We are going to rent a car and drive to Italy. We are going to stay half way between Rome & Naples, so we can make daytrips to both area. <BR>I now there is free parking available in Rome, at the walls of the Vatican, about 500 metres west of the entrance of the Vatican Museum. There is a safe parking in Pompei, right at the exit of the highway that leads to Rome, and it is a campground also. <BR>We would like to drive up to Vesuvius, visit Herculaneum, go to Capri and drive along the Amalfi scenic route. <BR>Questions: <BR>1, How is the parking on the top of Vesuvius and in Herculaneum ? <BR>2, Better to leave the car at the ferry dock on the mainland or take the car with us to Capri? <BR>3, Is there a safe garage on the mainland by the ferry? <BR>4, If we decide to take the car to Capri, how is the parking situation there? <BR>5, Is 1 day enough at Capri? <BR>6, Any other "Must See" sites you recommend visiting? <BR>Last year we went to Venice, Florence, Siena, Pisa, Rome and Pompei. I will be glad to answer any questions about them.

Maybe I can answer some of your questions. <BR>1) Parking at the top of Vesuvius? Don't think you can drive to the top of V.--you must walk. The easiest way is to park in Herculaneum and take the Vesuvius bus. It takes you part way up. Then there is a pretty stiff 1/2-hour hike up. There used to be a chairlift, but it went away years ago and the latest book I have (2001) says it hasn't been replaced. <BR>2) Herculaneum: There is parking near the gate. <BR>3) Leave your car on the mainland when going to Capri. There is parking at the ferry dock. You don't really need a car on Capri; buses get you from the port (Marina Grande) to Capri and Anacapri and most sights are an easy walk from one of those. Besides, if you have your car you will be paying attention to the driving (hopefully) and miss the beauty that is Capri. So much better to bus/walk. <BR>4) One day is enough to see the highlights of Capri. However, I urge you to seriously consider spending the night. The "real" Capri comes out after the tourists leave at 5:00. Then it becomes magical. <BR>6) Safe parking spots: No parking spot in the Naples area is really safe. Some are just a little safer than others. I know of no parking garages (only lots) near the port or Herculaneum, though there may be some now. (Naples residents, anyone?) The safest car parks are ones that have a white cap (guard). He is usually an elderly man who is paid to watch the cars. He will do a MUCH better job if you tip him when you drop off your car, not after you pick it up. You have a better chance of finding your car when you return, though this is not a guarantee either. (This is why you must have insurance and why some rental agencies will not rent to you if you are taking your car to the Naples area.) And leave NOTHING in your car if you want it to be there when you come back. Actually, a car is not really necessary; public transportation gets you almost everywhere. <BR>Things not to miss: In Naples, Capella San Sevaro, a little known private chapel with some extraordinary statuary. Go to the Museo Archeologico and take a funiculare. Also, spend some time in Naples just walking around and enjoying life. Naples is a multi-sensory experience, vibrant and full of life. Enjoy one of my all-time favorite cities. Eat the pizza and gelato--both extraordinary. <BR>On Capri, the Villa Jovis. <BR>Have fun. Wish I was going with you. If you have more questions, please feel free to e-mail me.