Is it safe for a woman to travel around Italy without being part of a tour group? Any recomendations - was thinking about the area around Naples (Capri, Amalfi Coast etc...) and then Milan (would love to try the shopping), Venice or Florence. I can spend 2-3 weeks in September. While I would like to see all of the tourist spots, would also like to soak up the Italian culture, spend time in cafes, meet other young people etc...

Although you would probably rather hear it from another woman who has traveled solo, I'll go ahead and give the answer most likely to be given here, to this question: "yes".

Recomendations? spend three weeks.

Best wishes,

Rex

As a first time, 29 year old solo female traveler I took an organized tour through Italy four years ago. I have to admit it was very comfortable and nice to have someone else do the planning for me. However, I did feel that I missed out on being able to fully explore a city or region since we usually just spent one night in each place. I made a point to leave the tour group each day to explore on my own and those were my best moments on the trip. I felt completely safe and at ease, so much so that I plan on returning there this September on my own!

You should definitely consider a solo trip - just make sure you do your homework before leaving ie. book your hotels, train and museum reservations etc, read several guidebooks and use this forum. Even though it takes time, the planning process is actually quite fun. Enjoy!

Although I am not a woman, I feel that overall it is safe. I walked at night and felt safer than I have in many cities in the USA.

Warning: just because you feel safe, stay alert to your surroundings, confident, and walk in well lighted and traveled streets.

I had a 45 minute layover in the Naples train station, and that is the only city (area) I did not feel safe in. The stores were gated up even during the day.

I personnaly like going solo and taking day tours whenever I like. You can spend as much time as you like doing what you like.

Sure, 3 weeks in Italy for a single female is a fine idea IMO. As you research you'll find a few specific places people warn about, to be careful (i.e. train station in Rome, part of Naples, etc.).

Venice is the easiest city I have ever visited (twice, solo). You might want to make that your first stop (rather than Naple or Rome for example) to get your bearings.

Hi firsttimetraveler, unless you have never travelled alone before and have not spent any time in large cities you should be absolutely safe and happy in Italy. Like anywhere, use good judgement of course.

I agree with Suze, making Venice your first place to visit would be ideal. You could relax from preparing for your trip, the flight etc. Venice is very easy to visit and I would think that you would really enjoy being there.

Imagine that you will be travelling by train? You might consider stopping in Bologna, that is a fun and interesting city.

Florence is such an easy city to walk in also and there are so many tresasures to enjoy.

Rome is wonderful, busy, noisy and a complete joy. You will really enjoy the cafes in Rome. Rome is such a great "people watching" place IMO as well as a city full of sites and sights!

Amalfi Coast is beautiful and serene. SeaUrchin has written reports about her visits to AC. Capri is of course also very beautiful and although an overnight or two is preferable a day trip would give you a sense of this jewel of an island and you could always come back another time for a few days. I love Milan but do be aware the shopping is very expensive. But if you really want to see Milan you could then fly home from Milpensa airport. There is a bus that runs something like every 30 minutes from the Central Train station in Milan to the Milpensa airport. Otherwise you could fly home from Rome. Getting an open jaw tickets would eliminate having to backtrack and so that would save you travel time.

Have no idea when you are planning to visit Italy but go to your local library and check out some good travel books. Learn a few basic Italian words and sentances. And utilize Fodor's here when you have questions. And have fun planning this wonderful trip! Best wishes.

Hi F,

Having consulted with my Lady Wife, she says, "It is much safer than visiting the USA", however "beware of pinchers".

You might find my trip report helpful for planning a 3-week visit. You would want less time in florence and more in Venice.

Definitely spend a week on the AC.

Fly into Venice and out of Naples or VV.

Have a great visit.

Thank you all so much for your helpful advice. I will definately plan my first stop to be Venice. I'll do some more research using the suggestions I received and will probably post some follow up questions. Thank you!

Hi firsttimetraveler, I am glad that you are are going ahead with your plans to travel to Italy!! I don't know if you are thinking of September 2005 or 2006 but do have fun researching and dreaming about this trip. I am sure you will love Italy, and for sure any questions you have can be answered here on Fodors. Best wishes to you.