I'm planning on going by train from Orvieto to Sorrento on a Saturday in September. I have 4 nights booked in Sorrento and I would like to see some of Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, possibly Vesuvius, and the Amalfi Coast (without missing out on Sorrento itself!). I already have a tour of the Amalfi coast booked for the last day (Tuesday) but I still have 2 full days open (Sunday and Monday), along with some of Saturday.
First question: Would you stop off somewhere on the way down or go straight to Sorrento? I would have to change trains in Rome and Naples to get to Sorrento.
Second question: Where would you stop off? Naples, Herculaneum or Pompeii? In Naples, I want to visit the Archaeological Museum, take Rick's 2 hour self-guided walk (with a stop at the Sansavero Chapel), have some pizza and not get robbed. If I didn't have enough time to do all of that, I wouldn't mind going back on another day to finish. If I chose Herculaneum, I suppose I wouldn't have time for Vesuvius but that could also be another day. What about Pompeii? I wouldn't want to get to Sorrento too late in the evening. Is it a mistake to travel with my (Rick Steves) backpack on the regional train between Herculaneum/Pompeii on to Sorrento? I think there's a better train from Naples... not sure.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
8209 posts
I’d spend those 2 nights in Naples-that only gives you remainder of your arrival day and full day next day
You’ve listed enough in Naples alone to fill that time
Visit Pompeii and Ercalano from Sorrento without baggage
There is only 1 train from Naples to Sorrento-the Circumvesuviana
ETA oh I think I am reading this wrong!
You just want to stop along the way-not extra nights?
If that is the case stop for Pompeii -Baggage storage there , then use a full day to visit just Naples
Posted by
OP
San Francisco, California, USA
188 posts
Thank you Christine. Baggage storage is definitely something to consider. Pompeii seems a good choice but it might be a moot point because it looks like I would have to leave Orvieto at 7:25 AM. Not easy because the train station is way below the old town and you take a funicular which only starts running at 7:15. There seems to be a big gap in the train schedules or making the connection from Rome to Naples. It's looking like I may not be able to make a stopover anywhere. But Pompeii might be possible. Thanks again.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
8209 posts
Don-
We had the same issue when we planned travel from Orvieto to Naples a few years ago. It looks like the September schedule is basically all loaded so that's not the problem. There is a regional at 8:57 to Tiburtina then Fast train to Naples but doesn't get you to Naples til 2 pm. It's a long haul from Orvieto to Naples!
If you want to catch the 7:25 you could take a taxi down to the station. That's what we did- I think it was about 10-12 euros.
There is also a bus but I don't know when that starts running. Maybe ask your lodging host?
The other option would be to drop a night in Sorrento and stay first night in Naples. That gives you time on Saturday to see the museum, have pizza, do the RS walk that evening.
In the am- see Sansovera- (that doesn't take much time) then head to Pompeii.
You would have Sun pm in Sorrento, all day Monday plus the pm on Tuesday in Sorrento- love Sorrento but that is probably enough time there.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16733 posts
You could stop in Naples a few hours (you can leave the luggage at the train station) then make your way to Sorrento with the Circumvesuviana train in the evening. Pompeii is another option (Pompeii also a luggage storage at the station and at the Archeological park). Pompeii is closer to Sorrento, so that is an easy day trip from Sorrento as well (after you are checked-in at the hotel and unencumbered by luggage). Naples requires time to visit all, but if you stop along the way, you can at least complete some visits (like the MANN or other easy sights), although you may not have time for dinner there.
Posted by
OP
San Francisco, California, USA
188 posts
Thank you Christine and Roberto. Taxi sounds like the way to go if I want to catch that early train out of Orvieto. Hmmm... hadn't thought of spending the first night in Naples. Makes sense. I'll look into that. Yeah, Orvieto to Sorrento seems quite the journey. I'm trying to follow the itinerary in Rick's book as best I can. Roberto's right... Pompeii makes more sense from Sorrento.
Thanks again to both of you for the advice. Very helpful.