Naples to Rome via Caserta

I would not try to accomplish all of that in one day. Visiting Naples could use most of a day and then the easiest plan would be a direct train to Rome. If picking up a car in Sorrento, I'd want to get on the motorway as soon as possible and avoid driving in or near Naples on city/suburban streets, where I have experienced terrible traffic and poor adherence to standard driving etiquette.

In April this year we drove from Pompeii to a hotel near FCO in a day. We used the Autostrada but on the way we stopped in Caserta and parked in the underground car park at the palace. We always make sure we do NOT open the trunk when we are parking and leaving luggage in it. We have everything we need to take with us in the car so when we park, we get out ,lock the car and give no indication we have all our belongings in the trunk.

The area around the palace is quite seedy but the palace is amazing (although the toilets were the filthiest toilets I have ever experienced and there were people pushing postcards and trinkets inside the grounds). We particularly liked hiring bikes and exploring the grounds.

By the time we drove from Pompeii to Caserta, visited the palace, stopped at an Autogrill on the Autostrada for lunch, and got to the hotel near FCO it took the best part of a full day.

Thanks to you both - yes, does seem like a lot to accomplish. Our family is from the area so we would like to at least see a bit before heading up to Rome for the overnight before the flight. We only have the one day after a 2 week tour to do so.

Drive directly from Sorrento-Caserta.

Head out of Sorrento, take the road to Pompeii, then head up to the SS268 which will
connect with the A30 (autostrada) to Caserta. Trip should take 45min-1 hour.
You'll enter the A30 by the Burger King.

Thanks Gerri - seems straightforward.