I'm picking up tips from the other msgs. but am confused . Is it best after flying into Naples, to take the train to Sorrento for a three day stay for visits to Capri by ferry one day, Pompeii by train another full? day, and then Sorrento to visit in the evenings or the time that is left? Does the train to Pompeii actually open at the gates?
We are planning to take the train back up to Rome afterward for 4 days there (never visited any of these before). Does this sound reasonable? Any train or bus or ferry tips? Thanks!

Hi ferrett,

There is bus service from Naples airport to Sorrento.

See http://www.curreriviaggi.it/
Click "autolinee".

If you are only going to visit Capri, Pompeii and Sorrento, I suggest staying in Naples.

If you want to see other towns on the Amalfi Coast stay in Sorrento.

>Does the train to Pompeii actually open at the gates?<

The Pompeii Scavi stop is very close to the site.

You might find this link helpful.
Helpful Information: Italy 2
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34568596

Why Naples? Won't it be more time consuming to take the train back and forth for three days? Just wondering..

Ferret - For your itinerary personally I'd stay in Sorrento.

Steve

I agree, Sorrento sounds like the best choice (20 min. hydrofoil ride to Capri, 30 min train ride to Pompei...and don't forget Positano around the corner!)
...and I live here, so how could I not support my town? ;-)

Ciao Francesco
You helped me before with my dilemma of choosing either the Mediterraneo or La Solara for our stay ... I have another question: do we need a car to explore the area east and west of Sorrento?
Grazie!

Hi ferrett
>Why Naples? Won't it be more time consuming to take the train back and forth for three days? Just wondering..<

You can get to Pompeii, Herculaneum and Mt Vesuvius very easily from Naples on the Circumvesuviana. In addition, you have the Archaeological Museum.

Ferries leave Naples for Capri, Ischia, Sorrento and Positano from Molo Beverello.

You can train to Sorrento or Salerno and take the bus along the Coast Road.

Plus you get the additional sights and vibrancy of Naples.

Ciao Myriam. Well, I personally like to be independent when I travel, but honestly I believe you don't really need a car if you want to move east and west of Sorrento. Circumvesuviana takes you east to Sant'Agnello, Piano, Meta, Seiano, Vico and so on towards east. And Sita bus takes you to Massalubrense, Sant'Agata, Nerano towards west. If you then need to move shorter distances, or later on at night, you can use taxis...

Don't blow off Naples!If you really want to understand Pompeii, be sure to visit the Archeological Museo in Napoli before going to Pompeii, that's where all the artifacts are located. Napoli one night. Hire a taxi guy for a fixed, agreed-upon price beforehand to take you to the high lights for three-four hours, get out, buy cameo earrings, get back in. I lived three years in Italy(Bologna)but Napoli is my favorite city to visit. The Carivaggio's, the old world atmosphere. It is exactly as I always dreamed Italy would be! I am so enthralled there. Try not to cram in troppo,too much! Go to Pompeii for the whole day-where -to -lunch might be a problem, Walk as much as possible. The train is great, takes you right there. Visit above the blue grotto, Villa Jovis, one of the 12 residential villas built for Emperor Tiberius on Capri. The Capri shops are a waste of time and molto caro, but the formal gardens are fantastico...walk walk walk!

Thinking of a going to Pompeii from Rome. If we decide to spend the night, where would you suggest in Napoli?(Is that Naples?)

Hi Ferrett,

The Circumvesuviana train does stop just outside the Pompeii excavation site. You want the stop for Pompeii Scavi (ruins), not the town of Pompeii. This train runs between Naples and Sorrento so where ever you decide to stay it's the train you will take. It's a 30 minute ride from either location and service is frequent since it's a commuter train.

If you leave from Naples, the train to Pompeii is on the lower level of the train station. Go behind the main ticket counter and you'll see the stairs.

Hi fairger

>Thinking of a going to Pompeii from Rome. If we decide to spend the night, where would you suggest in Napoli?(Is that Naples?)<

Yes, Napoli is Naples.

Westayed at the Albergo Sansevero, not far from the Archeological Museum.