Naples Day Trip with 83 y.o. mom

In Naples in the spring of ‘24, hop on, hop off didn’t meet our group’s needs. Have used same in other cities with greater success. Maybe investigate a golf cart tour. Admittedly, the terrain and crossing traffic is difficult to navigate. We walked most of our trip, so, no report on taxis. Even a driving tour with a guide. Sorry I don’t have more suggestions.

I don't know your mother's specific difficulties, but I remember how crowded Naples was and how narrow the sidewalks (and streets) were. Because most "parking" I saw in Naples was lawlessly-illegal, I don't know if a car and driver are really what you need, even if the cost were acceptable. I remember that the cast-iron bollards that (barely) separated cars from pedestrians were low and almost trip hazards, and left very narrow passages on the busiest streets. I don't remember if the sidewalks were the same paving material as the car part of the street. I don't remember a lot of public benches, but it was over ten years ago.

I don't have comprehensive pizza information, but in May, we waited an hour, mostly standing, for a lunch table at Gino Sorbillo Pizzeria. You might look into whether Naples has a busy week or two in December. Most posters here have been in the warmer months. We simply walked into a promising bakery and got Babas to eat while walking. I trust you know that some bakeries only have take-out, others have a more stand-up clientele, some have cafes with tables.

The main train station isn't very close to the action, and there is an (old, but still in effect) flat rate taxi rate sheet you can download for Naples. Drivers tend to try to add phony fees, so you need a printout to wave in their faces.

All that said, I think that few days in Caserta will give you a clearer idea of her capabilities for Naples.

I would suggest taking a taxi from the train station to either the Spanish quarter or Santa Lucia. We walked from one of those to the other, but it is possible you might need to taxi between them. If you get to the spanish quarter early, it is quiet and you could just wander until she is tired, then find your way out to a main road for a taxi. It does have a fair amount of steps, or perhaps hills, but I think if you are just wandering to explore you could stick to a flatter path.

If that seems to0 much, Santa Lucia is lovely to stroll around, right by the water, but perhaps you are seeing less of Naples. It is more upscale than some other areas of Naples, food was good.
I remember there being a very popular pretty cafe near the corner of Piazza de plebiscto which I think is just between Santa Lucia and the spanish quarter. Perhaps you could start your morning there.
By the way, a taxi ride in Naples is an experience in itself and not necessarily for the faint of heart.

There is also something to do with nativity scenes in Naples, I think a small street filled with them. I apologize I don't know where it is, but perhaps as it is December that might be worth looking for.
I don't know if a driver would be a good expense, but I wonder if. you could find a guide that could help you make the most of your trip to limit the amount of your steps. Particularly if you want to actually see certain sites.

The Nativity scenes, “ precepi,” may already be set up in the churches at the time of your visit. They are amazing things to see. As far as I know, the previous poster is correct about there being a street filled with shops where you can buy additions for your home Christmas decor.

San Gregorio Armeno is the presepi area