Getting there, getting in, and getting back is a scenic hoot. Thirteen municipalities are located on the Amalfi Coast, many of them centered on tourism. This church is "Amalfi Romanesque" (a mix of Moorish and Byzantine flavors, built c. 1000–1300), with a fanciful Neo-Byzantine facade from the 19th century. This slim guide excerpted from Rick Steves Italy includes: Rick's firsthand, up-to-date advice on the Amalfi Coast's best sights, restaurants, hotels, and more, plus tips to beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps If you wanted somewhere slightly more quaint, then Amalfi may be a good choice, tho there are lots of lovely looking villages sprinkled all along the coast. This plank is all that remains of that ship. Ravello was gorgeous, but you aren't on the sea, and not sure if the buses are as easy to come by as they are in Amalfi. ▲▲ Amalfi Town Less picturesque, but still atmospheric center with a real-life feel and a handful of sights, including a paper museum and an imposing Romanesque cathedral. Hi, I'm Rick Steves, enjoying more of the best of Europe. Its graceful columns protect stone sarcophagi, as this was the cemetery of Amalfi's nobles. Posted on June 12, 2015 January 4, 2018. Taxis are white convertibles. Prime Video From $2.99 $ 2. Italy's Amalfi Coast boasts a classic Mediterranean landscape, a sensual blend of both natural and cultural wonders. Hi, I'm Rick Steves, enjoying more of the best of Europe. Rick Steves' Europe. ▲ Hike from Ravello to Amalfi Town Roughly hour-long downhill walk for hardy hikers along a winding path past the delightful world-apart village of Atrani, with lovely views throughout. Shopkeeper: This big one is cedro. The Monetti family car-and-driver service — Raffaele, brother-in-law Tony, cousin Lorenzo, and daughter Carolina — have taken excellent care of my readers' transit needs for decades. DVD Currently unavailable. Climb the imposing stairway, which functions as a mini Spanish Steps hangout zone and a handy outdoor theater (small entry fee; open daily). Get inspired with Rick Steves’ recommended places to go and things to do, with tips, photos, videos, and travel information on the Amalfi Coast. My Account . Though expensive, they make getting around an unforgettable part of your visit. 2014 | TV-G | CC. At the summit, you'll enjoy the commanding panorama of both the Italian mainland in the distance and the isle of Capri. Ciao. Posted by eduff2 on 03/17/19 04:51 PM. While the town's hot and mobbed with tourists during the summer, we're here in mid-April. The raffish rowers jostle their way to the tiny hole. Just south of Naples are some of Italy's most appreciated attractions: along a breathtaking coastline you'll find trendy resort towns, ancient ruins, and enchanting island getaways. My Account. Cantilevered hotels and villas cling to the vertical terrain. Constructed in 450 B.C, it's a textbook example of the Doric style. Rick: I can rearrange it my way? Rick: Thank you very much. Terms of Service | Privacy, Amalfi Coast, Italy: Illustrious Seaside Town, Capri, Italy: Pricey Towns and Priceless Views, Positano, Italy: Jewel of the Amalfi Coast. While just an hour south of wild and crazy Naples, the Sorrentines have gone out of their way to create a completely safe and genteel place for tourists to come, relax, and enjoy spending their money. By Rick Steves. Jump to bottom. Italians venerate Mary, and Italian men also venerate their mothers. Ulysses sailed by, and he overcame the…tradetjeblah. If you like Cameron’s insights, you can read much more on his travel blog, and you can also follow Cameron on Facebook. If the water's too rough, it becomes too dangerous...dinghies can't get in and visitors are turned back. But — especially for a small group — when you factor in the value of your time and the frustration of trying to explore a congested and expensive bit of Italian coastline on your own, a day with your own driver can be a fine value. While prices are steep, the window shopping's free. From $17.99 to buy. Prime Video $0.00 with a Prime membership. [Cheers.] Unless, of course, you intend to pay for an expensive taxi to take you directly to and from everything you want to see!! ▲▲▲ Coastal drive between Sorrento and Salerno Wildly scenic white-knuckle ride, doable by bus, taxi, or shared minibus. While many travel all the way to Greece to see Greek ruins, just south of here you can see some marvelous