Rome to sorrento on our own

Experienced traveler here has a question

Going with just my 16 yo on a land based France and Italy trip next summer

We have it all under control up to an including Rome but want to add perhaps 4 nights in sorrento on our own as a home base for day trips

So....

Train from Rome to Naples..

Then local private train line I'm told from Naples to sorrento ( can't recall the name of that train line other than it being called the pickpocket express)

I understand busses are available at sorrento train station for day trips to the smaller towns like amalfi and Positano and I imagine to Pompeii and even mt Vesuvius?

And ferry to Capri from sorrento I assume from the port ? Btw does anyone know how close the port is to the train station?

Fwiw we have been to the area before but that was either escorted or on a cruise port stop so all of this is basically just a revisit. However we never stayed this many days and want to really absorb it up

So if you kind knowledgeable folks don't mind can you answer the following....

1. Are my above assumptions from my research and recollection correct?

2. Is the train station area in sorrento safe to stay near?

3. What or where should we look for a hotel? We like water btw as Mediterranean island blood is our ancestry so beachfront is preferable but of course with easy enough navigation to transport for those day trips

4. Thanks in advance!!!

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There are actually very few locals posting on TA, unless you go to the Italian language forums.

The train line between Rome and Sorrento is the Circumvesuviana. During the summer months (May - October) there is an additional service run by the same company called the Campania Express. This would be the ideal for you, fewer people, almost guaranteed a seat, and lack of petty crime because there are no stops for them to get off at after committing their crimes.

You can see the regular Circumvesuviana schedule from Naples to Sorrento here: http://www.eavsrl.it/web/sites/default/files/eavferro/Napoli%20-%20Sorrento_1.pdf

As it's off season right now they don't have anything on their new website about the Campania Express, but keep checking back in the spring.

http://www.eavsrl.it/web/linee

Yes, the area around the train station in Sorrento is safe. It's a pretty vanilla town.

The pier is below the main part of town, you can use a local bus or a public elevator (1 euro fee) to get up to the main part of town.

Sorrento lift info: http://www.sorrentolift.it/en/

There really isn't a beach in Sorrento, there are what they call "bathing platforms", which are basically long narrow piers built into the cove with ladders or stairs down to the water. I personally can't imagine how that could be pleasant for anyone but lots of people do it.

Since there's no beach there really aren't any beach front hotels, or at least not like ones in places with actual beaches. Most hotels have pools however. We spent a week at the Bristol a few years ago and loved the views over the water to Vesuvio. The hotel had a pool on the roof for great views.

http://www.bristolsorrento.com/

As for day trips, for the Amalfi Coast you have a choice of the public SITA bus system (very crowded), the private Coast-to-Coast tourist but, or ferries in the summer. The ferry is by far the most comfortable and generally the fastest way to get around.

For Pompei you use the Circumvesuviana railroad. The Campania Express does stop at Pompei if you'd rather use that.

For Vesuvio you'd take the Circumvesuviana or the Campania Express to either Pompei or Ercolano where you can get private bus or van tours to the base of the Grand Cone of the volcano. There is no direct bus service from Sorrento to Vesuvio. There are private operators who run day trips, however.

Experienced traveler here has a question

 

Going with just my 16 yo on a land based France and Italy trip next summer

 

We have it all under control up to an including Rome but want to add perhaps 4 nights in sorrento on our own as a home base for day trips

 

So....

 

Train from Rome to Naples..

 

Then local private train line I'm told from Naples to sorrento ( can't recall the name of that train line other than it being called the pickpocket express)

 

I understand busses are available at sorrento train station for day trips to the smaller towns like amalfi and Positano and I imagine to Pompeii and even mt Vesuvius?

 

And ferry to Capri from sorrento I assume from the port ? Btw does anyone know how close the port is to the train station?

 

Fwiw we have been to the area before but that was either escorted or on a cruise port stop so all of this is basically just a revisit. However we never stayed this many days and want to really absorb it up

 

So if you kind knowledgeable folks don't mind can you answer the following....

 

1. Are my above assumptions from my research and recollection correct?

 

2. Is the train station area in sorrento safe to stay near?

 

3. What or where should we look for a hotel? We like water btw as Mediterranean island blood is our ancestry so beachfront is preferable but of course with easy enough navigation to transport for those day trips

 

4. Thanks in advance!!!

 

 

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The train you are thinking of is the Circumvesuviana - it is the local commuter train. There is another that Eurocruiser mentioned.

