Itinerary Italy advice Rome Sorrento Florence

I would not call going to Sorrento and the other extremely popular places you mentioned close by as down time. It is crowded there. You can not take a picture without some other tourist in it. And you will see what I mean once you try to get there and get around. I was there last mid May kind of the equivalent of the time you are going.

Sorrento to Pompeii to Florence is exhausting. The question is not whether it is manageable but is that going to be fun? Pompeii takes time to visit and there are a lot of cobble stones. I don't have to tell you the obvious pack light. We have all tried to cram destinations in like you are and you have nothing to lose.

It is my husband, myself and 25 year old daughter. All capable travelers

I think you mean All able-bodied travelers.

Yes, it is doable. Actually train time can be very relaxing so be sure you get a train that goes Napoli to Florence without changing. Yes, you can store luggage at Pompeii.

In Rome, you really only have two full days so Vatican one day, Colosseo and Forum another, take scenic walks in the evening and try to slip into the Pantheon. Borghese “gardens” are not so much. It is a big park and may not even be very well kept at this point from what I have read about what the city is and is not doing. If you are going to the Galleria Borghese you will pass through the park. But I don’t think you should try to cram in the galleria in your short stay in Rome. Don’t over schedule Rome. Just enjoy wandering if you re not too tired.

If I were to tackle your planned destinations, I would look at going directly to Florence from FCO on arrival day, then to Sorrento and finish in Rome and not have the long distance trip to FCO on the day your flight leaves.

You don't take the "train" to Sorrento. You take the train to Naples. Then you take the local Circumvesuviana, which is like a New York subway train except that it runs above ground to Sorrento. It takes about 10-15 minutes to get through the Naples station. The Circumvesuviana runs roughly every half hour. There are also infrequent but slightly nicer Campania express trains for which the tickets are more expensive and make few stops, thus discouraging locals from using it. The trip on the latter takes 50 minutes, on the former 60-75 minutes. It looks like Trenitalia has direct trains every hour on the hour in the afternoons from Naples to Florence. You will save €20-30 per ticket by buying no-change tickets now. Be sure to allow plenty of time to get from Pompeii to Naples, since the Circumvesuviana is often delayed.

Thanks, everyone. This is very helpful. we've decided to take Pompeii stop off the itinerary.
So much Italy - so little time.

Do you have a hotel in Sorrento yet? It books up early. Compared to Venice, Sorrento is missable. I loved Pompeii, but it is hot and exposed walking on ancient stone roads.

If you have not purchased your plane ticket, why don't you get your flight out directly from Florence. This might free up some time and give you chance to relax and see more of Florence before leaving Italy. Have fun./

A great hotel in Sorrento is Il Nido Sorrento. Fantastic views of Naples Bay, and Mt. Vesuvius. Great food at their restaurant including fresh seafood, and it is very reasonable. They also have breakfast included with a fresh orange juice maker. Book directly online at their website and you get a discount. The owner is super helpful and they will even call a taxi for you if needed, and you get a better rate if they do it for you.

Mondo guides is pretty good for an Amalfi Coast tour at a reasonable price $50/person.

We have our BnB reserved. However, will take a look at the restaurant. Sounds perfect. Looking to do a boat tour through Travel, Etc. They have a 12 person all day water tour leaving from Sorrento. Our local host gave it a thumbs up. I will update upon my return!
Our flights must go in/out of Rome, or yes, I would depart out of Florence.
Thanks again!

I would return to Sorrento just to have seafood at Ristorante Bagni Delfino at Marina Grande.