Naples History & Art Experience Full day Tour

    A city, which has been a capital city for many centuries, of course has monuments, which are the mirror of its past and glory: five castles, five Royal Palaces, pictures’ galleries, hundred of churches and each of these monuments deserves a visit. But not everybody stays in Naples 10 days! This is way this category of tours helps the visitor to choose between museums, Royal Palaces and walks through the old city. Of course the historical information will be accompanied by stories, legends and anectodes, so that the tour never becomes too specific and sciolistic.  Tour 1 ROYAL PALACES: CASERTA AND CAPODIMONTE The Royal Palace of Caserta, built by will of the Bourbon King Charles III in 1752 is one of the most impressive royal palaces in Italy and the second biggest one of Europe after Versailles.. You will first visit the royal apartments, then see the beautiful park, which stretches on a surface of about 120 ha., with fountains and statues. The Royal Palace of Capodimonte is situated on the top of a hill and surrounded by a wonderful park. It represents a magnificent example of the 18th century architecture. Precious collections of paintings (with masterpieces by Caravaggio, Raffaello, Tiziano, Carracci), porcelains, furniture and objets d'art. The Palace also hosts a gallery of 19th century works of art and the Royal Apartments, with furniture and decorations in different styles and of different ages, the China and majolica collections and the arms museum. Tour 2 THE CASTLES AND THE GATES OF NAPLES AND THE CASTLE OF BAIA A tour through the castles and the gates of the city, which still show us the size of the ancient Greek (Greek walls of piazza Bellini) Neapolis and how it developed over the centuries, with the Anjou and the Aragonese. A tour through the Castles, which tell us history but also stories and legends of the characters, who made Naples a great capital city: Castel dell’Ovo, the New Castle, the Castello del Carmine, Castel Capuano, Castel Sant’Elmo. And then another castle out of the city, the one of Baia, but very both for the architecture and for the materials used for the construction.    

      Naples History & Art Experience Half day Tour

      A city, which has been a capital city for many centuries, of course has monuments, which are the mirror of its past and glory: five castles, five Royal Palaces, pictures’ galleries, hundred of churches and each of these monuments deserves a visit. But not everybody stays in Naples 10 days! This is way this category of tours helps the visitor to choose between museums, Royal Palaces and walks through the old city. Of course the historical information will be accompanied by stories, legends and anectodes, so that the tour never becomes too specific and sciolistic. Tour 1 HISTORICAL CENTRE By coach You reach piazza Gesù Nuovo, starting point of the walking tour and also of the discovery of the ancient hearth of the city. You will walk through the narrow streets of the ancient Greek and roman city in order to find the origin of the city, visiting the impressive excavations found by chance under the church of San Lorenzo, the ruins of the forum, the main square of the roman Neapolis. But Naples is also a city of superstition and popular traditions which often mix with religion, for instance along via San Gregorio Armeno where the artisans represent Nativity with terracotta statues; you will get in touch with the mysteries of Naples in the Sansevero Chapel, temple of free masonry and esoterism; then the magic atmosphere of a cloister of enclosed nouns in the middle of the city: the monastery of Santa Chiara, gothic angevine church where the cloister is completely coated by hand painted tiles, the so called “majolica”, bright colours mixing with lemon and orange-trees of the garden.   Tour 2 CAPODIMONTE MUSEUM The Royal Palace of Capodimonte is situated on the top of a hill and surrounded by a wonderful park. It represents a magnificent example of the 18th century architecture. Precious collections of paintings (with masterpieces by Caravaggio, Raffaello, Tiziano, Carracci), porcelains, furniture and objets d'art. The Palace also hosts a gallery of 19th century works of art and the Royal Apartments, with furniture and decorations in different styles and of different ages, the China and majolica collections and the arms museum. Tour 3  SAN MARTINO MUSEUM AND VILLA FLORIDIANA The Carthusian Monastery of San Martino, the so-called “crown of Naples” is beautifully located on top of the Vomero hill and has a unique view on the city besides the most enchanting Neapolitan baroque church. Not far away the new-classical residence of Villa Floridiana, a present of the king of Naples, Ferdinand IV of the Bourbon family to his second wife, Lucia Partanna duchess of Floridia. The villa houses a very sophisticated collection belonging to Placido di Sangro, Duca di Martina, whose varied taste and interest are well represented in the collection, from paintings to coral jewellery, traditional crib scenes, porcelain, prints and ivory carvings.

