Need some advise for first timers

what are people’s thoughts about getting a driver to just drive us to sorrento from Rome?

That an high speed train would be faster and, if booked in advance, it would also be cheaper.

If your final destination were not Sorrento, but one of the Amalfi Coast villages, the most pleasant way of travel would be A direct Roma-Salerno train followed by a ferry.

Note that You don't have to meet the private driver to Sorrento at Napoli Centrale station, many trains call also at Napoli Afragola station.

what are people’s most recommended limoncello tour,

I know many would disagree, but looking at lemons taking a bath in alcohol is neither funny nor particularly interesting. That's the way they make limoncello, anyone with lemons, sugar, pure booze and a tub can do it in his basement.

Rick recommends a couple places for Lemoncello in Sorrento. Neither place was very hospitable. My impression is that Sorrento shop owners are weary of tourists, and are apprehensive about visitors just wanting free sips. Although we can get limoncello at home, we had planned to bring some home and decided to just skip because of the unfriendly greetings. It also was hard for us to determine which shops had locally produced limoncello and which were just selling some mass produced product.

I agree that you might want to skip a "limoncello" tour for more time viewing the beautiful Amalfi coast area.

Welcome!

The train from Rome to Naples is easy and inexpensive if you purchase in advance- I think we paid about 20 euros each. The Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Sorrento is even cheaper- just a few euros- no need to buy in advance
Here is info:
https://www.sorrentoinsider.com/en/naples-to-sorrento-train-schedule

An alternative is the Campania Express- info in that link

Affordable is relative- but we did decide to splurge a bit and used this company for a transfer from Naples train station to our hotel in Sorrento- cost was 95 euros- very pleased with service, driver, rates
https://www.topexcursionsorrento.com
Looks like Rome to Sorrento is 400 euros- not affordable in my book!

To get from A to B, use

Rome2rio.com

This gives you several options.

You can always hire a car, and it's always expensive relative to other options.

Be very, very careful if you use Rome2Rio. If it says there's train service or bus service, there probably is. When you get more specific than that, the information simply is not trustworthy--by which I mean the fares, travel times and frequencies can be wildly off base. If you keep drilling down on Rome2Rio.com, however, you will eventually reach the name of the bus or train company providing service, and usually also a link to the company's website. That's where you need to go for specifics. Note that time of year is critical. There may be more buses and ferries running in May than in November.

Campania Express, far less uncomfortable:

https://www.sorrentoinsider.com/en/campania-express-train-schedule

Note the station name downstairs at Napoli Centrale is Garibaldi. If the Sorrento hotel is not walkable from the station, better a driver from Naples, as taxi rates are high. Sorrentocars a pretty good service.

Amalfi Coast towns are described on www.positano.com

You might want to splurge on a drive from Naples to Sorrento (about 100 euros), but to hire a driver from Rome to Sorrento would be like setting money on fire to me. If you have no pressing physical need to be driven, the train and then a driver or the commuter train is fine.

@acraven: As first time visitors, they need something to do that basic exploration. Yes, there are limits to Rome2rio. But it gives the basic options.

Thanks everyone for the help! I think ill take the advise and use the train to get from Rome to Naples, and will check out the recommended car services. thank you!

Our driver in Naples area was terrific:

Domenico Abagnale
[email protected]
+39 334 5727275

Yes, def. take the train to Naples. After that, car service is a good idea because you would have to transfer stations to take the train to Sorrento. It’s doable, but increased difficulty dragging bags.

Taking the train from Rome to Naples will save you a lot of money. I saw a quote of 400€ one time.

Absolutely the train from Rome to Napoli. The high-speed train (Freccia Rossa) is extremely comfy & takes 1 hr. 7 min. (I just used it round trip last week). There are some big savings by reserving early. I was able to travel business class both ways by reserving 6 weeks before the trip. If you've ever used Amtrak here in the US you'll be amazed at how good a train service can be.