Rome + Driving from Naples to Sicily: My 1st time using Fodors
Jan 27th, 2018, 05:17 PM
#22
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One more question: I know that many people enjoy ferries immensely. I do, too -- for an hour or two; after that, I start getting very antsy. I understand that you are doing your best to meet the diverse needs and interests of a multi-generational group, and thought I'd make sure you had polled your group about that.
And one more thought about the Cilento Coast: Although I haven't seen it, and so can't speak to that particular stretch of coastline, you will be seeing the Amalfi Coast and the coast of Capri. I'm not sure how much driving the Cilento Coast would add to your experience. You have other options that would, I think, afford a much more varied experience. Just something to consider....
And one more thought about the Cilento Coast: Although I haven't seen it, and so can't speak to that particular stretch of coastline, you will be seeing the Amalfi Coast and the coast of Capri. I'm not sure how much driving the Cilento Coast would add to your experience. You have other options that would, I think, afford a much more varied experience. Just something to consider....
Jan 27th, 2018, 05:19 PM
#23
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Hi and welcome, dawn2dusk! I’m going to make a suggestion regarding a small portion of your trip, your time in Naples. Given your primary interests in that area, I’d consider staying in Sorrento, a pretty town with an easy feel and well situated for day trips to Capri, Pompeii, and the Amalfi Coast.
Jan 27th, 2018, 06:08 PM
#24
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Hi and welcome, dawn2dusk! I’m going to make a suggestion regarding a small portion of your trip, your time in Naples. Given your primary interests in that area, I’d consider staying in Sorrento, a pretty town with an easy feel and well situated for day trips to Capri, Pompeii, and the Amalfi Coast.
If you arrive in Rome on an overnight flight you will have jet lag. I would not expect to cover much ground on your first day.
I, too, am confused about where you are sleeping on days three and four, and would second Sorrento as a base for convenience.
If you are planning to do Pompeii and the Naples museum on the same day I would strongly suggest visiting Herculaneum instead, especially with kids and seniors. Pompeii can easily take most of a day, is large and exhausting, and has no shade. I preferred Herculaneum, which is more compact, has shade, and still has some of the frescoes in situ.
Also, I have done the train ride from Naples to Siracusa. It took most of a day - although less time to Messina - with rather boring scenery after Salerno and before Sicily. (Although the crossing is one of the few places where you can ride a train onto a ferry, which is why I did it.) Have you looked into the overnight ferry in one direction and flying the other?
I, too, am confused about where you are sleeping on days three and four, and would second Sorrento as a base for convenience.
If you are planning to do Pompeii and the Naples museum on the same day I would strongly suggest visiting Herculaneum instead, especially with kids and seniors. Pompeii can easily take most of a day, is large and exhausting, and has no shade. I preferred Herculaneum, which is more compact, has shade, and still has some of the frescoes in situ.
Also, I have done the train ride from Naples to Siracusa. It took most of a day - although less time to Messina - with rather boring scenery after Salerno and before Sicily. (Although the crossing is one of the few places where you can ride a train onto a ferry, which is why I did it.) Have you looked into the overnight ferry in one direction and flying the other?
Jan 27th, 2018, 06:30 PM
#25
I'm late to this party . . . But I would definitely suggest you consider annhig's plan. It is much more efficient, gets you to all the places you want to go, and would probably have everyone still speaking at the end of the trip 
Putting ALL of your Rome days together at the end of the trip would eliminate at least one extra hotel change. You have a multi generational group of 6 and you really will want to simplify things whenever/wherever possible.
Putting ALL of your Rome days together at the end of the trip would eliminate at least one extra hotel change. You have a multi generational group of 6 and you really will want to simplify things whenever/wherever possible.
Jan 27th, 2018, 06:41 PM
#26
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I'm late to this party . . . But I would definitely suggest you consider annhig's plan. It is much more efficient, gets you to all the places you want to go, and would probably have everyone still speaking at the end of the trip
Putting ALL of your Rome days together at the end of the trip would eliminate at least one extra hotel change. You have a multi generational group of 6 and you really will want to simplify things whenever/wherever possible.
Putting ALL of your Rome days together at the end of the trip would eliminate at least one extra hotel change. You have a multi generational group of 6 and you really will want to simplify things whenever/wherever possible.
