Pompei, Ercolano and the other 3 sites

Given your interest in the subject, there's no way you can do it all in one day. I'll defer to others on the logistics of the CV train and schedule.

Good luck finding the Stabiae site. Maybe it is better signposted than when I looked for it half a dozen years ago. I was in my car and had the benefit of a good sat nav and still couldn't find it.

We were staying just a couple of miles down the coast and I drove all over the peninsula. I became reasonably familiar with the roads - - and I still couldn't find it. I did find a huge pile of garbage which blocked a lane which may have led to it, but I couldn't get through and still don't know if that was actually the place.

Sorry, can't answer your other questions. I'd be astonished if you, as an archaeologist, would be able to do justice to all sites in one day, even if you have the endurance to physically do it.

People I have heard from say they are tired after half a day in the sun at Pompeii.

Looks like you get to the Stabiae archeological site by exiting the Circumvesuviana at the Via Nocera stop and then taking the "1 Rosso" bus.

http://www.pompei.it/pompeii/stabiae-excavations.htm

You could buy the 3 day Artecard which gives you free entry for the first two visits then reduced entry to other museums, sites etc and "free" transport around the region.

http://www.campaniartecard.it/artecard_Regione.cfm#.Un_FvycqtOY

I agree that one day is not enough for all of those sites, especially given your interest in the subject matter. We only spent half a day at the Pompeii site with a private guide and we only saw a small fraction of the area. Three FULL days is what I would recommend. A private guide and driver would also help to save time. Don't leave out a visit to the archeological museum in Naples.

I agree, 3 full days for all the sights, and do allow at least 4 hours for the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. The train fare is not very much, but the trains only run about every half hour and not strictly on schedule. If you are going in hot weather, be sure to have sun protection and lots of water, there's little shade to be found. I only remember small cafes at Ercolano and Pompeii. To get to Ercolano you walk downhill through the town from the train station, there are probably places along the way to get lunch or dinner. I went first to Ercolano, then Pompeii and lastly to the Museum. I'm glad I went to Ercolano first, as it gives a better feeling (for those like me with little imagination) of what the town must have been like. I don't think it matters much when you visit the Museum.

Thank you all. I think we we will hit Ercolano first and then take as much of the following day for Pompei as my travel companions can tolerate. if time that day we'll hit another otherwise take the next morning to finish up before moving on to Sorrento. Am I right in thinking that Vesuvius is best with good weather? We are going in early Dec. so won't have heat problems but would like the view.

See what's nearest Ercolano. In December it probably won't be crowded, 4 hours could be enough. I thought the audio guide there was quite good. In the town, there's some kind of movie "experience" about the eruption. I didn't see it, but a couple I met there said they quite enjoyed it.