Arrival morning idea--brilliant or the apex of insanity?!

Your strait jacket awaits , Sir !! ;---)

Enough said! :)

Second vote for commitment. First, two hours at Pompeii barely scratches the surfaces. Second, you will be more than half asleep. There is no way that you will stay awake in the car during the drive. You are splurging to drive a bunch of sleeping zombies to your hotel. Go direct.

Ok, Ok, I knew I was crazy...you all just needed to confirm it...

Back to sanity....

Pompeii is incredibly hot with very little shade if at all. Suggest you go there first thing in the morning from Sorrento, it is only about a half hour by train. We went in late June and two hours was more than enough due to the heat. To do this on arrival is as you said " apex of insanity"!!!

By the way , Roger , consider in addition , what kind of weather you are likely to encounter in Southern Italy in August . Add to Frank's accurate depiction of your mental and physical state , the Mediterranean sun beating on you from high above at midday . Aside from this , enjoy your trip ! EDIT --- Gail and I were posting simultaneously

Certifiably nuts. :O)

Good for you for asking. I agree with all the others. Nutso.

So far - 6 - 0

Ok, Ok, I surrender already!!!!!!!!!

Please know it was a momentary thought that even as I typed it I knew it was ludicrous.

Please return to your normal days...I need no further confirmation that my idea was idiotic

Roger , I would be willing to bet that everyone who responded has a big smile on their faces , and a bit of a laugh as well ! ( not at your expense ! ) It's all quite good natured . Enjoy your trip -- You will love Sorrento .

We always arrive in Rome early in the day, after long flights from Seattle. We try to check into our room as early as possible, take a nap, then wander around Rome and have an early dinner, usually pizza at Dar Poeta. I am always very tired by 8:00 pm. Rome is such an amazing place and a great way to start a trip to Italy. Taking the train to Naples and on to Pompeii and Sorento when your rested will be easier and less expensive when you're rested. If you have time, the museum in Naples has many of the archeological finds from Pompeii.

roger,

Actually, part of your idea has some merit. One alternative you might consider would be to travel straight away from Rome to Naples, and then have a private driver waiting to take you to Sorrento. Some benefits of this approach.....

• The high speed Freccia train will be a much faster and more efficient method from Rome to Naples than by car. The trains travel at up to 300 kmH, so you'll get there in the shortest time possible. One tip though - buying rail tickets in advance to connect with an inbound flight is not recommended by most here. Since the tickets are specific to train, date and departure time, if your flight is late and you miss the train, the tickets are worthless and you'll have to buy more. Buy your tickets when you arrive in Rome (the Kiosks are easy to use).
• Using a private car from Naples to Sorrento will avoid the "experience" of riding on the Circumvesuviana in the hot August heat while jet-lagged (something I would try to avoid). By the time you get to Naples, it will probably be getting close to noon, and the pickpockets on the train will be salivating at the prospect of jet lagged tourists who may not be too vigilant.
• Using a car from Naples to Sorrento will be cheaper than from Rome to Sorrento.

Once you arrive in Sorrento, you can get your bearings and if necessary have a power nap before exploring the town. Visit Pompeii early the next morning (when it's cooler). You might consider hiring a private guide for that (there are usually lots of them waiting at the entrance to the site, offering their services). If your budget will allow, you could also hire Gaetano Manfredi as he's an outstanding guide.

Buon Viaggio!

Hi Ken,

I recognize (I think) you from previous helpful responses on this board.

Yeah, I think your train/driver combo platter makes great sense--and that was my original thought. But I'm just not sure I will have the mental stamina to do the ticketing and luggage shuffle through FCO and the Rome train station. I know that it is fairly "routine" by all accounts--but when you are groggy, everything seems that much harder. Wimpy, I realize, but I think the 260 euros for a shared shuttle seems like a reasonable idea--even if it's a little more inefficient and expensive. Might actually be able to sleep in the van for awhile, maybe?

roger,

If your budget will allow, then taking a private transfer from FCO is certainly one option. The option I suggested was a "compromise" to both keep the cost down as well as provide the most comfortable journey. The trip in a van will be longer than by Freccia train, so you should certainly have time for a short nap on the way.

