Rome - day trip to Capri / Pompeii
 

I know this has been discussed ad nauseam, but I wanted to get a feel for things.

I would like to do both Pompeii and Capri in the same day. My tentative itenerary:

Dept Rome 7:30a Arr Naples 9:45
Dept Hydrofoil to Capri at 10:30a
Spend 2.5 hours in Capri
Dept Capri 2:15p
Take Circumvesuviana at 3p to Pompeii
Pompeii for 3 hours
Dept Pompeii at 6:30p
Dept Naples at 7:17p Arr Rome 8:30p

Is this doable? I know rushed, but the wife wants to see Capri.

Yes, obviously it is "doable." I wouldn't want to do it, however. I'm hyperventilating just thinking about being so rushed. In my opinion, each place is deserving of more time and attention. I would hate to go to Capri and see the beauty and rush off.

I didn't get the memo that Capri and Pompeii were being wiped out of this planet and there was a need to rush if ever to see them.....it would be the only reason to go for this itinerary. Obviously, you are not thinking Spring, Fall nor summertime, right?

There are a ton of places that rushing through is fine and forgiven. To attempt to rush through Capri and Pompeii in one day depending on Italian public transport system borders on insanity.....

This isn't bordering on insanity - it is insanity!

When are you going? If during the hot weather you'll be arriving at Pompeii during the hotest part of the day. Please bring lots of water with you.

Perhaps a better idea is to visit Herculaneum rather than Pompeii. It's smaller and closer to Naples so you would be less rushed (although only a bit less rushed).

Have you checked all the times referenced above? Is there a boat from Capri at 2:15? Will you be able to get from the port to the train station by 3:00? Is there a 3:00 circumvesuviana?

On Capri your best bet is to hire those guides who hang around the port. They will drive you around the island so you don't have to wait for the buses and funicular.

Just been to those places. You can do it but it will be a waste of your money. To Capri, we departed at 11.35 from Sorrento. Got to Capri 20 or so minutes later. Took the ferry that goes around the island and that was an hour. After that, we went to Anacapri by that train that goes up the mountain ( forgot what it is ). Once halfway through, we got off and took pictures enjoy the sights for a whole 20 mins. Got bus tickets to actually go to Anacapri...crowded, hot and they have schedules. From the tie we hopped on the train in capri to Anacapri...took a good 45 mins because the bus is small and you if its full, you wait for the next one. At Anacapri, took the chair lift, thats another 20 mins, stayed on top for about 1 hr taking pictures and sights. Chair lift again, once down, we had a quick bite for about 20 mins and by the time we got to Capri, this is around 5 pm. Just waiting for the bus and train up and down adds a lot on your time. We only did 30 mins of shopping at Capri and its time to get to the last hydrofoil which was 6.30pm.

We were in Capri on July 26 and it was pack with tourist due to cruise liner coming in but that day was already low. The big group were on the 25th..several crusie liner came in. But to be honest, the bus was so packed that I was literally back to back, skin to skin with this woman ( because she was in bathing suit )who used me as her mattress while I was pressed against the bar...she was smelly and disgusting but had no choice because we were packed like sardines. Just to give you an idea on how pack it can get.

Pompei....to get there, assuming coming fom Naples..you are looking at least 18 stops. The Circumvesuviana stops in ALL stations. From Sorrento to Pompei scavi took us around 20 to 25 mins and thats with 13 stops. Naples to Pomepi scavi is approximately 21 stops assuming you are taking it at Napoli. It took us over 3 hrs walking around Pompei and we still didnt get to see all..we had to go bec it was closing.

Hope this helped. I am looking at the Circumvesuviana map stations hence, I could tell you exactly how many stations.

Sounds like Capri will be packed with tourists (just like me) but to get around and see stuff would be next to impossible.

I know it will be hot, but being from the southern US, shouldn't be a big deal.

Should I reverse Pompeii and Capri or does that order make sense?

