Day tours to Naples from Sorrento
Nov 5th, 2015, 01:40 PM
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Day tours to Naples from Sorrento
Hi,
We will be in Sorrento in April sand would like an escorted day trip to Naples, the Museums, including Capodimonte/.
we have read so much about the safety of travelling around Naples we have decided to stay in Sorrento and travel from there to Pompeii and Naples.
We will be travelling from Rome and having read the previous posts I think we will get the bus from there to Sorrento
We will then be travelling to Florence via Naples on high speed train.
any comments or suggestions will be welcome. Thank you.
We will be in Sorrento in April sand would like an escorted day trip to Naples, the Museums, including Capodimonte/.
we have read so much about the safety of travelling around Naples we have decided to stay in Sorrento and travel from there to Pompeii and Naples.
We will be travelling from Rome and having read the previous posts I think we will get the bus from there to Sorrento
We will then be travelling to Florence via Naples on high speed train.
any comments or suggestions will be welcome. Thank you.
Nov 5th, 2015, 02:39 PM
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What have you read? It is most likely full of hyperbole and absolutely false.
Naples is no more or less safe than, say London or Barcelona. Actually, Milan has worse statistics for street crime but we hear nothing about 'safety' in that city.
To answer your question there are no escorted tours. You would need to hire a car service for the day and that would cost you about 300 euro.
If you're choosing Sorrento over Naples for reasons of safety alone then that is such a great pity.
Naples is no more or less safe than, say London or Barcelona. Actually, Milan has worse statistics for street crime but we hear nothing about 'safety' in that city.
To answer your question there are no escorted tours. You would need to hire a car service for the day and that would cost you about 300 euro.
If you're choosing Sorrento over Naples for reasons of safety alone then that is such a great pity.
Nov 5th, 2015, 03:39 PM
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I like your idea of staying in Sorrento. We've done the same thing a couple of times. Having taken the train and the ferry to/from Naples, I would highly recommend the ferry. The train is about 5 euros and goes through unattractive territory and the ferry is about 13 euros and you traverse the beautiful Bay of Naples and approach each town from the water.
Nov 5th, 2015, 06:22 PM
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We have stayed in both places at least twice.
I love Naples and we have had only great experiences visiting and walking around on our own. Naples is easy to navigate and you do not need a guide to get you there or to take you to the museums. If you plan on seeing only Naples and Pompeii, then logistically it is better to stay in Naples and take the train from there to see Pompeii.
However, if you plan to travel south on the Amalfi Coast to Positano or Amalfi, Sorrento is a great base. Take a bus or ferry down the coast. It is also feasible to see Pompeii and even Naples from Sorrento. For Pompeii, very easy - take the train from Sorrento to Pompeii. If you want a guide there, hire one at the entrance.
For Naples, you can take the ferry or the train from Sorrento. Get a map and walk around. You can also take a taxi or bus to get around in Naples to go to the museums if you do not feel comfortable walking.
You might also want to see Herculaneum. Beautiful and different from Pompeii.
IMHO, it is not a mistake either way, just different. Naples is a vibrant city with walkable center, wonderful museums, churches, architecture, history and food. Sorrento is a charming small touristy town set on beautiful cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples. Nice little shopping area in the center and restaurants.
I love Naples and we have had only great experiences visiting and walking around on our own. Naples is easy to navigate and you do not need a guide to get you there or to take you to the museums. If you plan on seeing only Naples and Pompeii, then logistically it is better to stay in Naples and take the train from there to see Pompeii.
However, if you plan to travel south on the Amalfi Coast to Positano or Amalfi, Sorrento is a great base. Take a bus or ferry down the coast. It is also feasible to see Pompeii and even Naples from Sorrento. For Pompeii, very easy - take the train from Sorrento to Pompeii. If you want a guide there, hire one at the entrance.
