Hi everyone. I'm new to this forum and excited to be here. I’m a 30-year-old solo female traveler heading to southern Italy the first week of June. I’m planning everything very last-minute and would really appreciate feedback on this rough itinerary, especially around transport, safety, and feasibility. Please feel free to be honest if something sounds unrealistic.
This is part of a longer Europe trip. I’ll be visiting friends in France and spending a few days in Bruges, but I’m prioritizing the Italy portion first.
My priorities:
- Scenic hikes (Path of the Gods and Lemon Trail)
- Some beach time (preferably during sunset)
- Visiting Pompeii and archaeological sites
- Good meals, casual but local
- Staying safe and minimizing wasted transit time
Monday, June 2 – Arrival and Lemon Trail
I land in Naples around noon. My Airbnb host suggested the Pintour shuttle to Maiori for 20 EUR. Is that a good option?
After checking in, I want to hike the full Path of Lemons Maiori-Ravello-Amalfi. It looks like it’s about 5.4 miles and takes 3.5 hours. I would dine in Amalfi and return to Maiori around 8-9 PM. Will there be a SITA bus to Maiori around that time? I’ve read the buses can be crowded and not ideal at night, but I would really like to eat in Amalfi after the hike. Thoughts?
Tuesday, June 3 – Path of the Gods and Beach
I plan to take a ferry from Maiori to Amalfi early in the morning, then SITA bus to Bomerano to hike the Path of the Gods. If I leave Maiori by 7 AM, can I expect to start the hike by 9 AM?
I finish the hike in Positano, so I plan to have lunch, ferry to Amalfi, explore for an hour or so, and then ferry back to Maiori around 4:30 PM.
I would love to spend some time at the beach after that. Would I still be able to get a beach chair and access to a lido around 5:30 PM? Do I need to reserve in advance? How much should I expect to pay this season? Is my schedule too tight?
Wednesday, June 4 – Pompeii and Naples
I plan to leave Maiori around 8 AM and travel to Pompeii via Salerno. I hope to arrive around 10 AM. I’ve read there is luggage storage either at the Pompeii site or train station. Does anyone know the current cost or which option is more convenient?
I’m still deciding whether to do a self-guided visit with an audio guide (either one I buy at the entrance or the Rick Steves version) or to book a guided tour. I’ve heard some people recommend a two-hour guided tour and then exploring on your own. Is that a good approach? Any specific companies to look at?
After Pompeii, I’ll take the train to Naples around 2 pm, check into my hotel (not yet booked), and I would like to visit the Naples Archaeological Museum before it closes. Would I have enough time to see the museum if I aim to arrive by around 5:00 PM?
In the evening, I’d like to walk through Centro Storico, especially Spaccanapoli and the Naples Cathedral. Is it safe to explore this area solo between 6:30 and 8:30 PM? Are there other spots nearby that are worth seeing in that window?
Naples Hotel Help
I fly out of Naples at 12:30 PM on Thursday, June 5. I am looking for a hotel for the night of June 4. My budget is around $280 USD or less. Is it best to stay in Centro Storico, or would somewhere closer to the airport be better while still offering something to see or do that evening? Any recommendations would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance for reading and for any guidance you can share. I really appreciate your help in making the most of this last-minute trip!