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Your Thoughs on my trip to Naples

Posted by (Northwest Arkansas) on

I posted about a planned trip in 2027 to Naples, Athens, Ephesus and Istanbul. Got some great feedback and ideas. Now, I want to focus in on Naples.

Here is my basic plan:
Day 1: Arrive from US around 10 AM. Leave my bag at my hotel, which will be in the city center, and then do Rick's walking tour. I find a long afternoon of walking is the best tonic for jet lag.
Day 2: Pompeii. All day.
Day 3: Archeology Museum in the morning and a spa in the afternoon (see below).
Day 4: Herculaneum in the morning. Afternoon is open...ideas? Since I am going on to Athens, I don't feel the need to head down the coast to Paestum.
Day 5: Fly to Athens. May spend the morning in Naples if I feel I missed something.
Evening will generally be focused on finding some craft breweries...ideas?

OK, so here are my spa questions. Do you have any recommendations in or near Naples itself? Or, is it worth the trip out to the Ischia? I am a fan of the German thermes and understand that those in Italy are both similar and different. I focus on the thermal waters, the steam rooms and the saunas. Not looking for massages, facials, or any other manscaping. Any input appreciated.

Posted by
233 posts

It is hard to comment on someone else's itinerary since I don't know your personal stamina and energy level. For ME (in my early 60s) this would be a rough schedule.

Walking around Naples on Day 1, Pompeii Day 2, the massive Archeology Museum Day 3, and Heculaneum Day 4 would put me in the grave!

Each of those are a long day on your feet, but if you are young and vigorous you may do fine.

(My favorite thing in Naples, besides strolling the Spaccanapoli, was visiting the Capella Sansevero which requires tickets WAY in advance.)

Posted by
6018 posts

As an add-on to day 2 I suggest you look into Oplontis. It's a villa one train station north of Pompeii that was also buried. You could also do it after Herculaneum, but combining it with Pompeii would be more convenient.

Posted by
2412 posts

I.also recommended spending time exploring Naples as it is a fascinating city. We used Rick Steves recommendation in his Italy book on our first trip to Naples.

Posted by
16081 posts

Rethink Paestum. The 3 temples are well preserved and beautiful. I've been to Athens, Istanbul, and Ephesus. The only Greek temples I've seen that are more impressive are in Sicily. The best time to visit is late afternoon, see them in daylight, then in the late afternoon glow of sunset and then as they are slowly illuminated at dusk. Magical

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