From Palazzos to Pompeii

An Authentic Long Weekend in Naples

The Italian city of Naples is famous for its legendary nightlife, the shimmer of its bay, its iconic pizzas and its world-renowned football club. As the second-largest city in Italy, visitors are spoiled with a rich heritage of art and architecture. The streets are awash with luxurious palazzos (palaces) and there are historic masterpieces everywhere you turn: the emerald courtyards of the San Martino Carthusian monastery, the six-levels of boxes in the San Carlo Theatre, the glass roof of the Galleria Umberto I and the adored works of Warhol, Mapplethorpe and Kounellis in the Donnaregina Museum of Contemporary Art. Naples is a great destination for a quick city break, but it can also be paired with nearby destinations like Capri, Pompeii and the Sorrento peninsula for a longer Italian getaway.

Your Hotel:

Your hotel for the next three nights is a serene Renaissance palazzo located in the Sanita district, just a few steps away from the picturesque Vergini market and the archaeological museum. The Basilica di Santa Maria della Sanita and the Palazzo dello Spagnolo, two magnificent examples of Baroque architecture, are also nearby. The rooms breathe care and luxury, with an elegant design and comfortable furnishings. Breakfast here is the real deal: hearty plates of goodness fuelling you with energy for the day head. Outside, the lemon trees provide just the right amount of shade on the terrace on hotter days.

Your Agenda:

To make sure you don't miss out on anything essential, there are a number of highlights to punctuate this escapade – then it's up to you to adapt the itinerary to suit your wishes. First of all, you'll experience Naples like a true Neapolitan. Head out with a knowledgeable local guide to explore historic residences and palaces and meet craftsmen, painters and sculptors. When you’re ready for a spot of shopping, your guide will take you to some of their favourite spots: second-hand antique dealers and fashion boutiques that rival those of Rome or Milan. The tour is relaxed, spontaneous and tailored to your wants and wishes. You’ll also have the opportunity to see the ruins of Pompeii in the company of a passionate private guide who knows every detail of this fateful city’s history. In 79 AD, Vesuvius erupted violently and covered Pompeii in ash and ruins of the entire city are miraculously still here, 2,000 years later. As well as the theatres, thermal baths, basilica and forum, there are some admirable properties: the House of Meleager, the Villa of Mysteries and the House of the Faun. Your visit is scheduled outside of peak times, at sunset, when a golden glow bathes the ruins in a soft syrupy light.
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