As you enter Naples, (Napoli in Italian) either by sea or land you will realize you have entered a unique and extraordinary place.  Naples is a city of lovely panoramas, Mt Vesuvius, castles and pastel color buildings that pervade the landscape. A "live out loud" city, bustling with intense and friendly interaction amongst its locals.

You may choose to visit the Galleria Umberto, the San Carlo Theatre, the Royal Palace or perhaps the Archeological Museum containing significant treasures of Pompeii.  The Capodimonte Museum may catch your fancy with the National Gallery featuring epic artists such as El Greco and Caravaggio.

Perhaps you want to explore Spaccanapoli the oldest section of Naples with its narrow streets and ancient churches which date back to Greek and Roman times.  From the Gothic Santa Chiara with the majolica tiled Cloister to the church of Gesu Nuovo to the Sanservero famous for the marble statue of the Veiled Christ to the Duomo cathedral home of the patron saint of Naples, San Gennaro.  Spaccanapoli weaves through a working class neighborhood of full of Neopolitan energy! Between the street vendors, churches, and lively piazzas you won’t find a more typical example of Old Naples.  This is also the section with the street of nativities so popular during Christmas. During this time locals and visitors look for that one of a kind set to take home to add to their presepi. 

A day at the beach more to your liking?  No problem, a quick trip to the area of Posillipo to Bagno Elena for a day on the bay.  The remainder of your day could consist of enjoying the view from this panoramic spot with a box lunch and a ride to the top of Posillipo for a view of the Bay and Mt Vesuvius that will take your breath away.  End your day with that most famous of Italian treats a gelato in Mergellina at Chalet Della Palma to round off your unique Naples experience.

Culinary adventurists unite!  Few things are more important in Naples than food, and good food at that.  Perhaps a visit to a patisseria for the seasonal specialty pastries Zeppole, struffoli or those available all the time sfogliatelle or baba soaked in rum.  Always accompanied by a Neapolitan coffee (espresso) which Neapolitan women work years to perfect with their unique versions of coffee pots, coffee and serving style.  Tour a bakery in operation, a slice of fresh hot bread anyone? A tour of the local fish markets with today's catch.  Lunch could be at a local Osteria (small family run "locals only" restaurant) where today's lunch is a culinary surprise posted daily on a chalk board enjoyed with a carafe of wine and you have a day in Naples you will never forget.

Whatever you choose, you will depart knowing that you have entered a unique and special city where you will take home memories of time well spent.