Why are you taking such a slow train to Naples? The fast trains take 70 minutes, but you listed a travel time of 2:15.
07:35 ROMA TE 08:45 NA C.LE 01:10 9601 FRECCIAROSSA

I don't think 2 1/2 hours in Capri is worth the travel. Are you only planning to take the funicular up to Capri town and have lunch? You wouldn't really have time to do anything else.

Sorrento is closer to Capri than Naples. It makes more sense to try to book a hydrofoil from Capri to Sorrento and catch the Circumvesuviana train in Sorrento to Pompeii Scavi.
http://www.capri.net/en/ferry-schedule?path_id=8

I would not book a return train from Naples to Rome. I would just take the next fastest train available (check schedules so you don't miss the last train). There are some slower trains that depart a bit later and take about two hours.

On the day of the week we are going to be there, the first fast train leaves at 11a.

We are taking Hydrofoil to Sorrento, instead of Naples to head to Pompeii.

<< We are taking Hydrofoil to Sorrento, instead of Naples to head to Pompeii. >>

You need to allow time to get from the port to the train station. I would guess 20 minutes but it depends on when the gitneys run. It would probably take you 20 minutes to walk the route.

It's a half hour either from Sorrento or from Naples to Pompeii. Remember to get the correct train for Pompeii Scavi for the ruins, not the town of Pompeii.

>>>Hope this helped. I am looking at the Circumvesuviana map stations hence, I could tell you exactly how many stations.<<<

No point as some trains are express so don't make the same number of stops.

>>>Should I reverse Pompeii and Capri or does that order make sense?<<<<

I wouldn't. The ferries/hydrofoils don't run late and the last ones are packed. When you buy your ticket to Capri, be sure and get your ticket from Capri to Sorrento at the same time.

When you get to Sorrento, you either have to take a bus up (buy ticket nearby)to catch the train or you can walk up(head up the street until you see a lot of steps).

Amalfi coast isn't really an ideal spot for rushing. Sure, go to both & tick them off your bucket list when you get home.

That sort of travelling always leads to being less than the sum of its parts.

I've visited the Amalfi Coast twice. On my last trip I spent 7 days, 2 of them on Capri.

Honestly, you could not pay me to do what you plan.

Buona fortuna! If you do it, I hope you do enjoy it!

Understand the concerns - Was planning Pompeii regardless, but my wife really wants to see Capri. Figured if we were up for it - why not?

Thanks all for the input! Looking forward to it.

Why not? Because you will spend more time (not to mention money) trying to get to these places then you will seeing anything. Why not pick one and enjoy it, rather than rush around all day in transit and not do either place justice?

Ah, another traveler who asks for expert advice and then disregards it.

Well, enjoy your drive-by trip to Pompeii and Capri.

why don't you at least spend the night there so you can actually see something instead of fighting your way on and off of trains, buses and ferries?

Geeze, charnees. I have such a limited time overseas and it will likely be my last "big trip" until my future kids get out of college. I was simply asking if it was doable and for any additional advice.

charnees...what expert advice? A person who had travel so many times in so many places can not give a travel expert advice. It just means he/she travels a lot. One can share their experiences but that does not mean it will persuade or dissuade a person. As for ckg1999's question in this forum, people have shared their thoughts on it and so its up ckg1999 to assessed all infromation given and consider their situation.

No need to insult and learn to respect the persons decision.

Tell your wife the posters here practically universally said Capri and Pompeii in one day is too much. Or better yet let her read these responses. Alternatively you can take a day from another stop. But I don't recommend that.

You can only do so much in one trip. The more you try to do the less you will enjoy, especially in Italy. Taking things easy is part of the Italian lifestyle. If you don't pass some time at sidewalk cafes, people watching, joining the evening's passegiata, and so on, you miss the point of going to Italy. You might as well stay home and look at photos.

I did give a crochety reply, admitted.

Let me rephrase it: You will probably end up seeing very little, and be stressed out by the crowds who are trying to board the same transport you are. If at all possible, try to make it an overnight trip.