We will be docking in Naples on Monday, Nov. 13 from 6:30 - 4:30 (I figure only 8 hours on land as I don't want to miss the ship)
I think that I'd like to take the train to Sorrento, and then take a bus from Sorrento to Positano, and then the ferry from Positano to Capri and then back to Naples.
After looking at the above schedule, I believe I'm doing toooooo much! (LOL). What should I skip?
I can't tell you all how VERY much I appreciate all of your ideas!!!!
Merr
Take ferry to Capri and back from Naples. Save some time for Naples. Your proposed itinerary has too much in it, risky since you are on a ship’s stop.
It doesn’t look like the ferries are running after October.
The ferries from Naples to Capri run year-round, but not the other ones from Positano, so the plan is not feasible.
I would either go to Capri if the weather is nice, or stay in Naples if not. Sorrento is not very interesting, and Positano takes too long to get to.
The train to Sorrento kinda runs on schedule, and during our visit, was often delayed. There is much congestion in Sorrento/ AC, so there is no quick and efficient mode to travel.
Stay in Naples and have pizza and go to the Archeology Museum.
Or- take the excursion offered by the cruise line, as they have to hold the ship then.
Safe travels!
Even if everything were running, and you (unrealistically) didn’t have to do any waiting for trains, buses, or ferries, you would still be spending ~3.5 hours in transit, which would leave very little time to see the three destinations you have in mind. Instead, you could see the Archaeology Museum in Naples, as suggested above, and perhaps also see the ruins at Herculaneum, fairly close by.
After visiting in April, I wouldn't trust transportation to the Amalfi Coast based on your schedule. Sorrento is nice but more as a home base for the region. We thought Capri was outstanding and it would be easy to spend your entire day there. Naples is unique to say the least and well worth exploring, and you need a full day for that as well. Flip a coin between Capri and Naples.
I'll vote for either taking a ferry from Naples to Capri and back, or just staying in Naples. Depends on the weather as the island wouldn't be a lot of fun in the rain. Someone mentioned Herculaneum but you could just as easily do Pompeii: abt. 1/2 hour by the same cheap commuter train from Naples you'd have used for Sorrento. Again, could depend on the weather as it's mostly an outdoor site, and it's huge. Opens at 9:00 AM.
https://www.sorrentoinsider.com/en/naples-to-sorrento-train-schedule
If you did Pompeii I would make sure to get back on the Circumvesuviana in plenty of time to get back to Naples. Same with a ferry from Capri. Whatever the case, your original plan isn't do-able for reasons already listed but not to worry, you'll still have interesting things to do! Yep, the Archeological Museum in Naples is where a lot of the treasures from Herculaneum and Pompeii reside, and gets high marks from posters who've been there. It would be a good choice on a rainy day.
What excursions does the cruise line offer?
That will give you an indication of what is 'feasible'.
You may want to have a good weather and bad weather option
Also in Naples, and a reasonable downhill walk from the Archaeological Museum, is the Capella Sansevero with the famous statue of the "Veiled Christ". It's a worthwhile stop. If you're interested, you'd need to book online in advance, because it most definitely sells out, sometimes for days at a time.
The train station in Naples is huge and full of potential pickpockets. If the ferries are running your best bet is to take a ferry to either Sorrento or Capri and back. That would take up most of your day.
It's possible the ferries will NOT be running, although my daughter and I did this in December 2002, so it can go either way. They are very weather-dependent and the trains are not.
You may have to keep your plans for the day flexible and head to the Archeological Museum, which has many artifacts from Pompeii. It's extraordinary. Don't let Napoli intimidate you, but it is a LOT. Keep everything secure, look confident and enjoy the best pizza of your life!
