Which Naples Excursion should we take

[msmeltz]

Would love to be able to fit all those places in a one day tour, but I don't think it can be done. You are left out Pompeii. Where would you be able to pick up a reliable tour in
Amalfi?

july 1 on the brilliance
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[carmendmun]

Hlitner THANK YOU!! after careful consideration DH and I have decided on a guided tour of Florence(Pisa, etc.), and Naples. We will do Athens & Rome on our own.

I took your advice and bought a great little guide book for Rome (with a cool pop up laminated map of the sites).

We plan to take the tourist bus (#110) at Termini and get off at teh different sites.

Any other thoughts,ideas, tips are always welcome!

[Hlitner]

Ok, here is my advice. You are going to try and cram all of Rome into a single day, but you should leave time to "soak up the real atmosphere." This is my pet peeve, and I guess some would disagree and want to keep on running running running. Our favorite place in Rome is the Piazza Navona (you will find it in your guide book). This famous piazza has two cafes located just in front of the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers). Try to find a good hour (or two) to just sit outdoors at one of those cafes and enjoy cafe, wine, beer, or even lunch. This will allow you to watch the world (and lots of tourists) enjoying this wonderful piazza. The last time we were in Rome, we had 4 hours to kill before heading to the port for an afternoon cruise departure. We sat down in this piazza at about 9 in the morning for coffee, and did not leave until after 1 when we had to head to the ship. We thought it was one of the most delightful few hours we have ever spent in Rome.

Hank

[Bruin Steve]

Gee, I seem to be agreeing with Hank a lot today...

There is no way anyone sees a fraction of Rome in a single port stop...

I've spent almost a month in Rome combined over several visits and I've convinced myself I'll never see everything...

But, if there is one place I return EVERY visit...even if it's just a one day port stop, it's the Piazza Navona...I have spent virtually entire days there as the experience itself is worth more than all the buildings and relics...

Picture, if you will, a large, elongated rectangular piazza encircled by warm, Mediterranean earth-tone buildings...fronted by numerous outdoor cafes...In the center is one of the best fountains to be found anywhere: Bernini's 1648 Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers)...an obelisk in the center surrounded in four directions by statues of men representing the Ganges, the Nile, the Danube and the Rio de la Plata...beneath the obelisk is a large rock, split through the middle, with a horse, a lion and a palm tree... (I have a photograph of a portion of this fountain --the Danunbe personification-- blown up in my office)...

There are two smaller fountains (one by Bernini as well) at either end of the Piazza...

Directly behind the Fountain of the Four Rivers is the Chiesa di Sant'Agnese in Agone, a church designed by Bernini's bitter rival, Borromini.

The fun story about the church and the fountain is that the statues of Bernini's Fountain are shielding their eyes in disgust from the sight of Borromini's church...I love the story, but but the truth is that Bernini completed the fountain two years before Borromini started his work on the church...Still, it's a great story...

Another great tidbit about the Piazza Navona is that the Romans used this piazza for chariot races...AND...they would also use it for a popular entertainment of the time: Battle recreations...including, believe it or not, NAVAL BATTLES...for which they would seal it off and flood it with water...

But the truly great thing about the Piazza is its contemporary use...As the day wears on, people arrive--peddlers, artists, street musicians, etc. and by evening, the atmosphere and the nightlife is incredible...

For folks staying in Rome, I recommend the Hotel Raphael...largely for its location right at the Piazza:

[url="http://www.raphaelhotel.com/eng.html"]http://www.raphaelhotel.com/eng.html[/url]

Within short walking distance from the Piazza Navona are the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon and a number of other sites...

I suggest wandering this area over most other sites of Rome...for its life, its vibrancy, its atmosphere...

Sure you can visit the Coliseum, the Forum, the Monument to Vittorio Emanuel, etc. and take great photographs...but there is nothing really going on in those places...the Piazza Navona is ALIVE...

