Hi,

I'm bringing my wife to Italy this September for 8 days, mostly in Rome. As I was wondering about a day trip outside the capital, I thought of Naples (since it's only a 2 hour drive or so). Now, the city never really had a good reputation and the last time I went to Italy (around 9 years ago), visiting Napoli was seriously out of the question unless you wanted to add an adrenaline rush to your trip. Has anyone went to Naples lately? Is it worthwhile? Thank you!

Well it sur wouldn't be my first choice! Why not head to a more laid back / small town type of destintion? Are you driving? Maybe Orvieto or Assisi - I think Assisi is drop dead gorgeous and the fescos in the church are just amazing. Rome is frantic enough - I would chose something more charming than Napoli for a daytrip.

I think if you combine it with a trip to Pompeii, it's very much worthwhile. Once you get past the grime, it's really a great little city.

Its a very easy, and worthwhile day trip, from Rome, and is even better if combined with Pompeii. Taking an early train from Rome makes it a simple trip.

I have seen Pompeii and although I really liked it, it would not be my wife's cup of tea. Umbria is a very good idea to which I hadn't tought of. Thanks for you assistance, it is much appreciated!

Hi T,

What's the rest of the itinerary.

I liked Naples, but wouldn't consider it a priority.

Hi Ira,

Wondering why you were asking about the itinerary, I realized I wrote "...mostly in Rome" whereas we are planning only Rome. Sorry for the confusion. But to answer your question:

We will rent an appartment (we always prefer appts to hotels - always), visit the main attractions in five days and spend a day or two with friends living in Rome, hence the side trip.

My wife has never saw Rome although she did go to Sicily and Tuscany.

It would be better to go see sorrento, positano, capri, or almalfi. They are little villages on a hilltop overlooking the ocean. Very beautiful and much more old italian ways than the napoli modern metropolis. Also I have heard bad things about napoli.

From Napoli it is just a local train for about 2 hrs to get to sorrento. Totally worth the extract time.

Theresa

www.nomadwannabe.com

Hi T,

If you get bored with Rome, take the train to Orvieto.

Save Naples for when you visit that part of Italy.