I've drawn out a pro's and con's chart for both, but I only find pro's for both. Perugia/Assisi=chocolate, sounds quaint and serene, and for Naples, I'd get to hang out w/ a local, be surrounded by nativity scenes, and hang out in the madness. I'd be leaving from Rome and from whichever city i decide to go to, i'd be leaving for florence after (naples might have a slight con there because it's going to be farther...). I'm leaving in two weeks , for two weeks in italy and i'm greedy and want to see/do EVERYTHING. agh. If you have opinions, please share. This forum has been really helpful tor italian traveling tips so far!

>>>I'd get to hang out w/ a local<<<

Do you speak Italian?

I've trained between Florence and Naples and travel time is only a little over three hours. My train was an hour late so I was hanging out an hour in the train station.

I would have said Perugia/Assisi hands down absolutely no contest but....you said hang out with a local. Even if you DO speak perfect Italian that will definitely be more fun and more worth writing about later. Remember, you and Perugia will both always be there and nothing will stop you from experiencing that later.

I loved Assisi! You'll be in Rome, a city, then Florence, another city. Why not pick a small town in between?

And I can recommend a restaurant in Assisi that makes the best gnocchi with gorgonzola sauce that I've ever eaten!

I very much enjoy Perugia, but I think it would be quite cold in Perugia and probably Assisi as well, if that matters to you. (It is also likely to be quite cold in Firenze (Florence). I would take advantage of being with a local in Napoli, and seeing the persepe, as well as all the over the top pastries and cakes for Christmas (and a shot of sunny limoncello helps during those short daylight days).

Some other things that would tip the balance for me in favor of Napoli1) the students help make Perugia fun, and many will be gone over the holidays. (2) when one is "greedy to see everything," the contrast between Firenze and Napoli is really sharp, and you will have a better understanding of Italy as a whole when you leave, even though it is a short trip (and getting the insights of a local will give you even more understanding. (3) Pompeii is often unbearably hot at other times of year. A sunny December day would be great for a trip to Pompeii.

Sorry for that icon! I meant just to put in a parenthesis. It makes it look like I have a negative opinon of Napoli -- which I don't! I think it is an amazing world-class destination, rich with art, fantastic food, and marvelous people. And it's cheap!

Hello going2italia, I won't bother posting my thoughts that I just had after reading your thread as they are the same as stepsbeyond. And time in Naples with a local is something not too many visitors get to experience!

Can't comment on Perugia, and I like Assisi very much, but especially in December, I would choose two days in Napoli. There is just so much to do and see there, even if weather is cold, there is plenty to do inside and great food to enjoy in the evenings. Being with a local tips the scales even further in favor of Napoli. While it is another city, it is so different from Florence, it still gives you variety.

Thanks for everyone's input! I don't speak anything beyond basic Italian, but there is local I've met before who's offered to show me the real Napoli (not that naples isn't real enough). As of now I am leaning toward Naples, but still really reluctant to give up Perugia/Assisi, just because I thought I'd be able to the later towns/cities would give me a chance to leisurely stroll around and catch my breath. Maybe, I'll wing it when i get there....

thanks again!

Also, I've read that the central Naples train station is a little sketchy, but it's not going to be to the point where they take your luggage and run, right? Just the basic pickpocketting, conartist kinds of scams, right?

hi going,

with the chance to see Naples with a local, it's no contest for me. get him/her to meet you at the station then even that should not be a problem. we went many, many years ago and it was tacky but not life-threatening!

have a great trip

regards, ann

Perugia/Assisi are certainly more relaxing places to stroll around in than Naples, but you can forget chocolate as a reason: Perugina is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nestle, and the only time chocolate plays any kind of role in Perugia is during the Eurochocolate festival.

forget your worries about the Naples train station - just get good directions from your friend if he/she is not meeting you.
Naples is a fantastic town and you will not regret going there. It is a beautiful, touching lively place with all kinds of wonderful things, from the remains of ancient Neopolis to Caravaggios, two world class museums and great food packed into a small space - not to mention an amazing physical setting.

Assisi is a lovely small hill town but after youve seen the basilica and strolled around a bit you will be left with little to do. Compared with Naples there is no contest.