Summit, July 3, 2004: Alaska: 13 night cruisetour

[bec2629]

Airlines Brat,
I was trying to arrange the [I][B]exact[/B][/I]tour you described. After reading posts, getting advice, and several emails from tour compamies, we decided it had to be one or the other.We opted to enjoy the smaller towns along the Amalfi Coast and save Capri for a future visit.
I agree with the experienced on this board, that trying to take in too much leaves you seeing nothing.
Becky

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Brilliance of the Seas July 25, 04
Why does time fly only when you don't want it to?


November 04 Explorer
July 03 Explorer
August 02 Adventurer
July 01 Voyager
Starward NCL 1981

[Mike Andrews]

Great posts by Hank and Steve,which I wholeheartedly agree with. We visited Rome just before Christmas several years ago and there was a fantastic Christmas Market in Piazza Navona which made the place even more special.

[Mike Andrews]

Hi msmeltz,

DriveAmalfi(driveamalfi@hotmail.com)are based in Amalfi and should be able to arrange your tour.

[AIRLINES BRAT]

Mike ... Thank you for your recommendation! Drive Amalfi immediately responded to my inquiry (good sign) regarding doing Capri on our own then meeting us in Sorrento for the Amalfi Tour then back to our ship. Does Drive Amalfi come highly recommended? Have you ever used them?
bec2629/Becky ... Thank you for your note .I'm still researching ...Our plan sounds great ... There are tours that do more in one day than our plan. Being that we were raised in New York ... We still think that we could do everything in a "New York Minute" ...I'll let you know the outcome. Sandra

[This message was edited by AIRLINES BRAT on 05-25-04 at 01:32 PM.]

[bec2629]

Sandra,
I forgot to add that we wanted to visit Pompeii, as well, (not asking for much) that's why we couldn't do it all. YOUR plan does sound like a good way to go. Please post when you return.
Mike,
After Salvatore emailed that HE personally is available the day we will be in Naples, I went ahead and reserved with him. By the way, are you his publicist ?? [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] [I]just kidding[/I]
Thanks for all your input.
Becky

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Brilliance of the Seas July 25, 04
Why does time fly only when you don't want it to?


November 04 Explorer
July 03 Explorer
August 02 Adventurer
July 01 Voyager
Starward NCL 1981

[Mike Andrews]

Hi AIRLINES BRAT,

We have used Salvatore of DriveAmalfi twice,once for a full day tour of Pompei and the Amalfi Coast and once for a full touring day around Amalfi and Ravello and recommend him without hesitatation. I am a fussy traveler and his calm approach to driving combined with his local knowledge are perfect for the Amalfi Coast. Becky, you will have a great day.

Mike

[Hlitner]

Mike! This is the first time you have ever surprised me. An Italian with a "calm approach to driving?" Surely you jest (smile)

Hank

[Mike Andrews]

Hi Hank,

It's no jest,this guy is the calmest & patient driver we have ever had in Italy and I can tell you it is much appreciated on the roads of the Amalfi Coast !

Mike

[ClaudiaF]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Blamar:
Is there any way of visiting pompeii without taking the ship's shore excursion or a private driver's tour? Really all we want to see for the limited time we have in Naples is the Ruins of Pompeii and then relax for the rest of the day.

Counting the days til we go.

Happy Sails

Blake of
Blake and Marla
Blamar

Nordic Prince 1982
Rotterdam 1988
Noordam 1995
Imagination 2001
Star Princess 2004

We leave for Venice
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We leave from Venice on the Star Princess
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You can get a taxi at the port or take the train. Just be certain if you do the train of the return times.
As far as a guide into Pompeii..( the only guides who by law are allowed to take you into Pompeii are the ones who are at the gates.
Even private drivers can not do this. So you just ask their prices at the gates ( or if you want can buy the book and do your own tour)..