        Naples History & Art Experience – Short Tour

        A city, which has been a capital city for many centuries, of course has monuments, which are the mirror of its past and glory: five castles, five Royal Palaces, pictures’ galleries, hundred of churches and each of these monuments deserves a visit. But not everybody stays in Naples 10 days! This is way this category of tours helps the visitor to choose between museums, Royal Palaces and walks through the old city. Of course the historical information will be accompanied by stories, legends and anectodes, so that the tour never becomes too specific and sciolistic. Tour 1 ROYAL PALACE The official residence of the kings of Naples since 1601 until Unification of Italy. The sumptuous decoration and the numerous “Objets d’art”, are the proof of the importance Naples had as a capital city and of its role as one of the most important royal courts in the Mediterranean. Tour 2 VILLA PIGNATELLI The neo-classical villa was designed in 1826 by Pietro Valente for the illustrious Acton family. Beautiful example of noble residence along the “Riviera di Chiaia”; once the street of the aristocracy and now of the high “bourgoisie” of Naples.    Tour 3 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE OLD CITY Visit to the Cathedral with the chapel of the Patron Saint of Napoli, San Gennaro., and San Lorenzo excavations, ruins of the ancient roman city of Naples underneath the first gothic church of the city, example of the stratification of Naples over the centuries. Tour 4 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE OLD CITY Starting from piazza del Gesù a brief glance to Santa Chiara church, pantheon of the Anjou of Naples, and to its wonderful cloister, completely covered by hand painted tiles. In the private Sansevero’s family Chapel, temple of masonry and esoterism, you will admire 18th century marble masterpieces, such as the "Veiled Christ".  

          Archeology Experience Naples & Surrounding Full day Tour

          The region of Campania has been inhabited since ever and, as a consequence, there are many archaeological areas to be visited, so this category of tours really is very rich. Some of these tours are very well known destinations,, always part of the itineraries, but besides these ones there are many areas, which are not world famous or so much visited. So even the visitor, who has been here already, has the opportunity to see something new but however interesting. This category includes, besides the ruins, the museums where most of the findings are kept, therefore fulfilling the archaeological interest. Tour 1 ERCOLANO AND OPLONTIS Ercolano was a holiday resort at the Roman times, so famous for its namesake, Hercules, beautifully located at the foot of Vesuvio. The city was submerged in 79 A.D. by mud slides, leaving us an extraordinary amount of material witnessing its daily life. Oplontis was the residential villa which belonged to Poppea, Emperor Nero's wife, buried by the 79 A.D. eruption as well and shows its visitors an extraordinary amount of perfectly preserved frescoes decorations. Tour 2 PAESTUM AND VELIA Greek colonizers since the 11th century b.C. travelling around the Mediterranean founded in southern Italy some of their most flourishing colonies, like Paestum and Velia, both located in the most southern part of Campania. Paestum has the most beautiful and best preserved Greek temples of continental Italy, the best example of Doric archaic architecture; Velia was a sophisticated philosophical city and has the only Greek gate with a round arch.

            Archeology Experience Naples & Surrounding Half day Tour

              The region of Campania has been inhabited since ever and, as a consequence, there are many archaeological areas to be visited, so this category of tours really is very rich. Some of these tours are very well known destinations,, always part of the itineraries, but besides these ones there are many areas, which are not world famous or so much visited. So even the visitor, who has been here already, has the opportunity to see something new but however interesting. This category includes, besides the ruins, the museums where most of the findings are kept, therefore fulfilling the archaeological interest. Tour 1  POMPEI During the eruption of 79 A.d. Pompei was not destroyed but just "sealed off" by volcanic materials, its preservation is unique in the world. When you visit Pompei, you literally travel back to the past. Streets, shops, villas, baths are all intact, with still bright frescoes and mosaics. In this tour, you will admire the Forum area with its public buildings, the temples, the market place, the spas, the villas of rich Roman merchants.  Tour 2 PHLAEGREN FIELDS The northern extremity of the bay of Naples, also known as the bay of Pozzuoli, is a mixture of landscape, history and archaeology. During the tour you’ll visit the ruins of Cuma, the first greek colony of the Mediterranean; Pozzuoli, which became during the Roman Empire, one of the richest ports of the Empire; and the Solfatara, an impressive example of a resting volcano, with bubbling mud and fumerolles, a moon-like scenary..   

              Archeology Experience Naples & Surrounding Short Tour

              The region of Campania has been inhabited since ever and, as a consequence, there are many archaeological areas to be visited, so this category of tours really is very rich. Some of these tours are very well known destinations,, always part of the itineraries, but besides these ones there are many areas, which are not world famous or so much visited. So even the visitor, who has been here already, has the opportunity to see something new but however interesting. This category includes, besides the ruins, the museums where most of the findings are kept, therefore fulfilling the archaeological interest. Tour 1. NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM A brief glance to one of the world’s most important museums, visiting the collection of mosaics, frescoes, silver and glass artifacts found in Pompei. Tour 2. OPLONTIS An elegant roman villa, which belonged to Poppea, Emperor Nero's wife. The villa was buried by the 79 A.D. eruption and it offers an to its visitors an extraordinary example of perfectly preserved frescoes decorations.  

