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Go to SiteCruises to Naples bring you to a region of sheer, unadulterated drama. Hulking Vesuvius is a constant reminder of nature’s power, the haunting sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum testify to the volcano’s fury. On the other hand, you’re poised at the gateway to the dazzling Amalfi Coast, where sheer cliffs plunge into an azure sea and the fragrance of lemon groves is carried on the breeze. The islands of Capri and Ischia, playgrounds of the wealthy since Roman times, sparkle at the entrance to the bay.
With all these distractions, don’t overlook Naples itself, a must-see on a cruise to Italy. Take your time getting to know this edgy, dynamic city, which reveals its charms on its own terms. Explore royal palaces and secret underground passageways, and lose yourself among the treasures of what’s arguably Europe’s greatest archaeological museum. Stroll through Galleria Umberto I, an arcade so elegant that shopping here is a cultural experience. Follow your nose to the nearest pizzeria to feast on the city’s most famous invention, served sizzling from a wood-fired oven.
Maschio Angioino, better known as Castel Nuovo, is a medieval stronghold encircled by five massive crenelated towers. Commissioned in 1279 as the seat of the Neapolitan kings, the castle doubled as a salon for the city’s brightest artists and intellectuals. Inside, there’s a fine display of Neapolitan art from the 17th to early 20th centuries. What’s just as mind-blowing are the glass floors in the Armory Hall, through which you can see the original streets below—a legacy of the Romans.
The treasure trove of archaeological finds at the National Archaeological Museum reveals stories that span centuries, with some of the most fascinating pieces coming from Pompeii and Herculaneum. See beautiful mosaics and exquisite sculptures that once graced lavish villas, like the two lithe bronze athletes from the first century BC and a rippling marble Hercules. Step back even further in time to Ancient Egypt and admire the collection of mummies and amulets.
Running under the streets of Naples is the Bourbon Tunnel, commissioned by King Ferdinand II of Bourbon in 1853 as an escape route for the royal family, should they need to make a dash from the royal palace to the military barracks. This being Naples, there are layers of history. The tunnel was a bomb shelter during World War II, and you can see items left behind by the families who took refuge here, as well as old vehicles that were stashed inside after the war.
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You’ll want to engage every sense to imprint the Amalfi Coast on your memory, from fragrant lemon groves to cliff-hugging towns and cliffs that plunge down to pebbly beaches lapped by the crystal clear sea. Positano and Sorrento exude effortless glamor, with their cascading pink and terracotta-hued houses, wisteria-shaded cafés, and chic beach clubs. Explore the tangled alleyways, pick up local fashions, and buy a bottle of limoncello. Cool off with a creamy, lemon-flavored gelato.
A-listers have been drawn to exquisite Capri since Roman times, when the Emperor Tiberius commissioned the Villa Jovis as his not-so-modest summer retreat. Centuries later, Swedish physician Axel Munthe surrounded the Villa San Michele with lush, manicured gardens, an essential visit as you tour the island. Let a local boatman row you into the luminous Blue Grotto, then people-watch on glamorous Piazza Umberto I as you sip a Limoncello spritz.
Once a thriving city, Pompeii and its inhabitants were buried in seconds as Vesuvius spewed burning ash and pumice on that fateful day in AD 79. The city remained nearly untouched for 1,700 years until archaeologists began to systematically excavate it. Wander the streets of this ghostly world with an expert guide who brings the villas, frescoes, and mosaics back to life. No detail of the decadent ways of the Romans was spared by those ancient mosaic artists, so get ready for some eye-opening scenes.
Appreciating food is an art form in Naples. Pizza is the star here, exquisite in its simplicity: a thin crust scattered with sun-ripened tomatoes, creamy buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. There’s more: eggplant parmigiana, layered with tomatoes, basil, and melting cheese, is a local classic. For street food, seek out a cuoppo napoletano—a paper cone brimming with seafood, fried to perfection in a golden batter.
Get your carb fix in the morning, pairing your espresso with flaky sfogliatella, filled with lemony ricotta. Or indulge in zeppole, pillowy pastries enveloping custard, cream, or jelly. Remember that essential souvenir, a bottle of limoncello liqueur, the fragrance of which will transport you straight back to the sun-drenched Sorrentine Peninsula.
The Greeks settled on the land that is now Naples in the 7th century BC, making it one of the oldest urban areas in the world. It was taken over by the Romans, who were dominant when nearby Vesuvius erupted, covering the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum with ash. The city was passed between the Normans, Germans, French, and Spanish throughout the Middle Ages and beyond, thriving under Spanish rule in particular as a hub for fine art and architecture.
Naples became part of a unified Italy in 1861 and battled through two world wars, the depression, and another eruption in 1944, not to mention organized crime and unemployment. The city you see today, though, is completely transformed. Now, you’ll find an elegant hub of culture, commerce, and tourism with a reputation for excellent food.
Cruises to Naples dock at Porto di Napoli at the Stazione Marittima. The terminal is within easy walking distance of the historic center, ferry dock, and train station. True, it’s functional rather than beautiful, but you’ll find restrooms, a café, and a souvenir shop. There are dozens of places to eat and shop close by, too.
Hilly Naples is a big city and has plenty of transportation options, although you’ll find most of the big sights within walking distance of the cruise terminal. There are plenty of taxis, but beware: Neapolitan traffic is legendary. A fun way to head up into the hills is to ride the four funiculars, which have operated for more than 100 years. If you’re traveling underground, you’ll be mesmerized by the city’s metro stations turned into art galleries. Toledo and Chiaia stations are absolute must-sees. Finally, ferries buzz back and forth to islands like Capri, and there are regular trains to Pompeii.
Naples has some excellent shopping close to the cruise terminal, which is a 10-minute stroll from the center. Visit Galleria Umberto I for the sheer spectacle; this magnificent 19th-century neo-Renaissance arcade gives a whole new meaning to the notion of a shopping mall. For fashion brands, Via Toledo is the place to go, while Via Chiaia has more upscale labels. Spaccanapoli is lined with restaurants and smaller artisan boutiques.
The currency in Naples is the Euro. ATMs dispensing Euros are located around the city. Credit cards are also accepted in most places, but check beforehand if you’re buying something from a street vendor. Tipping is appreciated in Italy, though not expected. If your restaurant bill says “servizio incluso”, then a tip is included. If it says “coperto”, that’s different; it’s a cover charge for the bread and olive oil at the table. In this instance, you could leave a tip of 10 percent for good service.
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