On your own in Naples
 

We will be in Naples for a day (a stop with our cruise). Some of the tours that are sponsored by the cruise line seem a bit pricey. Anyone familiar with the port in Naples? Can we just walk into Naples on our own (from the ship)? Is it safe? Any suggestions are appreciated (we were in Naples a few years ago; saw Pompeii, and, of course, the cameo factory.) We heard that Capri is very touristy and also expensive.

Absolutely you can. This is what we did and many folks do. No worries. And its much cheaper too. :-)

Have done this no worries.

Naples is a little dirty dodgy not bad.

Be careful crossing streets craziest drivers

I have seen in Italy.

You could go to the train station and hop the

Circumvesuviano for 4 euro pp to Pompeii or

Sorrento/Amalfi either or both would make a

nice cheap day trip for you.

If I ever go to Naples again I would consider seeing the ruins of Herculaneum. BTW I saw something on the History channel about Pompei. The Romans didn't have terms for volcanic eruptions as they had never seen one. They watched and wondered for quite a while B4 the ash spewed and by that time it was too late to escape. Had they known many more could have been saved.

Been to Naples many times as it is a standard cruise stop. It is probably my least favorite city in Italy. Having said that, it is certainly possible to walk from the port to various neighborhoods in the City. Note tha city is as dirty as cities get and the municipal neglect is shameful and notorious. If you want to walk to the weekend markets, turn right at the end of the walkway to the pier and head toward the train station. Last time we were there, we noticed a Hop On, Hop Off bus stop at the end of the walkway to the Pier which can serve as a good method of hitting the major tourist spots. Capri is wonderful and you don't need to take the ship tour. The ferries to Capri are also right at the Pier. Walk straight ahead from the port exit until you are two thirds of the way to the main street and look to the left. You will see the ferry terminal where you can buy your own tickets. You can Google the schedules in advance. If you with to rent a car, Hertz is the closest to the pier. Closed on Sundays.

I know only one thing about Naples but it may be useful; our Italian friend Arturo is scared of it! Probably not valid but it would be wise not to be naive?

We spent a week in Naples last September and thoroughly enjoyed it. No safety issues. Take a look at this:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-in-naples.cfm