way I'm jealous!!!

Have a wonderful time

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I've never been, but have a wonderful time!!!

Re: Italy next week! any last minute Amalfi Coast recommendations?

never been there, but have agreat time!

Re: Italy next week! any last minute Amalfi Coast recommendations?

Lisa...how exciting!! I have never been there...so I can't tell you anything...but have a good time!!!

Re: Italy next week! any last minute Amalfi Coast recommendations?

We've been planning this trip for months (well, I've been planning - Somehow I became travel coordinator for my whole family). I wish I'd known I'd be unemployed when it finally happened - I would have extended my stay.

I'd love to see Pompeii and we will be spending some time in Naples and the surrounding towns (Capri, Amalfi, Ravello) - we want to explore the area, though I expect there will also be plenty of relaxing at the beach and cafes.

On the way back, we're returning to Rome for one night - not a lot of time for Rome, but we've all been there before (except my younger sister).

This will be the first family vacation in years, and the first with Al (though I've been on vacation with his family). I hope its great!

Re: Italy next week! any last minute Amalfi Coast recommendations?

Christine - what types of things did you buy?

Re: Italy next week! any last minute Amalfi Coast recommendations?

If you are planning to see Pompeii...then I suggest you go to Herculaneum. Its another site that was buried by the volcano but its supposed to be much better than Pompeii! Harry and I had planned on going there on our honeymoon if it had not been changed because of 9/11.

Have a wonderful time!! take lots of pics because you know we want to see them when you get back!!

Re: Italy next week! any last minute Amalfi Coast recommendations?

I'm SOOOOO jealous! We HM in Italy (Sardinia, Capri, Amalfi-Ravello, and then southern Italy to visit family). I think the restaurant in Ravello was at the Palazzo Sasso (we stayed here), AMAZING views and WONDERFUL food. The service and presentation is unreal!! There is another place in town( I can't think of the name) that Rosie O'Donald went to and then featured it on her show. It's not very fancy, but real authentic food, with 'made up' prices. The owner plays a guess your bill game. If you can charter a boat, I'd go to the Blue Grotto, then take the coastal tour. It's actually not that expensive, we did it for the day, and it was around $500. We got on the boat at 11:00 and of at 8:00. We did the entire coast line! Enjoy, and let me know if you have any questions.
Heather

Re: Italy next week! any last minute Amalfi Coast recommendations?

Lisa, the whole trip sounds amazing and those pics have me fantasizing about a vacation! Please take A LOT of pics!

Re: Italy next week! any last minute Amalfi Coast recommendations?

Have the best time!! Can't wait for pictures.

Re: Italy next week! any last minute Amalfi Coast recommendations?

Lisa ...

We bought sooooo many things. I must've come home w/ at least 5 pairs of italian leather shoes, + a pair of Ferragamo's! :) We bought Crystal items, a few handbags (I still wear mine from our trip in 2001!) & wallets, a leather jacket & clothes galore. Then there was the wine ... at least five bottles of the most amazing Italian wine ... sooo cheap, like $3 for an average bottle! We filled a suitcase with stuff that we bought there.

In Naples we shopped on via Domenica Chimarosa. The streets were closed to cars & it was blocks & blocks of shopping. And the food in Naples was very different than in Rome .... we loved it.

Enjoy ... Can't wait to see the pix!

Re: Italy next week! any last minute Amalfi Coast recommendations?

wow! thanks for the tips!

Re: Italy next week! any last minute Amalfi Coast recommendations?

Lisa - just wanted to say have a great, safe and most of all, relaxing trip...
It's so so beautiful, it would be impossible not to!

Re: Italy next week! any last minute Amalfi Coast recommendations?

Definitely try to eat at Donna Rosa's just outside Positano. It was about a 10min cab ride up into the mountains from the San Pietro (just outside of town). The food and service were amazing.
Also, in Ravello, (if you get to go there), definitely try to eat there like the other girls said. If you feel like doing something fancy, eat at the Palazzo Sasso's restaurant - I believe it is called Rosselini's. Keep in mind though that you definitely need reservations. If you are in the mood for something more casual, check out Rosie O'Donnel's favorite place - I can't remember the name right now but it is right outside the town square. Ravello is the best town in which to buy ceramics so definitely check out the pottery shops there.
Other than all that, have a blast!! I'm jealous!

Re: Italy next week! any last minute Amalfi Coast recommendations?

I'm packing - do I need anything fancy? Are the restaurants dressy? I'm going pretty casual - I have some casual skirts and tanktops for the daytime, pants/capris for night. But nothing that dressy. Am I ok?