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Travel_ anyone been to Naples?

Threegoofs

Threegoofs

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Looks like I’m going to take the month of April and spend a few weeks in Europe.
Thinking of a week in the Naples area to see Pompeii, Herculaneum, Vesuvius, Amalfi coast.

Anyone been? Any tips or things not to miss?

Was going to use Naples as a base - Sorrento seems to cruise-shippy tourist to me.

Also planing on basing myself in Graz, Austria, where my daughter is studying, and seeing Austria, Slovakia and Southern Germany from there. All suggestions appreciated.
 
Threegoofs said:
Looks like I’m going to take the month of April and spend a few weeks in Europe.
Thinking of a week in the Naples area to see Pompeii, Herculaneum, Vesuvius, Amalfi coast.

Anyone been? Any tips or things not to miss?

Was going to use Naples as a base - Sorrento seems to cruise-shippy tourist to me.

Also planing on basing myself in Graz, Austria, where my daughter is studying, and seeing Austria, Slovakia and Southern Germany from there. All suggestions appreciated.
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No - we went to Florence, Venice, Pisa, Livorno, and Rome in 2016 and loved it. We still talk about moving to Livorno, since there's an $88 ferry there to Barcelona, and it's easy to go anywhere from there by train. It's beautiful... and on a clear day, you can see Corsica in the distance.
 
Glen Contrarian said:
No - we went to Florence, Venice, Pisa, Livorno, and Rome in 2016 and loved it. We still talk about moving to Livorno, since there's an $88 ferry there to Barcelona, and it's easy to go anywhere from there by train. It's beautiful... and on a clear day, you can see Corsica in the distance.
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Yeah, I spent a week in Rome last year for a work conference. Hadn’t been there since college in the mid 80s. It was just fantastic, especially for me who is really into archaeology and history. And Bucatini all’Amatriciana!
 
Threegoofs said:
Yeah, I spent a week in Rome last year for a work conference. Hadn’t been there since college in the mid 80s. It was just fantastic, especially for me who is really into archaeology and history. And Bucatini all’Amatriciana!
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What really got me was when my wife and I were walking down the road to the Colosseum. Everything was wonderful...until I saw what looked like the Arc De Triomphe right next to the Colosseum! I had chills all over, because just the year before (before I'd ever been to Europe), I'd had a vivid dream where I was looking at the Colosseum, and right next to it was the Arc De Triomphe, and I was wondering what the heck THAT was doing in Rome since everybody knows that's in Paris! I even discussed the dream with my wife that morning. But it turns out the arch I was seeing was a memorial to some general.

That's just one of the reasons I really, truly think there's more to dreams than just dreaming.
 
Threegoofs said:
Looks like I’m going to take the month of April and spend a few weeks in Europe.
Thinking of a week in the Naples area to see Pompeii, Herculaneum, Vesuvius, Amalfi coast.

Anyone been? Any tips or things not to miss?

Was going to use Naples as a base - Sorrento seems to cruise-shippy tourist to me.

Also planing on basing myself in Graz, Austria, where my daughter is studying, and seeing Austria, Slovakia and Southern Germany from there. All suggestions appreciated.
Click to expand...

I was there a couple times while in the navy. The military has a park in a dead volcano which is pretty cool. We did a driving tour of some of the old Roman stuff which was pretty awesome. As mentioned, crime in Naples is unreal bad. Probably not an issue with you, but transformer hookers where all over, boobs and dicks all in one person. Like most of Europe, worth seeing, but study up ahead of time to know where to go.
 
Glen Contrarian said:
What really got me was when my wife and I were walking down the road to the Colosseum. Everything was wonderful...until I saw what looked like the Arc De Triomphe right next to the Colosseum! I had chills all over, because just the year before (before I'd ever been to Europe), I'd had a vivid dream where I was looking at the Colosseum, and right next to it was the Arc De Triomphe, and I was wondering what the heck THAT was doing in Rome since everybody knows that's in Paris! I even discussed the dream with my wife that morning. But it turns out the arch I was seeing was a memorial to some general.

