Neapolitan Riviera holidays

Things to do

Explore your destination

Here's a little taste of what's on offer: for more excursion ideas, speak to your Rep.

Rome: 1 or 2 day trip
See some of the most spectacular sights in ancient history, including the Colosseum, Piazza Navona and Spanish Steps. You can then wander around the awe-inspiring Vatican City, taking in St Peter's Basilica and the ornate Sistine Chapel.

Pompeii, Vesuvius
Climb the most famous and only remaining active volcano in mainland Europe, before exploring the ruins of Pompeii, the Roman town destroyed by an eruption in 79AD.

Capri
Travel by jetfoil to one of the most exclusive islands in the world, a chic haven off the coast of Sorrento, then enjoy a guided tour and some time to browse the designer boutiques.

Highlights

• Discovering the ruins of the Roman city of Pompeii and preserved mosaics at Herculaneum, buried by the volcano, Mt Vesuvius
• Seeing other fascinating treasures including mosaics, coins, sculptures and paintings at Naples’ Museo Acheologico Nazionale
• Spending some time in Sorrento to see its elaborate cathedral, Museo Correale and Chiesa di San Francesco church, with its gorgeous views over the Bay of Naples
• Enjoying the wind in your hair on a ferry ride from Sorrento to the spectacular islands of fashionable Capri and Ischia, with its thermal spas
• Tasting the ultimate pizza in Naples, which must be made with hand-kneaded dough and San Marzano tomatoes from Vesuvius’s slopes, baked in a wood-fired oven, and drizzled in olive oil
• Touring the volcanic craters of the Phlegraean Fields and visiting the Roman baths at Baia, the Greek and Roman ruins at Cumae and the ancient amphitheatre at Pozzuoli
• Taking time out to go inland to the splendid royal palace of Reggia Caserta completed in 1774, In Caserta and pace the impressive corridors of one of Europe’s finest buildings

Food and drink

With this coastline famous for many Italian specialities, dining out will be a favourite part of your Neapolitan Riviera holiday.

The Napolitana pasta sauce and the pizza were invented in Naples, where there’s an abundance of restaurants to try out different varieties.

Sorrento is filled with traditional trattorias and inviting pizzerias. You’ll find family-run restaurants offering fresh seafood, grilled meats and pizza and pasta dishes.

Try Spaghetti alle Vongole, with clams and tomatoes and mussels, mullet and cuttlefish. Accompany pizza with a crisp glass of Barbera or Lambiccato, sweet white wines, and finish meals with a refreshing lemon liqueur Limoncello.

Evening Flavour

Whether it’s candle-lit meals in charming streets or evening espressos, Neapolitan Riviera evenings create the perfect holiday memories.

In Sorrento, Piazza Tasso is idyllic for an aperitif followed by romantic dinners and a stroll around the shops, which are open till late. There’s also a choice of underground discos here for the younger crowd. If classical concerts are more your thing, they’re held in Cloisters of St Francis during high season.

In Naples, there’s a mix of everything, from trendy bars to open-air clubs, with a really Italian clientele.

Shopping

Fashionistas will simply love the Neapolitan Riviera for their holiday, with chic boutiques and designer shoes lining the streets, particularly along Sorrento’s Corso Italia.

Naples has everything from designer shops to market stalls and is famous for its handmade gold jewellery.

Popular souvenirs to take home are jewellery boxes made from inlaid wood, embroidery and lace, and romantic, floral perfumes from Capri. Lemon soaps and candles and, of course, Limoncello are other favourites.

Dates for the Diary

26 July: Feast of Santa Anna, believed to protect fishermen, this festival features a torch-lit procession of hundreds of boats with themed floats, ending in an amazing firework display.

For the Family

• Starry-eyed kids will enjoy the Capodimonte Observatory in Naples, where there’s brass and wooden telescopes and a huge 16th century globe, and superb views across the city
• Children can enjoy the excitement of exploring the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum and climbing to the top of Mount Vesuvius to wow at the amazing views
• Kids can pretend they are in Star Wars Episode I at Caserta’s Royal Palace, where the scenes of Queen Amidala’s palace were filmed

Local weather

Information

Language: Italian. Currency: Euro. Standard GMT: +1hr. Italian Tourist Office, 1 Princess Street, London W1B 2AY. Tel: 020 7408 1254. www.italiantourism.com

Travel money

Euro

You can get commission-free foreign exchange on currency notes and travellers cheques at most First Choice Travel Shops and Holiday Hypermarkets.