So we would like to do this as a day trip from Rome. Not really interested in Naples, but would like to do Pompeii and Sorrento. Is this possible in a day trip? According to my research it is, but just want to make sure I'm not missing something. Any that have done this? I know it will be a long day, but worth it.
Leave Rome on train at approx 7:30am to arrive Pompeii at 10am. 3 hours there to be done about 1pm (we've been before). On train to Naples at 1:30 for 2pm arrival. 2 hours in Sorrento to catch train to Naples at about 4pm. I'm seeing that will take between 45 mins & 1 hour & 20 mins? Is this correct? If so getting us to Naples by 5:30pm and on the 6pm train back to Rome to arrive at 7:07pm. What do you think? Advice?
Posted by
3124 posts
I think you'd run yourself ragged trying to do this in one day. Pompeii itself is a good (but fairly long) day trip from Rome, or if you really don't want to spend enough time to soak in very much of the Pompeii scavi then you could also stop at Herculaneum (Ercolano). Pompeii is a city (er, was a city when the Vesuvius eruption happened) so there is really a lot to see and it's very spread out.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23653 posts
It works. If that is want you want to do, then why are you asking for advice? Because -- most of us are going to tell you that you are nuts. It is too much for one day. Only 2 hrs. in Sorrento?? I can spend that much time in one of the cafes. Why go unless it is drive by trip to check the box -- Yep !! been there. Done that.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12048 posts
Spend the day in Ostia Antica and actually ENJOY your day, rather than a mad dash to Sorrento and just living to tell the tale.
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7054 posts
This question gets asked very frequently on this forum. Sometimes the poster even wants to throw in Positano or Mt. Vesuvius into the mix. Every response is uniformly similar. Bottom line: Don't do it, unless you want an unsatisfactory whirlwind trip where you're shortchanging each stop. My advice would be to base yourself in the area overnight, and don't write off Naples (it's a real gem with world class sites to see).
Here's an earlier thread that is similar to your Q:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/day-trip-from-rome-to-pompeii-sorrento-and-positano
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
Is it possible? Yes, it is. I strongly recommend against it. Sorrento is to be experienced, not just seen in one or two hours. Make it your base and see Amalfi coast, Capri, Pompeii ...
Posted by
OP
San Diego, CA, United States
219 posts
Thanks for the responses everyone. While I would like to spend all my time on the Amalfi coast it's just not in the plans for this trip. I tried searching this question prior to posting and didn't see anything similar, so I appreciate the link. Even though I know it's humanly possible to do this, there are still factors involved that I may not be aware of having never specifically done this day trip. That was my reason for asking. I have been to Pompeii and Sorrento before, so I was hoping that if we were in Pompeii and so close to Sorrento I would like to go, but maybe Naples is a better option. Appreciate all the input.