60-Second Geography

Naples, Italy

Naples with ShoreTrips

• Naples looks out over the blue waters of the Gulf of Naples, the cliffs of the coasts and Mt. Vesuvius rising in stark view. Its history has been mixed with many other cultures along the way to its present. Of course, Greco-Roman was a primary influence; but it has also been ruled and influenced by the Goths, Byzantines, and Spanish. This has given it a multicultural heritage showcased particularly in their cuisine, known as Neapolitan. Using pastas, fresh vegetables and fruits, and delicately prepared fish; the cuisine is world-renowned. Also the home of margherita pizza, Naples has the most accredited Michelin stars of any Italian city. Given the legendary status of Italy as a destination for great food—this says a lot.

• To the southeast of Naples is Pompeii, one of the most famous historical sites in the world. The city was buried in ash and mud by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. It was later excavated to show a true snapshot of life at that time. People and buildings were well-preserved in the exact position or condition of the eruption. Also buried by the same eruption, and better preserved, is Pompeii’s sister city of Herculaneum. This ancient city was once a coastal resort for ancient travelers around the Mediterranean area. Which means that the ruins found beneath the ash and mud are of a grander nature. Statues, fountains, mosaics on floors and walls, gardens, and a theatre are all available for the traveler to see. The eruption of Mt. Vesuvius was a tragic occurrence that now has the silver lining of the traveler being witness to history frozen in time.

• Further southeast of Naples, beyond Pompeii and Herculaneum, are the steep cliffs and scenic sights of the Amalfi Coast. This Mediterranean paradise is home to the columned temples of Athena, Hera, and Poseidon – all built in the 7^th century B.C. The lush resort feel of the coast has been a magnet for people from all around the world for centuries. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, the Amalfi Coast has beaches, magnificent caves, excellent cuisine, and is a place for the traveler to experience the Mediterranean coasts at its best.

Naples, and its surrounding areas, is one of the premiere areas of the Mediterranean. It’s sure not to disappoint the traveler looking for the most perfect of climates and a relaxing atmosphere that rejuvenates the soul.

JOURNEY TO ANCIENT HERCULANEUM

Unlike Pompeii, Herculaneum was a seaside resort, a smaller town with a wealthier population at the time of its destruction. Covered by a torrent of mud, rather than ash, the ruins are in some ways even better-preserved than those of Pompeii. Because the site was more protected from atmospheric agents and illegal excavators, here you will find a natural preservation of wooden elements, fabrics, and architecture.

PRIVATE: WINE TASTING IN AVELLINO

Avellino is the land of great noble wines. The south of Italy, particularly Campania, is one of the most exciting wine areas in the world, where the great noble wines are produced. This tour allows access to the main wine cellars where three of them are created. The first is Greco di Tufo, an aristocratic wine introduced by the Greeks from Thessaly. It is straw-coloured and pleasing, yet dry, in taste. The second, Fiano, is an antique wine that is very aromatic and often served as an apertif. Third is the Taurasi, considered the best red in Italy and the first in this area to receive the prestigious DOCG. They are cool climate wines in a hot climate region.

PRIVATE CAPRI AND AMALFI COAST DAY BY BOAT

Board your private boat and begin the day with a wonderful trip around the island of Capri, where your guide will show you the incredible scenery and famous caves. See the “Grotta Bianca,” which you can enter via steps to admire the wonderful light effects and stalactite formations, and the “Grotta Verde,” where you can swim from one side to the other in green and crystal water. Also see the famous “Faraglioni Rocks,” and, of course, the Blue Grotto, which you may be able to visit via a little boat waiting at the entrance of the cave (weather permitting). Perhaps you would also like to take some time to go out on the piazza of Capri.