Hello -would love help in planning a 3 week trip in early May to Sorrento and Tuscany. I have not booked but the initial itinerary is as follows. Fly in and out of Rome (as we can fly direct). First night stay in Rome after flight near Termini train station. Next morning head to Sorrento via train. Sorrento would be our base for 7 plus nights. We would like to visit Pompeii, the Archaeological museum, hike Mount Vesuvius, day trip to Capri, day trip to Positano, hike path of the Gods. I was debating about staying in Minori 2 nights but not sure if this would eat up too much time moving hotels. We are a bit nervous about the crowds -from our research Sorrento and Minori appear to be less congested. We were planning on using the ferry for our day trips.
Part two of the trip would be to head to Tuscany by train to a major city and then rent a car and enjoy the quiet, scenic towns. Or reach small towns with bus/train if recommended.
This is our second trip to Italy. Would love help with recommendations on which towns in Tuscany would minimize travel time and heavy tourist spots and maximize picturesque and pleasant stays. We are retired so flexible but envisioning up to 3 weeks. Thank you for any recommendations.
Posted by
Michigan
570 posts
This May? 2026? If so, I would start by checking hotel availability first. You may be a bit late out the gate...
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
8983 posts
We just did a similar itinerary this past fall. Had been to Sorrento and AC before. Don’t make the mistake of thinking Sorrento won’t be congested- it absolutely will be! I would give the whole area more than 7 nights - since you have 3 weeks that should be doable.
We decided to pick up our car in Sorrento and just drove north- stopped in Orvieto for a few nights before heading to our favorite place in Pienza. This was an easy drive and so much better than the commuter train, transfers etc to get out of Sorrento
I would suggest heading to Salerno from Rome- it’s a direct fast train. Take the ferry (10 min from station) to Minori (if that is where you choose) and stay for 4 nights. That gives you time and easy access to see the coastal towns, hike, etc. Or spend a night or 2 in Salerno- it's a cool little town, not touristy at all and gives you easy access to Paestum which is fantastic.
Then get a driver to take you to Sorrento- from there visit Capri, Pompeii, Naples- so maybe 5 nights in Sorrento. I think I would be ready to leave after that amount of time. It is crowded. Transportation will be jammed and day tripping will become tiresome.
Do you intend to go all the way to Florence- stay a few days then pick up car to head thru Tuscany before returning to Rome?
Do you plan to spend any time IN Rome at end - if not just drop the car at FCO and stay there before your departure flight.
Above poster is correct- get your itinerary sorted out soon- accommodations will be limited already.
Posted by
Coral Gables, Florida
473 posts
With 7 nights, you have plenty of time for Naples, Capri and the AC. If you stay the 7 nights in Sorrento, you’ll just get a teaspoon of these places. Capri and the AC are especially nice after the day trippers leave.
I would do 3 or 4 nights in Naples. Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius are accessible from Naples. Naples has several great attractions in addition to the Archaeological Museum such as the Naples Duomo, the Sansevero Museum and the Church of Gesu Nuovo.
I would do 1 or 2 nights in Capri. There’s too much in Capri for just a day trip visit such as Gardens of Augustus, Villa San Michele, Monte Solaro, a boat trip around the island, and several walking paths with great views.
I would spend 2 or 3 nights in the Amalfi Coast. I would prefer Amalfi town because it’s the transportation hub, easy to get buses and ferries from there. This would allow you to explore various towns including Ravello and both gardens there, 4 or 5 hours in a day trip is not enough.
Sorrento doesn’t really have any comparable attractions to the ones above. Another thing, if you stay in Sorrento, note that Sorrento is packed at night because all the day trippers return home to Sorrento.
You would give up a lot of great attractions for 7 nights in Sorrento.