Italian Glory - Rome, Naples & Amalfi Coast Itinerary 10 Days

Piazza Navona

Stand in one of the most beautiful squares in Rome, home to the famous Fontana dei Fiumi Fountain by Bernini.

A Roman rendezvous, Piazza Navona is, for many people, the most beautiful square in the world. Like many of Rome's landmarks, Piazza Navona is located over the foundations of an ancient monument, a 30,000 seat stadium of Domitian. The former tiers of seats have since made way for ornate fountains, exuberant baroque palazzi, and bustling pavement cafes. The square has long been the hub for local life, hosting Rome's main market for over 300 years. Today it attracts a colorful circus of tourists, performers, hawkers, street artists, and pigeons. The first visit to Piazza Navona might well result in a stiff neck from gazing up at all the sumptuous Baroque beauty.

Pantheon

Visit this iconic former pagan temple converted into a Christian church.

This sanctuary of impressive dimensions is one of the best-preserved buildings of ancient Rome. Erected on the foundations of an earlier temple dating back to 27 BC, its construction was ordered by the Emporer Hadrian in the second century AD. The Pantheon was originally a Pagan temple dedidated to all of the gods. The building's consecration as a church in 609 AD saved it from the abandonment, destruction, and the worst of the spoliation that befell the majority of ancient Rome's buildings during the early medieval period. Its greying exterior may look its age, but inside, a spectacular experience awaits. With light streaming through its oculus, the marble-clad interior seems vast. The Pantheon is home to some notable tombs, including those of painters Annibale Carracci and Raphael and King Vittorio Emanuele II.

Column of Marcus Aurelius

Column formerly dedicated to Emperor Marcus Aurelius; a statue of St. Paul now stands in place of his.

If you turn left at the far end of the Temple of Adrian, you'll arrive at the Column of Marcus Aurelius (Colonna di Marco Aurelio). The column located on Piazza Colonna commemorates the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his victories over the Germanic tribes in Danubian and Marcomannic wars. It was modeled on Trajan's Column (which is located in Trajan's Forum). The column consists of 27 or 28 blocks of Carrara marble, each of 3.7 meters (12 ft) diameter, and was nicknamed the Centenaria, "hundred-footer" because it was 100 Roman feet or 29.60 meters high. On the top of the column was a statue of Marcus Aurelius; today, the apostle Paul stands there.

Via del Corso

One of the main streets in Rome.

The main street running alongside the Piazza Colonna is one of the main streets in Rome, called the Via del Corso. It is remarkable for being absolutely straight in an area characterized by narrow meandering alleys and small piazzas. Its runs 1.5km from Piazza del Popolo all the way to Piazza Venezia and is one of the busiest shopping streets in Rome. You’ll find lots of large international stores all over the street including major retailers such as Nike and Zara, as well as smaller Italian retailers where bargains on boutique pieces of Italian clothing and souvenirs can be found.

Spanish Steps

Take a scenic walk up the 18th-century stairway where Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck set out on their Roman Holiday.

The majestically balustraded Spanish Steps were built in 1723-6 to connect the piazza with the church of the Trinita dei Monti and the Pincio. It quickly became a favorite spot of poets, artists, and writers who gathered on its 137 steps, and it's now a favorite stop for tourists from all over the world. Yet this highly attractive stairway still somehow manages to retain a sense of romance even at the height of the tourist season, and if you happen to get there at the beginning of May you’ll find it laden with tubs of magnificent azaleas. A masterpiece of 18th-century town planning, the steps actually contain a religious message – the three flights and three landings are an allusion to the Holy Trinity.

Keats-Shelly House

Visit the last residence of poet John Keats, now a memorial museum.

The Keats-Shelley House at the foot of the Spanish Steps to the right contains the apartment where the poet John Keats spent the last three months of his life. The House is essentially an archive of English-language literary and historical works and a museum of manuscripts and literary mementoes relating to the Keats circle of the early 19th century, i.e. Keats himself, Percy and Mary Shelley and Byron (who at one time lived across the square).

The Trevi Fountain

Admire one of the most iconic sights in Rome, made famous by Anita Ekberg in La Dolce Vita.

The Trevi Fountain is one of the most iconic sights in Rome thanks to the antics of the shapely Anita Ekberg casting herself into its waters in Frederico Fellini’s cinematic masterpiece, La Dolce Vita. The fountain curiously seems to appear out of virtually nowhere within a warren of backstreets but is nevertheless discovered reasonably early each day by endless crowds of tourists looking to ensure their future return to Rome by tossing a coin back over their should into its crystal clear water (the coins are raked up each morning and donated to the Church organization Caritas). 

