Day 1 in Naples

Welcome to Naples! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

We suggest starting your day by getting acquainted with the city. Wander the most famed quarters of the city center. The Historic Center of Naples is not only amazing, but can also be something of a maze, filled with small irregular alleys. Stop in one of the cafes to grab lunch or some decadent pastries, poke your nose into the shops and markets, and take in the ambiance as you roam through the city.

Walk down Spaccanapoli Road, the main street of Naples` historical core, it is lined with numerous historically important buildings. The street, which is very narrow, is actually the name given to several streets that continue through the city, breaking it into two halves (hence the name, which literally translates to `Naples Splitter`). It is lined with churches, namely the Church of Gesu Nuovo and Saint Chiara, street vendors, bars, and shops.

Piazza del Plebiscito is a large public square in central Naples. It is surrounded by the Royal Palace of Naples, the Church of San Francisco di Paola, Palazzo Salerno, and the Prefecture Palace. The square also houses several statues and is a popular meeting place in the city for locals and tourists alike.

Take some time to visit the Royal Palace of Naples one of the former residences of the Bourbon kings. Like many of the important Bourbon-era buildings in Naples, it was designed and built by the Spanish court. The Royal Palace of Naples dates to the early 17th century, and was initially intended to house King Philip III of Spain. In the mid 17th century, the palace was remodeled to house King Charles III of Spain, the first Bourbon king to reside here.

As night falls, head to L`Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, conveniently located close to the Centrale train station, for some of the best Napoleon pizza in the city. It was founded by Michele Condurro in 1870 and is still run by his family. True to tradition, there are only two choices of pizza on the menu: Margherita or marinara, and you`ll be seated at a very simple long table, with drinks in plain white plastic cups. Nothing fancy here….but the pizza will melt in your mouth. Every ingredient is fresh and you`ll be pleasantly surprised as to how reasonable the prices are! This restaurant is also famous for the scene from Eat Pray Love where Julia Roberts visits Naples and `has a relationship with the pizza.`

Day 2 in Naples

Wake up early today to head the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, one of the most interesting, and most famous, museums in the country. Given how much history, both Greek, and Roman, has occurred on the grounds of the city, you`ll be unsurprised to learn that the Greek and Roman collections are some of the most extensive in the world. This includes the well-known Farnese Collection, which contains some of the most stunning examples of ancient sculpture that you`ll ever see. But for most people, the museum`s main draw is the artifacts rescued from the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum and brought here for safekeeping.

Next, you`ll want to be sure to explore some of the beautiful churches of the city. The Basilica of Santa Chiara is a particular favorite for many, among the final resting places of kings, queens, and the mighty, there`s the simple grave of Salvo D`Acquisto, a carabinieri (police officer) who sacrificed himself during the Second World War in order to save the lives of 22 citizens. He is rightfully considered an Italian national hero, and his story is a very affecting one.

Spend the remaining part of your day exploring Naples Underground by taking a tour underneath the city. Napoli Sotterranea, located just off Piazza San Gaetano, will take you forty feet below the surface of Naples, and introduce you to another world. You really won`t be able to believe that this is below the streets you`ve been walking around – aside from Greek quarries which date from the birth of the city, you`ll see shelters used during the war (and the items which were left behind). One of the most impressive parts of the tour is when you slide your way through the tight passages of the ancient cisterns.

After sunset, check out the Neapolitan nighttime scene, it`s eclectic and lively. Piazza Bellini, near the university at the edge of the historical center, is an especially lively area. Enoteche, or wine bars, provide a good choice of wines by the glass and by the bottle, a bit of food, and usually a relaxed atmosphere.

Day 3 in Naples

Spend your last day in Naples by exploring the ruins of Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and hiking Mt. Vesuvius, just a short drive outside the city. Pompeii is a vast archaeological site near Naples. Located at the foot of Mt. Vesuvius, Pompeii was buried, along with many of the residents, in 79 AD when the volcano erupted, spewing ash and pyroclastic flow over a widespread area.

The city was founded in the 7th or 6th century BC, captured by the Etruscans and later the Greeks, before becoming a Roman colony in the 1st century BC. Because the entire city was buried in the ash, it`s remarkably well-preserved and gives a unique glimpse into 1st century life. Pompeii is the only ancient city whose ruins remain exactly as they were when founded or expanded, without any other later inhabited overlay.

After exploring Pompeii, head back into the city of Naples to take in the performing arts of the city with some Opera and Classical Music at Teatro San Carlo where you can find world-class opera, along with dance and orchestral works. Alternatively, just relax at one of the café terraces and watch the world go by. A top choice in cafes is the oldest café in Naples, with the Liberty-style interior from the 1860s, the elegant Gran Caffé Gambrinus (Piazza Trieste e Trento). Allow yourself to linger for a leisurely drink in the elegant old world atmosphere.

Additional Days in Naples

Should you be able to spend additional days in Naples we recommend leaving the city to see Naples` jewels a bit further afield by heading to Sorrento. The town overlooks the Bay of Naples as the key place of the Sorrentine Peninsula, and many viewpoints allow sights of Naples itself, Vesuvius and the Isle of Capri. Sorrento is a bustling small town with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars as well as boutique shops and luxury hotels. Ferries from Sorrento go to both Capri and Ischia, two resort islands in the Bay of Naples. Sorrento is also known for limoncello, which is a must-taste while here. At some places, you can watch it being made.

Your Last Day in Naples

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer, if so a representative will meet you at the hotel, in time to take you to the airport for your flight out.