Naples useful information to help you plan your vacation
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From the Metro (subway) and the bus to taxis, trams, funiculars, ferries, shared bikes, and other transportation options in Naples
General Naples safety info, hospitals and pharmacies, emergency numbers, pickpockets, and more
Enjoy free admission to various Naples sights and monuments (along with skip-the-line privileges), free public transit, plus discounts at other attractions
Tourist information, guidebooks, maps, tips for niche groups (students, LGBT, seniors, disabled, etc.), and more in Italy
Keeping in touch while traveling—Cellphones and Skype, mail and roaming fees, and how to call to, from, and within Italy
From credit cards, cash, and ATMS to VAT refunds, travelers checks, and customs limits in Italy
All those boring but necessary travel details: passports, entry visas, trip insurance, health insurance, customs regulations, and all the other super-fun pre-trip preparations
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Pompeii - Archaeological Area., Pompeii, Province of Naples, Campania
After pickup from your hotel or the Naples train station, take a 30-minute drive to Pompeii, an ancient Roman city that was entirely destroyed by the sudden eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD. The largest archaeological site in Europe, today Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When you arrive, your guide will pick up your groups pre-ordered tickets and lead you on a 2-hour walking tour of the fascinating grounds. Witness the destruction first-hand as you visit Pompeiis most famous sites, including the Forum, the Thermal Baths, Vetti's House and the Lupanare brothel, giving you a glimpse into daily life during the Pax Romana. Today you can see shapes of objects even bodies that were buried beneath the volcanic ash and pumice.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Vesuvio, Naples, Province of Naples, Campania
After your tour, enjoy a pizza lunch with your group followed by some free time to browse the shops. Then board the coach and drive 40 minutes to legendary Mt Vesuvius.
Embark on a moderate hike up the volcano with your guide. When you reach the summit at 3,900 feet (1,200 meters), youll be rewarded with panoramic views of the picturesque Bay of Naples from east to west. Peer down into the crater and see plumes of steam issuing from the sleeping, but still active, volcano!
There is a rest point where you can choose to wait for your group if you do not wish to climb all the way to the top, but the hike is worth the effort.
After your Mt Vesuvius hike, relax on the drive back to Naples in the early evening.
Duration: 1 hour
By taking a private tour, you have the option to spend as little or as much time as possible in the picturesque towns of Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and Ravello, world-famous for their charm and colorful architecture.
The villages scattered along the Amalfi Coast have always attracted visitors, bewitching all who visit. The charm lies not only in the towns themselves but also in their history and rich legacy of fine churches, villas and monasteries. See below for more information.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Pompeii - Archaeological Area., Pompeii, Province of Naples, Campania
See Pompeiis ancient piazza and Forum, where business dealings, elections, speeches and processions would have played out during Roman times. Wander the site, marvel at the ancient limestone columns still standing today and capture the centuries-old scenery on camera.
Continue onward with your guide to the thermal baths, where many of the townsfolk would have bathed, chatted and lived out their daily lives before the eruption. Wander down Via degli Augustali and discover the Lupanare, Pompeiis brothel. A 2-storey building with five rooms on each floor, the Lupanare is decorated with some of the citys most lustful frescoes.
Your exact route will depend on the crowds and weather conditions.
Duration: 2 hours
This private visit to the Amalfi Coast is the perfect choice for cruise passengers arriving in the port of Naples who want to get a real taste of southern Italy and its exquisite coastal landscapes.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Piazza Tasso, Sorrento, Province of Naples, Campania
With its cliff-top position overlooking the sea, bustling port, picturesque bays and panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast and surrounding hills, Sorrento has been a favorite resort since Roman times.
Since this is a Private Tour, you can stay here as long as you like within the 8 hours of the service. If you are not interested in visiting Sorrento, you can decide to move on to the next village.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Garage Parking Di Gennaro
Positano
Positano sits in a splendid panoramic position on one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline. Its enchanting town center of delightful pastel-hued houses surrounds the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta, its laneways are lined with quaint, colorful shops and its numerous beaches are world famous.