Greek temples. I did — early (when the light is best), without the frustration of crowds, and with choppy waves nearly making entrance impossible…and it was great. Zoom in to see updated info. To save a few steps, I enjoy the efficiency of having a cell phone on the road. Sorrento is good for visiting Pompeii, Herculaneum and Naples by commuter train and Capri by ferry. Posted by patty (east haven, ct., usa) on 06/27/12 11:38 AM. Tour Account › Travel Forum › Home / Travel Forum / Italy / Amalfi coast; Please sign in to post. These are typical lemons of Sorrento, OK? Gelateria Davide is sure to have the flavor that suits your mood. The Amalfi Coast is difficult to navigate without buses, boats, or taxis. The ride takes 13 minutes each way, and you'll want at least 30 minutes on top, where there are picnic benches and a café with WCs. When it comes to fruit stands in Sorrento, pucker up! Rick: Grazie. The Amalfi Coast is chaotic, scenic, in-love-with-life Italy at its best. As you hyperventilate, notice how the Mediterranean really twinkles. Like Venice needed the bones of St. Mark to get on the pilgrimage map, Amalfi got St. Andrew — one of the apostles who left his nets to join the original "fishers of men.". Tax ID: 95-2211661. See more ideas about rick steves travel, rick steves, travel. And St. Andrew himself is buried here. Today, there's just not much very menacing about the Turks of Marina Grande. We make a little distraction on this plate with some pasta and clams the other side. Smaller text Larger text. Start planning your trip to Italy! After Rome fell, Amalfi emerged as an independent republic. With a trading fleet that controlled this region, it competed with Genoa and Venice. You'll enjoy the best light and smallest crowds late in the day. Jump to bottom. In this travel class, Rick Steves explains how Italy intensifies as you plunge deeper — from the urban jungle of Naples (birthplace of pizza) to the ancient ruins at Pompeii to the stunning scenery of the Amalfi Coast. Rick: So there's 30 of these along the coast. From the old center, an ancient lane zigzags down to Marina Grande — Sorrento's historic harbor. Raffaele: Because they needed the towers just to tell to the people that the Saracens was on the way in. Ciao. Mondo Guide / Rick Steves Amalfi Coast Tour - Fantastic! Arriving at the mouth of the grotto you find a busy "distribution center." In this program, we explore Sorrento's back streets, taste traditional Italian food, drive along the dramatic Amalfi Coast to catch some breathtaking scenery, learn the history behind the tourist shops of Amalfi, stroll in the shadow of Greek temples at Paestum, and sail to the isle of Capri to enter the fabled Blue Grotto. Reset zoom ... People, if you are overweight, over 50, and not fit: Stay away from the Sorrento Peninsula and Amalfi Coast !! We tell [call them] sfusato. If you want the authentic orginal and real experience of the secreets of the Amalfi Coast. 02/12/20 08:50 PM. Rick produces a best-selling guidebook series, a public television series, and a public radio show, and organizes small-group tours that take over 30,000 travelers to Europe annually. Learn more about the Amalfi Coast here. Smaller text Larger text. The main drag is nicknamed "Rodeo Drive" for its exclusive boutiques. In doing so, he opened up this region to colonization. This isn't a festival; it's just another night — a celebration of community in the Mediterranean world. On glitzy Capri, everything's done with panache. The pristine beaches, the colorful buildings strategically built into the mountains, the food.With so many fabulous options – planning five days in the Amalfi Coast can be a bit overwhelming. Here at the Sorrento Men's Club, men — and only men — play cards and gossip under an historic emblem of the city and a frescoed 16th-century dome. During his legendary odyssey, Ulysses sailed by, and he overcame the treacherous lure of the seductive sirens. My hubby and I are thinking of doing a quick trip to the Amalfi Coast in October. Thank you. It's a pleasant gathering of cafés, galleries, and boutiques. ▲ Ravello Town loftily perched high above the sea, featuring a history of celebrity residents, two villas with stunning strollable gardens, and breathtaking views. The Amalfi Coast is named for this town. At the moment looking at Ravello & Amalfi. * Rick Steves advocates independent travel. The Amalfi Coast is named for this