Mausoleum of Augustus

Visit the tomb of the first Roman Emperor and his family, which is finally being restored after more than a millenium of neglect.

The huge circular Mausoleum of Augustus, holding the tomb of the Emperor and the principal members of his family was one of the most sacred monuments of the ancient city, but has been somewhat neglected in recent decades, though it has undergone recent restoration. Erected in 28 BC and originally surrounded by a huge public park, it has a diameter of 87m (330 Roman feet), the largest circular mausoleum in the world. 

Piazza del Popolo

Take some time to admire this elegant square that once served as an impressive main entry point into the city of Rome.

The Piazza del Popolo was created in 1538 for Paul III in strict alignment with the three long straight streets which penetrate the city here as a trident. The piazza once acted as one the primary entrances into Rome, and many travelers recorded their first arrival in Rome through the monumental Porta del Popolo, which may have been designed by Michelangelo. An obelisk, 24m high, rises in the center and on the side of the piazza opposite the porta are the twin decorative 17th-century Baroque churches, Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto.

Colosseum

Ancient Roman Ampitheater

Monumental Roman amphitheater once used for gladiatorial games

Vittorio Emanuele II Monument

Visit this grand monument and ascend to the roof through an elevator at the back for the wonderful views of the Roman Forum and Colosseum.

Standing grand and mighty on Capitoline Hill overlooking Piazza Venezia, the monumental marble temple honouring Italy's first king Vittorio Emanuele II is a sight often overlooked by tourists. The impressive wedding cake-like building is home to one of the best views in Rome. Ascend to its rooftop and you can enjoy amazing views over the Roman Forum and Colosseum.  The monument is also the sight of the Altar of the Fatherland (Altare della Patria), which includes an altar to the goddess Rome, and a shrine to the Italian Unknown Soldier, thus making the monument a sort of secular temple dedicated to the country. However, it's unlikely the relatively modest and unassuming Vittorio would have appreciated this massive monument built to his legacy. Inaugurated in 1911 to symbolize the achievement of Italian unity, it irrevocably changed the aspect of the city, throwing out of scale the Capitoline hill itself and causing indiscriminate damage. Familiarly known as ‘Mussolini’s typewriter’ (it was finished during his regime in 1937), it is thought by some locals to be a colossal monstrosity, although for others its symbolic importance makes it a place of reverence, regardless of any architectural criticism.

Capitoline Square & Capitoline Museums

See the square Michelangelo designed to mark the spot of Rome's legendary origins.

This square at the top of the Capitoline Hill, Piazza del Campidoglio, is a lovely piece of town planning designed by Michelangelo. It is surrounded on three sides by stately palaces and an open-end featuring a balustrade. This is the historical center of ancient Rome, and to reflect this fact, Pope Paul III ordered that the famous gilded bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius be moved here from the Lateran hill.  Off of one corner of the square you will find a reproduction of the famous Lupa Capitolina, that is, the statue of the she-wolf that suckled the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. Wander just a bit further and you will be rewarded with an amazing view over the Forum. You'll also find the Capitoline Museums in one of the 15th century palaces fronting the square. These are some of the oldest collections in Rome, containing Classical Roman, Greek, and Egyptian sculptures, as well as Renaissance art.

Markets of Trajan

Take a look around the world's first shopping mall.

Trajan's Forum was the last great forum built in Rome and rivaled the original Forum in scale and grandiosity. However, the only significant structure that remains now is the semicircular ruins of the Trajan Markets, which are often described as the world's first shopping mall. Arcaded passageways led to offices, shops, and apartments, situated in a multi-story structure. It is still possible to visit some of these levels. Within Trajan's Market you will find the Museum of Imperial Fora, one of the best interactive museums covering Ancient Rome. The labeling in English is unsurpassed and the exhibition rooms both in the museum and the rooms of the markets provide a superb introduction to Roman life and the architecture and building methods that were lost for centuries after the fall of the Roman Empire. Two or three hours spent here is time well invested.

Trajan's Column

Relive a saga of war and conquest on this carved frieze as it winds its way up a 140-foot high ancient column.

