Short October trip: (?Paris and) Naples? in 7 or 8 nights... where would you spend 3 or 4 nights flying into/out of Naples?
May 15th, 2006, 01:42 PM
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Short October trip: (?Paris and) Naples? in 7 or 8 nights... where would you spend 3 or 4 nights flying into/out of Naples?
So, I am in a quandary, the second year in a row... other traveling (Hawaii, Virgin Islands, Los Angeles, Carolinas) did (or will have done) a substantial gnawing away at available travel-to-Europe time and money; the Toronto-Cyprus ($39 biz class roundtrip) windfall didn't materialize...
... and now then, there is this Air France deal (which is only so-so, since we have the expense of getting to/from Washington) - - but how can I go through a second year with such little time in Europe? (Last year was our quickie Southwest France/ Basque Country in only six days!)
So, I m faced with making a decision, in less than 4 and a 1/2 days, and no already-spring-loaded-in-my-head plan is jumping out at me.
Since there is a stopover permitted in Paris - - and my wife has too many times complained "you're in this big hurry to move on to other parts of France, saying we always have the opportunity to come back to Paris, but we never spend any time there!" so I feel like three nights Paris is (most likely) a must (on the other hand, she doesn't feel lke this trip is a must at all!)
Sixty other prospective destinations - - you would think I could pick one easily!
Ruled out St Petersburg. Too cold (this trip would depart October 16). Ruled out Bucharest; problematic and less appealing than I first pictured, on first read. Greece is not a choice (on Air France at least); nor Sicily (besides, I think I want to wait and see the bridge built now)...
...nor any other island, on the AF list.
Not interested in any Muslim destination (as in Morocco).
So that takes me to Naples.
Where would you spend 3 or 4 nights, flying into or out of Naples? Breeze by Amalfi? (since it's well into autumn)... skip Capri? Stay in the city? Take in Pompeii, right? Hike Vesuvius? head for Apulia/Basilicata/Lucanaia?
Input. I seek input.
Thanks in advance for all replies... and...
Best wishes,
Rex
... and now then, there is this Air France deal (which is only so-so, since we have the expense of getting to/from Washington) - - but how can I go through a second year with such little time in Europe? (Last year was our quickie Southwest France/ Basque Country in only six days!)
So, I m faced with making a decision, in less than 4 and a 1/2 days, and no already-spring-loaded-in-my-head plan is jumping out at me.
Since there is a stopover permitted in Paris - - and my wife has too many times complained "you're in this big hurry to move on to other parts of France, saying we always have the opportunity to come back to Paris, but we never spend any time there!" so I feel like three nights Paris is (most likely) a must (on the other hand, she doesn't feel lke this trip is a must at all!)
Sixty other prospective destinations - - you would think I could pick one easily!
Ruled out St Petersburg. Too cold (this trip would depart October 16). Ruled out Bucharest; problematic and less appealing than I first pictured, on first read. Greece is not a choice (on Air France at least); nor Sicily (besides, I think I want to wait and see the bridge built now)...
...nor any other island, on the AF list.
Not interested in any Muslim destination (as in Morocco).
So that takes me to Naples.
Where would you spend 3 or 4 nights, flying into or out of Naples? Breeze by Amalfi? (since it's well into autumn)... skip Capri? Stay in the city? Take in Pompeii, right? Hike Vesuvius? head for Apulia/Basilicata/Lucanaia?
Input. I seek input.
Thanks in advance for all replies... and...
Best wishes,
Rex
May 15th, 2006, 02:08 PM
#2
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I think you might get better responses with a more general title for the thread, something like, "Help with Travel." ;^)
But . . . I'd recommend three or four nights in Naples. The city has its own attractions and allows for flexibility should the weather not cooperate -- a distinct possibility in mid-October. Exceptionally nice weather, take a day on Capri. See Pompeii for certain. If it rains, you've got the museum. I think you'd find the southern provinces a bit far given the time available.
But . . . I'd recommend three or four nights in Naples. The city has its own attractions and allows for flexibility should the weather not cooperate -- a distinct possibility in mid-October. Exceptionally nice weather, take a day on Capri. See Pompeii for certain. If it rains, you've got the museum. I think you'd find the southern provinces a bit far given the time available.
