Naples Travel Forum

Hi, we are arriving in Naples by ship and have 9 hours free to tour. My husband would prefer that we just visit Pompeii but I would like to see some of the Amalfi Coast (Amalfi, Positano). People in this Forum speak highly of Pompeii but not much is mentioned of an Amalfi Coast trip. I'm hoping you seasoned travellers out there may be able to tell me if its possible to do both in a day (comfortably that is) or should we decide to do one or the other, maybe Pompeii as its our first visit to Naples and hubby doesn't want to spend the whole day travelling?

Thanks, Linda

If hubby doesn't want to spend the whole day travelling, then Pompeii it is for you! From Sorrento to Amalfi by bus is 1 hour 40 minutes plus the time to get to Sorrento from Naples (did it many times recently and still can't remember how long - 1 hour?). So there and back is over 5 hours. Naples to Pompeii Scavi is about 20 minutes (I think!) and the train arrives right at the site. Again, we recently visited and were there for 7 hours and still did not do the entire site. However, the guide map they give you suggests routes for 2,4 and 6 hours, which is a good way to go. You cannot do both Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast in one day. An alternative to Pompeii is Herculaneum - I have said in my pages that if I were to recommend one to people who could only visit one of the sites, then it would be Herculaneum. So, consider Herculaneum. Perhaps with Villa Oplontis. Unfortunately, you won't have time to visit the National Archaleogical Museum in Naples to see some of the finds of Pompeii and Herculaneum before visiting either site.

You could possibly squeeze in 3-4 hours in Pompeii and then go on to Sorrento though you would have to keep your eye on the time well and truly, and that would put a lot of pressure on the day and take away from your enjoyment. Just go to Pompeii and enjoy it and arrive back at the ship relaxed and happy. As we always say, there is always next time!

I agree with the above answers, the Amalfi Coast is a full day trip and then you would be wanting more because it is spectacular.

My husband & I spent nearly a full day at Pompeii & was very moved by the experience--we will never forget this place--so if I were you it would be Pompeii & then return to spend a few days exploring the Amalfi Coast another time.

Have a wonderful trip.

Dorrise

I agree with the above. Both experiences are wonderful, but to fit in both and actually anjoy the experience would be an impossibility.

You should allow an hour or so to (and from) Pompeii using the Circumvesuviana train from Napoli Centrale station (www.vesuviana.it for timetables). Spending les than a couple of hours there is a waste of time: it was a city, it remains a huge and fascinating site.

The train to Sorrento takes another 30 minutes or so, then you would have to wait for the bus. Journey time along the coast is 1hr 40 minutes. Even if you cam back on the same bus you'd find it very tight to get back to your ship (which won't wait for you, of course).

See Pompeii properly this time: you will enjoy it! Maybe stop off at Herculaneum on the way back too: it's on the same line and is equally wonderful, though smaller. Save the Amalfi coast for another trip.

In the meantime, I have 3 travelogues of the bus journey from Sorrento to Amalfi (and back) here:

http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/tt/9c987/#TL
http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/tt/9c98a/#TL
http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/tt/9c98b/#TL

so you can do your own virtual trip! :-)

the amalfi coast spreads far. a trip to pompeii is very nice. you could also head down to sorrento which isn't too far.
but if i were you, i'd explore naples, since that's where you are. eat a pizza (best in the world), and see the museum which has a lot of the pompeii statues and stuff.

What great replies, and so prompt!!!!! Thanks to all. We will confine ourselves to Pompeii and maybe the museum back in Naples later in the day. Hubby is most pleased, particularly as it saves us the cost of quite expensive all day tours. I have other questions of Messina and Livorno so I may come across you again. Leics has already been most helpful with Civitavecchia. Regards, Linda

Feel free to email for info about Pompeii etc: such ancient matters are my 'thing'!