Sorrento vs. extra days in Rome

Sorrento is my favorite place in Italy, and 2 nights isn't enough. I think many will recommend cutting it, but I hope you don't. If it were me, I would cut a day from Florence and add it to Sorrento. On our first trip to Rome, we only had 2 nights and saw a LOT. Second time, we had 4 nights in Rome, and for me, it was too long. But everyone is different...

Hi Elaina, Congrats on your 2nd anniversary trip. You picked a great country for a romantic vacation. I also recommend that (unless you are great art museum and Duomo fans) that you take one day away from Florence and add it to Sorrento. We had 3 nights and would have liked 4. It's very romantic and relaxing there with the beautiful coastline and picturesque villages. It truly will be your "vacation from your vacation". Your other plans look just right. Ciao, Sherry

I would also cut a day (or two) from Florence & add it to Rome &/or Sorrento. Two full days in Florence was enough for me. We were in Rome for 4 full days and I still felt it wasn't enough & I know 2 days in Sorrento isn't enough either. Could you add just a few more days to your trip? I know the answer is probably "no" but it would sure make sense to cut a day from Florence & add it to Sorrento & then add another day or two to Rome. I'm assuming you're flying out of Rome...is that correct? Personally, I'd visit either Sorrento or Rome & not both because I think each place deserves more than just 2 days and then I'd plan to visit the other place on the next trip but it's up to you. If your husband really wants to see Rome, you can definitely make a dent in Rome in 2 days; you'll probably see quite a lot in 2 days but it will be a pretty fast pace.

Congratulations! I too think you need more time in Rome and Sorrento. I'll go out on a limb and say you should skip Florence and do 4 nights in each of the other cities. Unless there is really something you have your heart set on seeing in Florence. It's very museum oriented, and you can get plenty of art in Venice, Rome and even on the Amalfi Coast. I was in Florence years ago, and it did not leave me with a favorable impression. So I am "tainted" somewhat. No doubt a Florence lover will chime in as a counterpoint to me. Venice is magical and a great place to recover from jetlag. We spent 4 nights there the first trip and truly could have spent one more. If you tire of Venice itself, you have time to tour the laguna islands, or pop over to Padova for a day. I have not been to Sorrento yet, but already booked 6 nights there next trip for Pompeii, Amalfi, hiking the Sentiero degli Dei, Naples, etc. I love the "vacation from vacation" concept! Although our vacations tend to be pretty active, this area of Italy is less city/more country for a change of pace. (Well except Naples itself.) Rome is so complex and interesting, I cannot imagine trying to "do" it in 2.5 days. Do list out the sites and experiences you absolutely must have in Rome and see how full your days are. Note the time and days sites are open and where you need advanced reservations. Leave time for just walking and enjoying, sitting in a piazza for un apertivo, holding hands, strolling. Ahhhh, Roma! Then you'll have a better idea of how much time you need in Rome. (You'll probably want more though.) But yes, if you leave Sorrento super duper early (a 0800 Circumvesuviana will do), you'll get that extra half day in Rome.

Take the advice of cutting a day from Florence and adding it to Rome.

Here's another vote to cut Florence by a day and add it to Rome. (You can't "do" Rome in three days either, but it's better than two.) Happy travels.

I would take one or two nights from Florence. If you take one, add it to Sorrento. If you take two, add one to Sorrento and one to Rome. We only spent 3 nights in Rome and we were able to cover a lot of ground. Have a great trip!!

You can cut 2 days from Florence and add it to Sorrento. If you are a museum lover, you can see the Uffizi and Accademia in two days. Try not to do the two in one day (overload.) The Duomo really deserves a visit. Please remember to book your museum reservations in advance so that you don't have to wait in line (a big waste of time.) I've been to Florence and while I loved it, I don't have the desire to return - however, Venice, Sorrento and Rome are entirely a different story. I will never tire of those three.
Re: Pompei. Try to get there early in the morning. It is large and it can get hot.

All, Thank you so much for your insight. It sounds like the general consensus is we do need more time in Rome, but to not cut out Sorrento. You insight is invaluable.
I should mention that we are doing a Chianti wine tour on one day in Florence, so that will really give us just 2-2.5 days to see Florence spots. Reviewing your comments I thought about the dropping one day in Florence, however we have already pre-paid our hotel (received a better rate) and its non-refundable. I don't know if it's worth forfeiting $100 to add a add to Rome. It might be as this is a trip we have beening wanting to take for a while. I agree, making a list of our priorities is important and will help us focus our trip and ensure our ability to hopefully see them all! Thanks again! If anyone has an additional comments based upon this post--I would love to hear them!

It's hard to do, but I think you should give up a prepaid night in Florence and add it to Sorrento. Right now it looks like you will be traveling to Sorrento from Florence on Friday, giving you only a half-day there, and you'll spend most of the day Saturday in Pompeii. You really need an extra day to enjoy the Amalfi Coast itself, taking the SITA bus to Positano and/or Amalfi, perhaps a boat back to Sorrento. Others may not agree, but I think 2 1/2 days is plenty of time for Rome.

I agree with Charlene!