town. With a trading fleet that controlled this region, it competed with Genoa and Venice. St. Andrew's remains were brought here from Constantinople in 1206 during the Crusades —that's an indication of the wealth and the importance of Amalfi back then. The beach is a relaxed scene. This place provides all I look for: an efficient lobby and inviting lounge, and a simple room with a good bed and great view. Bright common areas, a small rooftop swimming pool, and a cold-water Jacuzzi complement 60 large, tiled, colorful rooms with views, some with balconies. Mondo Guide Day Tours: Amalfi Coast Shared Rick Steves Tour - See 696 traveler reviews, 133 candid photos, and great deals for Sorrento, Italy, at Tripadvisor. If you get into any kind of a serious jam in the area, you can call Raffaele for help. 4.8 out of 5 stars 5,484. Peppe holds a Michelin star, and he and his staff love to explain exactly what's on the plate — often sophisticated dishes with an emphasis on seafood, but a good vegetarian selection as well. While the breeze is welcome in the summer, even in ancient times documents report of locals complaining about the cold winter wind. We can see them everywhere... in Napoli, on the Amalfi Coast, here in Capri, on the domes of the churches, on the floors, on — decorating people's homes. Rick Steves' Europe. Innocuous as it looks today, in its 10th-century heyday, Amalfi was a maritime power. With Rick Steves, Naples and the Amalfi Coast are yours to discover! Just glazed tiles...what's makes them special: the colors. Grazie. Behind its fine 13th-century wooden crucifix, a painting shows St. Andrew martyred on an X-shaped cross. Ironically, the church's floor is so gorgeous that pews for worshippers are replaced by a boardwalk for tourists. Because bus access is so limited and hotels don't take large groups, the town — unlike Sorrento — has been spared the impact of big-bus tourism. Entry tickets to the site include the Paestum Archaeological Museum, showing off beautifully crafted works that help bring Paestum to life. This Baroque church in the village center has a remarkable majolica floor showing paradise on earth in a classic 18th-century Neapolitan style. Tour Account › Travel Forum › Home / Explore Europe / Italy / Naples; Naples; Facebook; Twitter; Pinterest; Email; Share. Dining in Amalfi: Two Dinners, €25, No Contest. Sorrento's back streets give a peek at both its long history and rich culture. Peppe: Generally it's the spaghetti vongole, but we want to play with the tradition. My Account. Services are held only during the first two weeks of Advent, when the church is closed to visitors. It's said even their cats look different. “What Rick Steves doesn't tell you! Amalfi coast. The public transit is not the problem in the region you are talking about It is actually fully covered by bus plus a ferry service assuming weather is ok when you go in October . So if all you want is Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and what's nearby, this compact Snapshot guide delivers everything you'll need to know — for about half the price and half the bulk. Peruse the mouth-watering chorus line before ordering. Tell me about your lemons. We'll start with the southern Italian charms of Sorrento, taste traditional Italian food with a playful flair, drive along the dramatic Amalfi Coast enjoying its cliffside towns, and we'll stroll in the shadow of Greek temples at Paestum, and take a cruise to the seductive isle of Capri with its romantic Blue Grotto. These provide insulation — cool in the summer…warm in the winter. (12:04). Bye-bye. Rick Steves' Europe. Only one street in Positano allows motorized traffic — the rest are steep pedestrian lanes. I liked Lake Maggiore. Special thanks to our guide Mario, who was superb- funny, informative and helpful at the same time. Just south of Naples, we'll experience the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, the trendy resort of Positano, the limoncello charms of Sorrento, the ancient Greek temples at Paestum, and the iridescent Blue Grotto hidden beneath the enchanting Isle of Capri. Sorrento Wedged on a ledge under the mountains and over the Mediterranean, spritzed by lemon and olive groves, Sorrento is an attractive resort of 20,000 residents and, in summer, just as many tourists. …And the highlight, the Temple of Neptune, is simply breathtaking. Positano's steep lanes are a way of life for the 4,000 