Pompeii and National Archaeological Museum

Both those sights are usually crowded. There's not that much downside to a crowded Pompeii, because it's so big. I found my Archaeological Museum visit was harmed by the crowds. Interestingly, the Farnese Marbles (unrelated to Pompeii) at the museum were not crowded, and probably overlooked by most visitors. As long as you allow for four hours at Pompeii, you can say you saw the most important parts. Many visitors to this site say they only want two hours at Pompeii, but I don't think that's enough.

Don't consider switching to Herculaneum, because you don't have time to walk down and up the hill with your luggage, and there's no lunch inside Herculaneum. It's an opinion, but I don't agree with those who say that Herculaneum is "better".

Since you only have half a day in Naples, it's important for YOU to evaluate your desire to see the actual relics from Pompeii, against the chance to see the past cultural capital of the Kingdom of Naples. You can only do one of those (Naples) things in the time you have. If you're not a religious museum-goer, or you don't care that the statues and frescoes at Pompeii are mostly replicas, maybe you'd rather see the rest of Naples? It's your decision.

This assumes you will have your bag(s) with you?

Although doable in one day, both are memorable and I'd hate for you to give either short shrift. But you should really find a way to do the two of them, as the Arch Museum is kind of the bookend to Pompei, as it contains virtually all the art from the ruins. And there's also the Farnese wing, which we never got to in March but is supposedly fantastic.

Yes, weekends are going to be more crowded.

Alternatively, I could see either Pompeii or the museum (or maybe
both) on my way from Rome to Sorrento. Again is this too much?

If you get a good start from Rome, you absolutely could do Pompeii on your way to Sorrento: there's luggage storage at the site. Then you could do the archeological museum on Saturday plus see a bit more of Naples than if you tried to do both the scavi and museum the same day. It also makes sense to do the museum after you've been to the excavation as it puts things into better context.

Does this plan appeal?

We did the Archaeological Museum on our way from Rome to Sorrento. There was plenty of time. We even wandered around Naples for about 2 hours after the Museum. There is a left luggage room at the Naples train station. Our only problem was that we were at the afternoon rush hour for the Circumsuviena (SP?) train from Naples to Sorrento and was it ever packed full.

If you have the time, rather than just wandering on your own, do one or both of these free walking tours. The first of the old city center will give you a good overview. And the starting point is close to the Arch. Museum.

https://napolithatsamore.org/walks_en/

Though free, please tip the guide.

We had a driver from Sorrento to the station in Naples the other day. We left our hotel @ 8 am, arriving in Pompeii around 9:30. This was a great time to arrive - not too many people at all. We were in Pompeii just over 2 hours, and by the time we left it was getting REALLY crowded. Now, this is October, I imagine November is different. From our experience however I would suggest Pompeii in the morning, as soon as you can after opening.

If the cruise ships aren't in Sorrento or Naples when you visit (and I assume they won't be), this will help significantly with the crowds.

Thank you all for all the great advice. Its great. Thank you for taking the time to respond.

I will be traveling with luggage. Will store it in pompeii.

I will do both. Y'all have convinced me. And I will see the farnese wing.

Any recs for tour guides in Pompeii?

How expensive would it be to rent a taxi all day and tour the amalfi coast? And what exactly would y'all recommend. Take the taxi to Positano and amalfi and Paestum?

Thanks again.

8 hr car service about 240 Euros. Paestum is TOO FAR to do from Sorrento. Google Maps is your friend.

The best recommendation I had from Rick Steve's book for Sorrento/Amalfi was the Monetti taxi. We used this company from Naples to Sorrento, the Amalfi coast, and then Sorrento back to Naples (with detour to Pompeii). This is a small family run company, and we had three drivers. The response to my e-mails was quite prompt and all drivers were very professional.

The rate for the Amalfi coast tour from Sorrento was 280 Euro. 110 Euro from Naples to Sorrento. More if you add in Pompeii.

So - my suggestion would be to get in touch with Monetti and see what they can do for what you are wanting, and the amount you have to spend.