Naples Tours, Vacations & Travel Packages
Naples is the third most populated city in Italy and the largest city in Southern Italy. Its name comes from the Greek, Neapolis meaning new city. Its close proximity to many interesting places makes it a good base for exploring the area on an Italy vacation. It is a lively and vibrant city, full of wonderful historical and artistic treasures and narrow, winding streets with small shops making it worth at least a few days to visit. It sits on the northern edge of the Bay of Naples, one of the most beautiful bays in Italy and its harbour is one of the most important ports in Southern Italy.
Its historic centre has earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Site nomination. It has one of the largest historical city centres anywhere in the world and its narrow alleyways often lead to churches, catacombs and underground caves. Naples has a total of 448 historical churches, making it one of the most Catholic cities in the world in terms of the number of places of worship. The main city square or piazza of the city is the Piazza del Plebiscito bounded on the east by the Royal Palace and on the west by the church of San Francesco di Paola. Nearby is the Teatro di San Carlo which is the oldest opera house in Italy.
Naples is also well known for its historic castles. The ancient Castel Nuovo, is one of the city's foremost landmarks. Another Neapolitan castle of note is Sant' Elmo, which was completed in 1329 and is built in the shape of a star. Naples is widely known for its wealth of historical museums. The Naples National Archaeological Museum is one of the city's main museums with one of the most extensive collections of artifacts from the Roman Empire in the World. It also houses many of the antiques unearthed at Pompeii and Herculaneum as well as some artifacts from the Greek and Renaissance periods. Previously a Bourbon Palace, now a museum and art gallery, the Museo di Capodimonte is another museum of note with paintings from the 13th to the 18th centuries including major works by Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio and El Greco. In front of the Royal Palace of Naples stands the Galleria Umberto I, which contains the Coral Jewellery Museum, an interesting venue to visit on an Italy vacation package.
Naples is internationally famous for its cuisine. It draws culinary influences from the numerous cultures which have inhabited it over the course of its history including the Greeks, Spanish and French. The ingredients are typically rich in taste while remaining affordable to the general populace. Naples is traditionally credited as the home of pizza which originated as a meal for the poor. Spaghetti is also associated with the city and is commonly eaten with the sauce ragu. It is also well known for its sweet dishes, including gelato which is similar to ice cream, though more fruit-based.
To the south of the city is Pompeii which was the scene of the major volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. A violent explosion of toxic gases and burning cinders from the eruption covered Pompeii. Excavations were begun all the way back in 1748 but it wasn’t until 1861 that a systematic excavation was undertaken. Pompeii was a haven for many wealthy Romans. Over two thousand years ago, people were living in houses and apartments of a type.
Further south is Sorrento which sits on a long cliff amid lemon and olive groves overlooking the sea. A ravine divides the town with the attractive old town on one side and the suburban area with hotels on the other. The old town still retains its Roman grid of narrow streets. The famous Amalfi Coast has long been popular with the rich and famous because of its stunning beauty and you will fall for its charm on an Italy vacation. The charm includes the pastel-coloured houses that cling to the hillsides in towns high up above the cliffs overlooking the coastline with amazing views.
Situated in the Bay of Naples are the romantic islands of Capri and Ischia. Capri's attractions include the Marina Piccola (the little harbour), the Belvedere of Tragara - a high panoramic promenade lined with villas, the limestone crags called sea stacks that project above the sea (the Faraglioni), the town of Anacapri, the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), and the ruins of Imperial Roman villas. Ischia is a volcanic island easily reached by ferries and hydrofoils from Naples as is Capri. As well as sandy beaches and blue sea, the island also boasts natural thermal springs and the spa complexes connected with these are another major attraction on a trip to Italy.
Italy Vacation Information
At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to Italy vacations.
Learn about the history and culture of Italy, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Italy's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Italy for yourself. Start exploring...book your Italy vacation today!
Extend your Stay
Consider an additional stopover to your Italy vacation at one of Goway's other European destinations. You can choose from a Paris vacation, a London vacation or an Amsterdam vacation. This can be done stopping over en route to or from Italy.
Naples, Italy
7 Trips Available
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Authentic Apulia Self-Drive from Naples
FIRST-CLASS | SELF-DRIVE: Get off the beaten path and discover the hidden gems of Apulia! See the natural beauty and unique characteristics of this region like ancient Sassi caves and the famous 'Trulli' homes. Visit charming cities like Locorotondo, Ostuni, Nardo and Bari. See the beauty of Salento's white sandy beaches and the famous Polignano a Mare.- Duration:
- 7 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 983
- Trip Type:
- Self-Drives
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Italian Deluxe: Rome, Florence and Amalfi
DELUXE | PRIVATE: Stay in luxurious hotels and enjoy unique privately guided and small group experiences in Rome, Florence and Sorrento. Enter the Vatican Museums before the crowds, get up close and personal with Michalangelo's David and dine under the stars in Chianti. Then, relax in the Amalfi Coast for an unforgettable experience.- Duration:
- 10 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 5,411
- Trip Type:
- Luxury and Beyond, Private Experiences, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Classic Exploring Italy: Venice, Florence & Sorrento to Rome
FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: This Italy tour takes you to the country’s most romantic cities. Cruise the canals in Venice, step back into the Renaissance in Florence, and marvel at Rome’s ancient splendour, all in between magnificent meals and charming local discoveries.- Duration:
- 14 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 4,442
- Trip Type:
- Classics (Bestsellers), Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Classic Southern Italy: Rome, Sorrento & Capri
This sublime southern Italy tour starts in Rome, including sightseeing and a cooking class, before making its way south to the fascinating ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and the Isle of Capri.- Duration:
- 9 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,130
- Trip Type:
- Classics (Bestsellers), Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Classic Spain & the Mediterranean In Depth
Explore the highlights of Spain and the Mediterranean on this city and cruise combo. You’ll begin in Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona to experience the vibrancy of Spain before boarding a cruise ship and visiting Mediterranean highlights, from Naples and Rome to Florence and Cannes.- Duration:
- 17 Days
- Prices:
- On request
- Trip Type:
- Multi Country Vacation Ideas, Small Group Touring
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Enchanting Southern Italy: Naples to Naples
Ignite your senses on a journey through Southern Italy. Heading from Naples to Minori, Ravello, and Positano, you’ll step back in time to the days of the Roman Empire, tour ancient cities, visit pastel-hued villages, and savour exquisite regional delicacies.- Duration:
- 9 Days
- Prices:
- On request
- Trip Type:
- Small Group Touring, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Grand Hotel Angiolieri Sorrento: Stay of Distinction
DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Explore the essentials of the Amalfi Coast and stay in a luxury accommodations on this trip to Sorrento. This exclusive Italian vacation features a walking tour of beautiful Sorrento, a boat ride to captivating Capri and Anacapri, and includes private guides, hotel pick-up and drop-off, transportation, and most entrance fees.- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,043
- Trip Type:
- Stays of Distinction, Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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