Feb. 2015 ... 10 days in Napoli ... Requesting eclectic ideas ...

One great thing about Naples is that it doesn't get so many tourists - they're all scared off by its reputation. So, it's largely you and the Neapolitans. At least, that was the certainly case when I was there in 1994, and nothing I've read or heard leads me to believe it's any different now. Rome, Pompeii and Sorrento are perennially popular, but Naples is overlooked - their loss.

(One vivid contrast that points this up: in Rome, all the newsstands in the center have a prominent display of maps for sale to the many tourists. In Naples I went to a newsstand just opposite the Galleria, but didn't see any maps displayed, so I asked for one. He fished around and found one in the back, and luckily it was sealed in plastic, as it was coated with grime from having been out and unsold for so long!)

In addition to the Archeological Museum (one of my very favorites anywhere, even all these years later), you must see the Cappella Sansevero. The Veiled Christ is the most famous, but I was even more blown away by Disillusion; the way the sculptor made marble really look like rope was breathtaking. But given your interest in crypts, the reason you will want to go is the "Anatomical Machines" - details here: http://www.museosansevero.it/en/statues-and-anatomical-machines/anatomical-machines

Were you planning to go to Palermo for an overnight, or is that for a future trip? There are several flights a day from Naples to Palermo, and if you can book far enough in advance to get the cheapest ticket, it's about €50 each way. If you want to fly Alitalia, use their International site with the English option, as that has lower prices than their US site for domestic flights.

I don't know many specifics as to Naples, but the surrounding areas, not very much frequented by American tourists, are wonderful....

2 places that might not have been on your radar....

Paestum, the site of the most well preserved Greek ruins outside of the Acropolis in Greece, is a bit south of Naples....the site is HUGE, and you can wander wherever you want.....might make some great pictures....

Reggio di Caserta, a palace in Caserta modeled after Versailles, HUGE gardens, and though I didn't see much of the palace, I know its fantastic.....

The island of Ischia has some sites that might interest you.

Thank you for responses ... I will save them to plan accordingly ...

I hadn't considered even if the planes are delayed ; it would still be faster to fly than the 10 hour ferry to Palermo ... thanks !

If you are still looking for eclectic ideas.... Not in Naples but about 2 hours away, you can stay on a farm and get off the beaten path. It is in the mountains and an area quite beautiful but not seen by many tourists. Check it out. italyfarmstay.com. Gets GREAT reviews on many sites.

My husband and I spent nine days in Naples in July. I agree with all of the above suggestions, but the most eclectic thing I saw there was the small square across from the entrance to Pio Monte della Misericordia church. Don't go there until you have spent a few days walking around the old part of town. It's just a tiny square, but it has Everything that IS Naples. Layers of ancient buildings, all in states of disrepair, greenery in places that shouldn't be green, tightly parked cars, entrance to a 4 star hotel, the most ugly graffiti garage door lady I ever saw, several big garbage carts (thankfully), several balconies with the laundry flapping, TV discs aimed for the sky and in the middle of all this is a really large memorial overseeing the whole mess. I loved it. Never seen so much culture in such a small space. The essence of Naples, all boiled down tight.
We used Rick Sleeves Italy and Naples and Amalfi Coast books. The walking tours are good. The best food was at Ecomesara.
We stayed at Grand Hotel Europa, next to the train station and Metro lines, and day tripped all over town and the surrounding area. Enjoy your trip. The only Americans we saw were at the famous Antica Pizzeria de Michele. I like American pizza better.

Thanks ben ... will take all that into account ...
You have a great sense of humor ...
" greenery in places that shouldn't be green " ...
The moss in Italy captivated me when I visited last Feb.
... as I live in Texas ( ;
Thanks for the best food tip ... and good to know , in Jan
I may be the rare American ... and YOU went In summer !

Linda ; thanks for the farm tip ...
I looked it up and may consider it ...

Katherine ...
Paestum sounds great !

I read some reviews of Napoli ;
by put-off tourists complaining of beggars , litter , and ' sketchy ' areas

All the better !
I'm glad I already have a few ' Neapolitan ' contacts to ask and take advise from ...

Thanks for the responses folks !

If anyone enjoys looking at photos
My facebook profile and photo folders are public
So I invite you to check out my Italy photos from last Feb .
Once there start at the circa 14th photo folder /
Milan and Genova are especially good ...
Staglieno monumental cemetery was a highlight ...

https://www.facebook.com/deepbluehue/photos_albums

The Archeological Museum is certainly outstanding. I went first thing in the AM, and left about lunchtime. I asked a museum staffer to recommend the best pizza in the area. Do you want the nearest or the best? she asked. The best, but not too far, said I. She recommend Starita's which was excellent. Uphill on Via S. Teresa degli Scalzi behind the museum, then left on the small, neighborhood Via Materei. Over 100 years old, great pizza, good prices, great reviews on TA. I also recommend the wonderful Greek ruins (some Roman ruins as well, the Romans took over the area but respected the Greek temples so left them intact) and excellent small museum at Paestum, about a 90 min direct train from Naples. With an early start, you could make a few hours stop in Salerno, a coastal city with a nice old town section and beautiful church. Conceivably you could even take a short bus ride from Salerno to the ceramic town of Vietri sul Mare, then back to Salerno and on to Paestum. A terrific day trip! In Naples I enjoyed these small and traditional restaurants in the Spanish Quarter: Il Gobbetto, and Trattoria Nannella. Also Fantasia Gelati, which has a few gelato locations around Naples, including one downtown on Via Toledo. I was a little disappointed by Spaccanapoli, as the long street was not as narrow, ethnic or gritty quaint as I expected, and was pretty touristy. Overall, Napoli is a great city for walking and exploring, and with several days, you'll be able to visit a lot of sites, on and off the beaten track. Enjoy!

Thanks Larry ...
Will jot those recommendations down
I'm an early starter myself ...
Thanks for the train / day excursion ideas !