Naples & Pompei (Italy)

Advantages: walk into history
Disadvantages: tinged with sadness

When Vesuvius erupted in 79AD, it buried centuries worth of Oscan, Etruscan, Greek and Roman influence in the small city of Pompeii. The original Oscan settlement dated back to 7th century BC, so Pompeii already had quite a history by the time it was engulfed. The eruption gave archaeologists a time capsule of life in Pompeii in 79AD, and also clues to the ways of life in earlier times. Pompeii's misfortune, and the terrible fate of her people, have ...
...for generations. Excavation of the site began in 1748, and continues to this day. People flock to Pompeii from all corners of the world, both as academics to study the site, and as tourists to experience the thrill of walking those ancient streets. GETTING THERE If you've hired a car, follow the signs for Pompei Scavi [the Italians write Pompei with one i, and scavi means excavations in Italian] from the Autostrada A4 (Naples to Salerno). By train, ... Read review

Advantages: Great City, lots to do
Disadvantages: can be a bit dirty, very hot in summer

...impression that I had of Naples before I visited, but what I found was that it is a vibrant, happening really interesting city, some fantastic architecture, lots of great restaurants, which I would encourage everyone to visit if they get the chance. Oh and the drivers are not too careful! *** Safety *** Some people have said that Naples is a very dangerous city, but in my experience of walking around the city day and night, you just need to ...
...walked along the coast to Naples itself, I would say it is about 3 Km, but is totally flat. *** Trips out *** There are a lot of very nice places to visit away from Naples, I've just listed some that I have been to. Generally the train is the best mode of transport. Pompeii No trip to Naples is complete without visiting the ultimate Roman site - I didn't visit during this stay, as I have been before, I just had so many other things ... Read review

Advantages: lively, wonderful artefacts
Disadvantages: chaotic, dirty

...I spent 24 hours in Naples (on my way to Sardinia), I´d like to take you with me and show you what I saw. I stayed in a hotel in the historical centre, Hotel Sansevero in Piazza San Domenico Maggiore 9; 70 Euro for a single room (clean, quiet, nice modern furniture, small breakfast). The description on the net said, ´easily reachable by underground (Metropolitana) Montesanto station or by bus direction Corso Umberto´. Ha!, says I, nonsense, nothing ...
...think of street life in Naples is right, rows of stalls with clothes, shoes, music cassettes, fruit and vegetables, fish and octopus, you name it, they sold it and hundreds of people bustling and shouting. Has the way of driving changed in Naples or have I developed better nerves? Over a period of 39 years I´ve been to Naples several times, I remember vividly my first encounters with what Neapolitans consider traffic, I feared for my life when I ... Read review

Advantages: Better than time travel!
Disadvantages: If there were any...I've forgotten them!

...you arrive by train from Naples is to realise that there are 2 stops for Pompeii. The scavi or the excvations and other being the new town of Pompeii. Be sure that you get off at the right one. The new town of Pompeii (not the excavations) is nohing special compared to other Italian towns, there are lots of dogs roaming the streets and think twice about driving, all cars are battered to glory! The main church of the town is spectatucular and the ...
...ripped out and put in Naples museum, well worth a visit. Hop on the train to Naples, it's not far from Pompeii and visit the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. Naples is a bit daunting after Pompeii, but don't be put off buy the many lanes of traffic in front of the station but if you do cross here, be prepared to run fast! The museum houese artefacts from many eras, but the main interest if for artefacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum and ... Read review

Advantages: Mostly helpful,friendly.(many see op.)
Disadvantages: Can be expensive. Traffic,crime,pollution.

...and I ended up in naples with the family of 4 children that I was looking after, whose mother in law was Countess Leonetti from Naples,whose villa we visited when her grandchildren were on their summer holidays to stay with her.(phew! that was rather long winded..!) It is here,I fell in love -not only with my husband, Giuseppe,but naples itself. The place and the neopolitan people are unique, which I will briely describe in a minute.. Anyway,having ...
...I both love and detest,for Naples is like that in everything you can see,do or experience there... Giuseppe's family are extensive,(in laws etc) and it is a place I both love,and miss,but couldn't live there again for various reasons. NAPLES. The very name brings a magic,deep within my heart. A misty tear of reminiscence to my eyes,a mixture of joy,and hell,pleasure and pain...there is no getting over it,and if you are looking for cold hard facts,url ... Read review