Ferries for Capri depart from Sorrento's Marina Piccola. In the summer, ferries depart about every 30 minutes. Leaving Sorrento, I recommend sitting on the left side of the ferry as that is where you will see the most beautiful views of the coast. Marina Piccola is only a 12 minute walk from the train station - as previously mentioned, you can take the elevator or bus.

Ercolano Scavi is the closest station with Mount Vesuvius access. For visiting Mount Vesuvius, you can catch the Circumvesuviana to Ercolano Scavi & from outside the station, you can take the bus to Vesuvius ( Vesuvio Express shuttle - you can google their website). For Pompeii, take the Circumvesuviana to Pompeii Scavi.

As Euro mentioned, Sorrento is a very safe town. I would not, however, recommend staying near the train station - I don't find the area particularly beautiful like the hotels that face the sea. I've stayed at 2 different hotels on separate land trips: 1) Antiche Mura (near Piazza Tasso - great location) and 2) Grand Excelsior Vittoria (more expensive than Antiche but has gorgeous sea views from some rooms - also excellent location near Tasso).

Sounds like a lovely trip - have fun!

Thanks. I've been doing some research since posting and def staying at a hotel with pool and view

As long as we are within reasonable walking distance to transport it will be ok.

My thinking is ferries as much as possible and a a tour operator to the volcano

We've been to Pompeii and no real interest in Herc.

Positano Capri (been there) and amalfi (1st time) and the volcano (my other kids loved it) are on the list for this trip

The kid speaks Italian so no worries about going to lesser traveled places...any suggestions?

No car either as I've driven all over sicily and Italy back in the day but that was with 2 drivers and a very expensive automatic transmission car. Lol

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Positano Capri (been there) and amalfi (1st time) and the volcano (my other kids loved it) are on the list for this trip

 

The kid speaks Italian so no worries about going to lesser traveled places...any suggestions?

 

 

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Are you interested in suggestions re: the Amalfi Coast or elsewhere in Italy?

If the Amalfi, Ravello is lovely. Ravello's Villa Cimbrone Gardens are wonderful and sport incredible views. You can also enjoy hiking in the area, even hike down to Amalfi if you wish. If you are looking for an excellent meal, I heartily recommend Cumpa' Cosimo.

Paestum is amazing if you have an interest in archaeology - the temples are incredible!

Don't know what interests you & your teen, but I've included a link to Fodor's Amalfi guide (lists many sights that you can peruse to see which, if any, appeals to you).

http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/italy/amalfi-coast/things-to-do/sights

Luvtheships, can I suggest that you rethink Herculaneum?

There are huge differences between it and Pompeii, not least the scale of each.

Pompeii covers a very large area with lots of walking to see the main sites.

Herculaneum by contrast is much smaller. You get wonderful views looking down into from the approach and overall many of the properties are much more complete. It is a very different site in many ways and in some ways a more enjoyable overall experience.

You could look at Tripadvisor reviews and photos to help you decide because it would be a shame to simply dismiss it as "second rate and not worth going to".

The other advantage is that it is an easy 10 minute walk from Ercolano Scavi train station. Same station as Vesuvius. Outside this station is the rank where taxi drivers offer the trips up to Vesuvius.

You could do both in the one day, one in the morning one in the afternoon. When you exit the train station look up. If you can see the top of Vesuvius go there first. If cloudy go to Herculaneum first in the hope that the cloud has lifted in the afternoon.

Luvtheships, can I suggest that you rethink Herculaneum?

 

 

 

There are huge differences between it and Pompeii, not least the scale of each.

 

 

 

Pompeii covers a very large area with lots of walking to see the main sites.

 

 

 

Herculaneum by contrast is much smaller. You get wonderful views looking down into from the approach and overall many of the properties are much more complete. It is a very different site in many ways and in some ways a more enjoyable overall experience.

 

 

 

You could look at Tripadvisor reviews and photos to help you decide because it would be a shame to simply dismiss it as "second rate and not worth going to".

 

 

 

The other advantage is that it is an easy 10 minute walk from Ercolano Scavi train station. Same station as Vesuvius. Outside this station is the rank where taxi drivers offer the trips up to Vesuvius.

 

 

 

You could do both in the one day, one in the morning one in the afternoon. When you exit the train station look up. If you can see the top of Vesuvius go there first. If cloudy go to Herculaneum first in the hope that the cloud has lifted in the afternoon.

We've done Pompeii and my older kids did Herc

Not sure if we will do either again but perhaps Vesuvius and then Herc.

Or just Vesuvius alone.

If she wants to do Herc I'll do it no problem

She's very academic and once we sit down and discuss it further we will probable do Herc

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Are you interested in suggestions re: the Amalfi Coast or elsewhere in Italy?

