If staying in Sorrento, is it possible to tour Pompei and visit Capri in the same day?

Ya, it could work but a long day. But both is worth more than a couple of hours. I don't remember the length of the ferry ride but I think it was at least an hour if not more each way. There are some high speed boats but I don't know the time. Personally think it is too much for one day.

Frank is exactly right. Each site deserves more.

FWIW, we were enormously underwhelmed by Paestum, having seen Greek ruins on Sicily. Perhaps save yourself that long day and expensive driver. I'd put the money toward a stellar guide at Pompeii, Gaetano Manfredi. Then spend another day on Capri.

No, a day is not enough time to squeeze them both in because you have to account for transport time between them. I also don't know when the last ferry runs from Capri. I think it would be a really bad idea to attempt this. I spent more than 4 hours in Pompeii and that didn't include the time to get there.

Also, take into account that Pompeii is a physically draining experience. In April, it will be warm in the ruins and the amount of walking is extensive. Your tentative schedule doesn't leave time for any resting or eating between Pompeii and Capri, and you will be ragged by the time your ferry deposits you at the Capri Marina, let alone after traveling to Capri town. You'll be able to check off 2 sights in your travel book, but you won't have really enjoyed either one.

Pompeii is definitely worth a full day. You can see the highlights in a few hours, but it is worth staying longer to absorb the ambiance of the place

Who knows what is in the future? It may or may not include Athens or Sicily. Paestum visit added to our history of ruins. We also went to Ostia Antica outside of Rome. Pompeii took a minimum of 6 hours with a tour guide and public transportation. We had pizza just across from the ticket office. It was a good day! We skipped Capri, other than a short ferry stop, and have no regrets.

I'd say definitely not. Capri needs a full day, even without the Blue Grotto...which we didn't go near during our two nights on the island and were not sorry we skipped.

We spent at least 5 hours at Pompeii, weren't able to cover it all, and that didn't include travel time to/from Sorrento. Were at the gates at 9:00 and didn't get back to Sorrento until 3:00 or so. Even if you cut your time to 4 hours, you'd be unlikely to be back in Sorrento until after 1:30. Factor in time to get down to marina, buy tickets, wait for your boat, add 20-30 minutes for the cruise over, and then get tickets for either the bus or the funicular UP to Capri town. It all eats time and doesn't leave you for any for Anacapri, which we liked a bit better than Capri, or some of the better walks to further reaches of the island.

There may be later ferries in April but currently the last one leaves Capri at 6:45 PM.

Yeah, both of these in one day is too much. I loved Capri, but it’s not some unmissable destination. It’s beautiful, but super touristy. I think if you were rushing through it, fighting the crowds, it would be a poor experience. Pompeii deserves your full day’s attention. Take your time, take some breaks that day. Your brain and your body will appreciate it.

Pick one--- you will be happier

Do the other on the next trip

Thanks for the advice which confirmed our thoughts. Is the consensus that of the four areas we wish to see, Paestum should be deleted from this trip?

Paestum sure sounds like a major investment in both time and money when Pompeii ticks many of the same boxes. I think you’ll find a day on Capri to be much more relaxing than driving to Paestum and back. Enjoy!

Regarding leaving out Paestum - only you can answer that. If both of you have been to Greece, or are going soon, or if neither of you have any interest in ancient Greek architecture and village life - then deciding is easy for you. On the other hand, if you have an interest in ancient Greek architecture (in really good shape, and with an excellent museum) then the decision is harder.

Capri and Paestum are completely different, and why you would visit either would be different.

My husband and I enjoy ancient history and ruins so Paestum was a must stop and I loved it...I found it in many ways more interesting than Agrigento. One of my fave parts on this jaunt was eating Sunday lunch at a local cafeteria style diner; no one spoke English, it was wonderful all around. Our trip started and ended in Naples, then Amalfi coast (Ravello was home base), drove to and throughout Sicily. We decided to skip Capri (can't do it all) and opted for a private boat tour along the Amalfi coast. We also skipped Pompeii and instead spent our time at Herculaneum (zero regrets). We took a lot of advice from locals before we made this decision. Our almost 3 week trip highlights included Ravello, wine tasting on Mt. Etna, Ragusa and the baroque cities of Sicily, Agrigento, Island of Lipiri, Herculaneum. But to answer your question, Pompeii alone is a day. We did the museum and Herculaneum in a day and drove up Vesuvious, but I wouldn't squeeze in Capri to that day.

Another vote for not canceling Paestum. I have been twice and would go again if the opportunity arose. Beautiful site, interesting ruins. And the museum is great, particularly the frescos. Nice to find an archaeological site in Italy that is not overrun with visitors. RS has a good guided walk around the site. A nearby buffalo farm is worth a visit as they make buffalo milk cheeses but I think they might only be open on Saturday. Again, check the RS guidebook.