places to visit between Naples and Rome
 

Hi.

We have an early flight from Rome, so we decided to rent a car in Naples the day before the flight (after coming back from Capri), and drive slowly between Naples and Rome, sleep somewhere near Rome, and give car back right before the flight the next morning. We will have all day, so I would like some suggestions for places to visit between Naples and Rome (and not Pompei). Cute town, village, interesting restaurant, places of interest, off the beaten path ideas....

Also, any suggestions for car rental in Naples would be most welcomed. Can we rent in the port, or will we have to go to train station or airport to get the car?

Thanks!!!

You should check to see if it's possible to get a one-day rental during the time you are going.

You might find this thread answers all your questions:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...e-320079-2.cfm

In general, the towns between Napoli in Rome are ancient in character, are the site of many epic and bloody imperial battles, including most recently WW2. While there are some tourists who relentlessly want "cute" and will see "cute" wherever they go in Italy and Europe, these places are not cute.

There are tour companies that mainly focus on meeting cruise ships and they specialize in taking tourists to places made cute for tourists. You can probably track one down and look at their itineraries even if you are driving yourself if you are looking for cute.

Sorry if my desire to see "cute" offended anyone.

We have enjoyed visiting Gaeta which is on the seacoast between Rome and Naples. Not sure if it fits your guidelines, but it has an old town and interesting things to see in the area. The Montagna Spaccata (cracked mountain)and walking down to the Turkish Grotto is interesting. Sperlonga is also a nice place to visit on the coast heading north of Gaeta.

Sperlonga !

So you would suggest the coastal road, rather that places close to highway? Also wondering if one can drive through any section of the "appian way", or is it just pedestrian/bikes?

Nettuno and Anzio, if interested in American military monuments and cemeteries at the major beach heads of the Allies invasion of Italy. Both are on the coast and pleasant if not spectacular towns.

Stop at Monte Cassino to experience the beautiful Abbey that was almost totally destroyed during WWII.