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Naples - Enough Time For...

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Hi all,

I'm not a 'seasoned traveler' persay, but I did a 15 day, 4 city solo-trip in Eastern European countries last year. I also lived in Siena for 3 months during college 10 years ago, so it's not my first time in Italy. I am a budget-ish traveler.

However, it is my first time going to Naples (specifically, I'm going to other places but I'm here with this question). I find so many mixed feelings about visiting Naples. I've seen all the "it's chaotic" and "its authentic," and a ton of all the typical stuff you'll find online. I'm arriving on Wednesday after an overnight flight from US East Coast. I'll be in Naples by late afternoon on Wednesday until Sunday morning where I've booked a train on to the next stop.

My general plan is:

Wednesday - Naples Arrival, Food, Wander, Jet-lagged night
Thursday - Naples (sleeping in), Likely the Veiled Christ (booked ahead), wander and see sights. Possibly a walking tour.
Friday - 4-6 hours in Pompeii, as early as possible arrival. Return to Naples - The Archeological Museum.
Saturday - Where I'm "stuck"
I've got no clue if I'll fall in love with Naples or be overwhelmed. I know from how I travelled before that I'll always feel I missed "more" but for hitting the big stuff the final day with this amount of time leaves me free to wander about and just be a bit aimless. Whether that's my poor planning is up for debate, haha.

There is a small group tour I spotted that takes all day to makes stops at Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi & Ravello that is really catching my eye. However, that's a whole day I'm not in Naples. I'm looking for opinions/feedback on the idea or whether those who have been feel I ought to stay about Naples. Possibly go up to the Royal Palace of Caserta instead as an option, leaving Saturday much more open.

I recognize I travel like I'll never have a chance to come back (and that Saturday trip might be crazy). Thanks!

Edit: This is mid-May

Posted by
341 posts

You absolutely will not regret taking a day for that tour. I highly recommend the Amalfi Coast from Naples, and Ravello is my favorite spot.

Posted by
7912 posts

We really enjoyed Naples. It is "edgy" in the best ways. The veiled Christ is really incredible. We also liked the archeology museum especially in combination with Herculaneum and Pompeii. I really don't know what to advise. I think you are a little short on time for Naples, itself. However, we did enjoy the Royal Palace of Caserta, and we do like the Amalfi Coast. Ravello is spectacular, and we saw it in the rain!

Perhaps you can do Amalfi Coast on a future trip when you have more time??

Posted by
6656 posts

You don’t mention the month, which could really affect what I would want to do. A hot summer day with a lot of moving from place to place? No! But there are also islands you can go to. Or Caserta as you identified.

Posted by
8659 posts

Alas, Mid-May is just about high season, today. And we desperately needed our air-conditioning in the last week of May, ten years ago. Do you know Pompeii has an air conditioned glorified cafeteria inside-no exit and re-entry to the ancient site with same-day ticket. Direct access from gritty Circumvesuviana train stop, a commuter train not run by Trenitalia. If you have time for the long walk, and if it is open, the Villa of the Mysteries is the peak attraction in huge Pompeii for me.

Just FYI, expect to wait an hour for a seat at lunch for a Naples pizzeria. Worth the wait!

Positano was a must-see for me, but I was quite disappointed. I think you should consider that all-day tour, because everyone back home will ask you about one or two of those towns. Including Ravello is essential. Check if there is time to see (ticketed) the inside of the big Villa/Garden up there. I personally would not go back to the AC, for beaches or for anything else. The USA coasts have better beaches than the AC, and of course so does the Caribbean. Getting around the AC by public transportation is a chore and a half, so a tour is a great idea. We hired a car and driver for 8 hours, from our five nights in purpose-built resort town Sorrento-Which is on a cliff and has no real beaches. Note that a driver is not a certificated "guide."

I haven't been to Caserta, but I suspect it rates as highly (UNESCO WHS) as the all day AC tour. So I can't tell you how to decide.

Don't overlook the important Farnese Marbles in the Archaeology Museum.

(2019 discussion)
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/surviving-naples

Posted by
30333 posts

The Capella San Severo (The Veiled Christ) is very close to the archaeological museum. You might want to see those two the same day.

There is a great deal to see in Naples. Rick's top sightseeing suggestions for the city are here: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/italy/naples

I'd feel no need to go outside the city in the time you have, but either Caserta or the Amalfi/Sorrento trip would be a different experience. Just be aware of the amount of time you'll be devoting to transportation, especially for the latter trip.

Naples itself is quite hilly, so it's smart to make use of Google Maps for walking-time estimates. In some cases doing so will also avoid pretty severe navigational errors. I once headed off to a church complex, utterly confident in my ability to find my way with one eye on the street in front of me and another on my smartphone. All was fine until I came to an intersection where I needed to turn right. The street I wanted to turn on was on a completely different level, way up in the air. Sometimes you can find a lift/elevator in that sort of situation, but sometimes I ended up having to backtrack. Google would have given me a sane walking route.

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