LizDMac2424

So my husband and I are leaving in less than 2 weeks (oh my gosh yesss!!!) for Italy for 2 weeks. Second trip to Italy. We have 4 nights in Sorrento. One day/night we are just gonna get settled in and explore or relax. One day we are going to relax in Sorrento and then hit up Pompeii for a half a day. One day I booked a tour of the Amalfi coast that hits Amalfi and Ravello (wish it stopped in Positano but the tour was cheap and we were looking for a lower budget tour for this one). So, for the last day, I have on my agenda Naples. Note: We are getting to Sorrento through Naples and then also going back through Naples when we head to Rome.

My grandmother who has spent lots of time in Italy and is fluent, keeps going on about Capri and how we must visit the Blue Grotto. Originally, I didn't think we had time, but now I am starting to think of the reasons why I want to visit Naples. Honestly we are museum goers so we wouldn't visit the archaeology museum. I think we were just going to people watch and for pizza. So, my question....would you recommend Capri instead of Naples? Is there an option to do both for that matter?

I thought I had my plans all figured out and now my grandmother is throwing me off!!

traveller1959

>> Honestly we are museum goers so we wouldn't visit the archaeology museum <<

Maybe my English is not good enough, but are you museum goers or not?

The main attraction of Naples is the Archeological Museum, otherwise the city is not too recommendable.

Capri is a boat trip from Sorrento, so it is a nice relaxing day going to Capri. The Blue Grotto is the main attraction, although I personally find the Emerald Grotto which is located between Positano and Amalfi more beautiful and easier to visit.

PhillyFan

You could take a ferry to Positano. We did an all day boat trip of the Amalfi Coast that included stops to get out in Amalfi and Positano.

We did Capri as a day trip from Sorrento. The ferry tickets were not cheap and Capri was crazy crowded. Truthfully, I think the gardens in Ravello were nicer than what we saw in Capri.

AJPeabody

Your Capri day trip is weather dependant. The Blue Grotto is only accessible when the sea is very calm. Setting it for a single specific day is thus a gamble. Have a plan B, either an interchangeable day depending on the forecast or a different place to go to.

kja

While I agree with traveller1959 that if you are NOT museum-goers, then Naples is probably not the place for you, but I must disagree about the city itself: I loved Naples!

On the other hand, IMO, while the Blue Grotto was lovely, it was FAR from my favorite experience of Capri. Time at the Villa Michele and on Mt. Solaro would top my list there.

BTW, 1/2 day is not much for Pompeii, particularly if that includes transportation.

Blueeyedcod

<<The main attraction of Naples is the Archeological Museum, otherwise the city is not too recommendable.>>

So three thousand years of history is 'not too recommendable' for you traveller1959? You clearly have no clue.

Here are a handful of reasons to visit Naples - of about three thousand

The exquisite cloisters of Santa Chiara

http://www.italymagazine.com/feature...aples-campania

The unique 'Christmas Alley' nativity street of San Gregorio Armeno

http://www.napoliunplugged.com/naple...io-armeno.html

The Certosa (Charterhouse) former Monastery and museum sitting high on Vomero hill

http://www.charmingitaly.com/article...tino-in-naples

The many grottoes, caves and catacombs
http://www.napoliunplugged.com/locat...rranean-naples

wordsmith1

We want to see Pompeii but is Sorrento/Capri enough for 1 day? We are on a cruise.

Huitres

I think a day trip to Capri is worth it - especially to be in the area and to not see it would be a travesty! As you indicated you will be going in and out of Naples to get to and from Sorrento, perhaps you can leave for your Rome stop a lot earlier? That way you'll have time to take in the Naples Archaeological Museum and eat at L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele for some of the famous margherita pizza that originated in Naples. Or you can visit the Vomero area above Naples with the Certosa di San Martino and great views overlooking the city and ocean. Whatever you decide to do, have a great time! This is one of my most favorite parts of Italy, it's so beautiful there! Buon viaggio!

kja

@ wordsmith1 -- if you are asking whether you can visit Pompeii AND Sorrento AND Capri in 1 day, my answer would be no -- too much! Others might disagree. Capri easily merits a full day; Pompeii easily merits the better part of a day. JMO.