Built in 113 AD out of 18 massive blocks of marble, the column is decorated with exquisitely executed reliefs which spiral up around it. There are over 2,500 carved figures, and the column tells a detailed and highly visual tale of the Emperor Trajan’s Dacian wars. At the top of the column once stood a statue of the victorious Emperor (replaced by St Peter in 1588), and a spiral stone staircase inside led to a platform from which extensive views could be enjoyed over the rooftops of the city. Today the column is visible from the Piazza Venezia without a ticket, but those with a particular interest in Roman history might consider hiring a private guide who can explain the story depicted by the column in more detail.

Theater of Marcellus

Walk around this ancient Roman amphitheatre that could once hold over 15,000 spectators.

The Theater of Marcellus (Teatro di Marcello) is an ancient Roman theater that has been partly rebuilt and partly restored. Begun by Julius Caesar and finished in A.D. 13 by Augustus, who demolished several temples for the purpose, the theater was dedicated to the son of Augustus's sister Octavia, who died as a young man. While the theater is closed to the public, you can see the 16th-century palazzo that was constructed in part of its huge cavea and admire the theater from three sides as you walk around its arches towards the Portico of Octavia. 

St Peter's Square

Stand in the middle of this famous square in which the faithful gather to hear the Pope give audiences and celebrate mass.

As one of the most superb conceptions of its kind in civic architecture, St Peter’s Square is the masterpiece of Gian Lorenzo Bernini and makes a wonderful approach to one of the world’s most magnificent churches, St Peter's Basilica. An oval rather than an actual square, the piazza, laid out in 1656-67, is partially enclosed by two semi-circular colonnades on which stand 96 statues of saints and martyrs. At the center of the oval stands an 84-foot (26m) tall Egyptian obelisk of red granite.

Sistine Chapel

Gaze up at the world's most famous ceiling, the masterpiece of Michelangelo.

This famous chapel inside the Vatican Museums is best known for Michelangelo's 16th-century painted ceiling of "The Creation of Adam" and "The Last Judgement" fresco that covers the whole altar wall of the chapel. The jaw-dropping sight is not to be missed, considered one of the top highlights of visiting the Vatican Museums and one of the top artistic wonders of the world. 

Vatican Museums

Book early if you want to see the Vatican Museum's monumental works of art from the greatest Italian artists of the Renaissance.

The Vatican Museum is actually 26 different museums, which include not only exhibitions but chapels, apartments, and other rooms of the Vatican palace, covering a huge range of fine and applied arts patronized by the popes. There's also an outstanding collection of ancient antiquities (including even the Emperor Nero's red stone bathtub), a gallery of hand-painted maps, and whole rooms turned into works of art. In addition to ancient and medieval works of art, you'll see masterpieces by the "who's who" of the Italian Renaissance, including Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, and Caravaggio. Other highlights include panels by the brilliant monk-artist Fra Angelico, works from the Venetian school, including Vavarini, and much, much more.  Booking in advance is highly recommended as otherwise you can wait for hours or not even be able to get in at all.

St Peter’s Basilica

Explore the gigantic and incredibly beautiful church known as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom".

The basilica is one of the chief pilgrimage sites in the Christian world, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rome. The basilica is the symbolic center of the church not only because the Pope frequently celebrates Mass there, but because it is believed that the apostle St. Peter is buried beneath it. Catholics consider Peter as the first Bishop of Rome and "the rock" upon which the Catholic Church was built, in accordance with Christ's instructions. Inside you can admire sculptures by Bernini as well as Michelangelo's famous sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding the crucified Jesus, known as The Pietà. The church's elaborate and impressive golden interior is a sight to behold. Other sights include St Peter's tomb, the Papal crypts in the necropolis under the basilica, as well as the dome, which rewards visitors with views over Rome.  Entry is free, but queues to visit the Basilica can be lengthy, so it is highly advised to either get there early or to purchase a skip the line entrance. The dome is also paid entry. 

Vatican Gardens

Escape the crowds in this oasis of green hidden behind the walls of the Vatican.

Accessible only via a guided tour, the gardens are definitely worth a visit. Just as the Popes have for hundreds of years, you can stroll the gardens and relax amidst the greenery, while taking in the perfect view of St. Peter's. 

Mausoleum of Hadrian

Visit this iconic 2nd Century Castle built as the Mausoleum For Emperor Hadrian.