Jan 27th, 2018, 07:06 PM
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Please do NOT rent a car upon your arrival in Rome! Although many people are not aware of it, there is mounting evidence that driving with jet lag is just as dangerous -- to yourself and others -- as driving drunk, and nothing you can do will prevent the microsleeps (which you might not even notice) that are the apparent culprit. Seriously -- NOT a good idea, no matter your other constraints and no matter your prior experience! And please be patient with me if you think I’m being overly adamant, but I know too many people who have died or been seriously injured in accidents to which jet lag was a contributing factor, and I know too many people who will spend the rest of their lives dealing with the knowledge that they were responsible for accidents that resulted in multiple deaths, including those of children, all because they were too confident in their ability to drive safely with jet lag. The issue has become a bit of a cause célèbre for me….
Take a train! Trains are surprisingly easy and convenient -- particularly for a group your size, as you would likely need at least 2 vehicles and so TWO of you would be basically driving drunk on some very twisty, turning, demands-every-bit-of-your-attention roads just to reach towns that aren't car friendly and where you might end up paying a small fortune for parking.
If getting to Sorrento seems too difficult, look into Salerno, which (unlike Sorrento) is actually on the Amalfi Coast and easily accessible by train.
And to beat an apparently dead horse, driving from Naples to Sicily just does not seem to make sense for your group.
Take a train! Trains are surprisingly easy and convenient -- particularly for a group your size, as you would likely need at least 2 vehicles and so TWO of you would be basically driving drunk on some very twisty, turning, demands-every-bit-of-your-attention roads just to reach towns that aren't car friendly and where you might end up paying a small fortune for parking.
If getting to Sorrento seems too difficult, look into Salerno, which (unlike Sorrento) is actually on the Amalfi Coast and easily accessible by train.
And to beat an apparently dead horse, driving from Naples to Sicily just does not seem to make sense for your group.
Jan 27th, 2018, 07:28 PM
#28
Trans are easy/cheap -- but on your arrival with the possible jet lag for some/all of you, I would think about splurging on a car service from Rome to Sorrento.
Would probably run €350-€400 total.
Would probably run €350-€400 total.
Last edited by janisj; Jan 27th, 2018 at 07:32 PM.
Jan 27th, 2018, 07:52 PM
#29
A cursory check turns up 500+ euro for car service from Rome airport to Sorrento, and with six people it may be higher.
If you book ahead, Rome airport (Fiumicino) to Napoli Centrale is as low as 20-30 euro/person (see trenitalia.com), and I didn't check for child or senior rates. I would take a car service from Napoli Centrale, otherwise you need to change to the local commuter train which is not a good idea with jet lag.
If you book ahead, Rome airport (Fiumicino) to Napoli Centrale is as low as 20-30 euro/person (see trenitalia.com), and I didn't check for child or senior rates. I would take a car service from Napoli Centrale, otherwise you need to change to the local commuter train which is not a good idea with jet lag.
Jan 27th, 2018, 08:08 PM
#31
Note on train travel: there is no charge for luggage. However, you should be traveling light - I travel for months with a 22 in two wheeler and a day bag. You will have enough trouble moving this group around without dealing with a lot of luggage.
For info on European train travel see:https://www.seat61.com/index.html or for Italy in particular: https://www.seat61.com/Italy-trains.htm
For info on European train travel see:https://www.seat61.com/index.html or for Italy in particular: https://www.seat61.com/Italy-trains.htm
Jan 28th, 2018, 09:09 AM
#32
A compromise might be to get the train to Naples then get a car service to wherever you decide to stay beyond that. You would catch the Leonardo Express from FCO to Termini station in the centre of Rome, and then another train from Termini to Napoli. I agree that pre-booked trains can be pretty cheap but one snag could be that if your flight was delayed, you might end up missing the train. Or if you gave yourselve a big margin of error, you could end up with a lot of hanging about.
I know that thursdaysd says that it's possibly €500+ for the car service but you have to weigh that up against all the other costs of the trip. It probably amounts to no more than one night's accommodation for your party, and would be a very convenient and stress free way to start the holiday. As thursdaysd says, you are going to have enough trouble moving this lot around anyway.