hearty residents. During the peak season, many resort hotels require "half pension." And they warned with a fire on the top of the tower. We will be going in October. In this travel class, Rick Steves explains how Italy intensifies as you plunge deeper — from the urban jungle of Naples (birthplace of pizza) to the ancient ruins at Pompeii to the stunning scenery of the Amalfi Coast. The bell tower, with its majolica tiles — a regional specialty — stands high above the cathedral. Rick: So, with the dinner, with the fish? In the south of Europe, Italy juts into the Mediterranean Sea. October Amalfi Coast. Nicknamed by Rick Steves himself. The striking setting includes the remains of three impressive temples: the lonely Temple of Ceres…the almost delicate Temple of Hera[, which] was dedicated to the Greek goddess of marriage in 550 B.C…. My Account . As I travel with Rick Steves’ Europe Tours, research my guidebooks, and make new TV shows, I’m reporting on my experiences in Italy, Portugal, France, Ireland, England, Scotland, Germany, Switzerland, and more. !” Reviewed September 23, 2007 People, if you are overweight, over 50, and not fit: Stay away from the Sorrento Peninsula and Amalfi Coast ! Raffaele: Yes, just a warning. To get the most out of our quick visit, I'm meeting my friend and fellow tour guide Roberta Mazzarella. Staggeringly picturesque and maddeningly touristy, it can be both rewarding and frustrating. After visiting the temples at Paestum, we sail to the isle of Capri. Waiter: Salute. Rick Steves' Europe. And yet, it’s been attracting holiday-goers for centuries. Home / Blog; Posted on June 1, 2013 November 27, 2013 by . Raffaele: Yes. see our FAQ. With its stunning scenery, hill- and harbor-hugging towns, and historic ruins, Amalfi is Italy's coast with the most. Rick Steves' Europe. At the edge of town, elegant villas and a public garden are strategically placed to enjoy fine views. Sailing on the Amalfi Coast with friends on a private catamaran Video: Watch Naples and Pompeii, an episode of the Rick Steves' Europe TV show. The only land route to the Amalfi Coast is the 40 kilometres (25 mi) long Strada Statale 163 which runs along the coastline from the town of Vietri sul Mare in the east to Positano in the west. The restaurant is lovingly run by Luisa, her brothers Andrea and Roberto, and her husband Antonio. In the 19th century, it was the haunt of Romantic Age aristocrats on their Grand Tour of Europe. Your man rows you around, sings a little "O Sole Mio," and lets you enjoy the iridescent magic of the moment. SoundCloud SoundCloud. Rick: Ciao. And during a balmy Sorrento evening, the streets are filled with people enjoying a convivial passeggiata. Many of the best Amalfi Coast views are just south of Positano. Just when a horrible attack seemed inevitable, a freak storm hit and the pirate ship was destroyed. Please sign in to post. by Cameron Hewitt You enjoy a fast cruise partway around the gorgeous island, seeing bird life and local fisherman at work all under dramatic limestone cliffs. The cooking, service, and setting are all top-notch. The island's second town, Anacapri, has fewer tourists, a little more character, and a passion for colorful majolica tiles. Rick Steves' Europe. Boat people: Hey, Rick. Shopkeeper: Thank you. A driver costs some money. This disaster, compounded by a deadly plague, left Amalfi a humble backwater. Italy's Amalfi Coast | KCET. Specializing in scenery, shopping, and sand, the resort town of Positano hangs on the most spectacular stretch of the coast. Lake Maggiore, Il Minore. The animals — with curiously human expressions — seem blissfully ignorant of this momentous event. Raffaele: This road is very, very old. A three-star sight from a distance, Positano is a pleasant if pricey gathering of women’s clothing stores and cafés, with an inviting beach. Read More. As the tourist-laden boats arrive, awaiting dinghies converge and visitors clamber gingerly into their little boats. Surprising visitors, right in the town center, is an inviting lemon grove. Roberta: And on squares like this one. 3-4 days in one of the towns would be fine for sure. 53 posts. From Anacapri, ride the chairlift (seggiovia) to the 1,900-foot summit of Monte Solaro for a commanding view of the Bay of Naples. Smaller text Larger text. It had no balconies...for security reasons. But this is a case when I hire a cabbie — like Raffaele Monetti — to be my driver and guide. There's really no way to avoid the climbs that come with this staggering scenery. I can’t imagine trying to enjoy the views while driving, not to mention worrying about parking in the spind My Account . There’s something about Italy’s Amalfi Coast that makes people put up with horrible traffic, high prices, and having to climb up and down every time you want to get somewhere. 