A friend and I will be traveling to Naples in the third week of February. Because of a great package deal, we'll be staying in a hotel in Naples that whole time, but would like to do a number of day trips out of Naples in addition to touring Naples itself. This being our first time in that region, what would be the best way to spend our 5 days? Pompeii? Vesuvius? Capri? Limitations are: transportation (public), weather (February), language (English), and don't want to run a frenzied pace just to say "we've seen it all." We are single guys in our mid-30s. If you had 5 days in Naples. . . .

The following is based on the following facts:<BR>1. First timer in Naples<BR>2. Travelling in February<BR>3. Five full days available<BR>4. Not too rigorous pace<BR>5. Emphasis on cultural/educational sites<BR><BR>Day 1: A.M.: Spaccanapoli district including Duomo and other main churches; P.M.: Museo Archeologico (all on foot)<BR><BR>Day 2: A.M.: Capodimonte Museum by city bus; P.M.: Palazzo Reale, Piazza Municipio and Via Partenope area (Santa Lucia District)on foot<BR><BR>Day 3: A.M.: Certosa di San Martino (Neapolitan Nativity Cribs) and Castel Sant'Elmo by funicular (splendid views of Bay); P.M.: Villa Floridiana (Neapolitan ceramics) OR walk along Via Caracciolo from Mergellina back to Castel dell'Ovo (classic 19th century promenade) <BR><BR>Day 4: A.M.: Pompei by Circumvesuviana Rail (5 hours); P.M.: Underground Naples Tour on foot (Ancient City)<BR><BR>Day 5: There are several options<BR>a) Bourbon Royal Palace and Park at Caserta by train or bus (5 hours)<BR>b) Sorrento (shopping and R/R) by Circumvesuviana Rail one way, reverse trip by Hydrofoil or Rail)<BR>c) Capri day trip by hydrofoil or boat (unless bad weather or cold)<BR>d) Amalfi/Positano/Sorrento circular day trip by bus/Circumvesuviana Rail<BR>e) Cumae/Baia/Pozzuoli archeology by bus/rail<BR>f) Mt. Vesuvius by bus (unless bad weather or very windy)

Peter- you have a .gov address. Would you be able to take advantage of day trips offered by the Navy in Naples? Maybe you can contact their MWR dept.

Thanks for the great suggestions!<BR>

Peter, you're and your friend are luck men because February is a very good period to visit Naples ( except for sun and sea, of course ) and 5 days are almost enough.<BR>So, I prefer to suggest you what you haven't to miss: the first 3 days of GAC are all right.<BR>Pompei is for the whole day because since this current month it is possible to visit another branch, for adults only, very interesting.<BR>Sorrento is good a whole day, not only for shopping but for dining and views of the Bay of Naples.<BR>Ciao.

Peter do a search using "Joedy" He is stationed in Naples with the Navy and has made some excellent posts here. I really liked his Procida and bucket of fish post.

Thanks for the additional recommendations. I contacted Joedy as suggested and he has been very helpful.