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have never been to Naples but met a couple from York a few years ago in Florence who had been all over Italy and said Naples - never again!  They hated it but I can't remember why.   Hopefully you will get someone along soon who has been and can advise (hopefully advice to the contrary for you!!).

No one who wants to visit Italy is mad If you are retired why not take a bit longer? Rather than Naples why not think about Sorento, you can always get the train in. All the original artifacts from Pompeii are in the museum there. I would also try and include Siena as well, nicer than Florence in my view. As to route you have many options. We tend to use the Brenner motorway into Italy but you can go via Switzerland or France.

David

Quote: Originally posted by allie sommerville on 15/2/2010

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Sorry - can't agree that Siena is better than Florence!
Florence deserves a fortnight if you want to see all the Artworks and churches etc.
Climbing the Campanile in Siena was an interesting experience though!

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I should have perhaps qualfied why I said what I did. Can't argue about Art and all the galleries, second to none and probably one of the greatest concentrations in one place anywhere, I love that part. However if that is not your thing Florence I always find is scruffy in comparision to Siena.

David

I worked Caserta just outside Naples for 4 years. It is just 2 hour drive from Rome. Food and scenery are the best in Italy - crime is horrendous, partly due to 25% unemployment and the mafia (camorra) rules. In and around Naples you will find shanty towns, where illegal imigrants live - Naples is one of Europes main entry points for immigrants, all run by the mafia of course. There is a good chance that rubbish collectors will be on strike (rubbish collection is all Mafia run) and there will be piles or refuse on every corner. You will be amazed that a European city could be so poor and deprived. I am not sure about campsites, but the safest hotels are owned by the Mafia.

This all may sound like a bit of an exaggeration - honestly it is not

On the plus side, Naples is one of Europes most beautiful cities, with an abundence of culture which is completely in contrast to the deprivation. Also, head to the Amalfi coast - it is beautiful and relatively crime free.

Driving in Naples takes a real sense of humour - it is great fun in a company rental car (btw I never had a scratch). One 4 lane stretch of Autostrada frequently has 6 cars abreast all doing 40 mph!