Iconic Mediterranean Treasures

Discover the highlights of Naples, a major center of Italian culture, during a scenic drive. Naples was the location of a powerful independent kingdom for 500 years, luring the region’s finest architects and artists, yet its history stretches back thousands of years. See evidence of its rich past, from Greek and Roman monuments to Renaissance splendors. Embark on a coastal drive to Mergellina, a residential area that has long offered Neapolitans a respite from city life. Admire the many beautiful villas and enjoy photo stops that offer stunning views of the gulf and the city. Return to the city center to explore Piazza del Plebiscito on your own, perhaps the grandest public square in the city with the former Royal Palace of Naples overlooking its bustling square. You will also see the imposing medieval fortresses of Egg Castle and New Castle, before returning to your ship.

Discover the history of one of the world’s oldest cities during a guided walk. Set off on foot, passing historic monuments and through bustling squares. View Castel Nuovo, an imposing fortress that served as a residence for the kings of Anjou and Aragon, and the Spanish Viceroys of Naples. Step inside the 19th-century Galleria Umberto, a popular stop for Neapolitans to while away an afternoon as they linger over coffee. Head toward the Piazza Trieste and Trento and see the San Carlo Theater. Stroll through the pedestrian Piazza del Plebiscito, flanked by the Royal Palace of Naples and the Church of St. Francis. Along the way, pause for refreshments at a sidewalk café, so you can enjoy a Neapolitan pastry and espresso while soaking up the atmosphere of this vibrant city. Cap your tour with free time to explore on your own, before returning to your ship.

Take in city highlights, then see firsthand how Naples’s famous pie is made on an excursion ideal for pizza lovers. Join a guide for a panoramic drive that leads up to Posillipo Hill. Here, admire beautiful views of the city and sweeping Bay of Naples. You will pass Castel Nuovo (New Castle), completed in 1282 and known locally as Maschio Angioino. In Piazza del Plebiscito, the city’s grandest public square, you will see the former Royal Palace of Naples. Stop in the historic center for lunch at an authentic pizza house. The world’s first pizzeria opened in Naples in 1830 and you will watch a master pizzaiolo (pizza maker) demonstrate his skill as he prepares the dough, sauce and toppings and slides it all into a traditional oven. After a mouthwatering taste of authentic Napoli cuisine, return to your ship.

Stroll the streets, explore the residences and squares, and glimpse life in this city frozen in time. In 79 AD when Mt. Vesuvius erupted, Pompeii was buried under 20 feet of ash. Excavation has revealed with astounding precision exactly what life was like on that day. During your guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will walk ancient cobblestone warrens past baths, temples, an amphitheater and the forum—public buildings once teeming with life. Peer into the mansions of the wealthy and the more modest homes of the working class. See remarkable plaster casts of victims, anchored to the moment of catastrophe: a mother protecting her child, a dog tied to its chain. As you explore, your guide will describe a typical day in Pompeii. Learn about its catastrophic destruction, centuries-long disappearance under stone and ash and rediscovery during the 17th century.

Discover the “other Pompeii,” often overlooked for its more famous neighbor but equally fascinating. Situated close to Mt. Vesuvius, the upper-class seafront town of Herculaneum was also destroyed by the great eruption of 79 AD, but not by fire and ash. Rather, flowing hot mud engulfed the town, poured into its buildings and preserved them from total destruction. The town remained buried for 1,600 years. As you explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site in its stunning setting between mountains and ocean, you will admire mosaics and frescoes that have retained their rich colors and details; and buildings and bathhouses that are remarkably intact with complete roofs, beds and doors. Step back in time during a walking tour of this incredible site with your guide, who will share stories of daily life here. Then enjoy free time on your own before returning to your ship.

Contrast life in two different cities at two different times in history on this eye-opening excursion. Join your guide for a drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii, where you can explore a city that was frozen in time when Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. You will stroll its cobblestone streets past the mansions of the wealthy and the modest homes of the working class and stop to see great public buildings that once bustled with crowds. As you explore, your knowledgeable guide will describe a typical day in Pompeii and the eruption that led to its demise. Afterward, you will drive along the winding road that hugs the sides of the rocky cliffs and enjoy stunning views of the Italian Riviera. Stop in Sorrento, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch and a guided walk through the narrow streets and wide-open square at the city’s heart, before returning to your ship.