 

If the Amalfi, Ravello is lovely. Ravello's Villa Cimbrone Gardens are wonderful and sport incredible views. You can also enjoy hiking in the area, even hike down to Amalfi if you wish. If you are looking for an excellent meal, I heartily recommend Cumpa' Cosimo.

 

Paestum is amazing if you have an interest in archaeology - the temples are incredible!

 

Don't know what interests you & your teen, but I've included a link to Fodor's Amalfi guide (lists many sights that you can peruse to see which, if any, appeals to you).

 

http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/italy/amalfi-coast/things-to-do/sights

We are very well versed with Rome and north so for our time in Rome we will do stuff like Ostia and day trip to Orvieto and discover other areas of Rome plus the scavi tour this time ...:as last time she was only 11 and too young to enter... the Baths etc also

Been to catacombs ...capuchin crypt ...underground colesieum ...many many off the beaten track churches ...and Castal sant Angelo....Ceri...ceveteri...lake Bracciano...the odeleschalci (sp lol) castle and the Etruscan tombs and ....the time elevator(ugh)..but the kids loved it...I walked out as I was getting sick from movement and excess heat and the folks there took pity on me and gave me a refund for my ticket lol.

However would love some more suggestions for Rome and the environs by train...day trips perhaps?

Perhaps Hadrian villa and tivoli ...I was there in college but she hasn't been there..and I know it's difficult to reach

Not interested in gladiator school or the over priced cooking classes

Certainly interested in a close by wine tour.

She's 16 so yes I'll let her taste because we are in Italy and they are known to keep the best wine in country!!! FYI...they do not export the creme of the crop I'm told...but you can't believe everything you hear can you. Lol

My older daughters ...have traveled so often to Italy that wine tasting and vineyards are of real interest however we have only done New York and cape cod wineries and Croatian wineries to date

Thanks for any and all info

Even though I'm extremely well traveled I am a bit nervous as dh and dd # 1 and #3 aren't joining this trip ....

So it's me and dd#4 and we are working on getting dd# 2 who is 23 to join us. It it quite possible she will too. Fingers crossed

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So glad I found this thread!!!

Whenever we do Med cruises we always add several days pre and post cruise on land so this thread is perfect!!!

Keep the info coming!

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Very easy to get from Rome to Sorrento by rail and commuter rail (circumvesuvia).

Things to keep in mind....

There are many trains to Naples, some slower, some faster. Prices vary. Look closely at the fare and the arrival times. See the trenitalia site.

The Circumvesuvia (Naples-Sorrento) statopm is NOT in the main Naples station. A few blocks away. Not a big deal. Not all Circumvesuvia trains go through to Sorrento. Watch the train signs.

Lots of pickpockets at the Circumvesuvia station and on the train. Watch your belongings/wallet carefully...most especially if it is crowded. Keep you ticket since they do have the odd ticket inspector on that route.

Sorrento is the wrong place to find a good beach IMHO. Better things to do in this locale, better beaches elsewhere.

Enjoy

The Circumvesuvia (Naples-Sorrento) statopm is NOT in the main Naples station. A few blocks away.

Wrong and right.

There IS a Circumvesuviana station in the lower level of Napoli Centrale and it's called Garibaldi. If you are heading toward Sorrento it's the second station, if you are returning to Naples it's the penultimate station.

There is also a station called Porta Nolana, which is the starting or ending point in Naples depending on which direction you're going. This is what this poster is referring to.

If you are arriving to Naples by train at Napoli Centrale you can certainly leave and walk around the corner to Porta Nolana if you want to but it's a lot easier to just take the escalator or elevator down one flight to the Garibaldi Station.

 

 

Perhaps Hadrian villa and tivoli ...I was there in college but she hasn't been there..and I know it's difficult to reach

 

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Actually, Tivoli is not at all difficult to reach. You can easily get there by taking the metro (line B) to Ponte Mammolo (took some friends just last fall & it was as easy as its always been). From Ponte Mammolo, take the Cotral bus (you can purchase your bus tickets in the Metro station) to Tivoli (takes about 50 minutes to reach Tivoli). As you know, there is much to see here: Villa Adriana, castle of Rocca Pius II, gorgeous Villa d’Este and Villa Gregoriana.

Cotral website: http://www.sitabus.it/en/cotral-buses-lazio-region/

Wrong and right.

 

 

 

There IS a Circumvesuviana station in the lower level of Napoli Centrale and it's called Garibaldi. If you are heading toward Sorrento it's the second station, if you are returning to Naples it's the penultimate station.

