I spent a wonderful week in Florence many years ago when I was 17, then visited Assisi and spent the summer in Rome. I am returning to Italy for the 1st time since then. I have decided to go to Venice, where I have never been, and then by train to the Amalfi Coast. After a couple of overnights there I will be staying for a quiet week in a studio apartment on the Cilento Coast and exploring locally by car. My dilemma is, should I stop for one day/night to renew my memories of Florence (as originally planned), or should I use that day for Naples. I first thought that a day would be too short to be of much use in Naples, but I have also read that without experiencing Naples it is impossible to fully appreciate Campania. Any opinions?

Both your statements are correct. You've got a hard decision to make.

You do have a hard decision. But, since you've already been to Florence, and since Naples is such a wonderful place to visit, I'd recommend Naples. Besides, you have to change trains in Naples anyway and will already be there.

I've been to both depends on what you want out of one day...Florence as you know is great and you can have an enjoyable and relaxing day since you will already have experienced it you could delve deeper into the out of the way unexplored corners...I think you might be doing a disservice to yourself by only having a day in Naples for your first time...either way its an enviable dilemma to have...would love to hear more about your journey when you return I'm planning on returning to Italy in November this year for the 12th time and I'm always interested in hearing other opinions...Barb

I’ve been reading the responses to a thread on whether or not Naples is the worst city to visit in Europe, which has made me even more undecided! Florence still seems lovely, but Naples sounds challenging... If I do go to Naples, I wouldn’t expect to see too many of the sights, just get a feeling for the city. I’d be looking for a simple hotel, B&B or pensione not more than 50 Euros for single room, don’t care about private bathroom, AC, telephone, etc., but would love a little balcony with a view. Any suggestions? Or maybe I should take a daytrip by boat from Capri or Amalfi, and just enjoy the harbor environs...?<BR>

ttt

Naples is without question the worst city I have been to in Europe; this is just my opinion so please do not attack me; I just feel it would be a big wast of time.<BR>I would go to Florence or stay an extra day in Venice....<BR>la Dolce Italy!<BR>to the top

Dorothy,<BR>I posted this the other day, but you might have missed it. There's a good article on Naples in the August issue of Vogue (Jennifer Anniston is on the cover). It's worth reading.<BR><BR>M.

Thanks - I will definitely check it out.

Thanks - I will definitely check it out.