For Naples, you can take the ferry or the train from Sorrento. Get a map and walk around. You can also take a taxi or bus to get around in Naples to go to the museums if you do not feel comfortable walking.
You might also want to see Herculaneum. Beautiful and different from Pompeii.
IMHO, it is not a mistake either way, just different. Naples is a vibrant city with walkable center, wonderful museums, churches, architecture, history and food. Sorrento is a charming small touristy town set on beautiful cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples. Nice little shopping area in the center and restaurants.
Nov 5th, 2015, 07:58 PM
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Mondo Guide are a tour guide/car service and they cost around 500 euro for the day for both. You could ask about their services and have them custom make a tour for you that includes Capodimonte but expect it to cost you.
Viator are a middle-man/re-seller. They sell the tickets - they don't run the tours.
It is easy enough to do this yourself but you have to get over your apprehension.
Viator are a middle-man/re-seller. They sell the tickets - they don't run the tours.
It is easy enough to do this yourself but you have to get over your apprehension.
Nov 5th, 2015, 08:16 PM
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I'm another person who adored Naples -- I'm a woman who traveled there by myself and felt no need to take precautions other than those I would take anywhere (e.g., use a money belt, pay attention to what's happening around me). To each his/her own!
BTW, no need to post a 2nd plea on Fodor's within 24 or more hours -- many of us check in only once a day.
There's more than enough to visit in Naples to take several days or even a week -- depends on your interests! The Capodimonte is delightful, and if you have any interest in Roman history or arts, the archeological museum in Naples is a highlight, and there are any number of stunning churches (some filled with art), and delightful plazas and gorgeous overlooks...
I hope you find a way to see it -- it is worthwhile!
BTW, no need to post a 2nd plea on Fodor's within 24 or more hours -- many of us check in only once a day.
There's more than enough to visit in Naples to take several days or even a week -- depends on your interests! The Capodimonte is delightful, and if you have any interest in Roman history or arts, the archeological museum in Naples is a highlight, and there are any number of stunning churches (some filled with art), and delightful plazas and gorgeous overlooks...
I hope you find a way to see it -- it is worthwhile!
Nov 5th, 2015, 08:22 PM
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Seems like we might be going to similar places. I'll post my questions here perhaps the experts can kill two birds in one stone.
Because we are traveling with little kids, we decided that it might be more convenient to rent a car rather than taking public transportation. We are thinking about driving down from Rome to Naples. Spend a night at Naples, then base in Sorrento while visiting the Amafi Coast area. Couple questions I have:
1. Is it easy to park Naples (assuming we don't mind the parking fee as long as it is crazy like in NYC)? Is it safe to park on the street? The part of the reason that we are thinking staying in Naples a night while sight-seeing in the city is that we will have luggage with us. We thought if we left the luggage in the hotel, it would minimize the chance and at the same time we can enjoy the city. Is it common that car might get broken in Italy if they see luggages in there?
2. Are there places to park the car while driving through the Amafi Coast area or visiting the Positano area? We thought of taking scenic bus thought it might have less flexibility on the schedule since we are traveling with young kids.
3. Any recommended hotels in Naples and Sorrento area? We have two adults and 3 young kids. Any hotel that might have a king size bed and another sofa bed? Two hotel rooms probably won't work for us. We have tried before and always ended up leaving the other room empty.=(
Thanks in advance for all of your help
Because we are traveling with little kids, we decided that it might be more convenient to rent a car rather than taking public transportation. We are thinking about driving down from Rome to Naples. Spend a night at Naples, then base in Sorrento while visiting the Amafi Coast area. Couple questions I have:
1. Is it easy to park Naples (assuming we don't mind the parking fee as long as it is crazy like in NYC)? Is it safe to park on the street? The part of the reason that we are thinking staying in Naples a night while sight-seeing in the city is that we will have luggage with us. We thought if we left the luggage in the hotel, it would minimize the chance and at the same time we can enjoy the city. Is it common that car might get broken in Italy if they see luggages in there?
