After 4 nights in Rome, I would like to go to the Sorrento area for a few days before heading up to Florence and Venice. Any suggestions as to how to make the most of that area. Traveling with my wife and 2 college aged daughters. Capri? Vesuvius?

Thanks

Capri? YES

Vesuvius? YES

And Pompeii too!

And the Amalfi Coast: Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi. And Herculaneum. Personally I don't see the point of Vesuvius.

Sorrento makes a good base for these day trips.

Here's what you do, Lou-base yourself in a nice hotel there in Sorrento, then pick a new day trip every day-Capri, yes, Positano/Amalfi-yes-go down to the marina, get on the boat, and you will have the most enjoyable ferry boat ride of something like 10-12 Euro there and back, (I think less) The scenery is tremendous-I like the boat rides to Amalfi and Positano almost as much as I like the towns themselves!

As for Pompeii, Herculaneum, or even a day trip to Naples, the train is right there in the center of town, so you can do a day trip to those places as well, besides enjoying the lovely town center of Piazza Tasso in Sorrento. I really like Sorrento, it has lots of nice little sandal and shoe shops, charming restaurants perched right on the cliffs, discos, bars-plenty to do here, lovely walks along the sides of the cliffs with those stunning views-very picture worthy. You'll want to stay longer, I know I did-originally I was scheduled for 2 days last September, and stayed 5 days instead!

Yes to all, although we did not do Vesuvius, and stayed an additional few nights on Capri. VEsvius is an easy train ride; Capri and easy ferry or hydrofoil ride.

We were in the area last June, and loved Sorrento for various day trips, including Positano. Capri was lovely, partly because we lay low at the beach, pool, or cruising during the day, and went into town in the evening (after many daytrippers have headed back to the mainland.)

At Pompeii, it is worth hiring one of the official guides who are around at the entrance gate. I forget the name of our guide (Giovanni, I think? An older guy with a big green umbrella for shade,) but he gave an interesting, informative, and engaging talk. He also seems to know every dog in the place, and will greet a child's squal with a big smile, and say, "Maria Callas!", and the child quiets right down.

FYI: I don't know where the plan is, but there was talk of charging daytrippers a nominal fee to visit Capri that would not be charged for visitors staying on Capri.

Hi Lou,

>After 4 nights in Rome, I would like to go to the Sorrento area for a few days before heading up to Florence and Venice.<

You are losing 1 day just getting from Rome to Sorrento and back.

May I suggest flying into Naples and out of Venice or VV?

That way, you won't have to backtrack.

Can we take a train from Rome to Sorrento?

Also, can we then take a train from Sorrento to Pisa and then on to Florence?

I am trying my best to avoid renting a car?

Thanks

Hi L,

>Can we take a train from Rome to Sorrento?

Of course. Look for 2-4-1 specials on the AV between Rome TE and Naples Centrale.

Once in Naples, go downstairs to the Circumvesuviana Commuter line to Sorrento.

There is also the bus from Rome Tiburtina to Sorrento.
www.marozzivt.it

Also, can we then take a train from Sorrento to Pisa and then on to Florence?

Of course.

For trains schedules, prices and tickets see www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html

The Circumvesuviana between Naples and Sorrento runs about every 1/2 hr (I think).