Lovely to hear from you Peter

V.J.V are a reputable company to be going with. We went to Egypt with them and they were great. The two trips are a must so you'll definatly enjoy them. I actually enjoyed Pompeii more than the pyramids. Its amazing. Heat can be quite intense at Pompeii, so make sure you take liquids and wear light clothing.

http://www.sorrentoinfo.com/timetable/local_train_sorrento.htm
This link will give you the times of the circumvesuviana train into Naples.
No direct train to Rome from Sorrento

http://www.sorrentoinfo.com/timetable/local_train_sorrento.htm
You may be interested in this link also for a day trip to Rome

We have been to Rome but planning on Sorrento for April next year. Anyway with regard to queueing at the Sisten Chapal - we did have to queue and there are a lot of steps but WOW I wouldn't have missed it for the world and would highly recommend it. I think only having one day there will be pushing it for you as the colloseum was great as well. I really loved Rome and will definately return again some day.

But looking forward to Sorrento next year.

The Ascot and the Villa Maria are near each other and conveniently located. I have enjoyed two visits to the Ascot. Hotel Dania is on the outskirts but within easy reach of the town centre on the local buses. Its in a quiet scenic location, a short walk down to the beach of Marina di Puolo.
Best Wishes
Peter.

Hello Peter, Many things are easy to do independently from Sorrento - for example Pompeii and Amalfi. What is more complicated is a trip to Rome in one day. It can be done but to go by train you would need to get the train (40 mins) from Sorrento to Naples (lower level) then transfer to the upper level (follow the crowds) which will bring you out onto the forecourt of Naples Centrale. You then need to get a train to Rome. Only the Eurostar high speed train can make this journey in 90 minutes, otherwise you will probably be looking at about 2 hours plus. The Vatican is a long way from Rome train station. The number 64 bus from the station (stand F) will take you there. If you were to make this trip I would recommend not wasting too much time at the Vatican, it is fabulous but time consuming if you want to do it properly and it would be better to save it until you have more time. It closes by about 4pm and earlier on some days (I think that's Saturday-check!) Most Sundays it is closed entirely. The Forum is free and is close to the Colosseum. This is also much closer to the station than the Vatican. Lots of pickpockets on number 64 bus and at the queue for the Vatican. Also the same can be said for Naples station and the Circumvesuviana train. Plenty of cashpoints in Rome though if you're taking your card. My parents booked a coach trip to Rome when they stayed in Sorrento and enjoyed the day. Believe this was one of the trips offered by their tour operator (not VJV though). Personally I think Rome very much warrants a separate trip.

Thanks all for the hints and tips.

Will still try and make Rome, though it will be a long day with much travel. Still, can't be that close and not make a visit.

Thanks again, any more tips are always useful.

Peter

PS

Nice to hear from you Glynis.XXXXXXXXXX

Hi people

Just to give you an update...........

Have received all the papers from VJV and much impressed. Beautifully presented travel pack and luggage tags in artificial leather and full itinerary. Also Globtrotters Travel guide that costs £7.00 in the shops.

We have been allocated the most expensive hotel of the three, the Hotel Villa Maria. We paid £345.00 each and to book this hotel would have cost £605.00 each WOW - superdeal I think.

We still might make Roma, but I am coming round to the idea that this would be better as a short city break at some other time instead. Too many good things there and we do need to relax as well while on this break and test the vino rosso

Only 21 sleeps to go - can't wait - havn't been away since laast November.

Regards

Peter

Hi,
We have just been on a cruise and had a day in Rome. We went on an organised trip from Civittaveccia and it took about 1hr 40 mins to get to Rome. We then had to walk from the coach park to the Vatican (not far) and queue for over 2 1/2 hours to get in. It was worth the wait but it meant that we only had time after to get a taxi to the Trevi fountain and then walk back via the Pantheon to St. Peter's square to pick up the rest of our party and head back to the coach. We did get a glimpse of the Colloseum during the taxi drive but that was all. Also our trip was on a Sat so we were hurried through the Sistine chapel as they close early. You will have longer if you choose a different day and also you won't be tied to time quite as much as we were but I don't think you can avoid the queue.