My wife and I (25th anniversary) will be traveling by cruise ship through western Mediterranean in early October 2009. It's our first trip to Europe. With only one day in Naples, would you suggest doing the old city or bypassing Napoli altogether and going to Sorrento or Capri instead? We have to be back to the port and on the ship by 7pm and don't want to try to cram too much in one day.
Posted by
Augusta, GA
85 posts
Don,
I would go to Pompeii. It's a short train ride from Naples and it's a unique experience. If time permits you can go to the Archaeological Museum in Naples where they house the artifacts that were removed from Pompeii. It's the main sight worth seeing in Naples and a great companion to Pompeii.
Sorrento is a good base for exploring the area but with just one day I wouldn't spend it there.
If ruins aren't your thing Capri is beautiful, though touristy. Take the lift to the top for spectacular views. There's also a small church with fabulous mosaic work in Ana Capri. A boat ride around the island is great for photographers and those who love the water. Skip the Blue Grotto, it's not worth the time or trouble.
Have fun.
Posted by
Italy
247 posts
Naples is very special – Naples has soul, grit and art treasures.
But if you’d like to visit an archaeological site, ancient Pompeii is Italy’s most famous. Pompeii is easily reached on the local Circumvesuviana train from Naples.
And if you’d like to visit a beautiful island, skip touristy Capri and visit beautiful Ischia.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9420 posts
I would do either Pompeii as a previous poster suggested or Sorrento. We absolutely love Sorrento. It is well worth a day trip, unlike a previous poster said, in my opinion. Sorrento is wonderful!! Very easy to get to from Naples on the Circumvesuviano train, takes about 1 hour.
Posted by
shen, ca, usa
111 posts
I agree with Susan. Although Sorrento and Amalfi coast are lovely, you'll see other similarly fabulous ports along the cruise. Pompeii, however is unique and perfect for daytrip from cruise. You can easily do it on your own and any time left over can simply browse the gritty Naples.
Posted by
Meridian MS
248 posts
Don, I'd consider the other ports you'll stop in on your cruise. Sorrento is a lovely stroll-around port, but you may be stopping at a number of ports similar? There's only one Pompeii and only one Naples. Depends on if archeological digs are your thing or how "gritty" are you willing to go (Naples)? Capri is a good suggestion if neither of the above work. Personally, I'd do the old city.
Posted by
Victor, NY, USA
62 posts
Sorrento or Capri (over Naples) would get my vote in a heartbeat.
Posted by
Atlanta, Ga
211 posts
I agree with most other posters--Pompeii and Sorrento.