Naples

Taking a city break in Naples is a wonderful chance to see and experience Italy at its ancient best.  This sun-soaked city is drenched in history and is famed for its huge number of medieval churches and impressive castles.  You can couple this with a more modern way of living in the lively centre of Naples, at the Piazza del Plebiscito, the heart of the old town.  You can also visit many museums dedicated to art and Italy’s history, as well at completing your sight-seeing and taking a shopping break at Galleria Umberto.

Naples is served by an international airport, known locally as Capodichino.  Your Naples city break will start, if you fly into the country, with a trip via the Alibus into the heart of the city.  You may also take a taxi, but make sure you take an authorized one from the designated taxi rank.  If you are approached by a driver directly they are probably unauthorized and will cost a great amount more.  As Naples is on the Italian coast, you might consider visiting the city as part of an extended European cruise, and the ferry terminal is well served.

Naples is one of the major homes of fine Italian cuisine and your city break in Naples will no doubt see you sampling some of the exquisite treats the city has to offer.

The city claims the pizza was originally created here and you must sample an authentic Italian pizza whilst in Naples; just hunt for a Pizzeria that is obviously not aimed at tourists.  Most Neapolitan dishes are based on tomatoes, garlic and olive oil.  You’ll be amazed at the variety created from these three basic ingredients.

A city break in Naples is an excuse for a spot of wine-tasting, as Naples is famous for its strong and powerful vintages.  Visit the Mastroberardino vineyard for some excellent examples, such as the whites Lacryma Christi and Greco di Tufo, and the potent red Taurasi.

The city was declared a World Heritage Site in 1995, so preserving all the important nuggets of history you’ll discover during your Naples city break.

Colonists from Cumae originally formed the city on Megarides, a small island, and you can visit the Castel dell’Ovo which stands there as a reminder.  In the city centre there is the Santa Maria del Carmine church which is over 900 years old.  You are literally spoilt for choice whilst sight-seeing as there seems to be a memorable monument around every corner.

For a unique experience during your Naples city break make sure you visit the network of tunnels and catacombs that lie some 30 metres below ground level.  These where originally reservoirs dug out during Greco-Roman times.  During the Second World War this underground network saw use as an air raid shelter.

Naples is within 40 minutes by train of Pompeii, home to Mount Vesuvius, the only active volcano on the mainland of Europe.  You Naples city break could take in a trip to the smouldering mountain; you can even hike to the top if you are feeling energetic enough.

A city break in Naples will see you experience a distinct flavour of Italy that remains reasonably untouched by the modern world.  Book your Naples city break today for sunshine, pizza, fine wines and a touch of ancient Italian history.