Naples is a nice city and houses a lot of the artifacts from Pompei for preservation, so be sure to see it before going to Pompei. Sorrento is the cheapest and best for shopping (especially leather goods). Capri is known for its moviestars but didn't see any there. Ravello has some beautiful gardens (Rufolo) and you can see chamber music under the stars overlooking the sea (spectacular). Amalfi has a nice harbor and rich in history for artists. Salerno is not as pretty but houses the World War II military graveyard (primarily British soldiers) and Paestum (ancient ruins). Pompei is positively amazing and a must-see if touring in that area. Positano -- what can I say?  It's probably the most popular spot on the Amalfi Coastline and where I stayed. There are more things to do there and is still very old Italy mixed with some new. The fashion is great and the clothes are one of a kind (lots of crocheted items and beautiful tiles). All of the Amalfi Coastline is beautiful and far more friendly than the larger cities like Rome. We had a lot of men flirting with us there but no one pinching my butt this time. They were classier in those areas. The coastline boasts an array of fruity drinks and lemons are the top crop. Cameos are very famous, especially if created and made in Ravello, but there's a large and inexpensive factory you can go to in Naples. The food is great everywhere! Some places tend to overcook the seafood and meat, but we were lucky this trip, and I had the biggest steak I've ever seen on this planet at a little unknown restaurant in Positano, "La Tagliata."  My friend and I shared it and then cut the rest up into small pieces and fed them to the stray animals. If you're going there, go in late May or June, because the flowers are in full bloom and the weather is lovely. They have a festival in Ravello in August and a Saint Day in June. Check with your travel agent for these dates. Remember, if you want to indulge in extra curricular activities, it is like Mexico:  the hotel concierge does not allow other men up to your room. Makes for a romantic yet rough night on the beach or in a very small European car.

Ciao!
Ciara

Agreed .. Pompei is not to be missed if you want to see the lifestyle back in 79 A.D.  Love Capri and the summer villa of Roman Emperors. Funicula Funiculo.

I understand that the coastline of Campania is steep and rugged and incredibly beautiful. Did you get to see that aspect of the coastline from any great vantage points?

too bad I'll never get there. don't earn the money...but its nice to learn about it via your post.....

hope ya have more fun.....
ozzy

Poor Italy

It was much easier when it was the Lire. I was told that most average-working Italians (blue-collar type work) only get paid between $900 to $1,500 a month, and their rent could be as high as $900 for a two-bedroom apartment. Ouch!  It definitely affected my pocketbook this time. Our dollar wasn't worth as much there. When we left, I believe the the Euro was at 1.28 per every dollar. When I came home and exchanged my Euro that was left -- only 90 Euros -- I got back $110 in American currency.

Hugs,
Ciara

and they're hopping mad at the Scandinavians!

-- Modified on 6/23/2004 11:30:53 AM

The Amalfi coast is incredible, gorgeous and quaint.

Rome and Florence are not to be missed either.

The lake areas (north), Como and Maggiori, spectacular.

Venice is a must, but is not really Venice unless you are with someone you love.

Favorite country in all of Europe.

Only some are. They rest just want the head coach fired.

I was over there. Football (soccer) is very big there and in Greece.

Hugs,
Ciara

Venice and Rome are nice, especially from a historic standpoint. I also liked Pisa (very much), Florence and parts of Tuscany. But I can honestly say that, so far, Greece and this part of Italy are my favorite places on the planet.

Hugs,
Ciara

What , you hate Lugano?  I love it cuz you can hang in Switzerland where everything works!  The people are still Italiani tho'

Never been to that place.

Hugs,
Ciara

I'm moving to Naples for four years.

Woof, woof! Thank you for finding that post at the very end of the thread.  You, OF COURSE, you may come visit - You're Hereby Formally Invited.

But I realy want to pump you for all you know about what to see and do.  I don't have VIP at the moment, so you can also reach me at [email protected].  I've ben to Itlalia 2x, back in the 80's.  My collegues who've returned recently from Napoli say it's totally changed - much better for Americans.  I'd love to learn anything you can teach me.

Thank you so much!
PL

I only spent one day in Naples, but it's a bustling city. It's only about an hour to hour and a half drive to Positano. Naples houses some artifacts from the Pompei ruins and has many interesting churches, shopping areas and history of many states invading the area and conquering it. It's more expensive for Americans now, because the Euro is worth more than the American dollar, so be prepared to lose some money over there. Mt. Vesuvius (home to mythical God Neptune) is nearby Pompei and is still an active volcano. The ruins at Paestum in Salerno are interesting but not as much as Pompei. Capri is beautiful, but my favorite is still Positano -- more shopping, more music and great clothes and tiles.  If you need a quick stay in Naples, I recommend the Grand St. Lucia hotel. It's in a great area and near lots of nice restaurants, facing the harbor. In Positano, I recommend the hotels "Punta Regina (third floor suite), the Poseidon Hotel (best restaurant and view), La Tagliata Restaurant (great view and reasonable prices). Going to see chamber music in Ravello at Rufolo Gardens is a must-see. Don't miss seeing the oldest town on the Amalfi Coastline, "Scala."  It's near Ravello. Amalfi has some nice shops and a nice harbor. They also conduct sort of a waterpolo game in kayaks -- interesting.  The best shopping is Sorrento, especially for leather goods. I'm not sure what else you want to know, but if you're visiting Positano, stop in at La Zagara for drinks or coffee and say hello to Mario (the owner). Of course, he won't recognize the name Ciara. Also, go to the Convvinium. It has great live music after 11 p.m. Things don't get going there (in the summer months) until that time.

Ciao,
Ciara

Many great tips, very much appreciated!