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Original poster

Weekend in Sorrento

61 replies

StiffyByng · 16/07/2017 20:13

We're heading to Sorrento for a weekend in October. Flight lands around 10.30 on Friday morning, and we'll hire a car from Naples (DH has done this before - rather him than me!). So hopefully some of Friday, and then flight back late on Sunday.

I am desperate to see Herculaneum and would like to see Pompeii too if possible. Can both be done in a day? We're both willing to put in the hours and have walking stamina.

And any ideas on where to stay? And eat? We would like somewhere luxurious but not top end (max £400 for two nights) - is this achievable?

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QuitMoaning · 17/07/2017 15:28

When I say villas, I mean Roman ones like Villa Oplonti

That is incredible to walk round.

rookiemere · 17/07/2017 15:30

I've heard dire things about Naples which is why we aren't staying there - have also heard scary things about pickpockets congregating at the airport and main train station - hence why we've opted for a private taxi.

I think your plan sounds doable, particularly if you haven't got much luggage with you.

QuitMoaning · 17/07/2017 15:31

And the Villa di Stabia.

Ok, that is enough, I shall be quiet now.

senua · 17/07/2017 15:32

Get an artecard.
I'm not sure that staying in Sorrento is a good idea - it just adds to travel time. Somewhere nearer Naples / Pompeii might be better although I'm afraid I have no suggestions.

Save Sorrento / Amalfi / Capri for another time.

Original poster
StiffyByng · 17/07/2017 15:35

I think the idea of Herculaneum on Friday afternoon, Pompeii on Saturday and lazing on Sunday is probably the right balance for us, as we have a tendency to overfill our time, and would otherwise I think happily hare off to Vesuvius or Paestum on the Sunday too and get home knackered.

I'm eyeing up gorgeous infinity pools overlooking Capri which is why Naples isn't calling to me much. I don't really fancy being in a city. But happy not to be in Sorrento if it's overpriced etc. - I assume there are smaller resorts along the coast that might be as easy to stay in? But do they have public transport? You lot have put me right off car hire!

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LIZS · 17/07/2017 15:49

Have a look at the Circumvesuviana rail route. There are smaller resorts like Sant Agnello but the nearer Naples you get the less scenic it becomes, especially after Castellammare which is a commercial port. Pompeii is about a 30 min train ride , Herculaneum 45. There are guided tours starting at Sorrento station ( don't confuse their offices for the ticket office which is upstairs) but most use the train anyway.

Original poster
StiffyByng · 17/07/2017 16:06

I will do, thanks.

My only previous trip to Italy was Venice in August with a boyfriend I was about to break up with, so it wasn't really the Italian trip of my dreams for many reasons. This time, other than the history, I want to enjoy nice food, relax with DH, and not be in 40 degree heat, so Sorrento is far from essential.

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Fiestylittleowl · 17/07/2017 16:13

Get the train. The roads in Naples and down the Amalfi coast are terrifying. We hired a car, drove to Sorrento and then used the train whenever we could to avoid having to drive.

Helipad · 19/07/2017 19:07

Personally I thought Sorrento was really meh. If I was you, I'd stay in Naples, it's a shame so many people slate it because it's absolutely one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

LoniceraJaponica · 19/07/2017 19:13

I was underwhelmed by Sorrento as well. Our hotel was really nice, but as we were in St Agnello with nowhere nice to walk it kind of spoiled the holiday for us. Everything is built up right to the cliff edge so you can't walk by the sea, and the streets are so busy and have such narrow pavements that walking is not relaxing at all.

Vintageproblem · 19/07/2017 19:24

I've stayed in Naples, loved it. Much less touristy than Sorrento. We had an organised trip to Pompeii, they collected us from our hotel. We also caught boats to Capricorn and Sorrento. I'll look up the hotel if you're interested!

Vintageproblem · 19/07/2017 19:24

Capri not bloody capricorn!

Bicyclethief · 19/07/2017 19:40

Naples is beautiful but you need to research before you go as there are some areas that even the locals avoid. Not for the faint hearted and I wouldn't drive!

FinallyHere · 19/07/2017 20:04

We stayed in Sorrento with Italian friends, who then drive us to both Pompeii and Herculaneum. The traffic was horrendous at the weekend. Cars were just stuck for so long that people were getting out and walking around. We thought it hey were a tad fussy, finding a car parking slot with on-site guards, but who knows?

I would think carefully about the train.

Original poster
StiffyByng · 19/07/2017 20:57

I think I'm already sold on the train!

I'm not sure about Naples simply because I don't want a city break. When not doing ruins I just want to sit by a pool or eat really. It's only a weekend and life is relentessly busy for us both, we don't want to do city streets.

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EveryoneTalkAboutPopMusic · 19/07/2017 21:23

I'm interested Vinta Smile

Vintageproblem · 20/07/2017 17:44

This is the one we stayed in, sanfrancescoalmonte.it
The rooms are small but there are fantastic views and it has a brilliant roof terrace.

EveryoneTalkAboutPopMusic · 20/07/2017 19:36

That looks amazing Vinta, thank you. The thing that I'm a bit stuck on is that at Easter the hotels don't seem to open their pools.

Vintageproblem · 20/07/2017 19:44

We went in October and I think it was still open. It was incredibly hot!

Hairydilemma · 20/07/2017 19:48

We stayed here - it was lovely but, disclaimer, it was 14 years ago.

We went at the end of Sept/early oct and pool was open but chilly! So I think out of summer season it probably is a bit chilly for swimming ( if your pool's open, as you say).

I was also expecting Sorrento to be more "wow" than it was - I think friends who had been had built it up too much for me. But as others have said, the train is easy to Pompeii etc and it is a nice town, just not as beautiful as eg Positano or some of the other smaller places.

www.capodimontesorrento.com

HunkyDory69 · 20/07/2017 20:06

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LIZS · 20/07/2017 20:27

Hairy , it's still lovely , we were there just a few weeks back! Not suitable for primary age children though, as pools are landscaped and very limited place to play.

LoniceraJaponica · 20/07/2017 21:47

"The thing that I'm a bit stuck on is that at Easter the hotels don't seem to open their pools"

I would think that it isn't really warm enough to swim in an unheated pool at that time of year.

EveryoneTalkAboutPopMusic · 20/07/2017 22:03

Well I had sort of figured that may be the reason Lonicera Grin

What I was trying to say, rather badly, is that the children would probably drive me insane if there was a pool and they couldn't swim. Really need to find one with a heated pool but they seem a little elusive.

Original poster
StiffyByng · 21/07/2017 13:32

Thanks again for ideas and suggestions. I'm thinking them all through.

I asked an Italian friend the other day. Her view was that Pompeii was dull and I shouldn't bother!

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