Next stop:
Buenos Aires to Rio Oceania - "Insignia"
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[Hlitner]

Mike, We will have to book a tour with Salvatore on our next visit so that we can experience a sane Italian driver. I have learned to be as insane as the Italians which helps ensure our survival when driving in that wonderful country. This thread has left me devestated! Kathy and I thought that the Piazza Navona was are secret/special place (only kidding). Reading Bruin Steve's description made my wife and I break into big smiles! Steve has totally captured our feelings about this place which offers the best people watching in Rome with an amazing backdrop.

Hank

[AIRLINES BRAT]

[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img] My husband and I also thought that the Piazza Navona was our very special secret place!!! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif[/img]
Does anyone know if one can make advance reservations for specific times/date on the hydrofoil?
Sandra

[a-sea-h]

HI... I hope you don't mind me asking here- but which of these tours/highlights in Naples would any of you suggest for me and my DH- we're in our early 30s, celebrating our 3rd anniversary. Our ship (Splendour) stops in Naples on our actual anniversary. So far it sounds like the Amalfi Coast is the way to go... (i've heard wonderful things about positano). We want to be able to explore, but we don't want to have a stressed-out day running all over the place, either. Thanks [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[Bruin Steve]

The problem here is that ALL of the various area attractions are worth going to...and you have to either choose...or be willing to fragment the day and attempt multiple places...

Personally, the most fascinating and educational spot is Pompei...and it's really a shame to miss it...But, I guess it's not exactly a "honeymoon" or "anniversary" spot...

My wife loves Capri--and that IS a "honeymoon destination"...it's a lovely resort island with lots of romantic settings...

Sorrento was nice, but hardly special...
We didn't get to Positano or the Amalfi coast, but I understand the villages there are charming...

I still insist it's NOT impossible or even difficult to see both Capri AND Pompei in the same day...The private guides generally don't do it because they DRIVE CARS which does no good in getting to Capri which is an island...and having to return to wherever they left their car, rather than taking a boat in a different direction, complicates the logistics and runs them out of time...

But, if you just wanted a relaxed, uncomplicated day and weren't interested in the historical and academic, then I'd either get a hydrofoil to Capri and spend the day there...or hire a driver to take you down the Amalfi Coast...

Summit, July 3, 2004: Alaska: 13 night cruisetour

[France81]

Hi All:

May I throw my query into the ring?

I will be in Naples (RCCL in July) and have decided I would like to go to Positano and Ravello. I want to do this on my own without tour guide, tour, etc. Is it possible to do this in the alloted time in port?

I hae done Capri, Pompeii and Sorento on previous travels. I am on overloand with churches, museums and would just like to shop and take in the secenery.

Also, must I take a bus to these two towns (I would really prefer train). Those windy roads make me a bit queasy.

Thanks for any input!

[Hlitner]

France, Forget about a train to Positano or Ravello. I can identify with the car sick thing,, but to fully appreciate the Amalfi "Drive" on must drive (or be driven) on this amazing road. You could actually do this on your own by taking the train from Naples to Sorrento and than using the inexpensive public bus line over the Amalfi Drive. You would have to do some homework on the bus schedules and this would be a challenge trying to cram it all in a day since I belive you have to change buses to get to Ravello (someone else needs to tell me if I am right or wrong on this comment). We have done this by renting our own car and simply driving ourselves,, but for most, the best option is to hire a car/driver to take you from Naples. As to shopping, my wife was surprised to find a pair of inexpensive loafers in Positano that turned out to be excellent shoes. Its hard to imagine a bargain in this town. but sometimes good shopping does reap a reward. But, the charm of this village (and Ravello) is worth the effort and money.

Airlines Brat! I am not aware of advance reservations on the hydrofoils and have never had a problem getting tickets. However, you should buy your return ticket either in Naples or immediately upon arrival in Capri. It can get crowded on the hydrofoil that gets you back to Naples near boarding time... so best to have it in hand a few hours in advance.