2. Are there places to park the car while driving through the Amafi Coast area or visiting the Positano area? We thought of taking scenic bus thought it might have less flexibility on the schedule since we are traveling with young kids.
3. Any recommended hotels in Naples and Sorrento area? We have two adults and 3 young kids. Any hotel that might have a king size bed and another sofa bed? Two hotel rooms probably won't work for us. We have tried before and always ended up leaving the other room empty.=(
Thanks in advance for all of your help
Nov 5th, 2015, 08:48 PM
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@ NewHere -- IMO (others might disagree), a car would NOT be easy to park in Naples and would be a decided disadvantage there. You can leave your luggage at your hotel even if you don't have a car. 
For hotels, consult booking.com
For hotels, consult booking.com
Nov 5th, 2015, 09:17 PM
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Please don't consider renting a car in Naples or the Amalfi Coast.In Naples there are ZTL zones (look this up).
<Is it common a car might get broken into if they see luggages there>
yes. Even if you put all your luggage in the trunk you are still at risk.
<Are there places to park the car while driving through the Amalfi Coast>
yes - but you will pay 20-30 euro per hour for the privilege - if there is a place available.
Two adults and three young kids - you're probably best off with an apartment, otherwise two rooms with an adult in each room? I don't know of any hotels in Naples that have family rooms/suites. It may be different in Sorrento but I wouldn't know as I would never stay there.
<Is it common a car might get broken into if they see luggages there>
yes. Even if you put all your luggage in the trunk you are still at risk.
<Are there places to park the car while driving through the Amalfi Coast>
yes - but you will pay 20-30 euro per hour for the privilege - if there is a place available.
Two adults and three young kids - you're probably best off with an apartment, otherwise two rooms with an adult in each room? I don't know of any hotels in Naples that have family rooms/suites. It may be different in Sorrento but I wouldn't know as I would never stay there.
Nov 6th, 2015, 12:07 PM
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Thank you all so much for your advices and hotel/apartment recommendation. It sounds like we might be better off if fly into Naples then rent the car when we are done with the city rather than fly into Rome spend couple days there before driving down to Naples area.
Our youngest is 3yr old and eldest 7 yr old, so it is publc transportation will be more challenging for us (especially we still have to look out for pick-pocket). That's why we decided to rent a car. We have driven in crazy cities in Europe and Asia before, so should be ok w the driving part.
Are other cities in the Puglia area so have high risk of car break-in? We don't have any valuables. Just annoying that you lost your clothes.
Thank you all again for your help. Sorry Hmary1 for hi-jacking your post. I'll return back to you now. =P
Our youngest is 3yr old and eldest 7 yr old, so it is publc transportation will be more challenging for us (especially we still have to look out for pick-pocket). That's why we decided to rent a car. We have driven in crazy cities in Europe and Asia before, so should be ok w the driving part.
Are other cities in the Puglia area so have high risk of car break-in? We don't have any valuables. Just annoying that you lost your clothes.
Thank you all again for your help. Sorry Hmary1 for hi-jacking your post. I'll return back to you now. =P
Nov 6th, 2015, 02:18 PM
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Travelling with young children is not challenging on trains. There are no gangs of pickpockets on the high speed rail between Rome and Naples. Even the local Circumvesuviana is no problem if you are mindful of your surroundings and keep your belongings/valuables secure in a money belt or cross body bag.
Driving in 'crazy cities' is not overly helpful. To outsiders, Naples' traffic may appear crazy but it is really quite orderly and very slow except for the autostradas. If you do decide to rent a car, be very mindful of the ZTL zones in Naples and Sorrento. If you cross the zones be prepared for huge fines when you get home - sometimes months later.
Don't leave *anything* in the car anywhere. It it just too risky.