LizDMac2424

Thanks everyone for the responses!! Should have proofread a bit better.....meant to say that we are NOT museum people. Also, thank you for the tip to the person who mentioned that Pompeii from Sorrento was not a half day trip. I didn't have it scheduled as a tight half day trip. Really that day is just a relax some in the morning and leisurely get over to Pompeii (figured I would try and relax a small bit before hitting the lines and furry of people at Pompeii). We have the full day to see it.

So we decided that when we arrive in Naples, we are going to leave our luggage at the train station and wander some. Grab some pizza, stretch our legs (we are in our late 20s and walk everywhere), and just take in Naples for a small bit. So, we are going to use that day intended for an all day in Naples to explore Capri (if the weather permits....if not, I can sit and drink wine and chat all day and be happy). I have heard many recommendations of getting up early and getting to the Grotto (if open) early so that's our plan. Then Anacapri and Monte Solaro.

Blueeyedcod

LizD - I would advise you to take Metro Line 1 to either Toledo or Dante stop (about 3 stops)from Centrale. You will be in the atmospheric part of Naples - the Historic Centre.

You won't get any pizza before 11am as they take time to fire up the ovens - they use wood and that takes time.

Try Sorbillo (Via Tribunali) or Brandi (Via Chiaia) for some of Naples' finest pizza.

LizDMac2424

Blueeyedcod---Thanks for the suggestion. Our train arrives in Naples around like 12:30 (I did pre-buy the tickets to save a little $$....train coming in from our 5 night stay in Florence). Trip broken up into 3 stays. 5 nights Florence, 4 nights Sorrento, 4 nights Rome.

Anyhoo, sorry for the rambling, here's my question. Can we walk from the train station to Via Tribunali (probably will hit Sorbillo)?? I used to walk a mile to work every day (and then a mile back home). We are 27 and really active. Just wondering if it is a mile or 2 from Centrale or more like 5-10 miles- obviously unwalkable

Blueeyedcod

Yes you can but its not a nice walk - it's across construction zones and through heavy traffic. The metro is just 2 stops to Toledo and 3 stops to Dante and its a pedestrian zone and Toledo is one of Naples' famous 'art stations' so a sight in itself.

Blueeyedcod

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/ra...ons-in-Europe/

Toldedo station is the first photo on this link.

Sassafrass

It might be best to get up a bit early and get to Pompeii when it opens to avoid the heat of mid-day. Not as hot as July or August, but still hot, and little shade. Take water and sunscreen. Relax in the afternoon back in Sorrento.

rosanna75

Don't walk around the main station of Naples, like said before take the metro to see the center of the city! Around the main station you see nothing interessing. In the city you can visit some museums, take the funicolare, visit churches, there is a street which is famous for its nativities or just do some shopping!

LizDMac2424

I guess my thought was that I don't actually mind the walking. Looks like it is a mile from the station to Via Tribunali. I am one of those weird people in life. I prefer walking over cars.

We live in North Carolina (grew up along the coast of NC). So, I am super interested to compare the heat in different areas of Italy to the heat here in NC. Our heat is this sticky heat that makes you feel like you can't breath. It's super lovely (sarcasm) but we are used to it. That's a good tip on visiting Pompeii earlier.

Thanks for all your help. In conclusion, we decided to just make a quick pit stop in Naples for a few hours (I know, I know, Im sure there will be many people who will disagree with this logic) when our train comes in from Florence before taking a ferry or hydrofoil over to Sorrento for a few nights. Instead of spending a full day in Naples, we are going to hit up Capri instead. Our train from Naples to Rome (for our third and last leg of the trip) is already booked, so I dont think there will be much of an opportunity to explore Naples before this train ride.

It's been a few years since we have last been to Italy, so I am counting down the days!! (9!!!)