Naples Trip Planning & Itineraries

Day 1: The Historic Centre

The ancient heart of Naples is the area known as Spaccanapoli. Spend you first day exploring a city dating from around 1000BC which has been under Greek, Roman, Byzantine, German, Spanish, French rule until it became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860. That's a few layers of history right there! And the wonderful thing about Naples is how much of it is visible. The Cathedral of Naples has an archaeological zone where you tunnel deep into the original Greek and Roman buildings, plus some 4th century mosaics. Nearby under another church, San Lorenzo Maggiore, is the well preserved main street from the ancient Graeco-Roman city. You'll get to the cream of the crop, Pompeii, later! But if you like all things ancient, also visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale.

Inside the Cathedral are phials of blood of Naples' patron saint, San Gennaro. On September 19 every year, the San Gennaro Festival celebrate the miracle of this blood liquifying in memory of the saint's matyrdom, and pray for it to happen again. The Museo del Tesoro di San Gennaro contains the fine offerings made to the saint by the city's wealthy over the years.

To really get a feel for this amazing city, take a guided tour. Or, if you prefer, the hop on hop off bus tour. That's the best way to get a sense of the various quartieri or districts - and also to get that amazing view over the Bay of Naples to Mount Vesuvius. Head down to the busy Via San Biagio dei Librai, one of the original Roman streets. Don't miss the Ospedale delle Bambole - a hospital for dolls. There are too many churches to name but put your head into every one your pass and you won't be disappointed. And don't miss Castel Nuovo - a Spanish era castle with fabulous round towers, Teatro San Carlo - Italy's largest opera house, or Palazzo Reale - a 1600 palace with a museum and the national library.

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Day 2: Pompeii and Shopping

Not far from the city lies Pompeii, the famous city suspended in time by the AD79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Buried until 1748, Pompeii has been excavated to reveal an amazingly intact Roman town. Vesuvius is one of the world's most feared volcanoes because it seethes so close to a large city. The good news is it hasn't erupted since 1944. Also, it is well monitored so you'll have plenty to warning! Travel to the top of Mount Vesuvius itself, peer into the crater, and look over the magnificence of this part of the world.

Back in Naples, it's time to explore modern day Naples. Which involves shopping. Head for Via Toledo, Via Chiaia, and the exclusive Via dei Mille. At the Piazza Trieste e Trento, which is the end of the pedestrian area, look for Cafe Gambrinus and treat yourself to a pastry. When you get tired, take a break in Villa Comunale, a huge park next to the sea. It includes a marvellous aquarium which is Europe's oldest and has 200 species of marine life from the Bay of Naples alone. Or rise about the chaos on one of the cable-car railways connecting the exclusive district Vomero to the city below. Find a cafe and enjoy the view.

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Day 3: The Amalfi Coast and Islands

You cannot visit this part of Italy without enjoying the seaside. Head out of Naples for the day to the spectacular island of Capri. Take the chairlift to the top of Mount Solare for a breathtaking view. Or go to the famous Blue Grotto. Alternately head down the Amalfi Coast to one of the gorgeous villages dotted along the water. Cliff-clinging Sorrento has been a favourite resort since the Roman times - imagine toga-clad emperors Pompey, Caesar or Tiberius enjoying the view you are looking at. Positano delights with its colorful laneways and famous beaches. By contrast Amalfi has stunning white houses and Ravello sits higher up the hill boasting wonderful villas and gardens. If you like thermal spas, head for the island of Ischia.

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