Virgin Voyages' guide to Naples, Italy
The pizza capital of Italy is steeped in history and culture — not just tomato sauce.
NAPLES
Pizza and picturesque panoramas
When you think of Naples, you tend to think of its most famous culinary jewel — Margherita pizza. And yes, the pizza is certainly to die for. The pizza tradition here is as deeply entrenched in the city as its historic churches and ancient wonders, and you don’t have to fork over all your euros on fine dining to experience it, with many of the finest pizzerias located in unassuming storefronts. The art of Neapolitan pizza-making has even been officially declared a World Heritage Site.
Beyond the food (crazy idea, right?), Naples is famous for its history and architecture, with over 500 churches and the largest Old Town in Europe. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, the historic center of Naples is filled with narrow winding streets and impressive palaces. Its street layout even follows that of the ancient Greek city of Neapolis, particularly the 16th-century Quartieri Spagnoli, a neighborhood full of color and character.
Shore Excursions
Pasta and Picturesque Panoramas
Indulge in everything that makes Naples beautiful, from learning the art of pasta-making to drinking in the views of idyllic Capri.
Pasta Making in Gragnano
Starting in Naples, you’ll take the vista-ladened drive to Sorrento via the autostrada and the Campanian coastal route where the panoramic views of the Bay of Naples are the star. Once there, you’ll see a local artisan’s demonstration of wood-carving before spending time pursuing the shops and cafes of Sorrento. Next, you’ll head to Gragnano, home to the oldest pasta factory in the world where you’ll learn how to make the perfect Neapolitan pasta over a glass of wine.
Pompeii & the Vesuvius Winery
Enter Pompeii through the Sea Gate to quickly arrive at the city’s hub, The Forum. There you’ll tour the almost mystical archaeological site, filled with paintings, pedestrian walkways and inscriptions all preserved by Mt. Vesuvius’ eruption. From there you’ll head to a local winery where you’ll learn the unique craft of volcanic terroir before indulging in the famous Lacryma Christi wine and Italian specialties. You’ll continue up the autostrada to see the Bay of Naples & more of Mt. Vesuvius.
Private Capri Boat Tour
Beginning in Naples, you’ll cruise across the Gulf of Naples with your private motor boat and Captain to the world-renowned island of Capri with an aperitif in hand to get an exclusive look at Faraglioni and Grotto Bianca, seemingly magical rock formations rising from the turquoise sea water. Once arriving at Capri, choose whether you relax on the boat, explore Capri Town, the Piazzetta or the Medieval Quarter or find the perfect Neapolitan lunch spot before returning on your private boat.
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One of Europe’s most ancient cities
Naples was founded in the 2nd century BC by the ancient Greeks.
Shore Excursions
Mt. Vesuvius Hike
Hike the 3,000-foot tall Mt. Vesuvius to the active volcano’s 550-yards long crater before unwinding at a local cameo factory.
DISCOVER MORE SHORE THINGSIt would be easy to spend your entire visit to Naples simply indulging in the cuisine the city is famous for. And there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. Between the fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and classic Neapolitan pizza, the carbs are certainly worth it. But Naples is also home to a rich historic and architectural tradition that you need to explore to truly understand the city.
Piazza Bellini is the perfect place to start. This student square is filled with locals and tourists alike coming together to enjoy the bars and restaurants. Not to mention the ancient ruins in the center. There’s also the Pio Monte della Misericordia, an intimate, beautiful chapel that’s home to one of the only Caravaggio paintings still in its original place. For a truly unique (if a little morbid) experience, head underneath the city streets to the Fontanelle Cemetery, a 17th-century burial site filled with the bones of those wiped out by the plague.
One of the most memorable sites to visit around Naples is, of course, the ruins of Pompeii, the ancient city leveled by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Rather than completely destroying the city, however, the volcanic ash preserved many of its streets and architectural elements, resulting in an eerie ancient ghost town, whose surreal ambiance needs to be experienced first hand.
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