Guided walking tour of Naples or NOT?

Jeffrey, In the same situation, I'd probably take a chance with whatever Guide the tour company provides. You could certainly indicate your preference for Roberta, but be willing to accept whichever Guide shows up. The "bottom line" is that you want a walking tour of Naples. I'm sure any Guide from the tour company will be able to provide the tour. Happy travels!

I (solo female) followed the RS tour and felt fine. I did approach the Spanish Quarter with caution, but you should have no concerns about RS's walk.

I (also solo female) also followed Rick's tour (more or less) about a month ago. I felt totally safe. I was in the Spanish Quarter around lunch, had a great cheap meal at Hosteria Toledo right off Via Toledo but within the Quarter itself. I think the dangers of Naples are exaggerated, I felt just as safe in Naples as in Rome or anywhere else in Europe I've been (and significantly safer than in most of LA!). Take your normal precautions and enjoy this unique and vibrant city that so many people pass over.

Four of us took Rick's self guided tour, and never felt that we were not safe. It was fun.

Please take into account the never-ending garbage problem that has plagued Naples for several months. A lot of garbage in the streets; here is an excerpted translation from ANSA (Italian News Service)--- ROM -"Absolutely essential and urgent intervention for the acute and alarming deterioration of the waste crisis in Naples." He said the President of the Republic, Giorgio Napolitano, recalling, in a statement to The Morning, he had "followed with increasing concern (even on the occasion of my visit to Naples on 13 June) the worsening of the waste issue once again become acute emergency and alarming in the city and province. "

I appreciate all the input....at first I wasn't going to go to Naples....some people love it and some people seem to want to never return.

Opinion for what it's worth.....based on what appears to be a tight time-frame for seeing other cities on your itinerary, I'd scratch Naples and spend more time in Rome....or in the Tuscan countryside or Sorrento......just about anywhere but Naples (sorry any Naples fans). We passed thru Naples in May, and trash piled up was unbelievable. Even without the trash, it did not appear to be an attractive, inviting place to visit. At our brief connect at the ferry dock, our tour guide warned everyone to cover any expensive watches or jewelry , as there had been major problems. (Of course, not a good idea to wear those type items when traveling anyway.)