Five of us will be traveling from Rome via the Trenitalia to Naples (traveling light), with plans to stay 3 nights in Sorrento. I am trying to find the best solution to get from the train station, to the Archaeological Museum, to Pompeii, and then a transfer to our destination in Sorrento. Any suggestions on making this a smooth travel day?
With 5, you could look into private car options, but the issue would be paying someone to sit around while you see the sites. A private tour company would be another option, again pricey, but it may work. The low cost option is to find a bag check at the Naples Station, drop the bags, walk to the Museum, do that, maybe have pizza for lunch, hop on the Circumvesuvia train, stop at Pompeii, the site has a bag check, see that, then back on the Circumvesuvia to Sorrento. Be aware that you are looking at a full day, good couple hours doing the museum, another 2-3 at Pompeii, and an hour or two travel time.
I am definitely interested in the possibility of a Private Car. This particular travel Day on our Adventure will be Dads birthday & I was thinking a private car/tour would be an excellent surprise for an easy travel experience & seeing some sights he's wanted to see for a lifetime.
Since you arrive via train already, the easiest way is take the Circumvesuviana train (same station where you arrive, but downstairs in the underground) to Sorrento and stop along the way at Pompei-Villa dei Misteri station. The Archeological site is 2 min. walk from the station. The Archeological site has a luggage storage office (deposito bagagli) where you can leave your luggage while you visit the ruins. When you are done with the visit, pick up your luggage, walk back to the station and proceed via the Circuvesuviana train to Sorrento (which is the last station on that line). The Circumvesuviana train is a commuter train. There might be some graffiti on the train cars outside, but nothing to be scared of. That line is used by plenty of commuters daily.
You can always hire a private guide on site. There are plenty. But having a driver waiting for hours outside while you visit the place is going to cost you.
We have decided that we in fact may be trying to take in too much for one day. Instead, we plan to visit the Archaeological Myseum on our way to Sorrento, then on another day we will use AP Tours Sorrento & take a private tour w/ guide to Pompeii, Vesuvius, Herculaneum adding a stop at a local winery for lunch. I think we will see more this way, & be able to travel at our own pace.