Enjoy a panoramic drive of Naples and lunch at an authentic pizza house, then discover Pompeii. The world’s first pizzeria opened in Naples in 1830. Watch a master pizzaiolo (pizza maker) skillfully prepare the dough, sauce and toppings and slide the pizza into a traditional oven. After a mouthwatering taste of authentic Napoli cuisine followed by limoncello (the famous lemon liqueur) as a digestif, continue to Pompeii with your guide. At the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii, you can explore a city frozen in time by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. You will stroll its cobblestone streets past the mansions of the wealthy and the modest homes of the working class, stopping to see great public buildings that once bustled with crowds. Back in Naples, enjoy free time to visit the many charming shops and cafés before returning to your ship.

Join a walking tour illuminating Naples’s heights and depths, from a 13th-century castle to subterranean tunnels. Leaving the port on foot, see the rugged medieval Castel Nuovo (New Castle). Continuing to the Piazza del Plebiscito, enjoy free time in Naples’s grandest public square, perhaps admiring statues and architecture, shopping, or people-watching. Next, venture underground via a palace escape route excavated by Ferdinand II of Bourbon. Descending around 100 feet into the soft volcanic rock underlying Naples, the cavernous Bourbon Tunnel interconnects with the extensive 17th-century Carmignano Aqueduct system. During World War II, this subterranean network was expanded to include bomb shelters. Emerging, visit the Santa Lucia area to see the Castel dell’Ovo (Castle of the Egg) and enjoy stunning seaside views. You will dine on classic Margherita pizza before returning to your ship. Please note that the order of visits may vary.

Escape the hustle and bustle of lower Naples for the peace and tranquility of the Vomero District. Located in the upper section of the city, this hilltop district was created around 1800 and is prized for its green spaces and scenic views of Naples and the sea. Take a motor coach to the hill, then begin your guided walk to San Martino, the district’s highest point. Upon arrival, you will stop for photos at the imposing 16th-century sandstone facade of the Castel Sant’Elmo and nearby Certosa di San Martino, a former Carthusian monastery founded during the mid-14th century. Admire panoramic views of the city before descending down the steep stone steps of the Pedamentina di San Martino, the oldest pedestrian route in Naples. Board your coach for a short transfer to board a funicular to the city center, then enjoy a famous Neapolitan espresso before returning to your ship.

Discover charming Sorrento and indulge in the zesty taste of limoncello during a journey along the Gulf of Naples. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach along the Gulf of Naples coastline. Along the way, stop at a limoncello factory to enjoy a video demonstration and tasting of this popular lemon liqueur. Continue on the narrow, winding road that hugs the sides of the rocky cliffs and take in stunning views of the Italian Riviera. Disembark in Sorrento, overlooking the gulf and once a favorite resort for wealthy Romans due to its sun-drenched Mediterranean climate. Observe a wood carving demonstration, then take a guided stroll along the town’s narrow streets and alleyways. See the sights and sip on a cup of coffee or espresso at a local café. After, you will return to your coach for the journey back to your ship.

Soak up the beauty of the Italian Riviera during a journey to Sorrento and learn how to prepare mozzarella cheese. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach along the stunning Gulf of Naples coastline. Travel its narrow, winding roads that hug the sides of the rocky cliffs to Sorrento, once a favorite resort for wealthy Romans due to its sun-drenched climate. Observe a wood carving demonstration, then enjoy free time to stroll the town’s narrow streets. See the sights, or browse the many antique shops that specialize in ceramics, lacework and woodcrafts. At Azienda Agricola Giardini di Cataldo, a family-run agricultural company, you will enjoy a light snack of bruschetta and mozzarella paired with a glass of wine or water. You will also observe a demonstration on how to prepare mozzarella cheese, an artisanal tradition passed down through generations. After, return to your awaiting ship.

Enjoy an immersive experience with a local home cook who will introduce you to specialties of Naples. Travel to Naples to meet your Cesarine host, a member of a community of skilled home cooks who embody the warmth of traditional Italian cuisine and hospitality by opening their homes to visitors from around the globe. They seek to preserve Italy’s food culture and foster lasting connections between travelers and locals. Accompany them to gather ingredients, then step into their home kitchen, ready to uncover the secrets of Italian cuisine. Watch as your host demonstrates how to create gnocchi “sciuè sciuè,” dumplings composed of potato starch and water. Discover how to prepare montanara-style pizza, known for its crispy fried base, as well as more traditional pizza. After, enjoy your creations with a glass of local wine.