Known as Hadrian's Tomb, the Castel Sant'Angelo is a fortress on the banks of the River Tiber. Originally built as a tomb for the Emperor, it has evolved over the centuries and today it is one of Rome's most underrated museums. Inside you can see the historic Papal apartments, decorated with frescoes from the Renaissance period. Outside you can admire the castle's bastion and rooftop with beautiful views over the river and the Vatican. 

Ponte Sant'Angelo

Walk across this pedestrian bridge that was built in 134 A.D. by Emperor Hadrian.

Hadrian had the bridge built as an approach to his mausoleum, but it didn't gain its magnificent angel statues by Bernini until late in the 17th century. Spanning the River Tiber, it is completely pedestrianised, which allows for great photo opportunities of the castle and St Peter's Basilica in the near distance. 

Baths of Diocletian

Walk the ruins of what was once the largest themal baths in the ancient Roman world.

Covering an area of more than 13 hectares (some 32 acres), the bath complex was commissioned by Emperor Diocletian in 298 AD, with a capacity to host over 3,000 people (twice as many as the Baths of Caracalla). The baths were made of bricks, coated in marble and decorated with mosaics and sculptures. The complex included a gymnasium, a library, a large outdoor swimming pool and cold, hot, and tepid public baths. They remained open until 537 when the Goths cut off the aqueducts in an attempt to conquer Rome. After they fell into disrepair and were left abandoned. Even though only a small part of the public bath complex can be seen and visited, it is extremely impressive, with the possibility to see at some points the high ceilings the baths possessed. The interior includes part of the National Museum of Rome and a permanent exhibition on pre-historic populations of the area. In the outdoor part of the baths, it is possible to stroll through a sixteenth-century garden with nearly 400 works of art, including statues, sarcophagi and reliefs. 

Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli

See a Michelangelo-designed church built within the former Baths of Diocletian.

In 1561, almost 1000 years after the baths of Diocletian fell into disuse, Pope Pius IV decided to build a basilica consecrated to Our Lady of the Angels within the baths. He commisioned the 86-year-old Michelangelo to plan the church, making use of some of the existing structures of the baths. Today a visit to the basilica gives you an idea of the enormous size of the baths. The church was constructed at the site of the former frigidarium (a large cold pool which would be used to close the pores after using the hot baths) and incorporates several elements of the former thermae. The vestibule occupies the former tepidarium (a Roman-style relaxation room) and the imposing entrance is an exedra of the caldarium (a room with a hot plunge bath). Other highlights include the meridian solar line running across the floor, which still accurately calculates the length of the year and the summer and winter solstices. There is also an impressive organ with 5,400 tubes. It is capable of leaving those visitors lucky enough to hear it spellbound.

Palazzo Massimo alle Terme

Visit one of Rome's greatest but most unheralded museums of antiquity.

This light-filled museum holds one of the best classical art collections in the world. The ground and first-floor feature famous Greek and Roman sculptures, mosaics and statues, as well as impressive sarcophagi and high reliefs. The second floor showcases the best preserved Roman frescoes in the world, which are considered the highlight of the museum. Originally located in Villa of Livia (the wife of Augustus) and Villa Farnesina, these colourful frescoes, sometimes covering an entire room, offer a unique view into life in ancient Rome and the critical importance of gardens, nature, and the villa atmosphere to upper echelon Romans. A must visit room is the painted garden room of Villa Livia. There is also a cinema room with a video showing a 3D reconstruction of the Villa Farnesina as it would have been, showing the layout of the rooms in the villa and the frescoes you had seen just moments before. 

Circus Maximus

Watch the locals go for a jog or walk their dogs through what was once the most illustrious sporting venue in the ancient world, where frenzied crowds cheered on their favored team of charioteers in dramatic and sometimes deadly races.

The Circus Maximus lies in the valley between the Palatine and Aventine hills and is the largest uninterrupted open space in the city. It was the first and largest chariot racing circus in Rome, with the first factual reference to it dating from 328 BC. In the days of ancient Rome, the circus was the scene of great entertainment and chariot races and games were held here. Not much remains of it today, but the form of it can still be imagined. 

Baths of Caracalla

Walk around one of the few lasting physical legacies of Emperor Caracalla and admire the structures and well-preserved mosaics of the baths and gyms.

The huge baths are now the best-preserved and most splendid Imperial-era baths in Rome. Built between the years 212 and 216, the baths are one of the most impressive thermae that remains, a site that in its heyday could accommodate 1,600 bathers at a time. As you walk around the imposing walls of the bathhouse you can easily imagine what it would have been like in its glory and splendour. The mosaics on the ground floor are very well preserved and in some places you can even see remnants of games that were carved into the marble of the pool. 

