NAPLES AND AMALFI COAST
Sophisticated Italy is pleased to offer the following tours
in this well-loved area of Italy:
NAPLES
This four hour tour features the highlights of this fascinating, chaotic city. It includes the National Archaeological Museum, one of the richest museums in the world for Greco-Roman antiquities, particularly from Pompeii and Herculaneum. Then on to the National Gallery (Capodimonte Palace) with its important collection of Italian and European paintings. Finally a walk around the heart of Old Naples (Spacca Napoli), the most fun part of the city. We recommend tasting a pizza (in its birthplace) at the end of the tour.
POMPEII
This several hour visit is an opportunity to see the extensive and varied ruins of this buried city, destroyed by a volcano in AD 79. One can still see the remains of an opulent life in this very successful commerical center which existed at the height of the Roman Empire. A must visit in this area!
HERCULANEUM
This Roman town, less important than Pompeii, was also destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. A mass of volcanic mud sealed wood and other materials unlilke Pompeii which was burned by hot cinders. The ruins here are much more intact. One gets an excellent sense of what life was like in the Roman Empire, visiting the baths( in excellent condition), the theater, a series of patrician villas, as well as splendid columns, frescoes and mosaics.
CAPRI
Reachable by hydrofoil or ferry, from Naples, Positano or Sorrento during the summer months. This world famous resort is home of the Blue Grotto and the playground of the rich and famous. Even in Roman times, it was the favorite resort of the Emperors Augustus and Tiberius. Anacapri is located at the highest part of the island, offering fabulous views, vegetation and relaxation. The tour includes the Porta de Tragara area and the famous view I Faraglioni, Capri's three rocky trademarks.
THE AMALFI COAST
The Amalfi Coast, with a corniche road following the rocky coast between
Sorrento and Salerno, is one of the most spectacular drives in all of
Europe. It is famous for its breathtaking panoramic views and its beautiful
natural landscape.
Tours covering this Coast normally stop at:
- Positano , a charming fisherman's village which has become one of the
world's most famous resorts.
- Amalfi , a bustling centuries old fishing port with a magnificent 9th
century Duomo
- Ravello , world renown for its tranquility and beauty, with some of
the most magical views in Italy;
- Vietro sul Mare , famous for its ceramics.
We also offer tours of : Paestum , the Royal Palace of Caserta, Cassino
as well as the Phlegraen Fields.