The town is Greek in origin and in the 11th century belonged to the Norman Kingdom of Sicily and from 1282 until the founding of Italy in 1861, was the capital of the Kingdom of Naples. The Piazza Garibaldi is a must-see - it is the main square in Naples, located in front of the main train station and the site of the Garibaldi monument, Via Umberto I. with many shops, fruit and fish markets and lots of streets sellers everywhere in between; the old town with the harbour, the city gate Porta Capuana, the Franciscan church, the town hall and Galleria Umberto I.; the former royal palace Palazzo Reale, which also houses the national library; Castel Sant Elmo dating from the 14th century and built on a hilltop overlooking the city; the San Gennaro cathedral, built in the 13th century, which houses the grave of the city's patron, -St. Januarius; the National Archaeological Museum, home to the famous Alexander mosaic; the National Museum with many finds from Herculaneum and Pompeii.

Tips for excursions

Capri and Anacapri

Island tour. Along the panoramic road to Anacapri. Visit to the villa S. Michele, former residence of Axel Munthe with 16th century furniture. Free time to stroll around the shops. Onwards to the centre of Capri to the Piazza Umberto I. Return trip to Marina Grande. By hydrofoil to Naples.

Herculaneum

Visit to the ruins with ancient villas and the luxurious properties of the Roman aristocracy. Herculaneam was covered with hot mud when Vesuvius erupted, completely sealing the interiors.

Pompeii

Classical excursion to the town of Oscian origin, which was completely buried under ash and lava in 79 AD. Route: Porta Marina, Forum (centre of the town's political and economic life), temple of Jupiter, basilica. Via del l'Abbondanza (from the Italian for Street of Abundance) with residential and commercial buildings and small handicrafts businesses on the ground floors. Visit to the noble House of the Faun and the magnificent thermal baths.

Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri

Motorway coach trip from Naples to Pompeii, then on to Sorrento and the island of Capri. Visits to Pompeii and La Piazzetta on Capri. There will be a stop to take photos in Sorrento. Lunch will be served in one of Sorrento's leading hotels.