Driving in 'crazy cities' is not overly helpful. To outsiders, Naples' traffic may appear crazy but it is really quite orderly and very slow except for the autostradas. If you do decide to rent a car, be very mindful of the ZTL zones in Naples and Sorrento. If you cross the zones be prepared for huge fines when you get home - sometimes months later.
Don't leave *anything* in the car anywhere. It it just too risky.
Nov 6th, 2015, 05:41 PM
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@ NewHere -- There is always a risk if leaving luggage in one's car, but there are some things you can do to reduce those risks. These steps include
- Don’t ever leave anything in the car that can be seen through its windows
- If you leave valuables ANY where in the car, do so with eyes wide open to the chance that those items will not be there when you return
- ALWAYS keep key documents, cash, and bank cards with you (and in a under-the-clothes passport pouch, with only what you need for the day outside of that pouch), and be sure that that pouch also has a copy of any key documents you might need on one or more days
- Don’t ever move things from the interior to the trunk in the place that you will leave the car – do that somewhere else, even if it means pulling off the road briefly a mile or so from your destination
- Try to park in a well lighted area where other people might have eyes-on (not because they would necessarily act, but because their presence might discourage thieves)
- If possible, park your car in a way that would make it difficult for thieves to gain anything – for example, consider backing the car up to a wall to make it difficult to open the trunk or remove anything from it
- Be sure you know how to contact your rental car agency and insurance agency as soon as possible after any incursion
ONLY you can decide if the risks are worth it.
- Don’t ever leave anything in the car that can be seen through its windows
- If you leave valuables ANY where in the car, do so with eyes wide open to the chance that those items will not be there when you return
- ALWAYS keep key documents, cash, and bank cards with you (and in a under-the-clothes passport pouch, with only what you need for the day outside of that pouch), and be sure that that pouch also has a copy of any key documents you might need on one or more days
- Don’t ever move things from the interior to the trunk in the place that you will leave the car – do that somewhere else, even if it means pulling off the road briefly a mile or so from your destination
- Try to park in a well lighted area where other people might have eyes-on (not because they would necessarily act, but because their presence might discourage thieves)
- If possible, park your car in a way that would make it difficult for thieves to gain anything – for example, consider backing the car up to a wall to make it difficult to open the trunk or remove anything from it
- Be sure you know how to contact your rental car agency and insurance agency as soon as possible after any incursion
ONLY you can decide if the risks are worth it.
Jan 8th, 2016, 09:42 PM
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HMary1 -- DH and I will also be traveling to that area in early April and are considering staying in Sorrento.
If the weather is agreeable, we want to take a day trip to Capri - and additional day trips to Amalfi and Positano in addition to Pompeii if we have enough time. We think that Sorrento is a good base to do this.
If you find a nice place to stay in Sorrento, please pass along the information!
Many thanks!
If the weather is agreeable, we want to take a day trip to Capri - and additional day trips to Amalfi and Positano in addition to Pompeii if we have enough time. We think that Sorrento is a good base to do this.
If you find a nice place to stay in Sorrento, please pass along the information!
Many thanks!
Jan 8th, 2016, 09:50 PM
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Judy are you seeking a Sorrento hotel or apartment? Depending on your budget, the Bristol is very good, as is the Capodimonte.
I've been to weddings at this hotel
http://www.ambasciatorisorrento.com/
I've not stayed there but it is stunning.
I've been to weddings at this hotel
http://www.ambasciatorisorrento.com/
I've not stayed there but it is stunning.
Jan 12th, 2016, 02:49 AM
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Good morning Blueeyedcod!
As you know, I'm still figuring out my Rome apartment and Venice hotel....but....just looked at the hotel you suggested and you are right, it is STUNNING!!
Need to do some price comparisons, but this really does look beautiful.
Will let you know if I book it.
As you know, I'm still figuring out my Rome apartment and Venice hotel....but....just looked at the hotel you suggested and you are right, it is STUNNING!!
Need to do some price comparisons, but this really does look beautiful.
Will let you know if I book it.