May 15th, 2006, 04:01 PM
#4
Yes, repost! LOL
Have you been to Naples, Pompeii, Amalfi coast before? If not, you will easily fill your time staying in just those areas. From Naples, you could catch a ferry to Ischia with their many hot springs. Not really a beach/island adventure, but still an island. www.ischiaonline.it I haven't been, but it's at the top of my list.
You will also find some wine and grape festivals in the area.
This link provides numerous links/pics for Campania. The pictures will load at the top of each page and other links for information are at the bottom.
http://www.ilnido.it/excursions.htm
Have you been to Naples, Pompeii, Amalfi coast before? If not, you will easily fill your time staying in just those areas. From Naples, you could catch a ferry to Ischia with their many hot springs. Not really a beach/island adventure, but still an island. www.ischiaonline.it I haven't been, but it's at the top of my list.
You will also find some wine and grape festivals in the area.
This link provides numerous links/pics for Campania. The pictures will load at the top of each page and other links for information are at the bottom.
http://www.ilnido.it/excursions.htm
May 15th, 2006, 04:29 PM
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Never been in the city of Naples. Had a great day trip to Pompeii - - back in 1969...
And in 1999, on a trip to Italy with my dad, he was sick for one day, so I drove myself to Amalfi and back in a whirlwind of about 7 or 8 hours...
... it's not that I think I can't choose enough to do. It's the issue of evlauating the merits of plan A (all Naples city only?) versus plan B (highlights of city and nearby surrounding) versus plan C (head futher south) versus plan D (do something altogether different) - - all in just a few days.
If it's stressful to try to decide, then maybe it isn't the deal for me.
And in 1999, on a trip to Italy with my dad, he was sick for one day, so I drove myself to Amalfi and back in a whirlwind of about 7 or 8 hours...
... it's not that I think I can't choose enough to do. It's the issue of evlauating the merits of plan A (all Naples city only?) versus plan B (highlights of city and nearby surrounding) versus plan C (head futher south) versus plan D (do something altogether different) - - all in just a few days.
If it's stressful to try to decide, then maybe it isn't the deal for me.
May 15th, 2006, 04:39 PM
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For what it's worth... I realize that I don't have to decide A versus B versus C... to book the tickets.
But I really should prefer A or B or C...
... over D...
...before I book the tickets.
But I really should prefer A or B or C...
... over D...
...before I book the tickets.
May 16th, 2006, 04:35 AM
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Hi rex,
>my wife has too many times complained "you're in this big hurry to move on to other parts of France, saying we always have the opportunity to come back to Paris, but we never spend any time there!" so I feel like three nights Paris is (most likely) a must ...<
Why don't you do the poor long-suffering woman a favor and visit Paris for 7-8 nights?
>my wife has too many times complained "you're in this big hurry to move on to other parts of France, saying we always have the opportunity to come back to Paris, but we never spend any time there!" so I feel like three nights Paris is (most likely) a must ...<
Why don't you do the poor long-suffering woman a favor and visit Paris for 7-8 nights?
May 16th, 2006, 05:32 AM
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lol......I would love to help you out with a suggestion, but the title of your post was so confusing! Please repost and include more focus (and maybe even identify yourself specifically) in the title and you might get a host of helpful replies... (sorry rex-I am teading a bit- just couldn't resist)
May 16th, 2006, 07:10 AM
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<< Why don't you do the poor long-suffering woman a favor and visit Paris for 7-8 nights? >>
Perfectly good question. She hasn't expressed a clear-cut desire for any one specific destination (Paris included), nor even taking this trip at all (I left off Cape Cod from the list in my original posting - - she would submit that we are hardly travel deprived for the year). It goes without saying that - - while she likes travel just about as much as I do - - she does not come to this forum everyday (she has never posted here, even if she has lurked sometime), nor obsess over staying current with Europe travel as I do. Even I am struggling with... "do I want to go to (x or y or z in) Europe this fall?" or "do I want to go for a much-needed reality/refresher, to be able to talk more about Europe?"