Protestant Cemetery

Visit the lovely final resting place of many famous non-Catholics who died in Rome.

It may not look it from outside the cemetery walls, but it's actually a very romantic setting with tall cypresses and pine trees, and it's beautifully maintained and inhabited by numerous cats. The cemetery was created due to the fact that non-Catholics were not allowed to be buried in Rome's Catholic cemeteries. Since the earliest recorded grave dating from 1738, some 4,000 people have been buried here. The cemetery famously contains the mortal remains of the English romantic poets Johns Keats and Percy Shelley. Other famous tombs in the cemetery include those of the Italian Marxist philosopher Antonio Gramsci, the son of Goethe, and the American Beat poet Gregory Corso, who was buried here in 2001 at his request next to Shelley.

Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

Venture even further south to discover this magnificent and usually missed basilica which holds the tomb of St. Paul and dates back to 324 AD.

Founded by the Emperor Constantine over the tomb of St. Paul, the church is one of Rome's four major papal basilicas. Well off the beaten path, those who do visit it are often surprised to have never heard of such a beautiful and impressive church. Decorated with mosaic tile, the interior is breathtaking. Visitors can also find portraits of every pope from St. Peter to Pope Francis.

Piazza Tasso

Check out Sorrento's main square surrounded by colorful architecture and five-star hotels.

Piazza Tasso is the central square in Sorrento, and is named after the poet Torquato Tasso whose statue stands in the center of the square. The piazza is often used as a main point of reference, as it is situated in the heart of the town where the old and new towns meet. 

Sorrento Cathedral

Step inside this beautiful Roman Catholic Cathedral known for its exquisite ceiling paintings.

The Sorrento Cathedral (Duomo) is located in Sorrento's Old Town, and is dedicated to Saints Philip and James. With its beautiful yet relatively simple white Romanesque facade, it is easily spotted just off of the Corso Italia, one of the main east-west streets through town. It dates as far back as the 11th century but the interior was completely remodeled in the 15th century. It is well worth a visit to see its lovely interior. Be sure to check out the floral ceiling motifs which frame paintings of martyrs of Sorrento, as well as saints and angels lounging amidst the clouds. The choir, meanwhile, is a masterpiece of Sorrentine wood working. 

Sorrento's Men's Club

See the beautifully painted walls and dome of the historic Men's Club in Sorrento, that is, if you are a man yourself.

One of Sorrento's "main" sights is the Sorrento Men's Club. Once the meeting place for Sorrento's noblemen, it is now a daily "retreat" spot where the town's retired gentlemen while away sultry afternoons under the 16th-century frescoed dome, playing cards, board games or reading the newspaper. Sorry, absolutely no women or mobile phones are allowed in the club.

San Francesco Church

Take a peaceful walk around the 14th Century Church and Cloister of San Francesco.

Although the exterior is fairly modest, the church of St. Francis has a rich history. A convent and a cloister, both also dedicated to St. Francis, stand by the church. The cloister mixes many architectural styles, from the Roman era to the Middle Ages, although it remains mostly unchanged since the 14th century. It is surrounded by a park which enjoys wonderful views of the sea. The overall effect creates a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere which makes it a perfect spot for a relaxing walk, as well as a popular wedding venue.

Ravello Town Center (Amalfi Coast)

Sansevero Chapel Museum

See for yourself why the Veiled Christ is the most famous and celebrated sculpture in Naples.

Located inside the Sansevero Chapel is what is considered one of the greatest sculptural masterpieces - the Veiled Christ. The effect of the fabric shroud on the supine Christ delicately covering and yet revealing every detail of the body (even down to the impressions of the stigmata) has made this also one of the most famous and moving sculptures in the world.  The rest of the chapel's interior is also striking. The chapel's patron, Raimondo di Sangro, was a mason and it is filled with masonic symbolism. The slightly erotic statue of Veiled Modesty was sculpted in memory of Raimondo's mother, who died at the age of 23, and is remarkable for the subtlety with which the veil clings to her body. Also of note are the two human cadavers in the chapel's crypt, which perfectly illustrate the complete vascular, renal and digestive systems of the human body. 

Napoli Sotterranea

Discover ancient Greek and Roman ruins in the labyrinth of underground tunnels located 130 feet (40m) below street level.