Hank

[ppiew]

When we were at Capri last year, we purchased our round trip boat tickets and were assigned a return trip time! We left early in the AM and returned on the 12:30 boat, which didn't leave much time for anything else. I would definitely defer the Capri trip for another occasion. The Amalfi coast and Pompeii which we did 3 weeks ago (private driver) still took all day - 8AM to 4:30PM. We could have spent more time in Pompeii, but had had enough by that time. Naples wasn't worth any time - filthy - pickpockets everywhere. The coast was spectacular and would highly recommend it. Enjoy what you chose, but down't bite off more than you can chew or you will risk not enjoying the day to its full extent. Better to do a little right than just drive/rush from place to place.

[Mike Andrews]

France 81,

Ravello and Positano are out two favourite places along the Amalfi Coast and as Hank rightly posts,you need to get to Amalfi to get a bus to Ravello.

[a-sea-h]

[B]Bruin Steve[/B], I just wanted to thank you for your thoughts!! I'm starting to lean against Capri, because we probably don't want to be stuck on a beach all day (that's the impression i'm getting of it - am i right?), although it sounds like the kind of place if we had more than a day in the area worth going to! It sounds like [B]ppiew[/B]would agree, too, so thanks for sharing your experience [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[Bruin Steve]

Actually, Capri has far more than beaches...There is a funicular that runs to the top of the island and there is a very nice town there with shops, cafes et al...and some nice views...there is a famous cave-the Blue Grotto--you can get a boat ride--very romantic, there is the town of Anacapri...Check here:

[url="http://www.capri.net/salsa/lang/en/page/what_to_see.html"]http://www.capri.net/salsa/lang/en/page/what_to_see.html[/url]

Still, yes, there are other options from Naples as well...and, again, I am a big fan of Pompei--it is an incredibly awesome excavation...

Summit, July 3, 2004: Alaska: 13 night cruisetour

[Tatka]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by a-sea-h:
HI... I hope you don't mind me asking here- but which of these tours/highlights in Naples would any of you suggest for me and my DH- we're in our early 30s, celebrating our 3rd anniversary. Our ship (Splendour) stops in Naples on our actual anniversary. So far it sounds like the Amalfi Coast is the way to go... (i've heard wonderful things about positano). We want to be able to explore, but we don't want to have a stressed-out day running all over the place, either. Thanks [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

We in our early 30-s (31 and 32) just returned from Splendour cruise. We are very energetic people but...

We honestly wanted to do Capri - Sorrento - Pompeii on our own. The problem with 7 days Splendour cruise is that single sea day is the last day of this cruise. By the time we reached Naples we were sooooo tired after consecutive
tours in every port we just couldn't take another day of rush. So...

We took hydrofoil to Capri and then small boat tour around Capri [url="http://www.easycapri.com/lasercapri/lasercaprieng.html"]http://www.easycapri.com/lasercapri/lasercaprieng.html[/url] (with blue grotto). It was very relaxing and beautifull. Then we walked around the town for some time and returned to the Naples. After the lunch we went to Naples and took Tour on Double decker bus (only 16Eu per person). People who think that Naples is nothing aren't completely right as it very lovely city and drive on the road next to the
sea makes tour even nicer.

------------------------------
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>Zuiderdam 8/21/04 FLL - Key West - Cozumel - Grand Caymans - Half Moon Cay - FLL
<LI>Splendour of the Seas 05/15/04 Barcelona - Marseilles - Villefranche - Livorno - Chivitavecchia - Naples - Barcelona
<LI>Century 07/12/03 Eastern Caribbean FFL-San Juan - St. Thomas - St.Maarten- Nassau -FFL
<LI>Komarno(Volga)07/91 Moscow - Astrahan' - Moscow (honeymoon)
<LI>Komarno(Volga)07/90 Moscow - Astrahan'- Moscow
<LI>Admiral Nachimov(or Nakhimov) (Black Sea)04/1986 Odessa - Batum [/list]

GO BRUINS!!!!

[a-sea-h]

thank you BOTH! i am now thoroughly confused as to what to do! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img] I obviously need to get my DH involved in the discussion, but this has helped at least give me a sense of what's out there! BTW, the Blue Grotto looks stunning!