I know that thursdaysd says that it's possibly €500+ for the car service but you have to weigh that up against all the other costs of the trip. It probably amounts to no more than one night's accommodation for your party, and would be a very convenient and stress free way to start the holiday. As thursdaysd says, you are going to have enough trouble moving this lot around anyway.
Jan 28th, 2018, 11:39 AM
#33
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Thank you everyone....We will either take the Train or Private Driver from Rome to Sorrento Region. We can decide the transportation method as we get closer to Summer. I enjoyed the suggestion of Sorrento or Salerno (instead of Naples) as a Base for Visiting Capri/Pompeii/Positano (over the course of 3 days). This brings me to a new can of worms....
If we DO NOT rent a car and rely on Trains and/or Guided Tours, WHAT MAKES THE BETTER HUB/BASE: Sorrento or Salerno? I tried researching but couldnt find much that left me leaning towards a clear decision?
From my understanding.... Sorrento offers tourism, while Salerno does not. (not a big deal if Salerno doesnt offer Tourism if it is significantly easier regarding: transportation from Rome and to my points of interest.
-Salerno is easier to get to via direct Train from Rome (according to research)
-regarding proximity to visiting: Capri/Pompeii/Positano (Based on a map, it clearly looks like Sorrento is a better choice, but I just have to jump on a seperate train to get to Sorrento as the down side, but can use a private driver for that leg of the ride.)
-Any other notable opinions of pro/cons towards Sorrento or Salerno for accessing Capri/Pompeii/Positano if we do not rent a car. (Trains and/or guided tours)
-I'm leaning towards Sorrento as it seems closer to my points of interest, unless someone makes and outstanding case for Salerno (regarding expertise on trasportation, e.g.)
If we DO NOT rent a car and rely on Trains and/or Guided Tours, WHAT MAKES THE BETTER HUB/BASE: Sorrento or Salerno? I tried researching but couldnt find much that left me leaning towards a clear decision?
From my understanding.... Sorrento offers tourism, while Salerno does not. (not a big deal if Salerno doesnt offer Tourism if it is significantly easier regarding: transportation from Rome and to my points of interest.
-Salerno is easier to get to via direct Train from Rome (according to research)
-regarding proximity to visiting: Capri/Pompeii/Positano (Based on a map, it clearly looks like Sorrento is a better choice, but I just have to jump on a seperate train to get to Sorrento as the down side, but can use a private driver for that leg of the ride.)
-Any other notable opinions of pro/cons towards Sorrento or Salerno for accessing Capri/Pompeii/Positano if we do not rent a car. (Trains and/or guided tours)
-I'm leaning towards Sorrento as it seems closer to my points of interest, unless someone makes and outstanding case for Salerno (regarding expertise on trasportation, e.g.)
Jan 28th, 2018, 12:30 PM
#34
I based in Sorrento. I arrived by ferry from Capri (having taken a ferry from Naples to Capri for two nights). I used the SITA buses to visit the Amalfi Coast. I used the commuter train to visit Herculaneum, Pompeii and the museum in Naples.
Jan 28th, 2018, 12:34 PM
#35
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As you have noted, each has advantages. Salerno is the better base for magnificent Paestum; Sorrento is probably a marginally better base for Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Naples.
I think Salerno is vastly underrated -- it has a beautiful lungomare, an intriguing medieval section, and its cathedral holds some extraordinary gems. As you have learned, it is along the major train lines and also along the bus route for the Amalfi Coast and has easy ferry connections to the Amalfi Coast and Capri.
That said, I would also agree with your conclusion that Sorrento is much more oriented to tourism than Salerno, which can be an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on your preferences and interests. Sorrento is probably easier for tourists than Salerno.
Hope that helps!
Jan 31st, 2018, 06:40 PM
#36
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I think my Itinerary is coming along. INPUT APPRECIATED:
Travelers: 2 Adults + 2 kids (7,8) + 2 senior (67, 71) {after all your input, our Car will not be rented until we arrive in Sicily}
Day 1: Arrive Rome 9am. Depart for Sorrento via: (Train/Private Drive/Bus: still TBD) (researching "AirBnB's" that are easily accessible to Capri/Pompeii/Positano since we do not have a car. Sorrento Hotels seem expensive)
Day 2: CAPRI by DAY (boat tour around Capri w/ visit to Blue or Emerald Grotto + swimming (Opinions on Blue vs. Emerald grotto welcome) + POSITANO BY NIGHT
Day 3: Guided tour of Pompeii (2 seniors May or May attend Pompeii) {Is it smarter to do Positano at night after Pompeii, Instead of After Capri?}
Day 4: Check out of Sorrento Hotel/AirBnB ("WHAT TO DO ON THIS DAY???"... since Luggage will be in tow).
