EJ · Excursion to Naples

This excursion explores the center of the sunny south of Italy, Naples, which embraces 2,800 centuries of incredible history, testified by the numerous Greek and Roman archaeological remains and by splendid works of art from the Middle Age to Neoclassicism. Your local guide will enhance your time in the native town of Sophia Loren, it is also famous for its mild climate, its cuisine (pizza was born here), its traditions, and its rich cultural life. Naples was founded by the Greeks who called it "Neapolis", and it was later a favored residence of rich Romans - some of whom lived even further south in Pompeii and suffered the disastrous eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Much later the capital of the Kingdom of Naples, the city also saw the rule of the French, Spanish and Hapsburgs and then the Bourbons who remained there until Naples incorporation into Italy in 1860. Some of the highlights of this visit include the Piazza Vittoria; the Via Partenope, one of the most beautiful promenades in Italy; Castel dell'Ovo, where, according to the legend, the destiny of the town is hidden; the romantic fisherman's harbor of Santa Lucia; the grandiose Piazza del Plebiscito, the Royal Palace; the adjoining San Carlo Opera House, the oldest and largest opera house in the Italian peninsula, one of the most famous in Italy; and the medieval Maschio Angioino. The historic city centre is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. After discovering the best of Naples, lunch at leisure and at pre-arranged time meet the group for your return back to Rome.