zeppole

I feel sorry that Cole Conner missed all the astonishing sights of Napoli save the archeological museum. I have made two visits to Naples totaling 10 days, none of which involved the Amalfi coast, and there are still many sites and artistic treasures I couldn't squeeze into my packed days.

There is often a problem with popular guidebooks regarding Naples, and most people are just incredibly misinformed about the city. The best part of a visit to Naples is Naples, not the daytrips.

I find the Amalfi coast and Bruges (and Venice) too touristy to be enjoyable. Others like Cole Conner adore them, so that may account for the difference.

Apres_Londee

I think I've decided on Naples!

I feel like 6 days is too rushed for what I want to see in Belgium, especially since one of those days would be a Monday. There are so many museums I want to see, and I tend to tour them very slowly. I can already hear the clock ticking while trying to plan out a day-to-day itinerary. I think I need a full 10 days at least.

The fact that Belgium brings out my inner museum nazi also makes me wonder if I shouldn't save it for a time when I know for certain I'll be alone. Bf likes art and going to museums, but he's not the type to spend 6 hours backtracking over the same paintings, over and over again, like me.

In Naples, I'll only have 5 full days (5.5 including arrival day), but at least they can all be devoted to one city. I like being able to focus my attention on one place.

There are also some good winter hotel deals to be had in Naples. I'm got my eye on the Decumani- I can book a deluxe double for single use, and then if the bf comes along I can easily change the reservation to double use.

I think I'm also just really missing Italy. But I still feel a little sad that I won't be going to Belgium. Again. Although it's possible I could change my mind. Again.

Thanks again everyone for your thoughts!

ncounty

Have a great trip!
Hard to go wrong with these three... I would bring a light jacket or sweater; these are the average high/low/mean temperatures for Naples:

Sep 79°F 59°F 69°F 3.20 in. N/A°F (N/A) N/A°F (N/A)
Oct 71°F 52°F 62°F 5.10 in. N/A°F (N/A) N/A°F (N/A)
Nov 62°F 45°F 54°F 6.40 in. N/A°F (N/A) N/A°F (N/A)

Anna_Galea

Do you have to stay in Naples@ - How about staying in the Sorrento coast, and stay in towns like Vico Equense or Sorrento, and then do day trips to Naples, Pompeii, Capri and Amalfi Coast - We were in Naples a year ago, and yes, we did see moulds of garbage, some even looked like roundabouts, everywhere, and you do have to be very careful about pickpockets there, some people do look a bit rough, but I do not know, maybe situation is now better.

Anna_Galea

Forgot to add - weather can be really really freezing in Belgium in November, and it is almost always cloudy weather - if you want warmer weather you might have to consider Belgium or Portugal.

Anna_Galea

sorry last two three words meant to be 'Italy or Portugal'

Apres_Londee

Thanks ncounty! I figured I'd be prepared for wet autumn weather- I actually prefer it to be on the cool side instead of hot. Hopefully I'll get lucky and not encounter too much rain.

Anna, although the Amalfi Coast sounds beautiful, it's really Naples itself that interests me, warts and all. It's my understanding that the worst of the garbage crisis is now under control, so hopefully that won't be an issue. And since I live in Canada, it will be damp and grey here at home at any rate ~o)

Anna_Galea

Wherever you go, it is not the tourist season, and you won't find any place too crowdy. You do seem inclined more towards Belgium. Bruges would be nice for a two day stop, as well as a visit to Antwerp and Ghent, a visit to the EU monuments in Brussels, and of course Brussels itself, lots of shops to do shopping. Also, it is much more convenient to reach from UK. Well, if you do not mind cloudy cold weather, then go for it!!

In Naples it might rain in November, but overall weather would be warmer for sure.

tarquin

Don't let people discourage you from staying IN Naples, it's a fascinating city, not a blue rinse retreat like Sorrento.

arvedg

If you are looking for party you might be wrong in Venice, if you look for relaxed holidays, just walking and enjoying you will be right here. In November you have the town nearly for your own - to share with the Venetians, of course (other than in July and August when it is really packed). No queues, half priced rooms, hopefully some fog or flood, giving Venice its real charm. But Lisbon ... not a bad place to consider either ...

mamcalice

We've been all three places and considering the time of year and the attractions in and around each, I think I would choose Naples. I think 6 days is a bit long for Naples but you can do day trips from there. The weather should be decent and, as you say, Naples is a very interesting place. And the food is great.

Lisbon, IMO, doesn't offer enough to keep you busy for a week and Brussels has always seemed grey to me - even in the middle of summer.

Apres_Londee

I lol'd at blue rinse retreat.

Belgium is still at the very top of my wishlist, but for this trip Naples just feels like the right place to go. At least right now it does- I reserve the right change my mind until I actually book the trip

From everything I've read I don't think I'll have any trouble filling up 5.5 days, especially when I factor in Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis. In fact I already know I won't have enough time to see everything I'd like too.

I'd thought about Venice, but for some reason it just doesn't hold the same appeal for me right now. If I ever go to Venice it will definitely be in the dead of winter, though.

algarvissimo

Follow your heart!

Mimar

To confirm your decision, save Bruges for better weather. We were there in the rain (which is likely in November) and our enjoyment was definitely dampened.

Apres_Londee

Well, the bad news is that it looks like my trip will have to be put off until November 2013

The good news is, I will be able to get away for a slightly longer time. This means I can travel to two destinations in addition to England, instead of just one.

I'll have 15 nights on the ground.

I'm thinking London, Bruges, Brussels, and Naples.

My other idea is Istanbul and Venice (which I've never had a burning to see, but it seems like a good city to pair with Istanbul). I might do this one the following year, though.

Sorry for topping the thread with another personal blog- like post, just a bit disappointed about having to put it off, but reading and getting exciting too because it's been a couple of years since I've travelled so the hamster wheels in my head are starting to rev up, lol

tailsock

that sounds like a pretty good plan. hopefully you'll get good weather (esp in Belgium. I lucked out this March) Flemish cuisine was awesome!!!

thursdaysd

Wow, sorry about that! November is definitely a good time to go to Venice, though. But not Belgium!

Michael

I suspect that November can be cold and wet in Belgium. For that reason I would choose Naples first, Lisbon second, and finally Belgium.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...58744325/show/

I've written trip reports that include all three locations. Click on my name to find them, if interested.

Apres_Londee

I'll have to do some thinking...since it's so far away now, maybe I could tweak things to October instead of November, or maybe save Belgium for 2014 and see if I could swing a springtime or early autumn trip (I hate summer).

Apres_Londee

After doing more reading, I've decided on Amsterdam and Naples, 1 week each. LOL

I know Amsterdam will be damp too, but it seems more charming over all than Brussels and therefore maybe better for not so nice weather. It's another city with great museums and because this will be November 2013, the Rijksmuseum should be re-opened.

Amsterdam and Naples just "feels" right to me, as a pair. I think they'll make a nice contrast and there are cheap, regular direct flights between the two.

Please feel free to chime in with any thoughts, I really appreciate the input so far!