EUROPE
Seaside escapes, restless volcanoes, royal palaces and some of the most famous archaeological sites in the world; there is something for everyone within easy reach of Naples.
1. Trek up Mt Vesuvius and explore Pompeii
A morning hike up Mount Vesuvius takes 30 minutes along a steep gravel path and is suitable for most fitness levels. Your efforts will be rewarded with stunning views across the Bay of Naples.
Spend the rest of the day exploring Pompeii. Don’t miss the Forum, the Villa of the Mysteries, the Stabian baths, the 2nd-century BC House of the Faun and the ancient stone Amphitheatre.
2. Relax and rejuvenate on Ischia
Saltwater and thermal pools, private beaches, massage, mud and beauty treatments...you'll find everything you need for a day of total relaxation at Ischia’s thermal parks.
Alternatively, spend the day at the Giardino Eden Beach Club; its pools and views are postcard perfect. Leave enough time to visit Castello Aragonese and stroll along Corso Vittoria Colonna.
3. Luxuriate in opulence at Reggia di Caserta, the Italian Versailles
Luigi Vanvitelli’s sumptuous 1200-room palace, including a monumental staircase, Palatine chapel and lavishly appointed royal apartments are open for visitors to enjoy.
Luigi Vanvitelli’s sumptuous 1200-room palace, including a monumental staircase, Palatine chapel and lavishly appointed royal apartments are open for visitors to enjoy.
4. Spend a leisurely day in Sorrento
Meander the cobbled shopping alleys of the old town, flush with leather goods, ceramics, limoncello and the town’s world-famous inlaid wood. Visit Chiesa di San Francesco and breathe in the views.
An elevator here whisks you down to Marina Piccola and a smattering of beach clubs, or head to Piazza Vittoria and stroll down to Marina Grande’s small fishing village.
5. Ramble through ancient seaside villas
Wander three luxurious leisure villas built by wealthy Romans along the Campanian coastline. Start in the town of Torre Annunziata at Pompeii’s one-time seaside suburb Oplontis.
Next, head south to Castellammare di Stabia and the cliffside Stabian Villas: Villa Arianna, with its rich frescoes, and the 11,000-square-meter Villa San Marco.
6. Surrender to the siren call of Capri
Float on the luminous azure waters of the Grotta Azzurra (the lines are worth it), then glide to the island’s summit on the Monte Solaro chairlift, where sublime panoramic views await.
Visit Axel Munthe’s eclectic Villa San Michele for more enchanting vistas or escape to Augustus’ Gardens with views of the Faraglioni rocks.
7. Venture to a volcanic land where few visitors go
Campi Flegrei (meaning 'burning fields') is Naple’s best kept secret. See bubbling mud pits at the Solfatara Crater and wander the underground passageways of the Flavian Amphitheatre.
Start your day early enough and you might even be able to fit in snorkelling, a dive or a glass bottom boat ride at Baia's underwater archaeological area.
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