1 week in Italy next month. Itinerary suggestions?

Question

I will fly to Rome on April 30th and fly out of Rome on May 7th. A friend says I should spend a couple of days in Rome, take a train to Naples and spend the rest of my time traveling around around there (Sorrento, Capri, Pompei, etc.) before going back to Rome for my flight. I have been warned that Naples and the surrounding areas may not be that safe. What are your thoughts? Any other suggestions on itinerary for the week? Thanks!

Answer 1

i went to italy about 2 yrs ago and also had a week, theres a lot to do.  definately visit florence, venice, naples and capri.  trains are usually the fastest and cheapest way to go.  have fun!

Answer 2

Sounds like you are going to have fun. We are traveling to Rome and going North for travel... I think I remember hearing some things about some of the southern regions but it is best to be safe no matter what. We booked our flight and want to get a rail pass but I am not sure if we can get one that will do the trick here. I talked to the airline and they did not have anything like a rail package. I would suggest Rome, Florence or Venice and back to Rome... I know you might want to go off of the beaten path but the truth is Italy has a LOT to offer... very lovely place.

Answer 3

Naples is the BEST! I felt the same way before we went, worried about safety issues and we thought we were not going to go out very much and return to the hotel before dark but we had the best time there. Definately go to Naples, you wont regret it!

Answer 4

Napoli e costiera amalfitana they are attractive!!!! marvellous landscapes

Answer 5

Palermo, Napoli, Bari, Firenze, Genoa, Venezia.

(V.C. for ye catholics)

Answer 6

Thsi is soooo BIZARRE but I will also be arriving in Rome on April 30th and be leaving after 8 days.

My itinerary is Rome-->Florence-->Cinque Terre-->Venice at 2 days each.

Answer 7

WOW! I envy you.

I was in Italy 'WAY back in 1967 and loved it, but I had about twice as long and we drove all over the place. Maybe you'll get to go back and spend more time in the future. Need a traveling companion...?

Sort of depends on your interests: if you are an art student, Florence is very nice what with some of the best art museums in the world. The surrounding countryside is beautiful, too.

Naples has a lot to offer, too. Pay attention to the wearnings but don't let it spoil your enjoyment--just be VERY aware of your surroundings...as you are in any large city, I hope.

My elderly aunt was mugged and dragged along the pavement by two chaps on a small motorcycle; they target people who are carrying shoulder bags (camera bags?) by riding up behind them, grabbing the strap of the bag and riding off. She held on, which I guess is a natural reaction, and was dragged for a few feet on the pavement! Her passport was in her bag, another "no-no" and she had a lot of fun trying to get another one. NOT a happy experience for her, all told. Come to think of it, that actually happened in Florence...

What can we learn from this?

1) Do NOT carry your passport with you, but keep it at the front desk of your hotel where it will be safe. You used to be able to get "passport cards" that were separate photo id cards with the same basic passport info that you can carry in addition to your regular passport. But, in this post-9/11 world I don't know if those are still made.

2) Do NOT carry huge amounts of cash with you. Traveller's checks are great and traceable if lost.

3) Keep a record of your credit card numbers and any "800" phone numbers for the credit card companies, just in case the cards are stolen or misplaced.

Areas of Italy I would definitely go back to if given a ticket:

1) Venice (for the fun of just walking around a water-logged, canal infused town! And for the nifty glass factory on the nearby island of Murano, worth at least a half-day alone)

2) Rome (for the history and excitement)

3) Florence (for the art--despite the motorcycle-bound thugs)

4) Pisa (yes, for the Leaning Tower!)

5) Actually ANYWHERE in Italy!!

Can't you treat yourself to an extra week somehow?

Relax, have fun and send LOTS of postcards. If you can rent, "My House in Tuscany", it'll give you a nice little jolt of Italian flavor, too.

Have fun, take LOTS of pictures--lucky rascal.

Answer 8

I have been to Naples, and had a good time checking out the historical architetcure, restaurants etc. It is a city you should see if you can. Sure it has its areas that are not as safe as others, but what big city hasn't. They do drive kind of crazy there, but that's just one more thing you have to see while you enjoy yourself in Napoli.