I could use some help with planning a few days in Sorrento/Paestum in September. Coming by train from Orvieto, I arrive in Sorrento on a Saturday and stay 4 nights. In that time I'd like to spend some time in Naples (pizza, Rick's walk, Archaeological Museum), see Pompeii, as well as Herculaneum and, if possible, go up to Vesuvius. I would also like to see the Amalfi Coast (maybe take one of those Mondo tours) and Capri. Is that way too full a plate? Rick's book suggests seeing Naples on the way down to Sorrento but later on he suggests leaving Pompeii by the back door, catching a train up to Naples and going right to the Archaeological Museum. Anyway, just wondering how you would divide up these four days in Sorrento. Thanks for any advice you have or any experiences you might share.
Posted by
Los Angeles by way of Providence and Rome
649 posts
It is easy to go between Sorrento and Naples on the Circumvesuviana train, also Sorrento to Pompeii. I would devote a day to the archeological sites, then another day to Naples including 2-3 hours in the archeological museum, as it contains everything that has been excavated and more. A whole day gives you a chance to experience the gritty vibe that is Naples as well as delicious pizza (and stop at a bakery for dessert). While some people visit both Pompeii and the museum in the same day, that's a lot considering both the Pompeii site and the museum are large, you have transit time between the two, and it will be hot. The Mondo tour of the Amalfi Coast is a full day too and in my experience worthwhile. That takes up three of the four days. I have not been to Vesuvius so not sure what is involved there. You also might want to consider having a hang-out day in Sorrrento, eating seafood by the water and enjoying the views. Il Delfino is a great restaurant for doing this. The food is quite different from Orvieto's.
Posted by
Michigan
511 posts
I think you won't be able to do all of those things in 4 days. Keep in mind that public transportation - and traffic, if you are renting a car or touring via van, etc - is, uh, not always timely. Capri is a half-day, minimum. Amalfi Coast tour is a (long) day (we used Mondo it was good but it was a long day for sure). Pompei is a day. Naples is a day. And Sorrento itself is worth a day or more as well (we really enjoyed the city).
It might make better sense, coming from Orvieto, to stop in Naples for a night or 2 if that works with your itinerary...do Naples and Pompei from there? I am sure others who know better will chime in here...
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7707 posts
With 4 nights you only have 3 full days
It will take most of the day to get from Orvieto to Sorrento
You’ll need at least another full day to accomplish all on your list
Archeological museum is closed on Tuesday
Posted by
OP
San Francisco, California, USA
171 posts
All very helpful advice. Thanks for the reminder that the museum in Naples is closed on Tuesday. Another factor to consider. And thanks for the seafood tip in Sorrento. Sounds like a must.