Quick trip to southern Italy

Sorrento is a popular base for exploring Pompeii. You have lots of options for hotels as there are several perched on the dramatic cliffs overlooking the sea.

Having been to Italy many times I think I might like to visit Naples for a few days, although I hear it’s not for the faint of heart.

Sorrento is an easy choice. Good transportation options. You can take high-speed trains from Florence to Naples then choose bus, Circumvesuviana, or ferry (may be seasonal?) to Sorrento. Easy to go to Pompeii by train and to day trip the Amalfi Coast by bus. Three nights minimum, I would day, but try to have 4 nights in Rome.

IMHO, it depends on what you are looking for. Sorrento is quite touristy, so in easy walking distance, there is lots to do and see. There is also a termendous number of limoncello stands, the unique opportunity to see the Sorrentese wood inlaid expertise and enjoy easy access to the sea. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a place that is authentically a larger Italian working city Naples may be a better choice. Either have relatively easy access to Pompeii. Although Pompeii is not our thing, I hear that Herculaneum is almost a better bet for experiencing what happened during the vulcanic eruption, so that may be something to consider on your list as well.

BTW, Naples is barely south. I always think of it as the beginning of the South. So much more down there to see. We will be headed to Sorrento as our beginning to our Calabrian-Sicilian trip about the same time you are going. Have loads of fun!

Thanks for the input!

If you are considering Sorrento, be aware that the only train there is the Circumvesuviana, a dingy commuter train known for its pickpockets, which you catch at the Naples main train station. If you time it right, you can book a ticket on the Campania Express instead--which uses the same tracks but is air-conditioned, much less crowded, and safer--but it only runs four times a day. Online sales only for the Campania Express is at http://ots.eavsrl.it--there is no online sales for the standard Circumvesuviana. The other alternative is to take a taxi or the Metro from the main Naples train station to the port, and then take a ferry to Sorrento. If you go to Pompeii, don't miss the Archaeological Museum in Naples--it has all the treasures excavated at Pompeii.

thanks T. for the additional info