That's just one of the reasons I really, truly think there's more to dreams than just dreaming.
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Some general! Hrmpf!

That’s Emperor Constantine’s arch!
 
Redress said:
I was there a couple times while in the navy. The military has a park in a dead volcano which is pretty cool. We did a driving tour of some of the old Roman stuff which was pretty awesome. As mentioned, crime in Naples is unreal bad. Probably not an issue with you, but transformer hookers where all over, boobs and dicks all in one person. Like most of Europe, worth seeing, but study up ahead of time to know where to go.
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The only problem for Naples - long term - is the supervolcano not so far away. It could very well erupt soon, they say...but geologically speaking, that probably means "not in my lifetime".
 
Glen Contrarian said:
The only problem for Naples - long term - is the supervolcano not so far away. It could very well erupt soon, they say...but geologically speaking, that probably means "not in my lifetime".
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That’s a feature, not a bug. Planning on hiking it. There’s a trail that goes around Vesuvius’ crater.

And when it blows, I’ll,always have the memories....
 
Lots of cruise ships stop by Naples too...

STSwurB.jpg


I was there a few years ago. I didnt stay in Naples but used Rome as a base to travel around the south. You should be able to get guided tours to Pompeii from any of the hotels or just look for the tourist center. Oh and there's a great kebab shop in view from the McDonalds inside the station, just go out and cross the street to get a great sandwich.

I was unable to get a tour to Herculaneum so I went by myself. There's the local train station is underneath the main central one, just go down one level and always take the Sorento line because it goes south all the way. The stop is Ercolano Scavi- when you get off the train station, just go down the street and the site is at the end of the road.

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Also, the moment you step out of the Ercolano train station you'll be met by people ushering you into a bus tour. I thought it was to go to Herculaneum but it instead went up to Mount Vesuvius. The driver was a crazy old man who played chicken with the busess up the mountain road- fun times. If you go there make sure you bring good hiking shoes, the climb up to the summit is steep, and they give you 45 minutes to get up there and go back- if youre late they leave you behind lol.

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I would say its better to stay in Naples than in Pompeii or Herculaneum because the hotels over there wont have the great food and beds you'll find in the city itself.
 
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Back in the mid-80's my wife and I toured Italy for two weeks. We rented a car in Milan, worked our way south along the Med side of the country as far as Naples, then crossed the "ankle" to Bari and took a ferry to Yugoslavia. We then traveled up along the coastline of the Adriatic Sea, crossed back into Italy near Trieste, spent a couple days in Venice and ended up back in Milan.

We didn't spend a lot of time in Naples, itself, so I can't tell you much about the city. Just don't miss Pompeii. It's eye-opening.

I'm sure things have changed since I was there, but I suspect the Italian driving habits haven't changed. If you drive...be aggressive. They will be.
 
PoS said:
Lots of cruise ships stop by Naples too...


I was there a few years ago. I didnt stay in Naples but used Rome as a base to travel around the south. You should be able to get guided tours to Pompeii from any of the hotels or just look for the tourist center. Oh and there's a great kebab shop in view from the McDonalds inside the station, just go out and cross the street to get a great sandwich.

I was unable to get a tour to Herculaneum so I went by myself. There's the local train station is underneath the main central one, just go down one level and always take the Sorento line because it goes south all the way. The stop is Ercolano Scavi- when you get off the train station, just go down the street and the site is at the end of the road.

Also, the moment you step out of the Ercolano train station you'll be met by people ushering you into a bus tour. I thought it was to go to Herculaneum but it instead went up to Mount Vesuvius. The driver was a crazy old man who played chicken with the busess up the mountain road- fun times. If you go there make sure you bring good hiking shoes, the climb up to the summit is steep, and they give you 45 minutes to get up there and go back- if youre late they leave you behind lol.