All in all, I believe that she has itchy feet not so different from mine. I think that three nights plus three nights (give or take one at either destination) will suit us both best. I mention it primarily to counter, ahead of time, any suggestions to omit the permitted Paris stopover.
This whole experience feels uncharacteristic for me, as I normally have the next half-dozen Europe itineraries "on the shelf", in my head. The bargain hunter in me is lured into trying to "make the best of" this $60 deal to any other destination (the chief reason that St Petersburg or Bucharest jumped into my head).
But I am trying to make sure that the whole notion of this trip is not a bargain "mirage". Ultimately, these fares are ... what... $200-$300 below typical fares for October 15 and beyond? In the big scheme of things, it's quite a small percentage of the economic impact of deciding... to go or not to go (the biggest factor is not working for a week).
As I indicated on the Air France thread itself - - I view it as worthwhile to break the mold of "usual" travel patterns (for example, the overnight train from Biarritz to Paris last year) - - and an all-city/no-car-rental trip would be very "out of the box" for us (excluding trips where we have been headed to a meeting or other work).
Even if this is the choice we make, there are fork-in-the-road decisions to be made. Which day for the change-city flight? Morning or afternoon? How many nights for each? Yikes! It's that recurring question that usually drives me crazy - - how many nights is such-and-such "worth"? and so on...
Perfectly good question. She hasn't expressed a clear-cut desire for any one specific destination (Paris included), nor even taking this trip at all (I left off Cape Cod from the list in my original posting - - she would submit that we are hardly travel deprived for the year). It goes without saying that - - while she likes travel just about as much as I do - - she does not come to this forum everyday (she has never posted here, even if she has lurked sometime), nor obsess over staying current with Europe travel as I do. Even I am struggling with... "do I want to go to (x or y or z in) Europe this fall?" or "do I want to go for a much-needed reality/refresher, to be able to talk more about Europe?"
All in all, I believe that she has itchy feet not so different from mine. I think that three nights plus three nights (give or take one at either destination) will suit us both best. I mention it primarily to counter, ahead of time, any suggestions to omit the permitted Paris stopover.
This whole experience feels uncharacteristic for me, as I normally have the next half-dozen Europe itineraries "on the shelf", in my head. The bargain hunter in me is lured into trying to "make the best of" this $60 deal to any other destination (the chief reason that St Petersburg or Bucharest jumped into my head).
But I am trying to make sure that the whole notion of this trip is not a bargain "mirage". Ultimately, these fares are ... what... $200-$300 below typical fares for October 15 and beyond? In the big scheme of things, it's quite a small percentage of the economic impact of deciding... to go or not to go (the biggest factor is not working for a week).
As I indicated on the Air France thread itself - - I view it as worthwhile to break the mold of "usual" travel patterns (for example, the overnight train from Biarritz to Paris last year) - - and an all-city/no-car-rental trip would be very "out of the box" for us (excluding trips where we have been headed to a meeting or other work).
Even if this is the choice we make, there are fork-in-the-road decisions to be made. Which day for the change-city flight? Morning or afternoon? How many nights for each? Yikes! It's that recurring question that usually drives me crazy - - how many nights is such-and-such "worth"? and so on...
May 16th, 2006, 07:40 AM
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Hi Rex,
OK.
Fly into Paris - 3 nights - continue on to Naples.
Stay at a hotel on the waterfront or check out the offers at http://www.albergosansevero.it/
Also see the Naples part of my trip report. We spent a very pleasant 3 days in Naples.
You can visit Caserta, Paestum, Pompei, Herculaneum, Mt Vesuvius, Sorrento and the AC, Capri, the Archaeological Museum, Capella Sansevero (a must), Castel S. Elmo, Museo Capodimonte, Castel dell'Ovo, Spaccanapoli and the Duomo.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34451044
Have a nice visit.
OK.
Fly into Paris - 3 nights - continue on to Naples.
Stay at a hotel on the waterfront or check out the offers at http://www.albergosansevero.it/
Also see the Naples part of my trip report. We spent a very pleasant 3 days in Naples.
