Naples

Naples is a vast city located on the western coast of Italy facing the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its reputation as the most vibrant city in Italy can be a double-edged sword, explaining why some tourists like it and some hate it outright. Nonetheless, the charm of Naples resides in its narrow streets with numerous ancient churches, street markets, cafés, bars and restaurants, all leading to a cacophony of sounds and images embodying the spirit of the Italian South.

This is the third largest city in Italy behind Rome and Milan with a population of around 975,000 and a greater metropolitan population of over 3.1 million. Naples and the surrounding region has been inhabited since the Neolithic period and it has seen some form of continuous human activity through ancient Greek times to the Roman Empire and further. Due to its extensive history, the city is full of historical buildings, squares and churches plus a host of modern amentities and fantastic nightlife.

Pompeii

Once a bustling, blue collar port town, Pompeii`s fate was sealed with the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Today it is the queen of archaeological sites, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most visited sites in Italy. It remained buried under a thick layer of ash until the 18 century. It has been preserved in an almost perfect state, providing important archaeological information on everyday life during the Roman Empire. Exploring this vast complex of ruins is a fascinating and moving experience.

Pozzuoli

Pozzuoli is an Italian city from Roman times on the coast of Campania. The name comes from the Latin word Puteoli, with the root word `puteus`, meaning `well` and `osco fistulus`, meaning cave. This place is well known for its well-preserved Roman amphitheater (one of only four cities in the world), baths, a necropolis, with stuccoed and painted underground chambers and a plaza that rises and falls with volcanic activity.

Today, Pozzuoli`s popularity is thanks to the renowned restaurants and fish market, and its port that offers ferry service around the Bay of Naples. It is also a part of a UNESCO World heritage Site, along with neighboring towns in the Phlegrean Fields, because of the geologic process called `bradyseism` that is found here. This is a particular geo-seismic phenomenon from the gradual uplift and descent of the Earth`s crust caused by the filling and emptying from hydrothermal activity. It draws scientists and curiosity-seekers from around the world to see it for themselves.

Capri

Capri is famous for its wonderful natural beauty, deep-rooted history, mild climate and bright landscape. Lemon trees, flowers, and birds are abundant. And though it`s only 4 square miles, Capri has no shortage of things to do. Here you can find ancient ruins, white cube villages, a rugged, rocky coastline, glistening waters, delicious food and an elite crowd of visitors to top it off. A stroll through its famous piazzetta is a must if you want to revel in the heart of this charming and mysterious place. The island is spectacular, with postcard-worthy soaring cliffs, surrounded by a deep-blue sea.

A visit `must` while in Capri are the famous Blue Grotto and the Faraglioni; however, you will also want to visit the lesser-known attractions like the Punta Carena Lighthouse and the Green Grotto. If you are looking for a relaxing beach day check out the clubs near either Marina Grande or Marina Piccola. And for a more authentic Italian experience, check out Anacapri. It is not nearly as glamourous as Capri Town, but Anacapri has a more Italian, local feel with some of the most beautiful attractions on the island such as the Monte Solaro chairlift and Villa San Michele.

Ischia

The volcanic island of Ischia is the most developed and largest of the islands in the Bay of Naples. It boasts one of the best hydrothermal situations in the world. Tourists flock here for the mineral rich thermal waters to enjoy the hot springs that bubble out naturally from the ground. The best things to do are enjoy relaxing at Procida beach, sailing, or even a visit to the stunning Aragonese castle. You may also enjoy the beautiful panoramic gardens or hiking the mountains and dormant volcanoes.

Torre del Greco

Torre del Greco, situated in the Metropolitan area of Naples, is on the western coast of mainland Italy. It sits in close proximity to the famous sites of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Mount Vesuvius. The town is famous for its harvesting and production of coral and the waters surrounding Torre del Greco have always had a wealth of this natural invertebrate. Throughout the town center you can find a maze of stores selling fabulous coral jewelry, a hot commodity in this region of Italy. You will also find a host of sites in town such as historic buildings and the interesting Museum of Coral.