The adventure continued as we hopped on the train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale. Opting for the fancy private train line, Italo, turned out to be a stroke of genius. Their online ticket booking was smoother than a dollop of tiramisu, and I never looked back. Stepping onto the Italo train, I couldn’t help but feel like I’d entered a futuristic movie set. The seats were so comfy, I considered starting a nap marathon. And the train staff? They were like a squad of friendly superheroes, ready to save the day for any confused passenger.
Once the wheels started spinning, we were treated to some serious eye candy outside those big, posh windows. The Italian countryside put on a show, with colors popping and hills rolling by like they were in a hurry. Each view was more stunning than a gelato on a hot summer day.
As the train zoomed down the tracks, I couldn’t help but think we were on the Italian version of the bullet train. The ride was so smooth, I briefly questioned if we were actually moving or if I had fallen into a deep and tranquil nap. Italo’s dedication to being on time was like that friend who’s always five minutes early for everything, making our jaunt to Naples feel more like a quick hop.
Throughout the journey, we had more than enough space for our collection of overstuffed suitcases. The big ones found a cozy spot near the doors, while our smaller bags were scattered strategically above us and at our feet, making us feel like expert Tetris players.
The staff on the train were like our personal attendants, making sure we were all well-stocked with snacks and feeling as content as pampered kittens. The train itself was so spotless, it was like we were in a stylish living room, just with a better view.
As Naples loomed closer, we had to bid adieu to our delightful ride with Italo. But we left with that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when everything just falls into place. From start to finish, Italo was a class act, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a smooth and enjoyable train journey through Italia. Buon viaggio!
Naples
I scheduled a transfer with Positano Limo Service (found via Viator) from Napoli Centrale to Sorrento. However, I included a stop off at a local pizza place. How could I leave Naples without a Napoli pizza! The local place we stopped was Pizzeria Del Popolo, and it was delicious and reasonably priced. Five euros for a pie!!! This was definitely a local spot. Would highly recommend!
Who knew that the secret to happiness could be found in a five euro pie? I mean, that’s cheaper than therapy. Must be some seriously magical pizza!
Another option for transfers is Daytrip.com, transfers with sightseeing. Perfect to see as much as you can while getting to where you need to go.
Regrettably, our hotel decided to play a little prank on us by placing it right in the middle of the pedestrian zone of Sorrento. This meant we had to stage our very own suitcase parade along the narrow, bumpy streets. It was quite the sight, but we fully embraced the ridiculousness of the situation. The symphony of our luggage wheels banging against the uneven stones created a delightful chaos that mingled perfectly with the evening ambiance and the faint background music. See my Travel Store for the perfect backpack roller bag for just these situations!)
Arriving at our fabulous hotel, we were welcomed by a crew of cheerful staff armed with warm smiles and a glass of homemade Limoncello. The zesty scent of lemons hung in the air, serving as a reminder of the region’s famous lemon orchards and the wonderful limoncello liquid they churn out.
As we settled into our cozy room, we couldn’t help but feel a bubbling sense of excitement for the escapades that lay ahead in Sorrento.
The hotel, Palazzo Starace, nestled in the bustling area of Via S. Maria della Pieta. They even threw in a hearty breakfast with the room rate. The kids were stoked about the view and the fact that they had their “own” room — separated from us by nothing more than a swanky fabric divider. Our first day involved exploring Sorrento, soaking in the sights, and mingling with the vibrant locals.
Pompeii with Pizza Class and Olive Oil Farm
Our next adventure took us on a tour that promised a little bit of everything- Pompeii, Sorrento, pizza, and even an olive oil farm tasting with Joe Banana Limos. Viator Tour: All inclusive Pompeii, pizza class, and olive oil experience. We were whisked away from our hotel and transported to Pompeii for a morning tour. Thankfully, we found a guide who was a hit with the kids, engaging them with ancient games and tale of daily life in Pompeii. She even kindly offered to watch the kids as myself and my husband dashed through the brothel. Much appreciated but nothing that crazy.
After our time in Pompeii, it was off the Ristorante Tasso for our pizza making class. We had an absolute blast tossing dough and creating our own culinary masterpieces- a memory that the kids won’t let us forget anytime soon. To cap off the day, we delved into the world of authentic Italian Olive Oil at Frantoio Gargiulo. Both these gems were conveniently located within Sorrento, making it a smooth journey back with the little ones. (check out the slideshow below for a peek at the fun!)
Capri and Anacapri
The following day turned out to be the day I’d been eagerly anticipating and planning for. Visiting the Blue Grotto in Capri has been a dream of mine for what felt like a century. The tricky part about the Blue Grotto is that it can be shut down if the wind is too feisty or if there’s a spot of bad rain. Picture traveling all the way from New York only to be told, “Sorry, the winds are making the sea too choppy. Come back tomorrow.” Seriously? Nope, not happening. So I resorted to hoping and praying for picture-perfect weather, and guess what? We struck gold! (check out the slideshow below) Tour: Capri and Blue Grotto Private Tour
Once we survived the Blue Grotto adventure, we embarked on a thrilling ride to Anacapri perched on a mountain. Not for the faint-hearted, you get to sit in a chair and ascend the mountain with just a flimsy bar separating you from the ground below. Do you have the guts for this? (Note for parents with young kids: they sit on your lap during this wild ride. If you have a wiggly little one, maybe reconsider this mode of transport!)
After conquering Mount Solaro, we indulged in some shopping and a well-deserved lunch. Capri boasts some authentic shops worth exploring. Don’t miss Carthusia, a perfume and soap shop founded by Carthusian monks. You’ll also find charming Caprese-themed kitchen sets in many stores. For lunch, we savored a delightful Caprese salad and bruschetta because, really, what else would you have on Capri? When we returned to Sorrento at Marina Piccolo, we splurged on the 1 Euro elevator ride to street level. Why, you ask? Well, exhausted kids and parents in need of a break and some air conditioning. Finding the elevator is a breeze – just stroll along the sea wall past the beach, and you’ll spot the elevator sign on your left.
Well, the next day we bid arrivederci to Italy in style! We hopped on a magical journey starting with Sorrento via Positano Limo Services, then boarded the Italo train from Napoli Centrale to Roma Termini. From there, we embraced the magnificence of the Leonardo da Vinci train to the airport. All this for the mere cost of 14 Euros per person and a breezy 30-minute ride. Trust me, we didn’t have to run like in the movies to catch the train!
Once at Fiumicino Airport, we smoothly checked in and embarked on a seamless trip back home with Norwegian Air to JFK (NY, NY).
