Monica

I'm going to Italy in two months and have posted questions about Rome, Venice, and Milan. Thanks everyone! Now about Naples and Capri. I'll be in Naples for one full day (nights there at my husbands cousins home), a day trip to Capri, and a day trip to the Amalfi coast. Any suggestions on which highlights to see in Naples? How about the Blue Grotto? I have gotten mixed information on this some saying it's a rip off! Thanks in advance. Ciao!

Joe Lomax

I do not know about Naples, proper, but I enjoyed Herculaneum and the view from Vesuvius. The scavi, excavations, in Ercolano were very interesting. The area is fenced off, quiet and you walk around as you please. Nearby, there is a place where you can buy the finer cameos at reasonable prices (near the autostrade). When I went there 8 years ago, the road up to Vesuvius was a bit rough; perhaps, it is improved. You go to about 1000 feet below the summit where the cider cone begins. There is a sign saying you need an official guide to view the crater at the top. After walking up the cinder cone (very rough on shoes), there is a small shack with a man selling tickets. You give him a few bucks (3000 lira at the time) and he tells you that you are now an official guide, and do not walk beyond the chains. The volcano is active. You can see fumeroles and sulfur deposits and hear the steam hissing. However, what brings you up there is the view. From there you can still believe the saying, "See Naples and die."

Jo

My friend and I spent a good day in Naples in 1996. First thing we headed up to the Archaeological Museum, full of amazing wall paintings from Pompeii/Ercolano, sculpture, decorative arts [the mosaic section was closed then]. Next we headed down Via Toledo and lunched in a very nice trattoria just off the main drag. After lunch we toured Castel Nuovo, which included a small art gallery and there were good views from parts of the Castel. We had a brief look in the Galleria before having afternoon tea in the antique cafe nearby, the name of which escapes me, but it's in all the guide books. Then we shopped the Via Toledo before dining in a nice restaurant by the waterfront near the Castel dell Ovo. Time permitting, we would have loved to have seen more of the churches, museums and grand buildings of Naples. One day is definitely nowhere near enough! By the way, we were sensible and dressed down and nobody pestered us - I say this because Naples has a certain "reputation".

ellen

Just got back from 10days in Naples, Sorrento area. Naples is extremely dangerous-see a consulate's report-better yet ask those who live there. BE careful. Go to the National Archeological Museum. Try to see a performance at the Theatre do San Carlos. We saw Giselle- Fabulous!
Spend time in Sorrento if possible- a 40 min. drive from Naples (also a harbor launching boats to Capri. On Capri hke up to Tiberius' Villa. Take tons of film! Don't miss the Amalfi Coast. Positano is wonderful- a great restaurant there is The Three Sisters. English spoken along Amalfi-it is quite a Brit hangout.
Ravello-on the Amalfi coast is also quite picturesque. I did not care for the town of Amalfi.
I agree with comment to see Herculaneum and of course Pompoeii is important-but difficult to do in a day. Have a greaqt trip

Monica

Thanks all for your information. I'm sure 1 day isn't enough for Naples, but I'd like to use the second day for Capri and the third for a drive around the Amalfi coast, stopping at Sorrento, Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, and Vietri sul Mare.

Ellen, we'll be staying with my husbands cousin's house and they'll be with us while we tour around, so there shouldn't be a problem with the "dangers" of Naples. I'm like Jo and dress down, though I'm sure my Canon camera gives me away.

Hey Joe, Remember me? You had provided me information for Rome about a month ago! (I work at Fort Detrick; husband went to VMI).


Ciao!

Maira

Monica: The March issue of National Geographics has a very well written article about Naples. I'll strongly recommend you head out to the nearest libary and read it! Have the best time!

Monica

Maira, thanks for the National Geographic information. Will head to the library this afternoon!

Karen

Ellen,
I've been posting this question..hope you can help.
I need info on the Ferry from Naples and or Sorrento to the Isle of Capri. .... cost, reservations needed, parking lot available?, Anything else you may know will help ASAP .....thanks

Wayne

I can't comment about Naples as we didn't leave the train station. But we did go to Capri and the Amalfi coast in March. Capri is pretty but overrated. Don't count on riding the chairlift to the top of the mount for the best views as it is closed indefinately. We hiked to the Natural Arch. It was a nice walk with great views. We didn't have the energy to continue to Tiberius' Villa. The towns of Capri and Anacapri themselves are very crowded and expensive.
I would never recommend driving along the Amalfi coast. The road is way too narrow and winding. Please take my word on this. Instead take a blue CITA bus from Sorrento and let the pros do the driving while you relax and enjoy the views. Beware of motion sickness (yes it is that winding!) Don't miss Herculanium--smaller but better preserved than Pompeii. Enjoy your trip!!