Since this is a Private Tour, you can stay here as long as you like within the 8 hours of the service. If you are not interested in visiting Positano, you can decide to move on to the next village.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Amalfi Coast
Amalfi
Amalfi's typically Mediterranean architecture, made up of lanes and characteristic white houses piled one upon the other, makes it one of Italy's most famous resorts.
Since this is a Private Tour, you can stay here as long as you like within the 8 hours of the service. If you are not interested in visiting Amalfi, you can decide to move on to the next village.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Duomo di Ravello, Ravello, Amalfi Coast, Province of Salerno, Campania
Ravello is situated in a more elevated position than the other pearls of the Amalfi Coast, boasting exceptional views of the coast and its marvelous villas and gardens.
Please note that you will get off the vehicle as close as possible to the heart of the village, which is located in a pedestrian area.
Since this is a Private Tour, you can stay here as long as you like within the 8 hours of the service. If you are not interested in visiting Ravello, you can decide to skip it and spend more time in the previous villages.
Duration: 1 hour
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Piazza Vittoria
Arriving at the port, transfer to a shared minibus and head to the lovely village of Anacapri, where you'll enjoy one hour of free time to explore at your own leisure and expense.
You can ride the chairlift up to Monte Solare for spectacular views of the island and the Bay of Naples, take a boat ride to the dazzling Blue Grotto, or walk to Villa San Michele, the dream home of the famous Swedish doctor Axel Munthe.
Your guide can give recommendations on things to do and see based on your interests. Or you can simply park yourself at a café terrace, admire the scenery and soak up the cool Mediterranean vibes.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Piazza Umberto I, Capri, Island of Capri, Province of Naples, Campania
After the for a 3-course lunch at a local restaurant with the rest of the group, in the early afternoon, take a walk with your guide to the Gardens of Augustus. These hillside botanic gardens offer beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and the famous Faraglioni rock formations.
At the end of the day, re-board the hydrofoil for the ride back to Naples.
Duration: 2 hours
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Duomo di Napoli, Naples, Province of Naples, Campania
First stop at the cathedral to visit its treasure chapel and S.Restituta basilica
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Posillipo, Naples, Province of Naples, Campania
Go on to Posillipo area and stop on S. Antonio church terrace to get the best view of the city and the bay
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples, Province of Naples, Campania
Return into the city center in Plebiscite square to see the front of the Royal Palace, the beautiful church of St.Francesco di Paola in its neoclassic style, Umberto I gallery and San Carlo theatre
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Pompeii - Archaeological Area., Pompeii, Province of Naples, Campania
Drive to Pompeii where the tour guide will show the most fascinating places like The Forum, Thermal Baths and Lupanare burnt by volcanic ashes and lapilli during the eruption in 79 A.D
Duration: 2 hours
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Pompeii - Archaeological Area., Pompeii, Province of Naples, Campania
After pickup from your hotel or the Naples train station, take a 30-minute drive to Pompeii, an ancient Roman city that was entirely destroyed by the sudden eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD. The largest archaeological site in Europe, today Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When you arrive, your guide will pick up your groups pre-ordered tickets and lead you on a 2-hour walking tour of the fascinating grounds. Witness the destruction first-hand as you visit Pompeiis most famous sites, including the Forum, the Thermal Baths, Vetti's House and the Lupanare brothel, giving you a glimpse into daily life during the Pax Romana. Today you can see shapes of objects even bodies that were buried beneath the volcanic ash and pumice.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Vesuvio, Naples, Province of Naples, Campania
After your tour, enjoy a pizza lunch with your group followed by some free time to browse the shops. Then board the coach and drive 40 minutes to legendary Mt Vesuvius.
