Venice or Naples?
 

I'll be traveling in Italy in June an dhave time to go to either Venice or Naples area. Any advice on which one to visit? I've never been to either, but figure if I go to Naples I can also see Amalfi Coast and Pompei.

Venice is probably cooler than Naples at that time of year.<BR><BR>If I had 3 - 4 days I would do Venice because that is about the 'right' amount of time to get a flavor.<BR><BR>If I had 5 - 7 or more days I would do Naples again because it is about the 'right' amount of time.<BR><BR>If I had ten or more days I would do both.<BR><BR>Of course, your interests and objectives could dictate the better choice.

Venice, Venice, Venice. My favorite place in the world. (so far)

I'd go to Venice, MLA. It's so unique and it will be somewhat cooler. Also, how much time do you have? As John wisely points out, the Naples-Amalfi Coast area requires more than a few days, whereas, Venice is great for two or three days.

Not that you need another recommendation, but if you haven't been to Venice you should go. It's the one place that is so unique you'll never forget it. In spite of the daytime crowds of tourists in St. Mark's Square, you can get away by simply walking in any direction. And you'll find a new discovery around every corner if you just wander around a bit. The art, the architecture, and the many cathedrals (70 of them in Venice according to official notices) and the overall atmosphere are not to be equaled anywhere else, in my opinion.

I love both places, but if you've never been to Venice it is a must! It is a totally unique city and the sights and sounds there are unequalled.

I personally would chose Venezia but for your decision I would ask you a few questions:<BR><BR>What are you into? If you love renaissance art, churches, museums I would go to Venice. If you are into historical/archeological finds, then Naples would be better, althought there are churches aplenty and the Capodimonte and Archeological museums are superb. If wild waters and windswept cliffs are your thing, then Sorrento or somewhere on the Amalfi Drive is the best choice. If you are a hiker, then Massa Lubrense on the Sorrentine peninsula. <BR><BR>Food issues: Venice is high end for the most part. There are bargain places but the bargain places in Venice are as expensive as the run of the mill places in Napoli or Sorrento.<BR><BR>Both areas feature seaffood but there is more meat available at Venice. The wines are also more "nobile" and "important" in terms of wine writter's opinions. I am in love with the local wines of Campagna especially Ischia and Amalfi Biancos etc, but if you are looking to drink spectacular and famous wines, you will find more offerings in Venice (if you do go to Venice splurge and drink Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella at Achiuguette or Fiaschetteria Toscana for about $50.00 a bottle. It will cost you $80 or so in a wine shop in the states!!!)<BR><BR>If sitting in a square and drinking a spremuta, granite (fruit ice slush. does one drink or eat a granite? both actually!) sounds fun then Try Napoli or Sorrento. But if drinking a caffe listening to a live orchestra is you thing, go to Venice.<BR><BR>Finally, Venice has no cars. It is impossible to know just how relaxing and peaceful it is. Sure you hear the chugging of the Vaporetti but that is a luliby compared to the constant buzz of the Vespi of anywhere around Napoli. <BR><BR>Last add: Some have said that enough time is Venice is 3-4 days and that you need more for Napoli. We spent 3 days in Sorrento with day trips to Napoli for the archeologico museo, Pompeii and Oplontis, the Amalfi drive and Paestum. We ahve spent 2 se[arate weeks in Venice staying in an apartment near the fish market with a kitchen. While our next trip to Italy will likely consist of a week in Massa Lubrense (just past Sorrento) and a week in Venice.