                Landscape & Views Naples and Surrounding Experience – Full day Tour

                  Tour 1.  CAPRI ISLAND Capri island, known as the Blue Isle, is famous for its steep cliffs, enchanting caves, its winding panoramic streets and its colourful architecture. You can reach the town of Anacapri and visit the Museum of Villa San Michele. From its cliff-top gardens, you will enjoy magnificent views of the island. Or visit of the town of Capri and the famous "Piazzetta", meeting point of international jet set. . Tour 2  ISCHIA ISLAND The “green Island”, the ancient volcanic activity offers today wonderful and lush vegetation and hot springs all over the island. A drive through the five small villages, each of them with different charm and characteristics, stopping every now and then to enjoy the beautiful panorama. Visit of the Aragonese Castle, imposing fortress which summarise the history of the island. Tour 3 AMALFI DRIVE You will drive all along the coast as far as Amalfi, once a rich and powerful maritime republic where you can visit the famous cathedral. From Amalfi you will reach Ravello, through spontaneous vegetation, luxuriant gardens and Mediterranean agriculture. Once in Ravello, you will visit the famous Villa Rufolo, which inspired Wagner’s Parsifal and Villa Cimbrone, with breathtaking views.

                  Landscape & Views Naples Experience – Short Tour 4hours

                  Tours for those who do not want at all to visit museums and are not interested neither in history of art, nor in archaeology. The variety of our landscape and the beauty of our natural environment offer a wide variety of tours even in this category. Sometimes some visits to museum or buildings have been added to make it more thorough but, nevertheless, it never becomes boring or too specific. During these tours the guide gives more importance in the explanations to the environment, the agriculture, the flora and fauna.    Tour 1 POSILLIPO HILL  A tour on top of the hill of poets and love, below it the latin poet Virgil was buried. The favourite view of the painters, who always represented Naples seen from this hill. Tour 2  VOMERO HILL Another beautiful point of view on the bay, a wide panorama from Sorrento to Ischia. The hill itself is crowned by the imposing fortress of Castel Sant’Elmo and the white San Martino Charterhouse.. Tour 3 HILLS OF NAPLES the characteristic of the location of Naples is this natural wall of hills, which protects the stripe of land along which the city was founded and along which it developed over the centuries: as beautiful as a siren and as magic as a siren. Tour 4  PHLAEGREAN FIELDS The bay of Pozzuoli has been known for centuries as the “Campi Flegrei”, or Burning Fields, because of the constant volcanic activity. The earliest Greeks, who landed along our coasts since 11th cent. B.C., chose this area because of its beauty and its fertility. Tour 5  MOUNT VESUVIUS (1277 mt.), The active volcano which dominates the bay of Napoli. Among flows of solidified lava and brooms, rocks and eruptive materials you will reach the footpath that leads to the edge of the crater (1000 mt. height).Those who wish, will have the opportunity to walk up to the top of the crater (40 minutes walk).        

                  COOKING CLASS – 3 DAYS – Sant’ Agata dei Goti

                    Hand-on Activity & Experience “Mani in Pasta” Cooking class   in a Country House and Old Famous Winery in  Sant 'Agata dei Goti: we offer you the opportunity to  become a member of staff directly involved in preparing dishes. Discover the recipes, techniques and secrets to amaze your guests back home. The program includes lunch for 2 days drinks included, wine tasting and visit to the old cellars. The cooking class normally takes about 2/3 hours a day during which the participants are really engaged in the preparation of dishes. Pasta and hors d’oeuvre: Cavatelli (homemade pasta), pizza with fresh cheese and tomato, lemon croquette, crostoni with cheese Sauces: Broccoli and chilly sauce, ‘e scammaro sauce (with tomato and olives),ragù country sauce, vegetable sauce and onion sauce Cakes: Hazelnut cake, jam tart

                    THE HIDDEN CITY

                    By car you get to piazza Gesù Nuovo, (around 9.30) starting point of the walking tour and also of the discovery of the ancient hearth of the city. Naples is a city of superstition and popular traditions which often mix with religion, for instance along via San Gregorio Armeno where the artisans of terracotta represent the birth of Christ under the guise of the poor inhabitants of city in its narrow streets. Moreover you will get in touch with the mysteries of Naples in the Sansevero Chapel (30minutes’ visit) temple of free masonry and esoterism with masterpieces of sculpture of 18th century. You will walk through the narrow streets of the ancient greek and roman city in order to find the origin of the city in its bowels, visiting the impressive excavations found by chance under the church of San Lorenzo, the ruins of an ancient street with shops and public buildings and the forum, the main square of the roman Neapolis (45 min visit). Not far away you will visit the impressive area of “Napoli Sotterranea” (1h visit). 40 mt. below the street level you’ll be like in un underground cathedral: series of corridors, rooms one after the other which give you the impression of being in another city, the “hidden city”. Moreover you will get in touch with the mysteries of Naples in the Church of anime del Purgatorio (souls of Purgatory) another underground area but used, and this was very usual in the XVII century, as a burial place, a cemetery in the middle of the city, where death and life, light and shadow interweave (30 min visit). After a trip through Neapolitan cuisine in a typical restaurant, (1h for lunch) visit the archaeological museum, (1h 30min visit) where most of the frescoes, mosaics, statues, artifacts, which were found in Pompeii, are kept. The visit will give you the exact idea of the importance of the discovery of Pompeii and the influence it had on European culture. Moreover the museum is a good opportunity to go back to the origin of the city of Naples and of Campania, because many other findings from archaeological areas of the region are kept here.