Embark on a moderate hike up the volcano with your guide. When you reach the summit at 3,900 feet (1,200 meters), youll be rewarded with panoramic views of the picturesque Bay of Naples from east to west. Peer down into the crater and see plumes of steam issuing from the sleeping, but still active, volcano!
There is a rest point where you can choose to wait for your group if you do not wish to climb all the way to the top, but the hike is worth the effort.
After your Mt Vesuvius hike, relax on the drive back to Naples in the late afternoon.
Duration: 1 hour
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Duomo di Napoli, Naples, Province of Naples, Campania
First stop at the cathedral to visit its treasure chapel and S.Restituta basilica
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Posillipo, Naples, Province of Naples, Campania
Go on to Posillipo area and stop on S. Antonio church terrace to get the best view of the city and the bay
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples, Province of Naples, Campania
Return into the city center in Plebiscite square to see the front of the Royal Palace, the beautiful church of St.Francesco di Paola in its neoclassic style, Umberto I gallery and San Carlo theatre
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Pompeii - Archaeological Area., Pompeii, Province of Naples, Campania
Drive to Pompeii where the tour guide will show the most fascinating places like The Forum, Thermal Baths and Lupanare burnt by volcanic ashes and lapilli during the eruption in 79 A.D
Duration: 2 hours
When making a booking, you will need to advise your pick-up location details and your chosen Sorrento Hotel details. Your transfer will be confirmed within 24 hours of booking and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver. It's that easy!
At time of booking, YOU MUST include the following details in the "Special Requirements" box:
NAPLES AIRPORT TO SORRENTO:
• Arrival Flight Number
• Arrival Time
• Hotel Name (where you would like to be dropped off)
• Hotel Address
NAPLES RAILWAY STATION TO SORRENTO:
• Name of Railway Station
• Arrival Time and train number
• Hotel Name (where you would like to be dropped off)
• Hotel Address
NAPLES HOTEL TO SORRENTO:
• Departure Time
• Hotel Name (where you would like to be picked up and dropped off)
• Hotel Address
Price is per person, based on 11 adults per car/vehicle.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Piazza Vittoria
Arriving at the port, transfer to a shared minibus and head to the lovely village of Anacapri, where you'll enjoy one hour of free time to explore at your own leisure and expense.
You can ride the chairlift up to Monte Solare for spectacular views of the island and the Bay of Naples, take a boat ride to the dazzling Blue Grotto, or walk to Villa San Michele, the dream home of the famous Swedish doctor Axel Munthe.
Your guide can give recommendations on things to do and see based on your interests. Or you can simply park yourself at a café terrace, admire the scenery and soak up the cool Mediterranean vibes.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Piazza Umberto I, Capri, Island of Capri, Province of Naples, Campania
After the for a 3-course lunch at a local restaurant with the rest of the group, in the early afternoon, take a walk with your guide to the Gardens of Augustus. These hillside botanic gardens offer beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and the famous Faraglioni rock formations.
At the end of the day, re-board the hydrofoil for the ride back to Naples.
Duration: 2 hours
When making a booking, you will need to advise your pick-up location details and your chosen Positano or Ravello hotel details. Your transfer will be confirmed within 24 hours of booking and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver. It's that easy!
At time of booking, YOU MUST include the following details in the "Special Requirements" box:
• Arrival Flight Number
• Arrival Time
• Hotel Name (where you would like to be dropped off)
• Hotel Address
Price is per person, based on 8 adults per car/vehicle.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Pompeii - Archaeological Area., Pompeii, Province of Naples, Campania
The tour guide will show in a 2 hours walking tour the most fascinating places like the Forum, Thermal Baths, Lupanare burnt by volcanic ashes and lapilli during the eruption in 79 A.D. You have the opportunity to discover the everyday life of the Imperial age and imagine the panic of the people before the city was so disastrously buried.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Piazza Tasso, Sorrento, Province of Naples, Campania
Stop at the panoramic viewpoint in Meta di Sorrento to look up to the wonderful sight of the bay overlooking the sea. Stop in Sorrento for a brief visit of the town (about one hour). The guide will show you the most renowned places walking throught the suggestives narrow streets full of stores and little workshops, as far as one of the most scenic place of Sorrento: the so-called Villa Comunale from where is possible to admire the beauties of the golf as far as Punta Campanella and Capri Island and immortalize the breathtaking scenary.
