Naples

Naples is a study in contrast, both rich and poor. Naples was a migrant city since its very beginning, when it was founded by the Greeks. Its original name 'Neapolis' simply means 'new city'. A city built in layers and on hills, Naples lives with the constant threat of the dormant volcano Vesuvius on the skyline. It might lack the instant appeal of Rome, Florence or Venice but it is a city that may well grow on you. Many visit for just a day, disembarking from cruise ships and heading straight to Pompeii, the main tourist attraction in the area, but this kind of hit and run tourism sells the city short. At least stop for a pizza!

The city's attractions are many and it is one of the best examples we've found of a place that can only be fully appreciated with the help of a local expert guide to peel back the layers. Going underground, in many different ways, is one of the very best ways to get to know Napoli. You'll discover much of the Ancient Greek, Roman and Bourbon periods of the city on a subterranean expedition. You'll also have an excellent base for exploring more of the Bay of Naples, with high speed ferry links to Sorrento at the southern end or the islands of Capri and Ischia and the comfortable tourist-friendly Campania Express train service to Pompeii and Sorrento.

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Where to stay in Naples

Our exploration of the best hotels in Naples brought us to conclude that the first choice to make is whether to stay in the characterful but scruffy historic old town center, where we have selected two classic palazzos, closer to the Piazza del Plebiscito in a 1930s 10 story building or away from the noise of the city along the lungomare, the seafront area, with a selection from 3 to 5 star hotels typical of the seafront location. Once we start preparing your customized itinerary we will present our recommended options for you to select from.

Things to do in Naples

"See Naples and die" said Goethe. We don't think it's that bad at all, but it is a city that needs the help of a local guide for you to be able to appreciate it fully and your curiosity will be handsomely rewarded. Foodies will surely be aware of Naples as the birthplace of pizza but there's plenty more to discover here, particularly in terms of sweets and taking a street food tour of the city is the perfect way to make sure you're sampling the very best of everything. The city's impressive archaeological museum is the location of most of the treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum and a must visit after seeing the archeological sites themselves, which you can do with a group, private or self-guided day trip. Active visitors might enjoy a trip to Vesuvius, the dormant volcano that dominates the skyline. For a break from the city and antiquity you can hop on a high speed ferry to Capri island for a day or two and take an organised tour of the island's famous blue, green and white caves.