This is a “LAST MINUTE GIFT” to me …Italy/Naples RT air travel ticket 8/23/24-9/23/24. Ideal to have 2-3 bases my preference however can’t seem to plan this. This will be my 6th visit to Italy. I have been to AC/Southern Italy(Sicily/Puglia and Mattera). I’ve based before in Praiano and Conca dei Marini but not Inalfi town.
However never been to Sorrento, Maiori,Salerno, Vietri Sul Mare, or points further south in Calabria ie Tropea.
I decided no car on AC however would consider the option if necessary n easy to do further south.
I would like to be close to beaches enjoy swimming, food/wine/music/art experiences, people watching, city tours re; architecture/history,maybe a cooking class or some sort of agricultural experience/educational tour ie lemons/wine/olive oil and boat tours to see coast line .
My itinary thus far arrive/depart Naples airport dates above. On arrival Naples airport , alibus to Belleverado Port then Ferry to Sorrento. I’d not sure how long to stay maybe 1or 2 nocs?
I’ve been to Pompeii/Mt Vesuvius but not yet to Herculeum or Pastreum, prefer to visit just one site.
I plan to visit Ischia for 4-5 nights ,my Grandfathers birthplace as I await the finalization of my dual Italian citizenship JS, which I regularly visit when in the South of Italy.
Ferry to Ischia will be towards the last week, hopefully from a port like Salerno to avoid back tracking to other ports further north.
The only accommodation booked is my last 3 nights….arrive by ferry from Ischia to Naples with a 2p hotel checkin on Friday, stay sat/sun with a 6a Monday 8/23 airline departure from Naples to Boston/USA. I’ve never actually experienced Naples since all my flights in past have been late afternoon flights back to USA allowing enough time to ferry back on day of departure.
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Therefore seeking suggestions/experiences with this trip itinerary re; towns to base that with access to decent public/private transport, accommodations, beaches, restaurants,authentic +\or cultural experiences, personnel recommendations. I’m a solo female traveler for 10 yrs now and spend this time period every year somewhere in Europe. However Italy is my favorite destination. I usually use viator/get your guide and travel blogs on Instagram/Facebook and travel guide books to recreate my self guided tours. However enjoy group tours to meet other people as well.
Eagerly awaiting any suggestions … such a surprise last minute gift so need major assistance. Your gracious time and feedback is so appreciate..
Thankyou Again 🥰

At this late date, your options may be constrained by what lodging is available, so you might want to start by exploring the possibilities.

I'm puzzled that you would say Herculaneum OR Paestum, but not both. They are so completely different!

FWIW, I think Salerno vastly underrated. And Naples offers a wealth of options. You could easily add time there.

Enjoy!

awesome ThankYou .. will add Salerno

Is Caserta on your radar? Stunning palace and gardens in the Versailles style.

I agree with kja re Paestum and Herculaneum. They are such different types of sites that it’s worth going to both. Paestum has some of the best-preserved Ancient Greek temples in the world and the museum is excellent.

Herculaneum was buried by the same volcanic eruption that Pompeii was but it’s a very different site. It’s smaller, better-preserved and incredibly intimate. We absolutely loved Herculaneum and (at least when we were there) so much less crowded than Pompeii.

I would add more time to Naples - there is a lot a to see in the city itself as well as using it as a base to visit other sites. We’ve been there twice and would happily go back again. Don’t miss the archeological museum in Naples - some of the best artifacts from Pompeii are there as well as some other spectacular ancient Roman remains.