Duration: 1 hour
When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your Naples hotel details. Your transfer will be confirmed within 24 hours and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver. It's that easy!
Price is per person, based on 8 adults per car/vehicle.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Pompeii - Archaeological Area., Pompeii, Province of Naples, Campania
On a fateful summer's day in 79 A.D., Mt. Vesuvius erupted, spewing volcanic ash over the prosperous city of Pompeii. Unaware of the imminent danger, most people continued on with their daily lives and as a result the entire town and around 20,000 of its inhabitants were buried under tons of ash and pumice.
Almost 2,000 years later, you have the opportunity to explore the site of this famous disaster and see first-hand the houses, streets and public buildings miraculously preserved by the volcanic ash.
Accompanied by your guide, you'll see such fascinating places such as the Forum, Thermal Baths and Lupanare brothel.
Duration: 2 hours
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Vesuvio, Naples, Province of Naples, Campania
Join the group and have lunch in a typical Italian pizzeria to enjoy a pizza and a soft drink (included).
You'll drive through the town of Torre del Greco to Vesuvius National Park, then hike to the summit of Vesuvius to take a walk around the eerie crater at 3,900 feet (1,200 meters). Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes! A medium to high level of fitness is required to complete the climb.
From the summit, the panoramic views of the Bay of Naples have captivated visitors for centuries. Then, peer down into the depths of the crater to see plumes of steam issuing from the sleeping, but still active, volcano.
After that return to your coach and travel back to Naples. Your tour finishes at the start point in the afternoon.
Duration: 1 hour
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Pompeii - Archaeological Area., Pompeii, Province of Naples, Campania
The tour guide will show in a 2 hours walking tour the most fascinating places like the Forum, Thermal Baths, Lupanare burnt by volcanic ashes and lapilli during the eruption in 79 A.D. You have the opportunity to discover the everyday life of the Imperial age and imagine the panic of the people before the city was so disastrously buried.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Piazza Tasso, Sorrento, Province of Naples, Campania
Stop at the panoramic viewpoint in Meta di Sorrento to look up to the wonderful sight of the bay overlooking the sea. Stop in Sorrento for a brief visit of the town (about one hour). The guide will show you the most renowned places walking throught the suggestives narrow streets full of stores and little workshops, as far as one of the most scenic place of Sorrento: the so-called Villa Comunale from where is possible to admire the beauties of the golf as far as Punta Campanella and Capri Island and immortalize the breathtaking scenary.
Duration: 1 hour
Start your tour with a pickup from your centrally located Naples hotel or, alternatively, from Naples train station. Then, set off in your comfortable, air-conditioned minivan with your expert guide for your small-group tour of the highlights of this vibrant city the third largest in Italy.
As you travel, hear how Naples is one of Europes oldest cities, with roots stretching back to the 4th century BC, and how its historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its handsome plazas, palaces and castles.
Visit Naples Cathedral (Duomo di San Gennaro) the 13th-century church dedicated to the citys patron saint, Gennaro, and see inside its fresco-coated Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro. As you admire the mural, hear all about the vials of Gennaros blood kept in the chapel, and how theyre brought out three days a year, usually liquefying in whats seen as a good omen.
Peep inside the nearby Basilica Santa Restituta, the original 6th-century church that stood on the cathedral site and drive up Posillipo Hill, a famous viewpoint west of Naples. Absorb the sweeping views down over the city with Mt Vesuvius in the distance. Lastly drive back to Piazza del Plebiscito, the large public square named after the plebiscite that saw Naples become part of a unified Italy in 1863. Admire the outsides of the Palace of Naples and Basilica of St Francesco di Paola, and then continue by minivan to the Piazza Municipio to see the Castel Nuovo, known locally as Maschio Angioino.