Head underground to see a fascinating side of Naples where hidden mysteries and interesting historic stories appear around every corner. Located at the original site of the ancient Forum, you can see the remnants of a Roman theater as well as the aqueducts and cisterns which once supplied the city with drinking water. The passages were originally hewn to extract tufa stone used in construction and to channel water from Mt Vesuvius. More recently, the network of conduits and cisterns was used as an air-raid shelter during WWII. Part of the tour takes place by candlelight via extremely narrow passages, so it's not suitable for those who are claustrophobic or have trouble squeezing through tight spaces.

Via San Gregorio Armeno

Walk down this picturesque street to shop where the Neapolitans do when they create their beloved Christmas nativity scenes.

Still central to the city's traditional core is the centuries-old tradition of the nativity scene, or as they are locally known, "presepe" (i.e. cribs). Crowds throng the narrow Via San Gregorio Armeno to stock up on tiny figurines and settings for their own home nativity scenes. The street is lined with souvenir shops selling less expensive figurines as well as the shops of highly-specialized craftsmen making true works of art. 

Duomo

Admire this lavish 13th-century Gothic cathedral which contains miraculous vials of blood of the patron saint of the city, San Gennaro.

The Duomo is a Gothic building from the early 13th century, although its 19th-century facade is actually Gothic Revival. The jaw-droppingly ornate Royal Chapel of the Treasure of St. Januarius is a Baroque addition to church. The church is dedicated to the patron saint of the city, San Gennaro, and precious vials of the saint's blood have been preserved in the chapel.  San Gennaro was martyred at Pozzuoli, just outside Naples in 304 AD under the purges of Emperor Diocletian. Tradition has it that when his body was transferred to Naples' Duomo, two vials of his dried blood liquefied in the bishop's hands, since which time the miracle has continued to repeat itself no fewer than three times a year. Pope Francis was present for the miracle in March 2015, though the blood only half liquified, prompting the pontiff to quip that "the saint only half loves us". He then extorted the congregants to "spread the word, so that he loves us more!".

Da Michele Pizza

Taste the most famous pizza in Naples at the pizzeria featured in Eat, Pray, Love.

This pizzeria has been making pizza since 1870, and many claim that it is the best pizza in Naples. They serve only two kinds of pizza - Margherita and Marinara (without Mozzarella but with lots of garlic and oregano). Be prepared to wait for a spot, at any time of the day. Be prepared to wait and to share a table - no reservations are accepted.

Sea Front Pasta Bar

One of the best pasta places in Naples.

$$$$. Watch your chef prepare your meal in front of you. If you've had your fill of pizza and seafood and want to get back to the Italian staple, then this is one of the best places in Naples. Prices are a bit higher than elsewhere here. [Piazza Municipio 1, Tel. 39 081 1849 6287, www.facebook.com/dimartinoseafront].

Da Michele Pizza

Taste the most famous pizza in Naples at the pizzeria featured in Eat, Pray, Love.

This pizzeria has been making pizza since 1870, and many claim that it is the best pizza in Naples. They serve only two kinds of pizza - Margherita and Marinara (without Mozzarella but with lots of garlic and oregano). Be prepared to wait for a spot, at any time of the day. Be prepared to wait and to share a table - no reservations are accepted.

Sea Front Pasta Bar

One of the best pasta places in Naples.

$$$$. Watch your chef prepare your meal in front of you. If you've had your fill of pizza and seafood and want to get back to the Italian staple, then this is one of the best places in Naples. Prices are a bit higher than elsewhere here. [Piazza Municipio 1, Tel. 39 081 1849 6287, www.facebook.com/dimartinoseafront].

Piazza del Plebiscito

Visit the city's most iconic square and its most popular gathering spot.

Piazza del Plebiscito is Naples' largest and most important piazza. Entering the more than 6 acre large square on the southwest corner, you will be greeted by a grand spectacle. The Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale) stands on one side of the piazza and a long classically-inspired collonade runs along the other side. You are still only steps from the waterfront, and behind you the sea stretches across the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius looms. The colonnade was first created by Joachim Murat, one of Napoleon's field marshall's who was made King of Naples as a reward for his loyalty and success. After his overthrow though, the Bourbon King Ferdinand I made sure to add a church to the center of the colonnade: the Basilica of St. Francis of Paola. This was partially intended as a thumb in the eye to Murat and to the secular ideals of the French Revolution which had briefly overthrown his kingdom. Despite this, the basilica does at least reinforce Murat's classical theme, as it resembles the Pantheon of Rome. Ironically, the square is now also a rebuke to the Bourbons, as it was renamed the "Piazza del Plebiscito" after the referendum which ratified the end of Bourbon rule.

