WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

We hope to travel to Italy in mid-August next year to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. We’d like to begin in Venice for two nights, then the Amalfi coast for six. Would you recommend a flight from Venice to Naples, or the train? Would you recommend a visit to Cinque Terre – we are not lovers of really busy places but are aware it’s peak season!

Dear Vicky

VICKY HARRISON

Your anniversary suggests you are committed to mid-August but, given that you do not like busy places, it is essential to understand that this is the hottest, busiest and most expensive time to visit Italy. If not wedded to August, consider September or early October.

Booking is essential on the Amalfi coast, where I would recommend Ravello or Sorrento: the latter has plenty of accommodation and is a good base. You will not need a car as buses, trains and boats let you reach Amalfi, Positano, Pompeii, Capri and more. In Venice, opt for quieter districts such as Castello and Cannaregio. Book air-conditioned accommodation.

Be aware, too, that your two destinations are relatively far apart, and that the Cinque Terre villages in Liguria – extremely busy year-round – do not easily fit into your itinerary. So I would skip that and opt for the train from Venice to Naples. There are five direct Frecciarossa (Red Arrow) services daily, taking five hours, 13 minutes; tickets from €60 (£53.50)pp. Reservations are compulsory (trenitalia.com) and you can take a separate train to Sorrento from Naples (eavsrl. it; 40-55min; €4.10).

If not committed to Venice and Amalfi, consider a rural base in Tuscany near Pienza or Montalcino to explore the countryside and cities such as Siena and Lucca by car. Temperatures will be kinder, crowds less insistent, and prices a little lower – but being Italy you will still find the romance appropriate to an anniversary.