2 posts tagged “naples”

From Tuscany, we took a train down to Naples and stayed a couple nights. It was kind of our basecamp to explore the ancient city of Pompeii. Naples is the type of city you could totally love... or do without. It's gritty, there's lots of crime, most people will try to cheat you, the people are talkative and charming, it's vibrant, and it has good pizza. I think you need a lot of energy to really enjoy Naples. I'll confess, we didn't quite have that amount of energy for Naples (especially because I came down with a kidney stone while in Tuscany... ouch).

Here's the train from Naples to Pompeii:

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If you decide you want to go to Naples, here's a tip on the taxi drivers. First, don't opt for their "flat fee" or any variants thereof - ask for the metered rate. Watch the meter; there should always be a "1" next to the fare. Often the drivers will change the 1 to another number, which hikes up the fee. You have to be aggressive if you in any way suspect that you're being cheated. If they hassle you, tell them you want to go to the police. Then the cheaters back down immediately. It helps to have an idea of what the fare should be (ask the hotel staff before you leave), so you know how much you should be paying.

Naples does have the best pizza, IMHO. The crust is delightfully chewy. Our hotel was the Palazzo Turchini, which I'd recommend. Good value, nice place, good location.

Pompeii is fascinating. I've been twice, once with a guide, and this time we just wandered on our own. I'd recommend joining a tour, because there is so much to learn from a guide. Here are some of the victims frozen in ash, when Vesuvius erupted:

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Poor dog:

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Here's the view from our hotel balcony. I think it captures Naples pretty well:

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The honey and I have booked a 2-week vacation in Italy, and I am so very excited!  Below is our general itinerary -- if you have any tips or suggestions, please let me know!  I've been to Rome a couple times, so any out-of-the-ordinary suggestions are especially appreciated.  Grazie!

May 22-27: Rome
We're staying at the Fontanella Borghese near the Spanish Steps. So far on my "must do" list are the catacombs, the Vatican, Forum, Pantheon, Borghese Gardens, some shopping, and obviously, plenty of eating. :-)

May 27-30: Tuscany (Gaiole in Chianti)
We're staying at Badia a Coltibuono, a former monk's cloister that is now an organic farm and winery. I'm thinking we'll do a cooking class, and driving around the countryside. Maybe some laying by the pool and reading.

May 30 - June 1: Naples
Staying at the Hotel Palazzo Turchini. Mainly staying in Naples to visit Pompeii, and eat pizza. I'm thinking of going to the archaeological museum too.

June 1-5: Cilento Coast
Staying at Villa Cheta. The Cilento Coast is just south of the Amalfi Coast. I was intrigued ever since I read in article in Conde Nast that said it's as beatiful as the Amalfi Coast, but a lot less crowded and very charming. I've never been south of Naples, so I'm really looking forward to this part of the trip.  We'll have a car, and I'm a bit nervous about driving on the cliff-side roads full of hairpin turns, but I think it will be worth it to explore the area.

On June 5 we head back to Rome, and we're out on the 6th. I cannot wait!!  Oh, and if any of you have suggestions about Italy movies to watch to get me excited, that'd be cool too. I still have not seen Roman Holiday!