how to get from Boston to sorrento

Fly to Naples, bus to Sorrento.

Fly to Rome, train to Naples, train to Sorrento.

Fly to Rome, bus to Sorrento.

Buses are much less frequent from Rome or the airport to Sorrento than are trains I think - up to 4-5 an hour Rome to Naples Centrale, where you switch to the CircumVesuviana railway that ends in Sorrento. buy your train ticket at Rome's airport train station - one for the Leonardo Express into Rome Termini and then one for Rome Termini to Naples Centrale - leaving ample time to navigate the huge and hectic for novices Rome Termini station and train tickets include the mandatory seat reservation and are thus train=specific and a hassle to change if you miss the train.

There are most opportunities to fly into Rome than Naples but if you can go into Naples obviously much better - the Rome to Naples train costs can vary but should cost about $40 each way I suspect on full fare. Cheaper tickets exist on www.trenitalia.com but those cannot be changed if you miss the train I believe.

For lots of great info on Italian trains check not only www.trenitalia.com - official site of Italian State Railways with fares and schedules and also www.ricksteves.com and www.seat61.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com.

Flying is usually the best option.

You could look into taking a boat.

I'd rule out swimming.

I'd rule out swimming.> why?

I'd rule out swimming.> why? Recent shark sightings in the water off Cape Cod.