We only have 5 Days in Italy...Help!!!

So how many nights do you have total 4 or 5?

I would fly into Rome and fly out of Naples. There are so many different things you could do. if you have 5 nights total, one idea is to take the fast train to Salerno from Rome (2 hours), then catch the ferry over to Positano and stay there. that is what we are doing...seeing the Amalfi Coast from the sea. We are staying in Positano for 3 nights and not doing any day trips except perhaps 1/2 day to Amali Town. The last day we are going to Naples dropping off our luggage at the hotel and then going to tour Pompeii. Enjoy one last night in Naples, then leave from there.

If you have only 4 nights, I would stay in Sorrento as you say...much less driving around. I would have one base on the Amalfi Coast and do day trips if that's what you want to do.

Lulu - We have 5 full days + 2 for traveling in and out. Thanks!!!

So...5 full days. Yes, fly into Rome, out of Naples. Up until October (I think) you could--after 1 full day in Rome--take the train Rome to Salerno, then take the ferry to any of the Amalfi Coast points (Amalfi, Positano, Sorrento) & stay there 3 nights. Or...use Salerno as a base for four nights, with easy transport for daytrips to Paestum, the Amalfi Coast, Pompei, Naples. And Salerno is a charming small city in itself, with fabulous food in its Old Town and a 10th Century cathedral. Transport to Napoli Capodochino airport from Salerno is only 45 minutes, so you don't have to stay in Naples the night before your flight.

Mindy-
We have been to Sorrento many times and you are correct that is where you want to be. More restaurants and a great transportation hub. Take the Eurostar from Rome to Naples and have a car service pick you up to get to Sorrento about 45-60 minutes by car with great views along the ocean as you come in. From Sorrento you can catch a boat to Capri for a great day trip as well as to Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. When are you going? I know a tour service there that can take care of all of the logistics.

Brian

Is it 5 days or 5 nights? I hope 5 nights so you have 4 full days. With such a short time, I would suggest you go directly to Sorrento when you land at FCO, or better yet, fly into Naples and take a bus from there to Sorrento. Make Sorrento your base and take day trips: Pompeii, Capri or Ischia, Amalfi Town, Positano.

I agree with Jay about 1 full day in rome:

Day 1 (arrival day): Rome (you will be jetlagged)
Day 2: Rome
Day 3: Leave EARLY...get to AC
Day 4: AC
Day 5 AC
Day 7: Leave for home

With this schedule you just have 3 nights (2.5 days total) on the Amalfi coast. Normally I would say stay in Sorrento as it's much closer to Naples the day of your departure and just do daytrips. However, I read on Trip Advisors the ferries are not currently running from Sorrento to the other AC towns due to WW2 things being found in the sea. Not sure how long this will go on. This does not effect private transfers by sea anywhere. The ferries are still running from Salerno to the other AC towns...so Jay's suggestions as far as staying in Salerno is one to consider.

Thanks everyone! You guys are awesome!!!

Brian - We are not sure when we will go, but it will have to be in 2016. When is the best time? (I just need to have something to plan at all times! lol)

Mindy-
As far as the time of year depends on what you like to do and whether you like the heat. Many of the restauarnts and shops close at the end of October for the season. Most will say May and June when it is not as hot as July and August which can be brutal.

I agree with Laurel, fly into Naples take the Curreri Viaggi bus to Sorrento. This is the
least painful way to go.

Stay in one location. Sorrento has the best transportation options. Bus, Train and Ferry.

Day 1. Travel

Day 2. Arrive Napoli, bus to Sorrento 1H29m.

Day 3. Amalfi Coast...Amalfi & Ravello

Day 4. Amalfi Coast...Capri

Day 5. Amalfi Coast...Sorrento & Positano

Day 6. Amalfi Coast. If you have an early flight, head to Naples mid-afternoon.
or use this day to go to Pompeii on the way to Naples.

Day 7. Travel

I can't imagine trying to fly into Rome and do anything other than wandering around the
first day. Then loosing 1/2 day going to Sorrento on 2nd. day. Not relaxing!!

Look at United/Lufthansa for good arrival and departure times.

May or September. In fact we should all be there NOW !! (Instead of typing away here)

Day 1 Travel to Sorrento (4 nts)
Day 2 Day to Capri
Day 3 Day to Pompeii
Day 4 Day to Positano + Amalfi
Day 5 Transfer to Naples (2 nts)
Day 6 Day exploring Naples
Day 7 Travel

Sorrento is not on the Amalfi Coast, but you can get there in an hour or so by bus. Good advice so far.

Zoe - I know...I should have said "Sorrento & the AC" ;)

Skip Rome if at all possible. Time is money on vacations, especially short ones. If you can get a flight directly into/out of Naples do it. This will maximise your time and enjoyment. The A/C Towns you want to visit are up to you. Go in April, May, June, or Oct.