Winter stay

Our plan was to stay in Sorrento and travel from there

Fran, we haven't done it in winter but Sorrento wouldn't be a place I'd base for three weeks out of season or if you intend to do a lot of traveling around. Although it IS a better location than many for touring the Amalfi coastal region, unless you are planning on renting a car for your stay (and you'll want to do some reading up on ZTLs if that's the case) it's just not the best for frequent trips further afield, Naples and points in between aside. Most of the ferries won't be running, it's served only by local commuter train versus high-speed rail, or SITA buses. Much of the coast will indeed be very quiet in winter.

I'm a bit curious why you chose Sorrento over more central locations which are easier to day-trip from, and why only one base? With three weeks you could easily spread your stay over 3 locations without feeling like you're moving around too much. As far as suggestions, that depends on what you want to do/see it Italy and how you intend to get around?

"As far as suggestions, that depends on what you want to do/see it Italy and how you intend to get around?"

Yes, we need to know this before we can give any help. Otherwise, we're just throwing darts.

Kathy made great points. Sorrento is only well placed for the Amalfi and Sorrentine coasts - place like Capri, Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Salerno, Amalfi, and Ravello. Anywhere further afield will be hard to reach, and not really day trip distance. With three weeks, even if you do want to spend some time in the Sorrento area, you'll probably want one or two other bases.

With a car, a small town base could work, but in the winter you'll probably want a bigger town or city. Without a car, a city will work much better. For me, the opportunity to see the art treasures of Rome and Florence without huge crowds would mean I'd want some time in both cities - but again, that's my interests, which may not be yours.

Don't overlook Sicily, particularly if you will have a car. One to two weeks there will allow you see much of the island, and I'm told the weather can be nice even in January (of course, it can also be rainy).

For me, the opportunity to see the art treasures of Rome and Florence
without huge crowds would mean I'd want some time in both cities

Exactly! That would be a BIG plus, IMHO, if those types of things suit you.

Thank you all for your kind replies. I should have included more formation, as we've traveled to many areas of Italy in the past, Rome, Florence, Venice, Lucca, Cinque Terre. Your input has definitely been helpful! We've shifted our focus, for the time being, to Cape Town, S.A. as an alternative.
Thank you, all.
Fran

I suspectthey pour a very ordinary spritz in Cape Town.

Harold, you've got us thinking again of Sicily. That was our plan in "round one" and I think I'll revisit the possibility. We have friends in Cape Town, but the flight is soooo long! We could also, as both you and Kathy mentioned, spend time in Rome without the crowds. Okay, on to round 4!
Thank you, again. I'm new to this forum and grateful for your time and thought.

I'm new to this forum....

Welcome to the tribe! :O)