I would say its better to stay in Naples than in Pompeii or Herculaneum because the hotels over there wont have the great food and beds you'll find in the city itself.
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I love getting on buses or tours that are totally wrong! Always an adventure.

How long does it take to see Herculaneum? Keep in mind, I read *every* sign.

The choice to stay is really betweeen Naples proper or the Amalfi coast - or Salerno. Naples is kinda gritty, but I usually like that over resort towns.
 
Mycroft said:
Back in the mid-80's my wife and I toured Italy for two weeks. We rented a car in Milan, worked our way south along the Med side of the country as far as Naples, then crossed the "ankle" to Bari and took a ferry to Yugoslavia. We then traveled up along the coastline of the Adriatic Sea, crossed back into Italy near Trieste, spent a couple days in Venice and ended up back in Milan.

We didn't spend a lot of time in Naples, itself, so I can't tell you much about the city. Just don't miss Pompeii. It's eye-opening.

I'm sure things have changed since I was there, but I suspect the Italian driving habits haven't changed. If you drive...be aggressive. They will be.
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I was told by several people - one a native Italian, to NOT even think about driving!
 
Threegoofs said:
I was told by several people - one a native Italian, to NOT even think about driving!
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If things have not changed, that is so true. Crossing the road as a pedestrian was terrifying...
 
Threegoofs said:
Looks like I’m going to take the month of April and spend a few weeks in Europe.
Thinking of a week in the Naples area to see Pompeii, Herculaneum, Vesuvius, Amalfi coast.

Anyone been? Any tips or things not to miss?

Was going to use Naples as a base - Sorrento seems to cruise-shippy tourist to me.

Also planing on basing myself in Graz, Austria, where my daughter is studying, and seeing Austria, Slovakia and Southern Germany from there. All suggestions appreciated.
Click to expand...

Naples is a great place. I would definitely consider going to the zoo, it is one of the best zoos in the U.S imo.

Nemo's is a great restaurant. I would highly recommend eating there.
 
Threegoofs said:
I love getting on buses or tours that are totally wrong! Always an adventure.

How long does it take to see Herculaneum? Keep in mind, I read *every* sign.

The choice to stay is really betweeen Naples proper or the Amalfi coast - or Salerno. Naples is kinda gritty, but I usually like that over resort towns.
Click to expand...

Herculaneum is like a quarter of the size of Pompeii so you should to be able to see everything in under two hours. There are local guides at the ticket station and they will give you the gist of the whole place for around 10 euros a person, I would recommend them. The main difference is that Pompeii was built on a hill and Herculaneum is like a giant pit (it was covered in pyroclastic flow when Vesuvius erupted and the coastline changed too). There's also a small museum nearby and I think its worth the trip.

If you want to go Vesuvius and Herculaneum you'll be exhausted- best do it over two days.

I didnt stay in Naples since my hotel room was bought and paid for in Rome, and I did get somewhat intimidated by Napoli because I watched the first season of Gomorra just before I made the trip, so I thought every young Italian man trying to talk to me was a gangster lol.
 
Bucky said:
Naples is a great place. I would definitely consider going to the zoo, it is one of the best zoos in the U.S imo.

Nemo's is a great restaurant. I would highly recommend eating there.
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I couldn’t have asked more from your post.

Seriously.

Just brilliant.
 
Threegoofs said:
Looks like I’m going to take the month of April and spend a few weeks in Europe.
Thinking of a week in the Naples area to see Pompeii, Herculaneum, Vesuvius, Amalfi coast.

Anyone been? Any tips or things not to miss?

Was going to use Naples as a base - Sorrento seems to cruise-shippy tourist to me.

Also planing on basing myself in Graz, Austria, where my daughter is studying, and seeing Austria, Slovakia and Southern Germany from there. All suggestions appreciated.
Click to expand...


