My boyfriend and I (ages 25 & 28) are going to Italy from May 8 thru the 17th. We are flying in and out of Rome and were originally planning to spend 3 days in Sorrento (w/ side trips to Capri, Pompeii, etc.), 3 days in Sicily (perhaps Taormina?), and then 3 days in Rome. I am now thinking we may not go to Sicily and spend more time in Sorrento since I don't know how much of Sicily we could cover in 3 days (really, 2.5 days since we'd leave at 3:30 on the 3rd day for our flight to Rome) without a rental car, and it may warrant a return trip on it's own. I am also realizing I might feel frustrated if we only have two full days in Sorrento (since the 1st day is when we arrive in Rome, and then take the train to Naples then Sorrento) with all of the interesting and beautiful things to explore in that area. Would it be a mistake to skip Sicily this trip? Or does it make sense to spend more time in Sorrento? Will we be bored after 4.5- 5 days there, and wishing we went to Sicily instead? Since Sicily would require a flight, a ferry, and a place to stay if we did go I would want to make that decision now- I don't think it's something we'd want to decide once we are already in Italy. Any advice would really be appreciated :) Thanks in advance!!
Posted by
In the Mountains, USA
689 posts
We loved the Sorrento area. We spent 5 days there and were sad to leave. We stayed in Massa Lubrense and explored all the villages on the tip of the penninsula. Very beautiful!
Posted by
Kentwood, Michigan, USA
166 posts
We have been to Sorrento many times and it's a place where you never get tired of going to. I have been to Sicily and that is a trip in it self. I personally think you need a minimum of two weeks in Sicily to really enjoy it. This is only my opinion.
Greg
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1883 posts
I'd recommend adding a day to Rome so you can take time to see sites outside of the city.
Skip Sicily, I think it would be better to spend a week there by itself.
Sorrento is OK, not a great city, but a good base for the Amalfi Coast, Pompei, etc.
Are you into hiking? There is a fun walk up the mountain from Atrani to Ravello.
I think Rome deserves 4-5 nights at least. From there you should see Orvieto, Ostia Antica, as well as all the sights in ancient Rome.
For a relaxing, not rushed, truly deep visit, split your time between Rome and Sorrento and skip Sicily this time over!
Posted by
Olympia
62 posts
I lived in Sicily but I think for this trip when you don't have a car I would skip Sicily and stay in Sorrento, both are a lovely areas.
Posted by
Italy
247 posts
You can easily spend the extra time in Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. See this area well and save Sicily for another trip.
Posted by
OP
Chicago, IL, US
4 posts
Thanks to all for your replies and suggestions! You've confirmed what I was thinking, I appreciate the reassurance :) Thanks also for the new ideas...I will look into Orvieto as well!
Posted by
Chicago, Il, USA
126 posts
Mary definitely save Sicily for another trip. I spent 2 weeks in Sicily last summer & barely scratched the surface. Enjoy Rome & the Amalfi Coast!