Best plan for Naples?

Posted by Angela (Seattle, Wa, USA) on 05/26/14 05:27 PM

I'm trying to work out a rough daily itinerary for for my trip in October now that I've finally settled on where I will travel to and when. My first night will be spent in Rome since that is where I fly in to, then I will be going to Sorrento for 4 nights before I head to Umbria. I will have to travel thru Naples twice. Would it be best to stop and visit the archeological museum on my way to Sorrento (leaving my bags at the train station), seeing it on my way to Orvieto, or doing a day trip from Sorrento and having either time to see more of Naples or as a combined trip with Pompeii?

I'm a solo female traveler in her 40s, if that makes any difference. Originally I planned to stay in Naples 1 night, but hubby dear was uncomfortable with that.

Posted by marlubeach

05/27/14 01:48 AM

3 posts

My husband and I traveled by train to Naples last summer, among many other cities in Italy. Naples is the only city where we didn't feel safe, particularly in the area of the train station when we got off. The coast of Naples is gorgeous and safer, but we walked from the station to the coast and would not recommend it, especially if you are a woman traveling alone.

Posted by Laurel

Forest Grove, OR

05/27/14 03:56 AM

12009 posts

I would recommend seeing the Archaeological Museum on the way to Sorrento, assuming you are also seeing Pompeii. It's a great background to understanding Pompeii. Unless you really want to see more of Naples, that stop on the way to Sorrento should be enough. It opens at 10:00, and you should easily be able to be there by opening using a high speed train from Rome. The museum takes 90-120 minutes.You could be in Sorrento for a late lunch.

If you want to see more of Naples, then make it a daytrip from Sorrento. I did not find Naples dangerous nor frightening, but it is intense and one does need to mind purse, wallet, etc. The chance of a violent attack is minimal, but I know of strong young men who have been relieved of their wallets.... Do use a cross-body bag, money belt, and keep your wits about you.

Posted by David

Basingstoke, England

05/27/14 07:04 AM

98 posts

I think a day in Naples is by far your best option. In the first place you can enjoy the city without worrying about your luggage. Secondly there is much more to see in Naples than just the Archaeological Museum. The Capodimonte Art gallery is one of the best in Italy and not at all crowded. The city is full on but not dangerous in the way that many English people would see a lot of larger American cities. There is so much vibrancy in Naples that would be a great shame to miss.
If you wanted to stay four comfortable and very pleasant days Sorrento is wonderful but if you didn't visit Naples and also Pompei I think you miss the main attractions of the area.

Posted by Angela OP

Seattle, Wa, USA

05/27/14 02:23 PM

663 posts

Thanks for all the advice! That is the quandary, isn't it? To "not waste time" and see Naples en route to Sorrento, but having to deal with luggage... Or take a full day trip. I will see Pompeii, regardless, but had planned to also see Herculaneum along with. Adding Naples to that day would be too exhausting for me unless I were to skip Herculaneum.

Perhaps I will keep both plans in mind, and do whatever seems most appropriate at the time. I may still be suffering jet lag since it will only be my second day. Or I may be full of energy and anxious to see what there is to see in Naples.