Amalfi Coast/ Capri in November?

It's the peak of rainfall and rowdy seas, unfortunately. Pompeii, Herculanum and other ruins will be ok (just grab an umbrella).

There are plenty of posts on this Board regarding a day trip Rome-Pompeii-Rome during the dry season. The consensus seems to be that it's a long day and that it is both do-able and worth it. In the rainy season, the train schedules are less frequent, there are fewer daylight hours and the ruins have a shortened hours. I suspect that the trip nevertheless is possible; but, you really need to check the rainy season schedules. Pompeii's ruins are out in the open, with just a few roofed houses. In a storm, it will be a full Gore-Tex day, which may or may not be a bad thing for whatever "nowheresville" folk are. I like shooting photos in storms, and I would love to be in those ruins in pouring down rain; but, it's likely that I am in a minority in that regard. Even in the dry season, a Rome-Sorrento-Rome day trip is a bridge too far and a Rome-Sorrento-Capri-Sorrento-Rome day trip is a non-starter. I've been in Rome during the rainy season several times. There were breaks between the storms, during which I revisited the usual dry season outdoor sites. In the rain, those sites were nearly tourist free, a very cool, albeit wet, bonus. Otherwise, I was doomed to confinement in a world of quiet old streets, interesting shops, famous art and amazing museums; all of which were interspersed by great food at lunch and again at cocktails and then again at dinner, with diversions to gelato and pastries throughout the day. My god, it was hell on earth.

Andre L, & Otariidae, Many thanks for your replies.
Otariidae, This is a 3 day trip extension to their week in Rome, not a day trip. They thought the Amalfi area would be a good change of pace, and scenic as well. Nonetheless, the weather seems dismal at that time of year, and the main focus was Capri. It may not even be possible to take a hydrofoil out to the island due to rough seas. I've also read, while searching the Archives, that many hotels and restaurants are closed, and the area is somewhat deserted during this time. I may suggest to my nephew that they make alternate plans for those extra 3 days, even though they will be disappointed. What are your thoughts on Orvieto? I also might add that Nov. 19-21 (the dates of the extended trip) is Sat.-Mon. So the one full day is on Sunday. Sat. & Mon. will involve some travel. Does anyone have any suggestions for what to do with these 3 days in light of the bad weather on the coast? This is a mid-30's couple, and their first trip to Italy together.

Orvieto gets rave reviews on this Board. It's a beautiful hill town, pretty close to Rome by train. For me, I would not want to stay there for three days, but others on the Board might have done that and loved it. For a three day trip to Sorrento from Rome in November, I would play it by ear in Rome and wait until the week-ahead weather forecast is on the web. I live in a Med climate. During our rainy season it is not uncommon to have periods of clear beautiful weather for days and days. Maybe your nephew will have that; and, if the forecast fits, I would go for it. There are bound to be hotels in Sorrento who will be happy to book them on short notice. If, while in Sorrento, the weather forecast turns out to be wrong, there will be plenty of world famous pizza to eat indoors in Naples, which also has a wonderful museum that houses many famous artifacts from Pompeii and elsewhere. Maybe a howling downpour would keep me away from Pompeii (assuming it would be open in a howling downpour), but overcast/drizzle would be fine with me. fyi, Google Street View has a great deal of Pompeii, so you can "walk" through the ruins to see what to expect.

Otariidae, I'm thinking my nephew, and especially his wife may want to play it by ear according to the weather forecast for that weekend. His wife is set on Capri, but knowing they aren't yet aware of the rainy season, and closings, etc., they might be open to something else. Also, the highspeed train tickets need to be purchased ahead in order to get the mini fare for Rome to Naples. I'll speak to them about all this, and let them decide what course to take. I agree that 3 days would be too much for Orvieto...was thinking they might add another hill town nearby, if it's accessible by regional train. Any other suggestions, anyone?

I spent three nights in Siena as a vacation from my Rome vacation. I loved Siena. Its 2+ hours by train north of Siena but you can check that on Trenitalia. I was in Siena in the Summer and, aside from the Duomo and climbing the tower, most of what I enjoyed was the city's atmospheric outdoors, particularly at night. I have no idea what it would be like on a rainy day, but there may not be any rain. The food was wonderful.

"Its 2+ hours by train north of Siena" should read "...... north of Orvieto" sorry Trenitalia is the definitive source for their posted schedules

Wonderful day trip from Orvieto is Civita dfi Bagnoregio

Thanks, Jo I'll pass this on. I've seen pictures, and have always thought this was an interesting place. I've spoken to my nephew, and he's leaving the decision up to his wife. He also wants to see Pompeii, etc. She's been to Sorrento, and Capri, several years ago on a senior graduation trip, and enjoyed this part of Italy, along with Rome better than any other European city/country they traveled to. As long as the shops are open, (she has a degree in marketing), I'm betting she'll go for it again this time, regardless of inclement weather. Haven't spoken with her yet. Does anyone know about the shops, and restaurants being closed during this time of year. Also, I'm looking for a hotel. They are only having to pay for two nights lodging during the entire trip, so wouldn't mind a splurge in Sorrento. Many of the places I'm looking at seem to have no availability for Nov. 19-20. Could it be that they are not open this time of year?

Oh, I might add that they are looking at this trip as a once-in-a-lifetime event, as they have an 8, 3, and a 1 yr. old baby, with very full work, and kids' sports schedules. So I do believe they will go for Sorrento, Pompeii, and if possible, Capri, regardless of the weather. That is, if I can find them a hotel meeting their criteria. If it were me, I'd head north to the hill towns.

Charlene, Thanks so much for your suggestions.
I'm not sure whether my nephew's wife has been to Venice. I'll be speaking to her this weekend. That would be an interesting option, but they'd have to get back to Rome for their return flight, so that wouldn't leave much time to explore. I did find a nice upscale hotel for them in Sorrento, so if it's raining, and stormy, at least they'll have a very nice room to escape to...haven't booked it yet, but did run it through TripAdvisor, and it has good reviews. The idea of taking the bus may work, if they decide to go for the Sorrento area without train tickets in advance, but I'm thinking it may take a good deal longer than the Frecciarosa and Circumvesuviana. It might still be possible to get discounted seats on the highspeed train if they get them a few days ahead while in Rome, once they get a forecast for Sorrento. I'll have to research the bus option. I'll pass all these suggestions along to them.

They could also take the bus from Rome to Sorrento (and back), thus alleviating the need to buy train tickets in advance and allowing them to play this by ear when they arrive in Rome ... go to Sorrento if weather seems nice, head somewhere else if not. Have they been to Venice? I think it's about a 3-hour train ride and would be a wonderful place to visit. I'm sure they could find good last-minute hotels almost anywhere in Italy at that time of year.