WWK

If you can really book a recommended car service for E350 from Rome to Sorrento, I would grab it. That's a lot of luggage to get on and off the train, and if the bags are large it could be difficult.

We used Tiberlimo- fantastic service!- based in Rome for our transfer from FCO to Positano. But it ran about E450 for four of us with large bags.

Sassafrass

Train does not go all the way to Positano.
You are staying in Sorrento?
Are you returning to Rome for the trip home or departing on a flight from Naples?

If you are returning to Rome, could you separate your clothes and things so you could leave one bag in Rome and take only two to Sorrento?

It would be easier to take the bus directly from Rome to Sorrento, settle in, and do all your sight seeing from there.

If you are returning to Rome for your flight, you need to be in Rome the night before, so if hotels are not set in stone, you could consider going to Sorrento first and put your time in Rome all together at the end.

thursdaysd

For heaven's sake, three big cases for two people for nine days? What on earth are you taking? Nine ball gowns and a couple of dress suits?

Please do enrich the local economy by taking a car service, you will be a menace on public transport. I was recently seriously inconvenienced on an Italian train by a couple with only two oversized cases. Can't imagine how you would even get three up and down stairs (yes, some (repeat some) stations have elevators but don't count on them working).

aliced

I'd recommend taking the trains, but you are not guaranteed to have your luggage at your seat. We just did 26 days in southern France, and had to leave our bags on all legs south and north (Avignon to Paris) away from the cars where our seats were. We did this in Switzerland and in Spain too, with a few exceptions because in Switzerland we only had carry-ons + totes. If you are not comfortable with this, then livery is your option and you will pay for it. In late October, you will need mid-layers. If I can go to France for 26 days with a 24" + rolling backpack + large tote, you can do 9 days in less. I was able to pack 5 pairs slacks, skirt, maxidress, shorts, swimsuit, at least a dozen tops of long, short and sleeveless, merino sweater,2 cotton-knit 'jackets', packed 2 pairs of shoes + 3 pairs of sandals, scarves, jewelry, hat, visor, caftan, pjs, underwear. Wore jacket and large shawl. Wished I cut back and took my 21". Really. It's all about the thickness and fabric of what you bring. Think thin layers, lots more fits. Husband did with 21" carryon and had plenty of clothes and packed two pairs shoes. You need pants, tops, nano-weight wool sweaters, jacket. Will be too cool for shorts, cropped, sundresses. But I understand you. Good luck! Buy espadrilles, sandals & linen tops in Capri if warm!

nytraveler

I won't comment on the amount of your luggage - everyone packs as they see fit for their needs.

But I will say that taking the train is not feasible unless you can pick up your luggage and carry it (at a minimum) up the steep narrow stairs from the platform to the train - as well as easily haul it along the platforms and possibly up stairs or a ramp to the elevator.

If the luggage is too much for you to do this then your choices are:

Take a very expensive taxi

Take a bus (luggage underneath) to Sorrento and a taxi from there

janisj

>>Regarding the replies with the snarky comments about my luggage.... do I need to explain that we are all individuals who can (hopefully) make our own choices and should not judge, be bullied or be discriminated against if it is not hurting anyone one else?<<

No one was snarky . . . Now -- if you block the aisles and struggle hefting your bags on the top of the pile of bags at the end of your rail car . . . you may hear some snarky remarks

Of course you can take as much luggage as you want -- but when you do you need to make allowances. It may mean hiring drivers or taking taxis (and paying extra since they'd need larger cars). Public transport is hard when one is schlepping a lot of stuff.

Blueeyedcod

Jen - I know this is a late addition to your original enquiry but the ferries along the Amalfi Coast would have stopped running by the time you arrive in two weeks.
You can store luggage at Herculaneum - there is a storage room at the ticket office.
No one is exaggerating when they talk about difficulties with lots of luggage on trains and streets. Only take what you can easily manage. Luggage on high speed rail has to be left at either end of the carriage. You can't have suitcases at your seat or above your seat as unless it's a carry-on, they won't fit.

Sassafrass

There is luggage storage at Herculaneum, but it is about a 15 minute walk from the train to the entrance. It is down hill, so up hill going back. It would be difficult because one of you would have to pull two large suitcases both ways, unless you take a taxi each way, and there might not be any that would do such a short distance.

I still think, with that amount of luggage, you are best taking the bus from Rome to Sorrento, stashing every thing comfortably in your room, and doing day trips without toting luggage all around.

If you don't need to see every single thing, and walk every street, you could visit Pompeii and Herculaneum the same day. Take the train (roughly an hour, but you have to allow time to get to the station in Sorrento) from Sorrento to Pompeii. Allow 2 to 4 hours for that tour. Take the train from there to Herculaneum, about another 15-20 minutes. There are lots of little places for lunch as you walk from the station down to the entrance. Allow 1&1/2 to 2 hours for touring. Train back to Sorrento.

You could spend more time at either place, but that is enough to give you a good experience.

Skip walking up Vesuvious unless you enjoy walking up a road of cinders to peer into a dark hole.

If no ferries are running to Positano, you only options are bus, hiring a driver or renting a car. It is beautiful and worth it.