Aknox53

Hi all,
I'm surprising my mom with a trip to Italy for her 50th birthday this year. I have been to Italy before, but would love to take her. We only have about a week so it will be a quick trip, but here is the itinerary that I'm thinking. I also should add that we will be going at the end of March, I know it's not ideal in timing, but that's what I have to work with. I would love suggestions on the itinerary for that time of year.

Day 1: Arrive in Rome, explore Spanish steps/Trevi fountain area
Day 2: Rome, Colosseum/Roman Forum
Day 3: Rome, St. Peter's Basilica/Vatican City
Day 4: Early train to Sorrento, explore Sorrento
Day 5: Explore Sorrento or surrounding area (maybe Capri?)
Day 6: Train to Pompeii, explore Pompeii, then train to Naples for early morning flight the next day.
Day 7: Fly out of Naples

The biggest issue I see with this itinerary is that we will have luggage when we arrive in Pompeii. Does anyone know if it's possible to store luggage at the train station in Pompeii? Or is there another option for luggage storage? I'm trying to avoid extra train time for dropping off luggage and the only flight option is out of Naples.

The only things I'm set on are Rome and Pompeii because I did not see Pompeii when I was there last. I am open to suggestions on where to spend the other 2 days; however I was looking for a smallish town with beautiful views, preferably of a rocky hillside town. I would love to bring her to Cinque Terre; however, I don't think that's possible given our time frame.

Thank you for your input!!

artsnletters

You can store your luggage right at the Pompeii archaeological site.

greg

The luggage at Pompeii is not the biggest issue. There is a simple solution mentioned above.

>>> the only flight option is out of Naples.

Ok, if you can return from Naples, can you not fly into Naples? I am kicking around what this means. Also, does it mean Naples to you is just an overnight airport city and not a destination in itself? Without starting yet another heated discussion on Naples, Naples is a city with energy and strong personality. However, it is not for everyone. Depending on how your mom views the world, Naples can be a shock to her.

If you are heading south on a short trip, the CT makes no sense. There are rocky hillside town in the area you are going, called Positano. Why is it not a consideration?

With that short trip, having to stay in three cities eat a lot of time. If you can fly into Naples, go to Positano or Sorrento, then hit Pompeii on the way to Rome, perhaps adding a short stop in Naples to visit the Archaeology Museum, and return home from Rome would eliminate a city added just because of the return flight logistics.

tuscanlifeedit

greg makes a good suggestion to reverse your order.

Jean

Don't become too invested in the idea of visiting Capri. The ferry schedule will be reduced, and sailings can be cancelled if seas are rough. I definitely wouldn't go there if rain was in the forecast. Ditto for Pompeii.

I like Sorrento more than many, but there isn't much to "explore" there. At that time of year, I'd probably stay in Naples, go to the archeology and other museums, as well as explore the city. I do agree with greg that Naples doesn't appeal to everyone, but you can't know your opinion until you've been there. I will say it has some wonderful museums, if that's your 'thing.'

You didn't mention visiting the towns along the Amalfi Coast, but at that time of year the towns would be fairly quiet, some restaurants closed, etc. Ferry service along the coast would be scarce, and you'd likely only use the SITA buses.

michelhuebeli

By the way, the station you need to look for is not the Pompei FS station of the state-run Trenitalia trains but the station named Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri on the Circumvesuviana line