Naples Post-Voyage Extension
Naples is a vital and extraordinarily lively city, graced by a wealth of historic treasures but very much living in the here and now. On our two-day extension, we’ll show you a great deal of Naples’s essence. You’ll see the historic center, a World Heritage Site, with one astonishing work of art and architecture after another. You’ll have a panoramic view from atop a hill overlooking the city and the Bay of Naples. And you’ll stay at the Grand Hotel Vesuvio, itself a piece of history. It’s along the waterfront, where Neapolitans from all walks of life come to stroll and enjoy themselves. We hope you’ll join us.
Day 1 - Disembark / Naples
We disembark Sea Cloud in Naples this morning and explore the Centro Storico, the historic center of Naples—planned originally by the Romans as the great city of Neapolis. It retains its vibrancy today, with lively streets, great architecture, and the buoyant personalities of its residents. We visit the great cathedral—the Duomo—built originally in the 14th century and greatly modified over the years, which contains great art, some of which dates to as early as the fourth century. We continue to the remarkable Basilica of Santa Chiara, beautifully rebuilt after World War II, with extraordinarily colorful tilework in the cloisters that vividly depict 18th-century life. And then we visit the Sansevero Chapel, whose crowning glory is the renowned Veiled Christ statue, made of marble. The folds of the veil are astonishingly realistic and a major artistic achievement.
We continue for lunch at a local restaurant, then check into our hotel, the historic Grand Hotel Vesuvio, located on the Naples waterfront facing the imposing Castel dell'Ovo. The remainder of the day and evening are free to enjoy strolling the waterfront and dine on your own. (B,L)
Day 2 - Naples
This morning we visit the renowned National Archaeological Museum of Naples, a repository of some the greatest sculpture, bronzes, ceramics, paintings, mosaics, and Roman jewelry of ancient times, much of it unique. It has been enriched over the years by finds from Herculaneum, Pompeii, and other excavation sites, with treasures including the Farnese marbles. Look among other things for the sculptures of Hercules and Venus and for the Farnese Bull, thought to be the largest preserved sculpture of antiquity.
Lunch is on your own. In the afternoon we drive to the district of Vomero, on a hill overlooking the Centro Storico and the sea, with Vesuvius visible in the distance. Here we visit the Certosa and Museum of San Marino, set in a former monastery. The artwork, much of it from the 1600s, the statuary, the marble inlays, and the architecture are remarkable. After our visit we have a drink at an overlook, taking in spectacular views over Naples.
A Neapolitan-style dinner tonight is served at a fine restaurant near our hotel. (B,D)
Day 3 - Naples / Depart
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for departure flights. (B)
Costs & What's Included
Occupancy
Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy
Cost Includes:
Accommodations as shown in the itinerary, or similar; meals as shown in the itinerary; local guides on all excursions; tips to local guides, to porters and to waiters for included meals.
Not included:
Tips to waiters for meals that are not included, items of a personal nature such as laundry, internet access and alcoholic beverages.