Itinerary help for 5 days on the Amalfi Coast prior to Rick Steves Sicely tour

I really don't know anything about bad-weather options in Sorrento or along the Amalfi Coast, but Naples has a number of worthwhile indoor sights. I would guess the National Archaeological Museum is the most important to many visitors. A lot of the very best stuff found at Pompeii is now in Naples (with copies often placed in Pompeii).

FYI, I'm your age, average about 6 miles a day when in Europe and found the walking in Pompeii quite tiring, with most of it on cobblestones unless you did a lot of hopping up onto, and down from, very high sidewalks. Therefore, I wouldn't recommend combining the quite large Archaeological Museum and Pompeii on the same day even if, in theory, they might fit within 8 hours.

In Naples there's also the Capella Sansevero with, among other sculptures, the famous Veiled Christ. The Chapel is so popular that it is selling out every day even in February. In fact, when I checked at about 2 PM today (Friday), it was already sold out through the entire weekend. If interested, book that entry online well in advance. The Chapel is within walking distance of the Archaeological Museum.

The Capodimonte Museum has the city's best art collection and seems well respected. I can't say more since I haven't been there yet. Although you can get there by bus, Rick suggests springing for a taxi.

Naples also has quite a few churches and religious complexes worth seeing.

There are other Roman and Greek sites in the area besides Pompeii (the most time-consuming such site) that you could visit if you have a strong interest in such things: Ercolano (Herculaneum), Oplontis, Stabiae and Paestum. You'd want reasonably good weather for all those sites. I've been incredibly lucky so far, not having been hit with any rain in 14 days, but it's supposedly coming on Sunday and Monday. I don't know how the precipitation statistics compare for October and February.

Just about everything you’re considering is a reasonable day trip. Aside from a Mondo tour, you don’t really need to book any of it ahead so you can keep your itinerary open and flexible. Keep in mind that this is prior to your “actual” tour, so I feel like it’s important to not over extend yourselves early. Some quick notes:

Take the earliest ferry you can to Capri to avoid the crowds. At Capri’s dock, there are plenty of tickets for “Laser Boat” tours around the island (Blue Grotto is an add-on, depending on weather conditions.) These trips are about an hour, and I found it fun, easy and reasonably priced. Otherwise, skip Capri Town which is all the bougie high-end shopping stuff and head straight up to Anacapri. The crowds don’t really make it up there until after lunch, and it’s very enjoyable. The chairlift up to Monte Solaro and the views are second to none.

Pompeii is closest to Sorrento via the Circumvesuviana, and this end of it is not “scary” at all. See Pompeii while you’re based in Sorrento. I also highly recommend Herculaneum.

I loved the views from the ferry, especially pulling into the Amalfi coast ports. If they’re running and the weather is good I would do that. Mondo tour is a good option. You’re kind of late in season, so the regular busses should not be much of a hassle either. Exploring Positano, Amalfi and perhaps Ravello have plenty enough walking, including hills and stairs. Do NOT try to include Path of the Gods on this trip. You don’t have the time, and it’s more demanding than it’s made out to be imo. You’ll get the same spectacular views from Villa Cimbrone in Ravello.

Also, Naples has some wonderful sights and is a unique place to explore. A daytrip here is worthwhile. You’ll find quite an interesting contrast between Naples and Palermo when it’s all said and done. Enjoy your trip!

Thank you so much for your replies! They are so helpful!