My husband and I love the Amalfi Coast but we just didn't have time for a few days here so in compromise we decided to visit Pompeii for the day from Rome. The fast trains go between Rome and Naples in an hour and then it is only another half hour by local train right to the gates of Pompeii.
We are still waking early at this point and at 5am DH and I decide we can make a train before 8. So with the troops assembled we left the apartment just before 7 and DH insisted we could walk to Termini in 15 minutes. The streets were empty and we were shared the Spanish Steps with just one other couple. Setting a cracking pace I looked longingly at cabs but just kept plodding along. Made it to Termini in time to purchase our tickets to Naples. Our plan was to have breakfast at the station but we decided to grab something on board instead.
We booked tickets in second class. For short trips in Italy I find 2nd class perfectly fine. Grabbed drinks and pastries on board again for around 10 Euro for the four of us. Naples station seemed a lot newer this visit. Followed the signs for the Circumvesuviana train for Pompeii and down to the platform to wait. Huge improvement on these trains as well. Only caught one old train all day. The girls enjoyed following the stations on the signs on board. Our DD1 had studied Pompeii at school and could not believe how close Vesuvius is.
Hopped off at Pompeii Scavi and headed into the old town of Pompeii. Now it was cultural week in Italy which was very exciting for us as nearly all the Government attractions were free of charge. Very nice. So I sprung for audio guides which DD2 loved. We head towards the Villa of Mysteries. It is quite a walk heading out the old town gate to Ercolano. We were hoping it was worth the trek, and of course it was. The technology that was in place in Roman times is truly amazing.
We walked back into the town past the Necropolis. We wandered the streets and town houses and shops. Then the crowds descended.
DH then suggested that we go to Sorrento for lunch to our favourite restaurant.
No, we just came for Pompeii
We are only 30 minutes away
Really...
Why not?
Kids do you want to go to Sorrento?
Sure!
So instead of heading straight back to Rome, I am dancing on the inside returning to one of my favourite places. I had hoped, but thought I would be pushing my luck so for him to suggest it
A little background: Last time in Italy alone my DH and I stayed in Sorrento for three nights and we ate at this place for lunch and dinner each day. It is a small family owned Pizzeria that does wood fired pizza and other traditional food. The hot chocolate I describe as a liquid O. Yes, that good.
Off the train in Sorrento and on autopilot and the one the place is still there, and the same waiters are there too!
Pizza for the husband and I, it is so good and gnocchi for the girls. A bottle of wine for me and beer for DH. Peach iced tea for the girls. It was as good as I remembered! Yeah, thought it might of been built up a little, but no.
After our meals we ordered hot chocolate all round.
After a magical lunch with my favourite people we wandered the streets of Sorrento. The girls loved it and had lots of fun walking along the clifftops and popping into the little side streets full of shops.
DH and I could not keep the smiles of our faces.
We caught the 5pm train back to Naples to get the 6.30pm train back to Rome. A cab back to the hotel. We were all very full still from lunch so grabbed some gelati for dinner before hitting the sack. Another perfect Italian day.