I created a post the other day and must clarify some points. My friend and I will be arriving in Rome on May 25th. I had back surgery in February and she broke her foot in December. All is going well but walking may be a little more challenging! We will be in Rome for 4 days. Would like to take the train to Orvietto for the day..can this be done? How long is the train ride? We want to leave on 5/29 by train to Sorrento. About how long is that train ride? Would like to visit Pompeii. We would also like to see the Isle of Capri by boat and back to Sorrento by bus so we can see the Amalfi coast. Is this possible? We will leave Sorrento to Florence for the last leg of our journey. How long would the train ride take. Are there any fast trains to our last destination? Lastly any ideas for B&B'S in Sorrento and Florence? What is the best area for us to stay in Roma and ideas on places you have stayed and liked. Cost around 150 in US dollars!
All help would be most appreciated!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15168 posts
Orvieto is 70 min away by train. There are three steps to get on board the train. Can your friend go up stairs? There are also steps to get on buses and to get on boats. with a broken foot I would not try to go inside the Blue Grotto while in Capri. That would be challenging indeed. From Orvieto to Sorrento it's about 4 hours, with at least one train change, likely two (in Rome and Naples). There are fast trains from Naples to Florence, just about 3 hours. From Sorrento to Naples there is a commuter train (70 min.). For trains consult:
Www.trenitalia.com Trenitalia does not go to Sorrento. For commuter trains Naples to Sorrento consult Vesuviana.com. Please look at a map to see your itinerary, because from what I read you are going up and down and backtracking instead of having a coherent itinerary from South to north or viceversa. If you arrive in Rome and depart from Florence, you should do: Rome>Sorrento>Orvieto>Florence.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
That first step onto the train from the platform can be quite steep, while in other trains there is virtually no step at all. All stations should be able to provide some help for passengers with mobility problems. I agree with Roberto about the Blue Grotto, it is a challenge if not a problem.
Posted by
OP
Portland, Maine, USA
171 posts
Thank you for replies to date. My friend broke her ankle in December. She had surgery and be mended and able to do everything but climb mountains by trip date. Ideas on places to stay?
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Virginia, I sent you a PM the other day. Did you not receive it? It covered transportation times and places to stay If not, let me know and I will send it again,
Gerri
Posted by
OP
Portland, Maine, USA
171 posts
Gerri..I didn't get your reply unless it was in private! I am on disability for my back surgery so can on only read your reply here
Posted by
roswell, ga, usa
1501 posts
Hi, Virginia! I have a Very Bad Back. You had back surgery in Feb, and your friend broke her foot in December, so let's get REAL here! My advice is to stick to Rome and Florence. They're both flat,(except for the Roman Forum/colosseum area) and BEAUTIFUL, and are maneuverable with many opportunities to sit, relax, rest and still enjoy the sites. Forget Orvietto, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast. Too much walking, too many hills, steps, etc., and too few opportunities to sit and rest In My Humble Opinion, as one who has back issues. There's little to NO help getting on and off trains in Italy. I look for a nice strong young guy (who looks like one of my sons,) and I ask, politely, to help with my,suitcase on and off the train, so the fewer trains the better. Roberto gave you very good and detailed info on how long the train rides are. Rome is a big beautiful city, with so many incredible sites, you won't possibly be bored. There is an abundance of inexpensive taxis. Use them. Enjoy Campo di Fiori, Piazza Navonna, the Vatican, These places offer places to sit and rest! AND drink in the beauty that is Rome! It's OK to sit in a cafe at a piazza and just enjoy! If you must see it, take a taxi tour to the Colosseum, (sp) it's also very hilly with few places to sit. Florence is an absolutely enchanting place, where you can walk from Piazza to Piazza with also many opportunities to sit and rest, have a refreshment before going on to the next site. Also lovely museums, and great food! Research these two cities, and wait until you are both healed before making yourselves miserable and possibly setting yourselves back in your recuperation by trying to see Pompeii, Sorrento, etc.