Looking for travelers insight: 3 nights; Capri-Pompeii--Naples-Sorrento-Or??

Sorrento by all means. Read the Rick Steves guide to Italy as he gives great reasons for basing in Sorrento.

Three nights means two full days. It is easy to get to Pompeii on the Circumvesuviana. Another day take the bus down the Amalfi Coast. That is two days: one for Pompeii and one for the A.C. In my opinion, Capri is over-rated. It is pretty, but it is expensive and the things to do just are not that stellar; however, if you want to go there, you can do it easily from Sorrento.

Another vote here for Sorrento: it's the best base for transportation around the Sorrentine/Amalfi region. I would also agree with Laurel that you're going to be hard-pressed to do Capri, Pompeii AND the Amafli Coast in just three days, though. We enjoyed Capri but we also stayed on the island for two nights - which gave us some quiet-hour advantages that day-trippers do not have - and hiked to locations away from the piazzas/easy overlooks during the day when they were overrun.

With the time that you'll have, just Pompeii (by train), the coast (bus and/or ferry) and exploring Sorrento itself will likely be all you'll be able to fit in.

One note of caution: Sorrento can be problematic if it's the last stop before an early-to-mid morning flight out of Naples or Rome. Neither Circumvesuviana train to Napoli Centrale or Curreri bus service to Naples airport start operating early enough to get you there in time so either an overnight stay in your city of departure or hiring a private transfer service is necessary.

Definitely Sorrento, take a day trip to Pompeii, another day to Capri and a 3rd to Amalfi. The buses go to Pompei and Amalfi. A ferry from Marina Grande will take you to Capri take a bus tour of Capri with a boat to the Blue grotto. Before you book your Capri tour make sure the boats are able to go into the cave. The tour companies won't tell you ahead unless you ask.
Lorie

Laurel, Kathy, Lori - This is why I love this forum, thank you for your sage advice. I shared it with my friends and we agree...Sorrento here we come! Grazie!

another vote for sorrento, it was perfect for us, as a base. its a very nice town to just wander around. if you can fit it in capri is a beautiful day trip particularly if you get to anacapri. at anacapri we also caught the chair lift up for great views over the island and beyond. or perhaps try villa san michele for some stunning views. if visiting pompeii , be prepared for a lot of walking on uneven ground and it can be hot ( depending on the time of year) as there is limited shade.

hope this helps

I grudgingly agree, stay in Sorrento. I love the Amalfi Coast, but Sorrento is better for your plans. On your Amalfi Coast day, try to get to Ravello (bus from Amalfi) - great views! And beautiful gardens at Villa Cimbrone.

Mondo Tours are great for Amslfi coast tour!