I know what you mean about having to deal with the ticketing and trains right after arrival. I've had to do that on a number of occasions for rail journeys (sometimes with multiple changes) and it's always a challenging experience. The process of getting from FCO to Roma Termini and then to Napoli Centrale is quite straight forward, but would also involve a short layover at Termini.

Don't be thinking that you will be groggy or won't have mental stamina after your flight. That's just Not necessarily true. In fact, you will be able to sleep on the plane. Have warm wraps with you as cabins can be cold, and you may need to supplement those airline blankets to keep you warm. Once you feel warm and snuggly, you can sleep and be energized when you land.

And what luggage shuffle are you referring to? How much luggage are you taking with you? Don't take much. Just have one wheeled 20-inch carry on for each adult. Be sure it weighs under maximum weight allowed by your airline, and it should weigh only what each person can manage. Are little kids involved? Each should have their own little wheeled carry-on.

Luggage will tire you out real fast, hoisting it in and out of overhead bins, dragging it through big airports, hauling it up and down train stairs, and more hoisting in and out of overhead racks. If your luggage is light, you will have bright and happy energy all day, and you will be eager to travel.

I avoid washing clothes every night by packing a lot of light stuff like undies and socks, T-shirts, lightweight pants and tops. My dress shoes are fabric Mary Janes. I wear my walking shoes and one outfit.

You can make your trip work for you. I have Never experienced Jet Lag, have No idea what it means, Nor how it feels. I travel like a Sylph, works for me.

YOu need most of a day to really appreciate Pompeii. Sorento is full of little terraces where you can sit and gaze out on the bay with a lovely drink and snack. Perhaps your hotel has such a place but if not others do. On jetlag day, walking in a lovely seaside town and sitting and gazing at the sea are two activities to be recommended rather than wandering through a roasting hot ruin. I love Pompeii. I don't think I would if this had been my introduction.

Everything in Italy is going to take longer, and be harder, than you think (if you're a first-time traveler there).
So plan with that in mind.
Keep it Simple.
And keep it relaxed.

And despite what was said above by one poster, you might just have some jet lag. Most of us are human and do.
Happy travels,

I'll give you a pass and presume you were affected just by temporary insanity. After you spend a couple of days in Italy in August you will understand.

If it's 3 or more of you, the car is probably a better option price-wise, even though it takes longer.
The price of the train+car option for 3 people would be:
Train from FCO to Napoli Centrale: about 60 euro pp x 3 = 180 euro
Private transfer from Napoli Centrale to Sorrento: about 80 euro up to 3 people.
So the total would be about 260 euro, about the same you said you were quoted to travel from FCO to Sorrento by car.

If it's only 2 of you, then the train+car option would save you about 60 euro (the cost of one train ticket) over the car only option. In that case it's up to you. I guess you pay extra for the convenience or not having to lug around your suitcase aboard the trains.

From your earlier posts, I believe there will be four of you, making the private transfer from FCO to Sorrento actually a money-saver. Glad you thought of it! You will find that a private transfer is a wonderful way to begin a European trip. The sight of a driver at the airport holding a card with your name on it is priceless. You will feel like a family of rock stars. Hope you have a great trip.

Thanks, Charlene (and others!)

I've come to think that the idea of someone taking care of us at the airport is indeed truly best.
I believe it will cut down the stress load for rookie travelers like us for sure!

Best all,

Roger

Just so you don't feel too crazy, on a recent trip to Greece, we arrived in Athens (from Colorado) at 1130am, checked into our room, then hiked up to the Parthenon and visited the museum. Probably not the smartest idea but I still remember everything vividly and we had a great time until we passed out that night at 8! :) Pretty sure I was running on excitement since it was my first trip overseas!