I blame the people on this forum...

I would take whichever option gives you the most time in Naples (it's hard to tell exactly how much time you have from your description of the two options), although you may end up hating it with so little time to spend there. It's the kind of place one has to ease into...gradually.

When I was in Naples last December, I went to the Cappella on a rainy and miserable Saturday afternoon. The line to enter wrapped around the block and the wait to enter the Cappella was over an hour. And no, I did not wait in the rain and cold. Just saying you have to be prepared...

Thanks for the info Philip. I just checked the website and you can book ahead for a specific time slot which sounds like a good idea in these circumstances. Of course, I would really be committed to this side trip then!

Thanks for your thoughts Agnes. I supposed we would be looking at about 6 to 7 hours in Naples. It is truly just a stop to see the Veiled Christ and have lunch (since the timing will be right for a meal). I wouldn't judge Naples based on such an abbreviated visit! I'm also thinking about sending my in-laws and kids straight to Sorrento (my in-laws have been there twice) and doing this side trip to Naples with just my husband. Then he and I can take the train to Sorrento afterward.

Yes, the kids might enjoy Sorrento more than the museum. And they can take your bags with the car service. You and your husband could also look in at the National Archeological Museum for a few hours. If you go on the way south, then you will arrive in Sorrento having seen something important to you; if you wait until returning to Rome, you may feel inclined to skip it because of the "stuff" you have to do. Carpe diem!

I just checked the website and you can book ahead for a specific time
slot which sounds like a good idea in these circumstances. Of course,
I would really be committed to this side trip then!

Lynn, having to commit to anything on arrival day is always a bit of a risk as flight delays, long immigration lines and other snags can throw a wrench in the machinery. For that reason, a lot of us don't even recommend purchasing train tickets in advance for those particular days as not all of them can be changed/refunded if you miss your train. For that same reason, if pre-purchasing tickets for a particular slot is the way to avoid long lines at the chapel - and that reservation is non-changeable/refundable - I'd book for Friday.

Also, after a long, international flight, you and the kids may want nothing more than just to get to Sorrento, shower up and get some fresh air to try and stay awake until bedtime. Museums and other indoor sightseeing venues that demand attention can be less than enjoyable when one is feeling foggy!