2003 | PG-13 | CC. The Romans conquered it in the third century B.C. While there are plenty of beaches near Sorrento, many hotels offer travelers an attractive alternative. Start planning your trip to Italy! Rick: …taxis being open. Italy’s Dizzy Amalfi Coast. Home / Blog: Cameron's Travels; Destination: Italy. Remember, 500 years before Christ, southern Italy was called "Magna Grecia" — greater Greece. There’s something about Italy’s Amalfi Coast that makes people put up with horrible traffic, high prices, and having to climb up and down … Piazza Umberto is the main square of this cute and touristy shopping town. It's clear to me why Roman emperors chose this island as their holiday escape, and why today so many travelers include the Amalfi Coast in their Italian travel plans. Don't just hop into any taxi claiming to be a Monetti — call first. ‎In this episode, we chat about the 2006 episode of Rick Steves’ Europe episode “Italy's Amalfi Coast.” We discuss when is the best time to visit the Amalfi coast, the magic of limoncello, and how to pick the best Amalfi hotel room. Tour Account › Travel Forum › Home / Travel Forum / Italy / Amalfi coast; Please sign in to post. looking for a place to stay on Amalfi coast. Home / Blog: Cameron's Travels ; Posted on April 25, 2015 January 4, 2018 by Cameron Hewitt. Rick Steves travel philosophy is to experience the local people's way of life and less-touristed areas This caused a phenomonea within the travel business along the Amalfi Coast. "Sfusato" is the form. We can fly on miles really cheaply to Rome. Rick Steves' Europe. Rick: 750 years? We love colors here. Try Prime All Go Search EN Hello, Sign in Account & Lists Sign in Account & Lists Orders Try Prime … Just an hour from Milan, it’s a handy side-trip for those wanting a taste of Italy’s famed Lake District. ! Posted by martinofive on 01/04/19 04:48 PM. Map updates are paused. While the museum has good English descriptions, there are scant descriptions at the site itself — but my guidebook includes a thorough self-guided tour (skip the bookshop's mediocre guidebooks and the museum's dull audioguide). As well, show him Naples City, a vibrant city filled with culture, art, food, music, wine and great history. Rick Steves' Europe. Then ferries will still be running. However, with my tips and tricks your five-day itinerary on the Amalfi Coast can be as easy as scrolling through this post! Work on your tan as you float over hazelnut, walnut, chestnut, apricot, peach, kiwi, and fig trees, past a montage of tourists (mostly from cruise ships; when the grotto is closed — as it often is — they bring passengers here instead). . Sorrento is the ideal home base for exploring the stunning Amalfi Coast. And from here, the hike down is a delight. For a great day-trip from Naples, Positano, or Sorrento, catch the early morning jet boat to the isle of Capri. Rick Steves' Europe. Naples is Italy in the extreme — its best (birthplace of pizza) and its worst (home of the Camorra, Naples' "family" of organized crime). And the café crowd watches it all unfold. Thanks for joining us. You'll see several medieval watch-towers built to warn of Turkish or Saracen pirate attacks. Italy's Amalfi Coast is one of those places with a "must see" reputation. I can’t imagine trying to enjoy the views while driving, not to mention worrying about parking in the spindly little towns along the coast. The devil is wrapped around the trunk of a tree laden with trouble-causing apples. “What Rick Steves doesn't tell you! For the best view, climb the spiral stairs from the postcard desk. These days — especially in the summer — Capri can be a world-class tourist trap, packed with gawky visitors searching for the rich and famous, and finding only their prices. For many, a stop at the gelateria is a regular part of the family night out. Sorrentines still scare their children by saying, "Behave — or the Turks will take you away." And the guides pull fast and hard on the cable at the low point of the swells to squeeze you into the