Unusual Day trip idea for Sorrento

Tracy, have you been to Ravello yet? You would need to go to Amalfi, then 30 minutes inland and uphill by bus. Many people consider it a highlight of the area. Beautiful small town, great views, a couple wonderful estates with gardens, good hiking possibilities.

Another vote for Ravello! Go to the Villa Cimbrone gardens for beautiful views of the sea.

Ravello is also somewhat on the posh side, but that's definitely something to consider.

Tracy,

I don't know if this would be something you would be interested in, travel time from Napoli

Centrale is 46 minutes. Fare is 3,50 euro. Very few N Americans even know it exist.

http://www.madeinsouthitalytoday.com/caserta-royal-palace.php

Versailles of Italy. I have been 4 times and still have not explored the whole site.

Edit: If you don't want to go that far, then Ravello would be a great choice.

Another vote for Ravello. The gardens of villa Cimbrone, a beer on the main piazza and a visit to "wine and drug" (which is really a wine store.

Another vote for Ravello. For me, if it's a choice between Capri and Ravello, I'd go with the latter. Anacapri is nice, but can't match Ravello. Also, Ravello is so much easier to get to. In addition to the attractions already mentioned, be sure to visit its beautiful little duomo.

Ravello sounds wonderful! Thank you for the great idea - I think that is the winner!

Tracy

Wow! Thanks, Gerri, for the link. You're right; we've been to Italy a number of times, and never considered this palace. Next time, for sure.

Gerri, thank you! I can't believe I never even heard of this place. For whatever reason, we have never made it to Naples on a few trips to Italy. This is a game changer for future planning for us. Thanks again.

To all of you now heading to Salerno, also visit Paestum - Greek ruins with some Roman expansion, a beach, a very good museum, and mozzarella farms.

As Gerri says Caserta is amazing. We visited; primarily because our son wanted to see where a part of Star Wars was filmed, and loved it. A highlight was hiring bikes to cycle around the gardens.

Sadly, the place has hawkers inside the gates, filthy toilets, and a decrepit garden before the front entrance.

Unlike Versailles there is no option to take tours beyond the main rooms. If the place was managed and promoted as well as Versailles is by the French, it would be a must see destination known around the world.