Herculaneum via Naples and Rome. How difficult/easy would it be for a solo traveller!

[hastalava]

Hi, I have always wanted to do this trip but no one I know is remotely interested. So I am hoping/thinking of doing it myself in October when hopefully it will be a bit quieter.

My half baked plan is to fly to Naples and see the archaeological museum, which has a lot of the Pompeii stuff. I am not hugely interested in seeing Pompeii itself (If I have time I will) but I do want to see Herculaneum. A couple of nights in Naples and take the train to the sites via the Circumvesuviana train. Well that's the plan! I've heard that Naples can be very "edgy", but I'm hoping if I stay in a good hotel in a "naice" area that I'll be alright!

Then take the train from Naples to Rome and spend a few days there. I think that's the easy bit, although you never know, do you? Fly back from Rome. Will take in Ostia Antica while there too.

I've done a few solo trips but mostly in France and Spain and while often confused and hot and bothered, I did it! So if anyone has done a similar trip (without car) I'd love to hear your story. Thanks.

Oh some more brilliant tips, thanks!

Busy now so just skimmed over the latest info, will have a deeper read later.

Honestly, people are so generous with their tips and advice, and I'm very grateful. It's making me very excited, a little nervous.... but determined now!

I’ve been to Italy many times and Naples is my favourite place there. It’s authentic, multi layered and unapologetic about itself. I love wandering through the Spanish Quarters and Spaccanapoli. October is great time to visit!

We were there in last August (don’t go in August 🤪) this time just for a day trip. We had lunch at Spaccanapoli, bought ice-creams, bought water from a tiny corner shop, bought few trinkets from shops, all accepted card.

I do not understand the love for Sorrento. Yeah it’s pretty at places but it’s bland and full of restaurants with plastic menus offering fish and chips and footie on wide screens. Incidentally I didn’t love Rome that much either. I was very happy to visit and enjoyed our trip there but I have no plans ever to return. Rome was full of street hawkers whereas we didn’t see any in Naples.

I’ve been to both Pompeii and Herculaneum. Pompeii is vast and you would definitely benefit from a tour guide there. I really enjoyed Herculaneum much more, there’s many well preserved nooks there and definitely an odd stone where to rest occasionally.

When I say street hawkers I mean the ones who come at you pushing water bottles, parasols or bracelets at you. Rome is full of those and you need to keep a steely eye forward and at times wade through a sea of them.

Naples has street vendors but they all at least left us alone.

‘ been to Sorrento and, although the Amalfi coast is stunning, Sorrento town is a bit TOO English with big screen football matches and “pizza and a Coke €5!”.

oh dear. It’s changed a lot then. I’m 😳. I would still be careful about Naples, though, as a single FEMALE traveller. It’s a fascinating area, I hope you have a great time.

If you're into history Naples is an incredible place to explore - layers upon layers of history. This tour of the underground caves / paths was super interesting https://www.napolisotterranea.org/en/ .
And don't miss the Cappella Sansevero.
Yes, it's edgy, and the driving is even more hectic than in India, but it's full of history and life! Just be sensible and hide your phone / camera, don't wear flashy jewelry.

Can I add Sperlonga Archaeological Museum, Tiberius Villa & Grotto.

Trenitalia from Rome to Fondi-Sperlonga, buy train ticket from tobacco shop in station. Tickets must be time stamped before boarding the train.

(Gigantic sculpture of Ulysses (nobody) blinding the cyclops Polyphemus (found originally in the grotto, intended for fire light, water’s reflection, live music, dance & epic story telling.))

I loved Naples, didn’t find it particularly rough/edgy and felt perfectly safe at all times. It’s a really vibrant city and the museum was amazing (if hot!). I seem to recall the “sex room” being a bit mortifying with kids, but obviously not an issue if you’re travelling solo!

I enjoyed Herculaneum much more than Pompeii, and found it much more impressive, so I think you’re making the right call if you only have time/energy to do one.

I travel solo quite a bit and Italy is really, really easy for solo (female) travellers.

Please DO stay in Naples. I first went 25 years ago! It's not bloody 'edgy' any more than some of the scruffier bits of London or Manchester are. Just take the same precautions you would in any big city. It's a vibrant, interesting old city with lots to see. Half the people who say don't go there have never been themselves or only wizzed from the airport to the train station in a taxi.

The archaeological museum is great. Also, don't miss Sansavero Chapel ad the 'Veiled Christ' statue. Astonishing and way better than Michaelangelo's Pieta in Rome. As for Pompeii, yes it's huge but go early before it gets hot and there is a route to see the 'highlights' that won't take so long and then decide if you want to see more.

If you want somewhere interesting to stay for a few nights try Ischia, an island off the coast from Naples. Has an interesting old castle, small towns and fantastic thermal water parks/spas.