Transportation Q = drive or train and drive?

[VictoriaJZ]

I'm meeting my husband at Fiumicino and we'll either go to Sardinia [probably flying there later that day] and drive around Sardinia for about 5 days OR go to Naples and either train down and rent a car there to get around [that little island, Procida, is drawing me!] - we've already visited Pompeii, Herculanum, the Almafi Coast etc. but not much more. I, frankly, am not keen on big cities and other than seeing the Archeological Museum in Naples, would just as soon be elsewhere...tiny towns, picturesque places in the country, etc. So, my main Q given the limited time we have, should we train down to Naples and rent a car there and then do our journey or spend 5 days on Sardinia. Given that we love archeological ruins, history and picturesque villages....is there enough to see on Sardinia??? or so much that we should save that for another trip all on Sardinia and journey to and around Naples?

 

[Ian Sutton]

Enough to see in Sardinia? almost certainly considering its size, history, etc. I did check ferry crossing times from Civitavecchia to Olbia, but ~ 6 hours, plus travel from the airport to Civitavecchia just feels too much for a short stay. The only potentially viable option of ferry might be the overnight one (8hrs) if the timing worked for you. If the flight connections are good, then that will help, but driving after two separate flights (not sure how long the 1st is) might not be enjoyable.

Naples? If you don't like big cities, then one of the more intense cities might not be a great choice. To get to Procida, it's either a short taxi from Naples train station, or a moderate walk (but with bags this might not be desirable), followed by the ferry. Whilst I could see the appeal of the Archeological museum, this might only make sense for you (in such a short holiday) if the flight/train times absolutely demanded an overnight stay in Napoli.

Both options are likely to take time to get to (and get back from).

Based on your preferences, I think I'd be looking in easy striking distance of the airport (Frascati shows as 30 mins by car, Tivoli 45-50 mins). Otherwise you'll lose the best part of the day on arrival / departure, which is a lot for a 5 day break

For an easier option, a friend spoke very highly of Frascati which he spent a lot of time in when working in Rome. It sounds like it might suit your preferences better, but always leaving the option of a day trip into Rome if you felt like it. Or perhaps somewhere like Tivoli?

 

[VictoriaJZ]

Thank you so much for your help...I think the idea of saving Sardinia for a longer time might be best, so thanks for the ideas for other things!

 

[Ian Sutton]

Hi Victoria
No problem - maybe others here will come in in with great more tranquil places in easy reach of Rome
Regards
Ian

 

[Colo]

Have you consider Malta? Flight time is just a little over 1 hour and we found Air Malta was very reasonable.

The island is beautiful and there are archeological sites dating back to 3600 BC to explore. The crusades and the siege of the Turks can be relived. The history of WWII and the importance of this little rock can be experienced.

We stayed on the far east side of the island outside the hustle and bustle of the capital Valletta, albeit there are many things to see and do in the city. The island is much smaller than Sardinia, and definitely enough to do in 5 days that would keep anyone interested in the past happy.

If you are not familiar with the island here a link to a blog we did a couple years ago: Malta Sojourn In fact it was two years ago this week that we visited Malta.

 

[VictoriaJZ]

we went to Malta several years ago and really enjoyed the week we had, drove around the island and did get to Gozo == it's a wonderful place.

 

[Wayne Bevis]

I'm meeting my husband at Fiumicino and we'll either go to Sardinia [probably flying there later that day] and drive around Sardinia for about 5 days OR go to Naples and either train down and rent a car there to get around [that little island, Procida, is drawing me!] - we've already visited Pompeii, Herculanum, the Almafi Coast etc. but not much more. I, frankly, am not keen on big cities and other than seeing the Archeological Museum in Naples, would just as soon be elsewhere...tiny towns, picturesque places in the country, etc. So, my main Q given the limited time we have, should we train down to Naples and rent a car there and then do our journey or spend 5 days on Sardinia. Given that we love archeological ruins, history and picturesque villages....is there enough to see on Sardinia??? or so much that we should save that for another trip all on Sardinia and journey to and around Naples?

Hi Victoria - just read your post and sounds identical to what my wife and I have planned. Just wondering if you have been to Italy before (sounds like you have) and if so did you do much driving please? Just curious of the do's and dont's in relation to hiring a vehicle and cost factor. Many thanks in advance

 

[VictoriaJZ]

yes, we've been there several times. I do the driving and [knock on wood] really have not had any problem. Main thing is to be defensive in your driving In terms of hiring, I just check the various services [I think AutoEurope is linked here, there is Carrentals.com and Kayak has them too]. If you're AAA or have some sort of association with a particular rental company, check them out. Unless you are used to stick shift [takes me a couple of hours for total comfort, but I learned on one and have had a few] it's worth it to get autotrans. Get a small car = many streets you may drive on will be very small, one-lane roads and the more room you have the better. I know it may seem silly to have a car but I like the freedom to just go out into the country and explore. Mark and I like to go to places where we can say with some sense of truth, "bet no one from Iowa/US has ever been here." Of course, we don't do anything unsafe but there are plenty of very safe places and very nice people around to help.

 

[Wayne Bevis]

I hope my driving capabilities haven't escaped me Victoria - I did 38 years in law enforcement - a long portion of which was highway patrols etc. I would be curious to know if you have any idea of the cost involved - prices I have seen on the Net seem awfully cheap. And I couldn't agree more with you regarding the country and exploring

 

[VictoriaJZ]

I rented a car for pick up in Rome and return back to there and it wasn't all that expensive, relatively speaking. Well worth it for the freedom.