Hello all. I've been to Italy several times, but never further south than Rome, so I want to plan a trip to explore Naples, Pompeii & Herculaneum (history nerd here), and the Amalfi Coast. I want to see the must-see sights, but I also want to experience the local (read: non-tourist) culture of these places, especially Naples. I'm a senior woman who will be traveling alone; I'm somewhat adventurous, but safety is important. I appreciate any and all advice, suggestions and recommendations you have. Thank you!
Posted by
314 posts
S, F, 70+, solo as well. Travel to europe in the spring and November (my birthday month and one day does not cut it). Going to Southern Italy in November 2024. Flying to Naples for the night, heading to Sorrento, down to Maratea then Tropea and one night in Cosenza to break the journey to Matera. Heading to Lecce, up to Monopoli and Naples for 8 days. All towns mentioned I will stay in and especially Sorrento, Lecce, Monopoli and Naples will travel out on day trips. I had a 20lb Italy book and bought a 2022 Lonely Planet Southern Italy for $5 online which is great, 2022 was recommended over the 2023 and 2024 versions. Enjoy.
Posted by
Calgary, AB, Canada
567 posts
Hi Kate,
We only had two nights in Naples, so I don't feel I know the city enough to give the must see sites etc. But I did want to say that we stayed at B and B Orsini 46 in the Santa Lucia district and I would recommend it for a senior travelling alone. I was worried that it would be a bit far out, but I think we walked to the Spanish district within 10-15 minutes ( stopping for a couple of pictures). The area felt safe, was lovely to walk by the sea for passegiata, and was a retreat from the business of Naples
Posted by
Miami
338 posts
The Campania 7 days Artercard is a really good deal, for 43 euros you get admission to five sites and discounts in others ones. They have several versions of the card, I got the 7 day one.
Posted by
Washington DC
28247 posts
I spent 7 nights in Naples and 4 nights in Salerno in Feb/Mar 2023 at the age of 71. I didn't attempt the Amalfi Coast other than a quick trip to Vietri because of the season, and I know there are major challenges with the bus transportation there, but I had no issues.
I used the Campania Arte Card that covers many sights in the entire region. There's an annual card that could prove a real bargain for you, depending on your sightseeing plans. In addition to many sights in Napkes, the Campania Arte Card covers all the excavation sites (Pompeii, etc.) and the Royal Palace at Caserta. The easiest way to buy that card is through the app; I wasted a lot of time trying, and failing, to find a place where I could buy it in person. Make a record of the numbers you see as you are purchasing the card. One of them will get you into a museum if the app refuses to open for you when you need it, which happened to me twice.
Lodging on the Amalfi Coast is expensive, so I recommend taking your side trips from Naples (Pompeii and Herculaneum) where possible. Paestum is easiest from Salerno if you decide to stay there for a few nights.
If you want to see The Veiled Christ at the Capella San Severo in Naples, that's a ticket you need to buy in advance.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
795 posts
ArteCard for sure!