Southern Italy/amalfi coast

I would certainly not go to Sicily for two nights. It's more a minimum-of-two-weeks sort of place--and that's if you have a rental car. Fabulous island with interesting sights scattered all over. I'd definitely choose places on the mainland with only a week.

What time of year is your trip? Are you flying in and out of Rome? Naples?

I've spent essentially no time in the Amalfi/Positano/Sorrento area, but when I manage to get there, I hope to spend 3 nights on Capri. I recently spent 7 nights in Naples and found much to enjoy there, plus it's a good base for visiting Pompeii and Herculaneum if such places interest you.

In and out of Rome (Rome will have to wait for another trip) mid September?
Capri is a good idea. And Pompeii.
Just in the beginning of the planning stages & appreciate the input!

There's a little train (the Circumvesuviana) that runs from Sorrento through Pompeii and up to Naples, so Pompeii is easily reached from several bases in that area. Some of the best decorative pieces from Pompeii are now in the excellent archeological museum up in Naples, which is a very worthwhile stop; it's quite large.

You'll need to spend your last night up in Rome so you don't have a risky commute to the airport on departure day. Depending on how your itinerary comes together, you might consider heading back to Rome early on that last day so you'd have the afternoon to see a sight or two.

That is very helpful advice.
Thank you!

How many NIGHTS will you actually have on the ground in Italy?

You’ll need to be IN Rome the night before your departure flight

Because of the time it takes to get to Sorrento it should get at least 4 nights-which really equals 3.5 days and that half day is jet lag day if you travel right to Sorrento on arrival

Believe me, I know. I’ve been trying to explain this to my travel companion. I’d love to extend the trip to 10 days (but not sure if that will happen). So as it stands now:
Day 1, travel day to Rome, sleep in Rome?
Day 2 travel to Sorrento
Days 3-5 stay in Sorrento & day trips to amalfi, Pompeii??
Day 6 travel to Rome, sleep in Rome
Day 7 fly out of Rome
I’m also trying to convince travel companion to fly in/out of Naples.

You have 5 nights
Day 1 and Day 7 are travel days

You’ll be landing in Rome in the am of Day 2
Head right to Sorrento for 4 nights
Return to Rome on night 5
Fly home

Flying in/out of Naples would be great if you can
Where are you flying from?

Flying in/out of Naples would be great if you can Where are you flying
from?

I quite agree. I've flown out of Naples Capodochino airport twice, and although it's much smaller comparatively to Roma Fiumicino, I seemed to find my way much better in Naples. To me, both airports are equally chaotic!

No direct flights to Naples from anywhere in the US. Probably would have to connect through Munich, which is a great airport--very efficient, and duty-free chocolate! We've flown Lufthansa both times, and have been happy.

Finally, if you do end up flying in & out of Naples, when leaving, you can take the Curreri bus (research it on this forum) for cheap & efficient travel door-to-door from Sorrento train station to the airport.

There are direct flights to Naples from Newark -United (expensive but does exist - I’ve been tracking fall prices for that flight)

Hi Swen,
Sicily deserves a whole trip of its own.
We just returned from the Amalfi coast. Would recco basing in Minori, for that authentic feel that most folks seek in Italy. It also has a top-quality pastry shop cum restaurant.
Positano is the Insta capital of the universe--most locals suggest taking a few fotos from its periphery....then leaving for somewhere more worthy of your time.
Good luck.
I am done. the end