Pose for photos at the stone battlements and crenellated turrets of this striking medieval castle and hear how, after being constructed by the kings of Anjou in the 1200s, the castle was rebuilt by the Aragonese in the 1600s before becoming home to Naples royals in the 18th century. Ends your tour with a drop-off in central Naples.
5 fully-planned days in Rome & Naples, including luxury hotel accommodation.
Photos & Highlights
- Multi-day tour including accommodation and select meals
- A comprehensive view of Ancient Roman art and archaeology, and its impact on the modern city
- Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum, Ostia Antica Archaeological Site, and Pompeii Archaeological Site
Tour Description
Our Context Journeys are fully-planned trips, including luxury hotel accommodation, specifically designed to reveal some of our favorite cities. They operate on fixed dates and place you with a lead guide who will accompany you throughout your entire stay.
Art and Archaeology of Ancient Rome, with Context Journeys
The cradle of European civilization, Italy has often been described as a living museum. That’s true no place more than Rome, where each circuitous, scenic street is built upon the hidden histories of the Ancient Empire. Alongside a Context Expert specializing in Italian history and archaeology, our Italian archaeological survey will explore the most important sites of the ancient Roman world, including the Roman Forum, Colosseum, Ostia Antica, and Pompeii.
Over the course of five days, this journey will help you understand the role of archaeology in history, teaching you to read ruins to reconstruct ancient cities, and showing you how the ancient world shaped the food and culture of modern Italy. We’ll balance visits to major archaeological sites like the Roman Forum and Pompeii with stops at the lesser-known locations of Ostia Antica, and spend time discussing the daily life, cuisine, and habits of modern Romans. A native Roman and archaeologist, your Context expert will help you understand the Roman Empire at its height and early stages of its decline, before the start of the Renaissance.
Your Context Journey includes:
- On Tour: Context Expert Lead Guide, Context supporting expert guides, professional tour leader.
- Transfers: Private transfers based on flight arrival and departure times.
- Food & Drink: Select meals, plus welcome and farewell receptions. Bottled water throughout.
- Accommodation: 5 nights in the 5-star Hotel de la Ville in Rome, a Rocco Forte Hotel (or similar).
- Logistics: Baggage handling and taxes.
- Activities/Fees: Included for all per itinerary.
Journey highlights include:
- Trace the history of Rome from its days as a hub of the Roman Empire through to its modern incarnation, in the company of an archaeologist.
- Explore the historical core of Rome, understanding the inner workings of the city and its role as the hub of an Empire through visits to the Roman Forum, Colosseum, and key underground sites.
- Understand the origins and evolution of Roman cuisine through a dinner and wine experience guided by a culinary historian.
- Take a guided excursion to the amazingly preserved ruins of Pompeii, weaving through ancient Roman roads, shops, homes, and baths while learning about Roman politics and society.
Your Expert Guide
Dimosthenis is an Italian-Greek archaeologist, with a Ph.D. in temple architecture of the Roman Republic from La Sapienza University in Rome. As a scholar, he studied a variety of topics including Latin epigraphy and Roman pottery; as an archaeologist, he has worked on various excavations throughout Rome, including the Roman Forum, Palatine, and the Mausoleum of Augustus. He is particularly interested in the relationship between iconography and architecture in ancient Greece and Rome.
