Would you recommend arriving at Pompeii at 9 30 leaving 12 30 then going back to train then ferry to Capri around 2? Would hope to see blue grotto from there but have a train ticket back to Rome at 9 pm. Is that too much for one day or is it logistically possible? I think blue grotto involves taking another boat so at best would I just be walking the island? Would it be better to skip Capri for another time not knowing if I will ever go to Italy again?
I've looked into that too for my trip in September. From all I've read, Capri and the Blue Grotto need a full day. It's not possible to do both.
Rome to Pompeii to Capri to Rome in one day?
IF you could get the logistics to work, the next day you would likely be mistaken for roadkill.
I learned to accept the fact I was not going to be able to "see everything", so take the time enjoy what you do get to see.
If there is something special want to see or do and cannot cram it into one trip, it makes a great excuse( motivation?) to find a way go again
Yes, it's way too much to do in one day. I wouldn't even recommend a day trip from Rome to Pompeii; it's much easier to base yourself from Sorrento. And, sadly, I would skip the Blue Grotto - it's much more interesting to hike Capri and wander around instead when you're short on time.
No I would not see an island, an archeological sight and go back to Rome all in one day...cut one of those things out...and if it were I, it would be Pompeii....especially if you are seeing ruins in Rome..which is literally everywhere you look LOL....you know what I mean! Capri is magical...and if this is summertime don't even think of going to Pompeii....
Try to stroll and relax on Capri, get lost in the little lanes...
There is MUCH more to see on Capri than the Blue Grotto...
the Mt. Solaro chair lift I do recommend along with Villa San Michele the Majolica tiled church in AnaCapri...and the Garden's of Augustus, and Villa Jovis were all great sights...you will not see even half of these places if you spend 2 hours shuttling to the Blue Grotto...think about it...and prioritize your time there...get down to the Marina Grande at least a 1/2 hour before you boat departs...it can take a long time in line for the funnicular.
If you choose an archeological site...As for Pompeii....on a short trip I recommend going to Herculaneum...especially between June - early Sept. Pompeii will be extremely hot, have no shade and is very spread out....Herculaneum is shaded, by the water, and can be seen in 1.5 hours without a guide...it is better preserved than Pompeii..but this could be combined with a trip to the archeological museum in Naples...a half day for each...
karen,
No, that's far too much for a day trip from Rome. While it may be theoretically feasible, you'll be using several different transportation systems, and getting the connections to all fit would be crucial. You mentioned "going back to train and then ferry to Capri." Where were you planning to take the Ferry from? Also, there's no guarantee you'll be able to see the Blue Grotto. If the weather is rough, the boats may not be operating. They also may not be operating in the late afternoon.
One difficulty could be the time of the last boat from Capri to the mainland. The Ferry trip is going to be about 30 minutes each way to & from Sorrento.
Thanks for all the responses. Yes train leaves Sorrento to go back to Rome at 9 pm or could just take a 5 pm and call it a day. Good ideas from everyone.
When we went to Capri (ferry from Positano) we spent the whole day there - and never went near the Blue Grotto. There's a lot to see there. Could you spend two days in the area, based in either Naples or Sorrento? Much more relaxing, less fraught, and you'd get to really enjoy the sights.
Dedicate a day to Capri OR Pompeii, not both. You could see something just as special as Pompeii by going to Ostia Antica and including that into some other activity you want to see in Rome. Then a day to see either Capri OR Pompeii.