Castel Nuovo

Wander a medieval castle which is one of the city's most famous monuments.

Built in 1282 by the Angevins rulers and later converted into a royal residence by the Aragon monarchs from Spain, the imposing fortress is an important symbol of Naples. Take a stroll around its towering walls, enjoy excellent views over the bay and visit the Palatine Chapel to see its beautiful frescoes. You can also take a guided tour of the castle, including the uppermost terrace, towers, and the basement, which doubled as the castle's dungeon.

Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale)

Discover the lavish former home of Naples' Kings and Queens inside this restored historic palace.

The Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) was built in the 1600's during Spanish rule. The Spanish viceroys had tired of living in the next-door Castel Nuovo, which by then was a drafty, old-fashioned castle. The palace later became the royal residence of the Kingdom of Naples. You can explore its lavishly decorated apartments and impressive throne room while learning all about the city's royal history.  The palace interior is now the Museo dell'Appartamento Storico del Palazzo Reale - a complex of fine halls with period furniture, tapestries, paintings, and porcelain, accessed by a grand staircase. There are good views of Castel Nuovo from the upper floors, and the chapel on the far side of the central courtyard has one of the city's biggest presepi (Christmas crib) filled with 210 18th-century figures. Behind the palace, you'll find the tranquil Giardino Reale gardens and a group of 19th-century sculptures called Horse Trainers by Czar Nicholas I's favorite sculptor. It's also the location of the National Library, founded in 1734 and the most important library in southern Italy

Castel dell'Ovo

Enjoy amazing views as you stand on the ramparts of this imposing fortress jutting out into the sea.

Standing on the ancient island of Megaris which is joined to the shore by a pier, this medieval fortress was built in the 1200's AD on the remains of an earlier Roman villa. Known as the "egg-castle", it takes its name from the legend that it was built over an egg placed here by the Roman poet Virgil: it is believed that if the egg breaks, Naples will fall. According to another old legend, the lifeless body of the mermaid Parthenope was washed ashore here after she gave herself up to death upon failing to win the heart of Ulysses. Hence the name of the waterfront street facing the castle - Via Partenhope. Other than the Museum of Ethnoprehistory housed within the castle, there's not too much to see in the interiors, but that's okay because the views are the best in town: a 360-degree panorama over the entire bay and back over Naples itself. When you're finished, you can go for drinks at one of the quayside restaurants in the Borgo Marinaro below.

Da Michele Pizza

Taste the most famous pizza in Naples at the pizzeria featured in Eat, Pray, Love.

This pizzeria has been making pizza since 1870, and many claim that it is the best pizza in Naples. They serve only two kinds of pizza - Margherita and Marinara (without Mozzarella but with lots of garlic and oregano). Be prepared to wait for a spot, at any time of the day. Be prepared to wait and to share a table - no reservations are accepted.

Brothel

Visit the Lupanare (brothel) of Pompeii to see the preserved erotic paintings and ancient grafiti.

The only brothel in town is located behind the Stabian Baths and has five small cells, each with its own built-in stone bed and a series of explicitly erotic paintings, possibly acting as a menu from which customers could identify their required services, or perhaps simply as a bit of "inspirational" decoration. Unsurprisingly, it is one of the most visited ruins in Pompeii.  

House of the Tragic Poet

Visit this fascinating restored Pompeiian home with a famous animal mosaic.

On the threshold is a mosaic dog, with the inscription cave canem ('beware of the dog'). Some of the most striking wall paintings housed in the National Archaeological Museum in the center of Naples were taken from this house.

House of the Vettii

Visit this incredibly well-preserved upper class residence.

The House of the Vetti is one of the richest and most famous sights in Pompeii. It was the property of two wealthy merchants, and it features some beautiful original wall paintings, still in their original positions, the most famous (or notorious) of which is the extraordinary front image of the god Priapus weighing his enormous phallus against a money bag.

Amphitheater

See the oldest surviving Roman amphitheatre - built in 70 BC!

The amphitheatre was used as a venue for bloody gladiatorial shows with a capacity to hold over 20,000 spectators. It is one of the oldest and most complete pre-Colosseum amphitheatres in the Roman world and was miraculously well preserved following the eruption in 79 AD.