Itinerary
Day 1: Rome-Naples-Pompeii-Amalfi
Stop At: City of Naples, Naples, Province of Naples, Campania
The city of Naples, in southern Italy, stands in the heart of the homonymous bay next to Vesuvius, the volcano still active today and known for having destroyed the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. Dating back to the second millennium BC, Naples has centuries of history of art and architecture behind it and its cathedral, the Cathedral of San Gennaro, is full of frescoes. The most interesting historical sites are the sumptuous Palazzo Reale and the Maschio Angioino, a 13th century building.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Pompeii - Archaeological Area., Pompeii, Province of Naples, Campania
The archaeological excavations of Pompeii have returned the remains of the ancient city of Pompeii, near the hill of Civita, at the gates of modern Pompeii, buried under a blanket of ashes and lapilli during the eruption of Vesuvius in 79, together with Ercolano, Stabia and Oplonti
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 2: Amalfi
Stop At: Duomo di Sant'Andrea, Amalfi, Amalfi Coast, Province of Salerno, Campania
Amalfi is a city in a striking natural environment under the steep cliffs on the south-west coast of Italy. Between the ninth and eleventh centuries, it was the seat of a powerful maritime republic. In the heart of the city, the Cathedral of Sant'Andrea, of the Arab-Norman era, is characterized by a striped Byzantine facade.
Duration: 4 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 3: Amalfi-Rome
Stop At: Duomo di Sant'Andrea, Amalfi, Amalfi Coast, Province of Salerno, Campania
Amalfi is a city in a striking natural environment under the steep cliffs on the south-west coast of Italy. Between the ninth and eleventh centuries, it was the seat of a powerful maritime republic. In the heart of the city, the Cathedral of Sant'Andrea, of the Arab-Norman era, is characterized by a striped Byzantine facade.
Duration: 30 minutes
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
- inaples.it - official tourism site
- Comune.napoli.it - civic site
- incampania.com - regional site
- Regione.campania.it - regional tourism info
- italia.it - Official tourism site for Italy. Great for links to local sites, but light on info.
- Beniculturali.it - official site for major sights across Italy
- italiantourism.com - This site, set up by the North American office of Italian tourism, is not as handy as the general one.
- Culturaitalia.it - Italy cultural patrimony
- Coopculture.it - Handles the online presence for major archaeological areas, monuments, and museums in most of Italy's major cities and surrounds.
- Vivaticket.it - tickets to about 75 sights across Italy
- Viator.com - Best one-stop shopping site for all sorts of activities, walking tours, bus tours, escorted day trips, and other excursions. It is actually a clearinghouse for many local tour companies and outfitters, and since it gets a bulk-rate deal on pricing (and takes only a token fee for itself), you can actually sometimes book an activity through Viator for less than it would cost to buy the same exact tour from the tour company itself. (I once booked a Dublin pub crawl via Viator and later discovered that I saved about $1.50; also, the tour turned out to be sold-out, and they were turning away the folks in front of me in line, but since I had a pre-booked voucher I got in.)Partner
- Contexttravel.com - This bespoke walking tour company doesn't even call its 200 tour leaders "guides." It calls them "docents"—perhaps because most guides are academics and specialists in their fields: history professors, archeologists, PhDs, art historians, artists, etc. Groups are miniscule (often six people maximum), and most docents can be booked for private guiding sessions as well. They aren't always the cheapest tours, but they are invariably the best. People rave about Context.Partner
- Veltra.com - Chief rival to Viator, representing fewer tours but also offering some you won't find on Viator.Partner
- Freewalkingtouritalia.com - Basic walking tours that cost... "name your own price." The guides work for "tips," much of which is turned over to their boss, so you end up "tipping" them €15 to €20 per person anyway, meaning the tours aren't actually free (though, given their incentive, most guides put on a good show and give a good tour) .
- Anm.it - Naples public transit
- Ctp.na.it - regional Naples buses
- Moovitapp.com - Finds all public transit options.
- Unicocampania.it - A consortium of (nearly) all major public transit authorities Naples and the Campania region so it's easier to figure out how to get around—plus, there's just one kind of transit ticket.
- Eavsrl.it - The Circumvesuviana trains from Naples to Pompeii and Sorrento, plus area buses
- SITAsudtrasporti.it - regional buses
- Fsbusitalia.it - public buses in Campania