choices for Naples

[CJcruzer]

we have been to sorrento and done the Amalfi coast and toured Pompeii - so my choices for docking in Naples are:

 

1-Herculaneum and Archeological Museum

 

2- Palace of Caserta and possibly Cassino (abbey)

 

3- Isle of Capri

 

this is an eastern/western Med cruise - we will be seeing ruins in Athens, Ephesus - possibly Tarquinia -

 

the idea of Caserta sounds different , has anyone visited there...I cam across a site that offers this and Cassino (the abbey) as a cruise shore tour - but would check out if anyone has used them/their reputation.

[euro cruiser]

I just went to Caserta from Naples a few weeks ago and loved it. I'm working on a trip review as a suggestion for cruisers who have been to Naples many times and are looking for an alternative to the "usual" places.

 

It is easy to get to Caserta from Naples by either train or bus. Both leave from Piazza Garibaldi. The royal palace is directly across the street from the train station/bus depot, so you can't miss it.

 

The royal apartments are amazing, there are about 40 decorated rooms to visit. The gardens are also amazing, but I didn't spend time there because it was raining the day I visited. I can't wait to go back on a nice day and see everything I missed.

 

Train or bus use the same ticket, a UnicoCampania. I went to Caserta by train, but when I was ready to go back the next train was a two hour wait, so I jumped on a bus (the depot is adjacent to the train station) that delivered me to the piazza in front of the train station, it could not have been easier.

 

Some relevant links and information:

 

Caserta web site: http://www.reggiadicaserta.beniculturali.it/guida_reggia/Xenglish/index.htm

 

Bus Naples to Caserta, Line C1R (via autostrada) : http://www.ctp.na.it/percorsi3.asp?LINEA=C1R&IT=2

 

Pick up bus either in front of Circumvesuviana station on corso garibaldi, or at piazza garibaldi (rif. Piazza principe umberto adiacente orologiaio)

 

Train: www.trenitalia.com

 

Unico Campania, for info on regional transportation and the artecards: http://www.unicocampania.it/index.php?lang=en

 

Unesco world heritage site info: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/549

 

Artecard info: http://www.artecard.it/EN/index.cfm?CFID=135430&CFTOKEN=4563a46aa51e7327-CCF773CC-9365-27E0-389CA2D60141FB29&jsessionid=84301a8deab41ed29bb62d7958f4b1d3d183

 

Entrance to apartments only 8 Euro, apartments and gardens 10 Euro

 

Unico Campania fascia 4 ticket: 2,90 each way (for bus or train, interchangeable)

 

If only going to Caserta, individual tickets better deal (10,00 + 5,80 transport)

 

If going to do anything else in Naples the same day, Artepass a better deal at 20,00 Euro

 

If will be leaving early in the morning (cruise ship passengers, for example), good idea to pre-purchase artecard on line as office at train station doesn’t open until 9 AM

[CJcruzer]

thank you for the info...I am torn between Caserta and Herculaneum (going with a private tour in order to maximize time) - or just staying in Naples, going to herculaneum, the Archeology Museum and see the main sights of Naples --- my husband speaks Italian and I understand some, so the logistics of getting around is easier for us....

 

Everyone says the Archaelogy Museum is fabulous, and since I have been to Pompeii, thought it would be nice to see Herculaneum...

[euro cruiser]

They're all good choices, you'll have a great day whichever one you choose. Two other good options if you choose to stay in town for the day are the Certosa di San Marino and the cloisters and museo of Santa Chiara.

 

http://smartino.napolibeniculturali.it/