You can visit Caserta, Paestum, Pompei, Herculaneum, Mt Vesuvius, Sorrento and the AC, Capri, the Archaeological Museum, Capella Sansevero (a must), Castel S. Elmo, Museo Capodimonte, Castel dell'Ovo, Spaccanapoli and the Duomo.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34451044
Have a nice visit.
May 16th, 2006, 12:58 PM
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Follow-up to the observations made by Pausa... kyb... and bella...
Maybe there really is such a thing as a message header that is "too informative".
Can it be that a highly detailed message header conveys the notion (rather inaccurately in this case)...
that...
"I have already researched this question quite thoroughly, and now want to hone in on some specific kinds of info that you could share with me, if you have enough expertise..."
While I think it would be hypocritical... and wrong... of me, I really do wonder what answers I might get, if I asked - - only - - this shorter paragraph of questions (without all the background and context)...
<< Where would you spend 3 or 4 nights, flying into or out of Naples? Breeze by Amalfi? (since it's well into autumn)... skip Capri? Stay in the city? Take in Pompeii, right? Hike Vesuvius? head for Apulia/Basilicata/Lucanaia? >>
and put it under the header...
"What should I do about this Air France sale?"
Maybe there really is such a thing as a message header that is "too informative".
Can it be that a highly detailed message header conveys the notion (rather inaccurately in this case)...
that...
"I have already researched this question quite thoroughly, and now want to hone in on some specific kinds of info that you could share with me, if you have enough expertise..."
While I think it would be hypocritical... and wrong... of me, I really do wonder what answers I might get, if I asked - - only - - this shorter paragraph of questions (without all the background and context)...
<< Where would you spend 3 or 4 nights, flying into or out of Naples? Breeze by Amalfi? (since it's well into autumn)... skip Capri? Stay in the city? Take in Pompeii, right? Hike Vesuvius? head for Apulia/Basilicata/Lucanaia? >>
and put it under the header...
"What should I do about this Air France sale?"
May 16th, 2006, 01:57 PM
#13
You have to expect to be teased about your message header on the Europe board! As detailed as it was, you still didn't tell us your interests, whether your wife has been to the Naples/Amalfi area, or if you plan to rent a car.
If your wife hasn't been,I would stay in the area instead of trying to cover more ground. I think the weather will be warmer than you expect (warmer than IN/OH), although you might get some rain.
Maybe your hesitation is the "air fare deal". I was tempted when it first appeared last week, but then the reality of getting to one of the airports in the US made it less enticing.
If your wife hasn't been,I would stay in the area instead of trying to cover more ground. I think the weather will be warmer than you expect (warmer than IN/OH), although you might get some rain.
Maybe your hesitation is the "air fare deal". I was tempted when it first appeared last week, but then the reality of getting to one of the airports in the US made it less enticing.
May 16th, 2006, 03:59 PM
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Hi rex-
I think you should
(A) lengthen and expand your meassage header to include all the details and embelliments of your queries and quandries and then, in the message itself, just sign your first name.... and
(B) Don't worry about Naples. When you get to Paris, just head straight to the Orangerie to experience the full glories of Monet's Water Lilies in the original Natural Light as they were originally meant to be shown. You'll need a good couple of days to view them at all times of the day, in various weathers, as Monet intended.
In between viewings, you can use the super Paris thread to find some excellent restaurants where you and your wife can enjoy dining and discuss where to finish up your journey.
If I had the money at the moment, that's what I'd do.
For reference, see the article in today NY Times, or the thread on the subject that started here today.
I think you should
(A) lengthen and expand your meassage header to include all the details and embelliments of your queries and quandries and then, in the message itself, just sign your first name.... and
(B) Don't worry about Naples. When you get to Paris, just head straight to the Orangerie to experience the full glories of Monet's Water Lilies in the original Natural Light as they were originally meant to be shown. You'll need a good couple of days to view them at all times of the day, in various weathers, as Monet intended.
In between viewings, you can use the super Paris thread to find some excellent restaurants where you and your wife can enjoy dining and discuss where to finish up your journey.
If I had the money at the moment, that's what I'd do.
For reference, see the article in today NY Times, or the thread on the subject that started here today.
