Can anyone advise us on the best way to travel from Seina to Sorrento? There doesn't seem to be a direct route without transferring a couple of times. We will either go by train or bus. We are only taking carry on luggage. This is our first time out of the country. We have studied Rick Steve's book and it looks like there are a couple of options. We would just like to here what other people have expierenced. Thanks.
You said it...if you travel by train or bus, you will have to transfer. Sorrento is off the main train line, as it is from the bus line.
That is travel in Italy! Just be aware of the changes, and be prepared to get off the train or bus. If you take the bus, you may have to place your luggage in the area under the bus, so be ready to grab it quickly during transfers. You can carry your luggage on the train, but it might have to occupy the area by your feet if no space on an empty seat.
Our trip from Talamone to Bologna in May this year took 2 bus transfers and 2 train transfers...and that was with 2 bike cases an 2 pieces of luggage. If we can do it with all that - you can do it with carry on!
it's fun, and part of the experience of being/traveling in Italy!
Beth - You have a complicated trip ahead of you. But enjoy the train rides and it won't be too hard.
First, you need to get from Siena to Rome. That will likely require a transfer in Chiusi (you can look at all of the options on www.trenitalia.it). There are frequent trains. Then you'll need to get from Rome Termini station to Naples - Napoli Centrale. Again, many trains daily.
Then in Naples you transfer to a local line called the Circumvesuviana. It's a commuter train that runs to Sorrento past Herculaneum and Pompeii.
And then you're in Sorrento! Have a limoncello!
We've done this twice and it's very easy. The very best way we found was taking a train from Siena to Rome, then a train from Rome to Naples, then the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento. On the 1st two trains there will be a large area in each car for luggage. On the 3rd train you can keep the luggage on the seat next to you, or on the floor if the train is crowded (just have it next to you whatever situation presents itself). The train from Siena to Rome takes about 2-2.5 hrs, train from Rome to Naples takes 1 hr, and the Circumvesuviana to Sorrento takes about 1 hr. We always had reservations for the 1st two trains, you can't get reservation for the Circumvesuviana but we never had a problem. The Circumvesuviana is a commuter train and will be full of tourists. It's also the train to take for Pompeii, Herculaneum and Mt. Vesuvius from Sorrento. RS explains in his guidebooks how to get train reservations, it's simple. We absolutely fell in love with Italy and Sorrento in particular.