Make our way to Naples by eveining. Board Overnight Ferry from Naples to Catania (Depart 9:30pm-Arrive 9:30am). (research Renting a car near the Ferry Port)
Days 5-10 EASTERN SICILY: time w/ Family + Taormina, and other day trips.
Day 11: Flight back to ROME, check into either Hotel or AirBnB near Central Rome
Day 12 ROME
Day 13 ROME
Day 14 ROME
Day 15 ROME
Day 16 Go Home.
Now, how does this sound???? I have valued everyone's priceless advice. Thank you to everyone who offered suggestions on specific sights within each of our Stops.
Travelers: 2 Adults + 2 kids (7,8) + 2 senior (67, 71) {after all your input, our Car will not be rented until we arrive in Sicily}
Day 1: Arrive Rome 9am. Depart for Sorrento via: (Train/Private Drive/Bus: still TBD) (researching "AirBnB's" that are easily accessible to Capri/Pompeii/Positano since we do not have a car. Sorrento Hotels seem expensive)
Day 2: CAPRI by DAY (boat tour around Capri w/ visit to Blue or Emerald Grotto + swimming (Opinions on Blue vs. Emerald grotto welcome) + POSITANO BY NIGHT
Day 3: Guided tour of Pompeii (2 seniors May or May attend Pompeii) {Is it smarter to do Positano at night after Pompeii, Instead of After Capri?}
Day 4: Check out of Sorrento Hotel/AirBnB ("WHAT TO DO ON THIS DAY???"... since Luggage will be in tow).
Make our way to Naples by eveining. Board Overnight Ferry from Naples to Catania (Depart 9:30pm-Arrive 9:30am). (research Renting a car near the Ferry Port)
Days 5-10 EASTERN SICILY: time w/ Family + Taormina, and other day trips.
Day 11: Flight back to ROME, check into either Hotel or AirBnB near Central Rome
Day 12 ROME
Day 13 ROME
Day 14 ROME
Day 15 ROME
Day 16 Go Home.
Now, how does this sound???? I have valued everyone's priceless advice. Thank you to everyone who offered suggestions on specific sights within each of our Stops.
Jan 31st, 2018, 07:50 PM
#38
Definitely better. If you stay in a hotel, the hotel will look after your luggage on day four until you are ready to head to Naples. I would spend that day on the Amalfi Coast. I did it using the SITA buses, you may prefer ferries.
Jan 31st, 2018, 08:23 PM
#39
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Was a night tour of Positano something you were going to book? How are you planning to return to Sorrento that night?
Suggestion:
Day 2, Do Capri, Grotto, swimming, etc. evening in Sorrento for dinner
Day 3, Tour Positano and the Amalfi Coast.
Day 4, Tour Pompeii on the way to Naples. Leisurely morning. Take luggage with you on train. Stash it at the entrance of Pompeii. Tour Pompeii. Continue on to Naples. There is luggage storage at the Naples station and another nearby storage place. Have some pizza or early dinner before heading for the ferry.
Suggestion:
Day 2, Do Capri, Grotto, swimming, etc. evening in Sorrento for dinner
Day 3, Tour Positano and the Amalfi Coast.
Day 4, Tour Pompeii on the way to Naples. Leisurely morning. Take luggage with you on train. Stash it at the entrance of Pompeii. Tour Pompeii. Continue on to Naples. There is luggage storage at the Naples station and another nearby storage place. Have some pizza or early dinner before heading for the ferry.
Jan 31st, 2018, 08:30 PM
#40
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Yes, thursdaysd, I was contemplating spending the day in Positano.... If I booked a Hotel and they held our luggage after checkout, that would mean that I would have to go from Sorrento to Positano to spend the day (which sounds great). But then I would have to Return to Sorrento and pickup our luggage, and then head up to Naples by evening to catch the overnight ferry to Catania. Is that realistic, or too much Zig-Zagging.???? If its not unrealistic, then I would love to spend some time in the Amalfi Coast area our last day.
