Train from Rome to Naples

First draft:
"O-M-G, do you really want to drive in Naples? Are you serious? Only neapolitans dare to drive in Naples! Nobody else tries to drive in a 2,500 years old city whose road grid was laid down by a bunch of drunk greek settlers who wanted to drive mad any invader!!!!".

Second version:

"Dear Cindy,

is there a particular reason you think you need a car in such a peculiar driving environment? What would you do with a car that couldn't be done more easily and more quickly by public transit?"

If "best" means fast to you, bullet trains run from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale and Salerno at 300 kms per hour. You can pick one of the 2 competing companies: www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en or www.italotreno.it/en. Discounted tickets can't be changed or refunded, but if your plans are firm you can save some money.

If best means cheap, there are buses and regional (local) trains that make the same route.

A 17 years old who asked to visit the catacombs could appreciate a visit to Nero's Domus Aurea (aka the Golden House), for a couple or reasons: it's still an underground active excavation site (tours are made by archaeologists not guides) and the last part of the visit involves virtual reality headsets.
Note that you must visit the Vatican Museums to see the Sistine Chapel and that there is no entrance fee to Saint Peter's.

If u are driving only to Heraculeum and not in Naples proper u will be fine.
I did this a few yrs back with ease. However it is not advised to drive within Naples at all. There are busses and taxis for that for sure. It truely is the craziest driving i have seen anywhere in the world.
Hopefully u plan on picking up your car at train station.
There are some incredible sights in Naples hopefully u will also find your way to them.

If your grandson is hoping to see skeletons in the Catacombs, there is the Capuchin Crypt, otherwise there are Catacombs along the Via Appia reachable by Bus #118.

No need to drive in Napoli, if you want to rent a car, do it on your way out of the city (the airport is only a few minutes' ride via Alibus). You can return the car at either Fiumicino or Capodicchino airport, but I don't think you really need a car at all.

I too would suggest no car in the Naples area.

As for a market, the one in Campo di Fiori is worth a stroll if you are in the area, but if you want a foodie experience, head to the Testaccio market. More local, more prepared food stalls, larger, well worth the effort. If you are real serious, do a search for food shows that have visited the market, Andrew Zimmern had a very good segment on the market, others likely have visited as well.

The only other thing you do not mention in Rome is just the old city, Rick Steves has an excellent self guided walking tour (on audio as well) that hits the major piazzas, fountains, the Pantheon, Spanish steps, etc. Do That.

You can take a pizza class in Rome. I ate pizza in the two of the most highly rated places in Naples and at my host's favorite pizzeria (locals only) in Salerno. The best pizza I ate was in Rome in Trastevere.

My husband and I took a pizza making class in Naples through this tour company.
http://www.eatinitalyfoodtours.com/pizza-class-naples_25

+1 for not driving in Naples, very surprised to not see any accidents. When you visit you will understand Dario's reply!

I plan to get a car once in Naples. Any other thoughts?

Be sure to buy ALL of and the BEST insurance package the rental car agency offers

Cindy,

Note that for driving in Italy, each driver listed on the rental form will require the compulsory International Driver's License which is used in conjunction with your home DL. You'll also have to be very careful to avoid the dreaded ZTL (limited traffic) areas, speed cameras, etc. as you'll be subject to hefty fines!

I second the suggestion to opt for the best insurance possible.

Cindy, you don't need a car in Naples. There is a very good transportation system. Bus, metro, funicular, along with an excellent hop on off bus.

Here are the maps for public transport. Download and print as large as possible.

http://unicocampania.it/index.php?lang=en&center=inside&colonna=turisti&action=mappe

The first map is of the bus system. Arrows show the direction they head. Note, you may need to cross the street of the arrow points that way.
It also shows the attractions.

The second map is of the metro, which is easy to use.

I'll add the map of Sorrento and Amalfi coast.

Edit. http://unicocampania.it/files/mappe/costiera.pdf

Ferry and bus schedule AC.

http://www.positano.com

Circumvesuvian timetables.

http://www.sorrentoinsider.com/en/naples-to-sorrento-train-schedule

Train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale. Fastest way. Use Trenitalia.com should take
1H10m.

For 3 days in Naples it's not worth the hassle of driving, parking and trying to find your way through the maze of streets. Use taxis or public transportation. The train from Naples to Herculaneum works fine, just need to ensure you get off at thr right station for the ruins.. The RS guide should give you the name. Train also goes to Pompeii - same thing applies, make sure you have the right station.

I recommend a walking and food tour offered by Eating Italy. The offer them in the Testaccio area of Rome, well off the main tourist area, and also Trastevere, very popular area with restaurants, bars etc.