Florence to Sorrento with stop in Pompeii

My wife and I arrived at the Naples train station and took the Circumsuvia train to Pompeii last Oct. We did not have a problem nor did we here of problems. It is unfortunate that many people get the impression that Italian cities are rife with theives. They are around but if you take reasonable precautions, you should not have a problem. We were in Italy for three weeks and never had a problem with theives. Take the train to Naples, go downstairs and catch the Circumsuvia and the train stops in front of the Pompeii ruins. It was the first time in Italy and it was easy and safe. With all this said, I think you will have too little time in Pompeii coming from Florence. Depending on your length of stay in Sorrento, you can easily take the Circumsuvia back to Pompeii another day. As I recall, it is about a half an hour from Sorrento. The RS Italy book describes this all very well.

The most convenient way to get from Florence to Pompeii and Sorrento is to take the train to Naples and then transfer to the local Circumvesuviana train which goes to Pompeii and then on to Sorrento. The Naples train station is pretty gritty and probably has more pick pockets than your average train station. But if you use common sense you won't be a victim. I think the only way to avoid the train station would be to fly to Naples and then hire a car to take you to Pompeii and Sorrento. Not sure what that would cost, probably much more than the train.

What you hear and what is the truth is often not related. We have been through Naples a number of times with no problems. My perception is that it is not much different than any other large train station. Remember all of the discussions about pickpocket are rarely first hand and mostly I read, a friend of a friend of a friend who heard, etc. The key to avoiding pickpockets in any situation is not to have anything that can easily accessed. Remember, if it is easy for you to get to, then it is will be easy for a pickpocket. Be aware of your surroundings and don't be so engrossed in doing something that you are easily distracted. Be alert but not afraid. A deer caught in the headlights often gets run over. Don't be the deer. We have spend nearly a year in Europe over the past 18 or so, and have never seen a pickpocket or lost anything. Others report seeing pickpockets daily. Not sure what we are doing wrong. Use reasonable precautions and you will be fine.

Thanks for the input guys! We only have 2 nights in Sorrento, so I was just trying to maximize travel time in visiting Pompeii on the way. Sounds like not that much of an issue though? Any other thoughts? It has been second hand info about the pickpockets - but from someone who was a local driver in Naples.

Of course, the taxi driver will tell you that so that you stick with his taxi. Seriously, pickpockets can be a problem and people are hit but it is not the majority. The drawback to travel sites is that people only discuss problems. Makes you believe that you are jumping into a den of thieves It is not very interesting to say, "I have never been pickpocketed."

Do what Bob says. My family and I went this pass summer to Firenza to Sorrento. Stop off at Naples downstairs to the train get on and off you go. The stops are above the door. Yes we heard stories about the train rides but think of it this way. My family took it in strive and the adventures were amazing.

Hi Joanne, So, did you take the train from Florence to Naples and then local to Pompeii and then see Pompeii all in one day? Were you rushed or would you recommend just going on to Sorrento and then day trip to Pompeii?
Thanks!

Yvonda, I am taking the same trip in September. There is a 7am train from Florence that arrives in Naples at 10:10. The next train leaves Florence at 8:14 - arriving in Naples at 11:10. The Circumvesuviana leaves Naples at 10:41 with about 30 minute intervals, arriving in Pompeii 35 minutes after departure. I plan on taking getting in a Pompeii tour for a few hours and then complete my trip to Sorrento, where I will stay for 3 nights. This is my first trip to Italy, but while a busy day, it seems doable. I would appreciate any comments.
Happy Travels

Doug - thanks so much for the detail! Wow - you are so much further along than I am and we leave the end of May- yikes! Are you booking your train tickets and everything in advance? I'll be glad to post of our trip when we return mid June.

One of the world's best museums, with all the artifacts from Pompeii is close to Naples, which has some fabulous churches. Why not spend a couple of days there before heading to Sorrento? You could see the National Museum, the duomo and a few other churches with some marvelous statuary and art in one day; Pompeii and the Herculaneum the next, then ltake the train on down to Sorrento. If you want to check out a flight from Florence to Naples, look at www.alitalia.it. This is the Italian site, so have your dictionary handy, but it is where all the promo flights are, and will be much cheaper than the .com. Of course, there is some beautiful countryside between Florence and Naples that you will see if you take a train, but it will take much of a day. The only people who need to fear pickpockets are those who do not take reasonable precautions against them -- keep cash and passports in devices under your clothing, wear cross chest purse and keep it zipped, nothing in pants pockets, and never let your luggage out of sight! Stay alert. Best wishes

I would love to hear about your trip when you get back. First I want to say I have not been to Italy so I am not a good first hand source. This helpline and Rick's materials are fabulous resources. About rail tickets. I have an 18 day trip - Venice, Tuscany (with a car for 4 days), Florence, Sorrento & Rome. There are day trips from both Venice and Florence and when I compare point to point rail fares, it appears a 5 day rail pass would be a little cheaper. I used a rail pass last year in Austria, Switz. & Germany and it was convenient to not have to purchase a ticket. I have not been on a train in Italy but it seems like a seat reservation will be needed on some of the legs. I too am concerned about pick pockets so I have been reading some helpful hints on this helpline. While I had no trouble last year, one thing I read on the Circumvesuviana is to get on the front or back of the train where it is not so crowded. Pickpockets love crowds and work in groups. I plan on holding on to my bag try not to get jammed up with people around me.
I even bought a PacSafe day bag and plan on using it instead of the Civita. There is a lot of controversy on this helpline regarding the need for this bag, but I decided it would be worth the peace of mind, knowing it takes two hands to open.

We took the train from Firenza to Naples then took the local train from Naples to Sorrento. Pompeii is a all day trip We were in Sorrento for a week. To do this all on one day the train alone is long you will get a good night sleep that is for sure . you have to hustle for this. We took all trains to get to Pompeii. have fun