We have a deal at the new Marriott in Capri, so will be using that as our "base" for a 7 night stay in mid-April. Any suggestions on how best to see the Amalfi coast (bus, hired car, boat???) in a leisurely way, with time for wandering, eating/drinking etc. Should we leave full or 1/2 days for Positano, Ravello, Sorrento? Do some deserve more time than others? We also want to go to Pompei. My husband is already feeling like this is going to be hectic and I like to see everything.
Input is much appreciated!

One reason why it may be a deal is because of the mid-April timing. Since you'll be dependent on ferry service, you may find that rough seas impact your ability to see/do everything on your wish list. Ferries do not operate in rough water.

"How best to see" anything depends on your budget. A hired car and driver would obviously give you maximum flexibility. But public transportation from Sorrento can take you to Pompeii (train), Positano (bus) and Ravello (2 buses). Ferries also run on a seasonal basis between Capri and Positano, but I don't know the date this service would commence (usually in mid-April). Perhaps someone here can contribute this info.

Considering the logistics of using Capri as your base, your other destinations could each use up a day. Please resist the temptation to try to "see everything." It's not possible in a week using Capri as a base unless, of course, you have no interest in seeing Capri. Listen to your husband.

Ews - Capri isn't an ideal base for seeing the Amalfi Coast in April - the ferry/hydrofoil timetables are designed for day-trippers TO Capri FROM Amalfi/Positano, not vice versa.

You will have to use ferries/hydrofoils to/from SORRENTO - and use public transport from there.

You can find ferry timetables from Capri on:

http://www.capri.net/salsa/lang/en/page/transport.html

From Sorrento you can easily reach Pompeii by train (35 mins).

Positano is 45 mins by bus.
Amalfi is 1hr 30'

If you get a day-pass you could do Positano, Ravello and Amalfi in a day. by bus.

Just make sure you're back in Sorrento in time for the last ferry

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Thank you to both Steve and Jean for all the information. It definitely helps, and yes, I do also want to see Capril. Perhaps we will not do everything, but at least enjoy the places we do see.
I do hope the ferries are running when we are there.
I imagine we will go with a rough plan and then see how it all plays out.
Thanks again.

Another way of "doing it all" on the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii would be to engage a hired car. We stayed in Positano last September and hired Francesco Marrapese (francescomarrapese.com) to take us from Positano to Pompeii (and Francesco arranged for a guide there), then on to Ravello, Amalfi, Atrani, Praiano, and back to Positano - cost was 35 € per hour. Very comfortable, very personable, and very dependable. He is based out of Sorrento, so I'm sure he could arrange something for you if you did a "day trip" from Capri. We also stayed a couple of nights on Capri and loved that. But I agree that you don't want to go back and forth any more than necessary.

KC