Hi- Sorrento is ideally placed to do all those trips. You don't even need an organised excursion as diy is so easy. The train goes direct from Sorrento to Pompeii. You only have to walk about 50 yards to the entrance. You can get guides or guide books there and it is so nice to be able to make your own way around at your own pace.
For Herculaneum you get the same train a bit further on to Ercolano. It's about half a mile from the station downhill. When we were there 3 years ago, the minibuses ran from the station up to Vesuvius, and I think you can get the minibus from Pompeii station too. The bus only takes you so far, then you walk up. We did book a trip for this one as our hotel wasn't in the centre of Sorrento, and it was nice to be picked up from the hotel, and more importantly dropped off there when we were very hot dusty and tired! The tour operators ran trips and the hotel itself did a couple. There is a good website
http://www.sorrentoinfo.com/index.asp?lng=en (check out the webcam! good map) and this one
http://www.sorrentoservice.com/eng/index_800.htm has timetables
For Capri we just got the ferry from Sorrento harbour (they leave quite early, about 9 or 10 am. I am sure there is a website) You can get a bus down to the harbour from the main square, or walk down if you feel energetic. You can get the ferry to Amalfi/ Positano too.
There was an open top bus last time we in Sorrento- it was a really good ride around the Massa peninsula with lovely views.
If you like walking the Sunflower guide book to the area details lots of walks of varying difficulty.
You can probably tell it's one of my favourite places. Been twice and will definitely go back!
kate

janetia,

as said by Kate52, no need to book excursions. Trains run regularly from Sorrento and stop at both Pompeii and Herculaneum(Ercolano). 3euros 80 per person return.

The stop for Pompeii is directly outside the entrance and from Erolano its a few minutes walk down the road. We went to these sites in April. 11euros entry each or a combined ticket is available. One word though, make sure you get the correct train back to Sorrento as the line splits before and you can end up in the wrong place. Oh and don't forget to authorise your tickets.

For capri you get the fast boat from the dock. The one we got was about 9.45am and the next one wasn't til about 1130. I think from memeory it was about 27-29euros each return. Bus to/from Piazza Tasso, is 1euro each way

When in Capri you can do the Blue Grotto boat ride. It's corny but when on holiday.....it's about 10euros each for the boat ride out to the Grotto, 5euroes each for the small rowing boat into the Grotto(and they expect a tip!)

And take the venicular to the top and have a wander round there.

Have a great time

Bill

We're going to Sorrento and I'm wondering whether anyone can give me some advice as I have a minor disability which just means that I can't go trecking up steep hills or walk for miles and miles.

Capri - is this easy to do without going on 'rep trip'?
Vesuvius - I'm wondering whether an arranged trip would be best as I'm assuming the coach takes you near ish to the top?
Pompei - is the train easy to get?
Naples - again, is this easy to do on your own?

Any other recommendations?

Many Thanks

Sarah

Merged with an existing topic which has some information on DIY excursions.

luci

Hi- the only thing you might have difficulty with is Vesuvius, The coach does take you within 1000 metres of the top, but it's quite a steep and slippy trek to the top. (And slippy on the way down, too) The area around Naples station isn't the best place to be in a city with a bad reputation, so I would be prepared to take a taxi straight from there to wherever you want to go,. If you go by sea, the harbour area in Naples is ok, and you are within walking distance of some of the main sights.
Sorrento harbour is a way below the town, so check out the bus times and numbers to get back up the cliff. The trains are fast and frequent, and the station is easy to access from the main road.
Capri is a lovely trip on your own, can get VERY crowded if cruise ships in Naples. The service from Sorrento isn't as frequent as from Naples, so might be worth checking out first.
Have a great time- wish I were going!
kate

Hi Sarah,
first of all, are you confident about the location of your accommodation in Sorrento? Some places are hard work for those of us with mobility problems i.e. hilly position, flights of steps etc.
I agree with Kate that Vesuvius might be a struggle. You will be dropped off at the car-park, whoever you go with. The minibus from Ercolano Scavi station will get you nearest, up to the entrance, but only give you a short time to get to the top and back. It was dry and dusty both times I went up but I can imagine how slippery it would be when wet. I think it would be better to explore Pompeii independently. I had difficulty keeping up with the group when I joined a guided tour.
regards
Peter.

Thanks Peter and Kate! I might just let my husband treck off up the volcano whilst I wait for him at the coach as I don't really want him to miss it. We're staying at the Conca Park and they've got a golf buggy so I'll be able to make our way up the tunnel if I need it.

Thank you so much for your advice - I'm off to pack!

Hmmm, i was thinking of booking with either Titan or Cosmos or even one of the cruise ships and doing one of the Italian tours, but it might be just as good to find a hotel in Sorrento and make my own way around. Then again the tours might be better, i just don't know what to do now.

On the subject of mobility, can anyone recommend a reasonably priced hotel in Sorrento - hopefully not too far from restaurants etc