ME ME ME! I was just there a few weeks ago when in Italy on business. We go at least once a year.

Okay, be careful in Naples. NOT kidding. It's very dangerous, and pretty, but dangerous. The pizza is the bomb. I wouldn't write off Sorrento, especially in April which is the best time to go there. Not touristy at all, and while there you want to check out the inlaid wood shops. I have a few pieces we've bought through the years, like a gaming table (all handmade and amazing). Positano is beautiful. And go to Capri while there - the chairlift to the top where the emperors' palaces used to be is a wild ride and so worth it. Pompeii is one of the most fascinating places I've ever been. Herculaneum is much "newer" (more recently uncovered) and less touristy. I love Italy and would live there in a heartbeat. For now I have to settle for a lot of business trips and an occasional trip with the family.

I studied in Vienna for a semester and LOVE Austria. Go to Kitzbuhel, which is my favorite town in Austria. April is between their busy seasons. I'd also recommend Salzburg, as it's amazing. Innsbruck I'd pass on.

Nothing much in southern Germany IMO except Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

From Graz you're actually not far from Budapest. I love it there.
 
tres borrachos said:
ME ME ME! I was just there a few weeks ago when in Italy on business. We go at least once a year.

Okay, be careful in Naples. NOT kidding. It's very dangerous, and pretty, but dangerous. The pizza is the bomb. I wouldn't write off Sorrento, especially in April which is the best time to go there. Not touristy at all, and while there you want to check out the inlaid wood shops. I have a few pieces we've bought through the years, like a gaming table (all handmade and amazing). Positano is beautiful. And go to Capri while there - the chairlift to the top where the emperors' palaces used to be is a wild ride and so worth it. Pompeii is one of the most fascinating places I've ever been. Herculaneum is much "newer" (more recently uncovered) and less touristy. I love Italy and would live there in a heartbeat. For now I have to settle for a lot of business trips and an occasional trip with the family.

I studied in Vienna for a semester and LOVE Austria. Go to Kitzbuhel, which is my favorite town in Austria. April is between their busy seasons. I'd also recommend Salzburg, as it's amazing. Innsbruck I'd pass on.

Nothing much in southern Germany IMO except Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

From Graz you're actually not far from Budapest. I love it there.
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Man. I can’t imagine Naples can be any more dangerous than Chicago. Or a bunch of other places I’ve been.

Capri just sounds like a tourist trap. But I may reconsider after your endorsement.

I keep hearing great things about Budapest. I think I’ll add it on to the itinerary after Slovakia.

Right now, planning on kayaking the Amalfi Coast, hiking on the trail above Amalfi, and, because I’m the original old fat guy, dedicating myself to finding the best pizza in Naples, and critically comparing it to Chicago pizza.
 
Threegoofs said:
Man. I can’t imagine Naples can be any more dangerous than Chicago. Or a bunch of other places I’ve been.

Capri just sounds like a tourist trap. But I may reconsider after your endorsement.

I keep hearing great things about Budapest. I think I’ll add it on to the itinerary after Slovakia.

Right now, planning on kayaking the Amalfi Coast, hiking on the trail above Amalfi, and, because I’m the original old fat guy, dedicating myself to finding the best pizza in Naples, and critically comparing it to Chicago pizza.
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I lived in Chicago for a few years in the late 80s, and became a big fan of their pizza, even having grown up on NYC pizza. That said, the pizza in Naples is different than Chicago pizza. Better? i guess it's in the eye of the beholder. It's definitely different.

Capri is a tourist trap, as pretty much any famous location in Italy is. But like I said, in April everything there is appealing. The Blue Grotto wasn't interesting to me, but the rest is.

It's a great place all around.
 
Plan is set.

Will end up staying four nights in Naples, three nights in Amalfi.

Then my daughter will go back to school for a few days, I’ll travel on my own to Florence/Siena/Bologna and meet her later that week in Vienna.

One week to takeoff.
 
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