Half-Day Excursion from Naples
Need more help picking an itinerary for your half-day Naples excursion? Here’s a brief description of the most popular sites, so you can choose what suits you the best!
Pompeii: Italy’s most famous archaeological site, Pompeii is extraordinary. When Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D., its ashes “froze” the city exactly as it was, complete with frescoes, graffiti, half-finished renovation and re-paving projects… and, of course, the victims. (One of Pompeii’s eeriest offerings is the plaster “body casts” of those who were killed in the streets!). But Pompeii is more than heart-wrenching. Since it still has the villas and bars, baths and “laundromats” that Romans visited every day, it’s also an amazing way to “experience” daily Roman life, almost exactly as it would have been nearly 2,000 years ago. If you’ve seen lots of Roman ruins while being in Italy, this is your chance to see the history come alive! Read more about Walks of Italy Guided tours of Pompeii here >>
Vesuvius: Still one of the deadliest volcanoes in the world today, Mt. Vesuvius is most famous for its 79 A.D. eruption that destroyed thousands of lives—but also lead to the preservation of towns like Pompeii and Herculaneum. Come face-to-face with this lethal force with a walk up to the volcano’s crater (don’t worry… it probably won’t erupt today!). And don’t forget your camera, since the views from Mt. Vesuvius of Naples and the bay are stunning. Read more about Walks of Italy Guided tours of Mt. Vesuvius here >>
Herculaneum: Think of Herculaneum as Pompeii’s lesser-known, more-manageable, and just-as-cool neighbor. A smaller site than Pompeii (which makes it much easier to do on your own), this is another town that was destroyed, and preserved, in the 79 A.D. eruption. But because of different geological processes here, in Herculaneum, unlike Pompeii, organic material survived—meaning that you can still see not only wood, like actual bed frames or doors from 2,000 years ago, but even skeletons. Walks of Italy is happy to organize private customized tours of Herculaneum. Simply email us at info@walksofitaly.com
Naples Archaeological Museum: This is where all of the “stuff” from Pompeii, Herculaneum and the other Vesuvian sites, including sculptures, frescoes, mosaics, and items from daily life, wound up. One of the best archaeological museums in the entire world, this is chock-full with items that, if they weren’t so old, would simply be considered “art!” The museum also has ancient artifacts from other sites, including the Farnese Bull, the world’s single largest sculpture ever discovered from antiquity. Don’t miss its “Gabinetto Segreto,” or “Secret Cabinet,” an area of ancient erotic objects that was just reopened after a long restoration. To “fill in” the gaps of Pompeii and Herculaneum and get a true understanding of what ancient Roman life was like, there’s no better stop than this one. Read more about Walks of Italy Guided tours of the Naples Archaeological Museum here >>
Naples City Center: Naples is big—so if you want to see its major sites, you’ll either have to spend a lot of time figuring out public transportation... or use our handy transfer. Few city centers have as much to offer as Naples. Naples has been ruled by Normans, the Hapsburgs, Austrians, Spanish, and French—among others. All of those civilizations have left their mark on the city and its architecture, making it one of the most fascinating, multi-layered cities in Italy. What is there to see? Everything from three different medieval castles to one of Caravaggio’s most famous paintings, the world’s single oldest baptistery to a gorgeous Art Nouveau arcade. Or you could spend all of your time just wandering through the winding streets of Naples’ historic center, taking in the children playing soccer, the laundry hanging from the windows, and, of course, the incredible food (lots of Italians admit that Naples has the best pizza, fried food and pastries of any city in Italy!). Come see for yourself, and experience one of the world’s most unique cities, with the help of your private transfer. Walks of Italy is happy to organize private customized tours of Naples City Center. Simply email us at info@walksofitaly.com
Where should you stop? On the Amalfi coast, the possibilities are endless. One of our favorite places is Ravello, a tiny, exquisite town tucked onto a promontory 300 meters above the sea, with gorgeous views of terraced hills and lemon groves leading down to the sea. Although much busier with tourists, Amalfi is also a popular stop, a charming town with a magnificent Duomo and a little stretch of beach. Positano has been a favorite of travelers since the 18th century, and you can’t get any more picturesque than its winding streets and pastel buildings; there are also lots of elegant boutiques here for those who love shopping! Another popular stop is Sorrento. While not technically “on” the Amalfi coast (it’s actually on the other side of the peninsula, on the Bay of Naples), it has all of that Amalfi charm—and limoncello!—that you could wish for.