 

 

 

There is also a station called Porta Nolana, which is the starting or ending point in Naples depending on which direction you're going. This is what this poster is referring to.

 

 

 

If you are arriving to Naples by train at Napoli Centrale you can certainly leave and walk around the corner to Porta Nolana if you want to but it's a lot easier to just take the escalator or elevator down one flight to the Garibaldi Station.

I'm going down 1 flight

Thanks euro

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We are very well versed with Rome and north so for our time in Rome we will do stuff like Ostia and day trip to Orvieto and discover other areas of Rome plus the scavi tour this time ...:as last time she was only 11 and too young to enter... the Baths etc also

 

Been to catacombs ...capuchin crypt ...underground colesieum ...many many off the beaten track churches ...and Castal sant Angelo....Ceri...ceveteri...lake Bracciano...the odeleschalci (sp lol) castle and the Etruscan tombs and ....the time elevator(ugh)..but the kids loved it...I walked out as I was getting sick from movement and excess heat and the folks there took pity on me and gave me a refund for my ticket lol.

 

However would love some more suggestions for Rome and the environs by train...day trips perhaps?

 

Perhaps Hadrian villa and tivoli ...I was there in college but she hasn't been there..and I know it's difficult to reach

 

Not interested in gladiator school or the over priced cooking classes

 

Certainly interested in a close by wine tour.

 

She's 16 so yes I'll let her taste because we are in Italy and they are known to keep the best wine in country!!! FYI...they do not export the creme of the crop I'm told...but you can't believe everything you hear can you. Lol

 

My older daughters ...have traveled so often to Italy that wine tasting and vineyards are of real interest however we have only done New York and cape cod wineries and Croatian wineries to date

 

Thanks for any and all info

 

Even though I'm extremely well traveled I am a bit nervous as dh and dd # 1 and #3 aren't joining this trip ....

 

So it's me and dd#4 and we are working on getting dd# 2 who is 23 to join us. It it quite possible she will too. Fingers crossed

 

 

 

 

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There is SO much to see and do in Rome. I love ancient Greek & Roman history/ruins so I tend to focus on that. I know absolutely zero about food or wine tours. Cruisemom42, a frequent poster on cruise critic is probably our resident NA expert on Rome - hope she will chime-in with some suggestions for you.

Here are some of my suggestions in the following list of sights, some of which you have most probably already visited but which your daughter may find interesting & some of which you are already planning for this trip:

Parco degli Acquedotti – maybe rent bikes and enjoy the amazing aqueduct park?

Appian Way

Casina delle Civette – House of the Owls (unique & quite odd for Rome)

Villa Borghese park - Galleria Borghese (impressive collection – must book ahead online)

Domus Aurea – Nero’s Golden House (active archeological site and tours are available on Saturday & Sunday through: http://www.coopculture.it/en/heritage.cfm?id=51)

Basilica di San Clemente – below the church (1120) are the remains of the original basilica (320AD) which boasts the world’s second largest collection of early Medieval wall paintings and one level down are the remnants of a first century Roman villa that served as both an early site of clandestine Christian worship - also contains a Mithraic temple (really cool) and a babbling stream.

Vatican Necropolis – amazing - must book online through the Vatican at: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/institutions_connected/uffscavi/documents/rc_ic_uffscavi_doc_gen-information_20090216_en.html

Santa Maria della Vittoria – The church, although unimpressive on the outside, has a beautiful interior and houses the gorgeous Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, Bernini’s masterpiece.

Mithraeum at Circus Maximus - by appointment only

Le Domus Romane - Palazzo Valentini - http://www.palazzovalentini.it/domus-romane/index-en.html

Ostia Antica – a short day trip from Rome (instructions for DIY from Rome can be found here: https://www.rometoolkit.com/whattodo/ostia_antica.html)

BTW - your daughter is a lucky girl!

Thanks. We missed the San Clemente underground by 10 minutes last trip so we will do it this trip

Neros golden house is the one I couldn't remember...thanks for the jolt and I'll look into it

2 of my kids have spent extensive stays in Italy especially Rome so they too have off the beaten track ideas for us

If you can believe this...I personally have never walked through the forum lol.

I'm of the belief that it is best viewed from above but perhaps this trip I'll do a stroll

The girls and dh strolled through in 2012 while I relaxed by the wayside

This trip I'm going to look for some opera and other musical venues

I recall there is some sort of music indoor venue in the pantheon square that is supposed to be nice.

Friday nights I thought I read. Will be looking into that

Vatican underground aka the scavi tour is already on my list as is Ostia

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