grotto. Rick: Run away from the pirates. This we heat with extra-virgin olive oil and salt, near the fish. The coast stretching south of Naples is filled with temptations. In my guidebooks, I strive to list places with hands-on ownership. Here is what I’m thinking. Thanks for joining us. You'll float over lush orchards and well-tended gardens. Rick: Oh it is so rude when I'm talking to somebody and she answers the phone Planning on going the end of June with my wife both 70 yrs old. It is about 750 years old. That many are trying to immulate my tour "Carmines Secret Tour". And this time we're exploring Italy's dramatic Amalfi Coast area, and somewhere along here we're going to find a blue grotto. Join our Facebook Group: Rick Steves Over Brunch Podc… Our first stop is the reason most come to Capri: to enter the fabled Blue Grotto. The ruins at Paestum include one of the best collections of Greek temples anywhere — and certainly the most accessible to Western Europe. Home; Stream; Library; Search. Jump to bottom. Rick: Oh, so like, very fast you could spread the word the Saracens are coming, the pirates are coming. With its breathtaking scenery, dramatically perched port towns, and historic ruins, the Amalfi is Italy's coast with the most. Boat people: New York. We're lucky today — there's a little chop, but dinghies are squeezing in. Mondo is a very professional and organized tour company. The town's celebrated San Michele Church has a remarkable majolica floor showing paradise on earth in a classic 18th-century Neapolitan style. Rick: Ciao. Most of the Amalfi Coast towns are pretty but touristy, congested, overpriced, and an exhausting daily hike from their tiny beaches. There's a light at the end of the Tunnel!! At the rustic shop, cap your visit with a taste of the regions favorite liqueur, limoncello. The Amalfi Coast has rightfully earned its ‘dream destination’ reputation. Rick Steves' Europe. Roberta: [Phone rings, answers]. Cameraman: That's what I needed. Posted by Ruth (Ithaca, NY, USA) on 02/01/20 09:46 PM. Rick: OK. The problem is the crowds (overcrowding of said buses). The "Cloister of Paradise" is a peaceful as well as evocative place for a shady rest. Rick Steves' Europe. An abundant orchard provides locals and tourists alike with a fragrant and peaceful stroll. Salute, signori. Dining in Amalfi: Two Dinners, €25, No Contest. Tour Account › Travel Forum › Home / Travel Forum / Italy / October Amalfi Coast; Please sign in to post. see our FAQ. This 13th-century palace recalls a rough and tumble age. Thanks for … While originally a place where the town's nobles met, today this is the club for working-class guys. Europe expert Rick Steves revels in the beauty of the Amalfi Coast. My Account. The port's economy is still based on its colorful fishing fleet...and more recently its many seafood restaurants. The last two nights, I’ve had starkly different dinners in the town of Amalfi. The "skyline" looks like it did a century ago — strict building codes prevent modern structures. And the wonders of that western frontier of Greece can be well appreciated at Paestum. ▲▲▲ Positano Easygoing, nearly vertical town specializing in sun, sand, shopping, steep stairways, and stunning scenery. Amalfi seems to be the bus hub. Stores bottle their own citrus treats...and they're generous with samples. One of them I’ll remember for years. Skip to main content. For make this road it takes about 150 years from Sorrento down to Salerno. Cantilevered garages, hotels, and villas cling to the vertical terrain, and beautiful sandy coves tease from far below and out of reach. There's little to do here but eat, window-shop, and enjoy the beach and views...and that's exactly the way its many visitors like it. After Rome fell, Amalfi emerged as an independent republic. On the Amalfi Coast there is always something to learn in this land where there's more to lemons than lemonade. But the final conquerors of Paestum, malaria-carrying mosquitoes, kept the site wonderfully deserted for nearly a thousand years. So if all you want is Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and what's nearby, this compact Snapshot guide delivers everything you'll need to know — for about half the price and half the bulk. With each visit to Sorrento, I book my favorite taxi driver, Raffaele Monetti (he’s been in my Italy guidebook for years), and enjoy a day exploring the jaw-droppingly scenic Amalfi Coast.