gentle

Trying to work out the best way to go from Rome to Pompeii,Sorrento (stay overnight in Sorrento then take a day trip to Capri by ferry back to Sorrento and then see amalfi coast for the day then back to Rome i guess the best way to do all this is by car but im not sure at my age that i want to tackle Italian drives what do you suggest?. I have been to most parts of Italy in the last few years by train and i do know Rome very well just havent tackled this part and it will be three women, one who wants to drive but im not so sure thanks for any advise

nytraveler

Sorry - but to see Pompeii and Capri and the Amalfi Coast you will have to stay in the area for at least a couple of nights - this is not a day trip.

Once can take a (very long) day trip from Rome to Pompeii, which requires at least 4 or 5 hours to see much of anything.

Or you could take a train from Rome to Naples and hop a quick ferry to Capri, spend the day there and get back to Rome in the evening (but this will limit your activities on Capri and remember that ferries back to Naples run only until early evening in season).

If you want to combine these two you will need to spend the night in Naples or Sorrento.

And if you want to take a trip to the towns down the AC then you will need a second night - to see the coast in the morning/afternoon and return to Rome late at night.

Also, transit will vary significantly by time of year - with sparse options off season and mobbed trains/buses/ferries in high season (june through early Sept).

kybourbon

You have an issue with luggage storage on Capri unless you are leaing your luggage in Rome?

It might make more sense to take the train to Naples, ferry to Capri, overnight Capri, early ferry to Amalfi coast, Pompeii and late train back to Rome. You really need two nights in the area (Sorrento or elsewhere) to see things without being so rushed and having to figure out luggage storage.

You won't be able to take a car to Capri.

ellenem

The OP did mention staying the night in Sorrento.

However, to do Pompeii and Capri AND the Amalfi Coast, I agree you will need at least two nights in the area. I don't think you could do justice to Capri as a quick morning trip from Sorrento and also drive the Amalfi Coast the same afternoon.

Many people do this same trip by train, bus, and boat--no car necessary.

sandralist

Since you used the phrase "at my age," I just want to include a heads up that if you are planning this trip during the warm weather months, the area of the ruins at Pompei can get extremely hot in the afternoons. If any in your group has a hard time dealing with heat and sun, it is best to plan to visit Pompei early in the morning.

rbciao47

Some other dimensions of visiting Pompeii beside the heat would be the absence of shade and any breeze. The tourist amenities are limited inside the site. When we were there in 2009 in July the tourist center was closed for updates. It was hot and dry.

At any rate, if you want to see all of the places you mentioned above in this area you will need to consider staying at least two nights.

buon viaggio,

kybourbon

>>>The OP did mention staying the night in Sorrento.<<<

Yes, but that's why I suggested two nights were really needed to cover all this, not one.

In summer, you can't count on getting the ferry time you want unless you book ahead. So many tour groups book day trips to Capri that depart on the earlier ferries that you might have to take one later in the day. Some ferries to the Amalfi coast only operate in summer so it depends on when you are going.

Has the one that wants to drive ever driven in Italy before?

Debs

Pompeii requires a lot of walking, and as others have noted, doesn't offer much (if any) shade and few places to rest. You'll be walking on cobblestones, not flat surfaces, which can be challenging at any age! Definitely wear comfortable shoes and carry a water bottle with you. It's definitely worth visiting, just be prepared for your vist. If you have time, visit the archeological museum in Naples for more of an insite to Pompeii.

Do allow at least 2 nights in this area for everything you want to see. If you can take a bus when visiting the AC, do it. This is one of those places you want to relax and see the view, and driving won't allow you to do that.

ENJOY!

vincenzo32951

I can't gauge your confidence or skill level, but will try to address the driving.

The drive from Rome to Sorrento isn't bad. It's mostly Autostrada and highway. The winding part of the trip -- not recommended -- is south of Sorrento and into the Amalfi Coast. Then of course you'll have to arrange for parking, probably expensive, maybe through your hotel.

The tone of your post seems to indicate trepidation about driving. If that's true, stick with public transportation.

ellenem

>> Yes, but that's why I suggested two nights were really needed to cover all this, not one. <<

I was posting at the same time as kybourbon and reacting to the first response that implied the OP was describing a day trip.

I agree, and that's why I mentioned two nights . . . our posts overlapped in time.