Tours and shore excursions available from Naples, from Sorrento, from Positano, from Amalfi and Ravello. Please, see all the tours listed below and all the possible options, for full day or half day. By booking your own private driver, you can desire at any time to change your itinerary and have the freedom of travelling without being in a big tour group
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Full days tours 8 or 9 hrs
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Half day tours (4 hrs) 9AM to 1PM or 2PM to 6PM
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HERCULANEUM
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In 1997 the archaeological sites of Herculaneum and Pompei were inscribed upon the world heritage list of UNESCO, concerning the protection of the world cultural and natural heritage, that has confirmed the exceptionality value of these cultural sites, which needs protection for the benefit of all humanity.
The origin of Herculaneum are dated in the 6th century BC. by the Greeks, an ancient tradition connected the name to the Greek hero Hercules. In the year 89 B.C. the town became a Roman municipium and thank's to its location (along the sea shore and on the buttom of mounth Vesuvius), the town became a very important resort for wealthy Roman families.
On august 24th of the 79AD, the catastophic eruption of mount Vesuvius, buried the town under 20 meters of vulcanic mud. The digs began in Herculaneum in 1738, using the technique of underground tunnels until 1828 when open-air digs were authorized. By 1958, all the area constituting the current archaeological park, was brought to light and contemporary restored.
It was long thought that nearly all of the inhabitants managed to escape because initial excavations revealed only a few skeletons. Only in 1982, when the excavations reached the beach area, this view changed. In a few boats archaeologists discovered 250 skeletons.
A visit to this site takes two hrs, an official guide is suggested and available on request.
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| POMPEI. |
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Pompei was founded by Greek colonist called OSCANS, in around the 8th centuries BC. In the 5th century it went under the Samnite control and is during this time that it got a remarkable growth, forming the historical centre whose remains are still visible. A few centuries later, Rome had begun its gradual advance towards south Italy, and in the 80 BC, the city became a Roman Colony, with name COLONIA CORNELIA VENERIA POMPEII. Under the Romans, the city continued to expand and develop in every sector. All the activities linked to trade and maritime traffic, that increased the prestige and the prosperity of the city. On august 24thof the year 79 AD, the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried the city under 6 meters of ash and lapilli (24 feet). The inhabitants, who for the most part went in the direction of the coast, were suffocated by the fumes and gases, others met death in their own homes.After the ash covered the city, it was abandoned and even the name and locations were forgotten. Only in early 1700 accidently they finded the ruins of this city, the excavations started in 1748 and up today, the 2/3 of the city is been excavated. Today, Pompei is considered the most important archaeological site in Europe, with approximately 3 milion visitors a year.
Official guide is suggested and available on request.
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| MOUNTH VESUVIUS |
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Mount Vesuvius is located near the sea shore, 6 km south east of Naples, it is considered the most dangerous volcano in Europa because of its tendency towards explosive eruptions. The crater is at 1280 meters above sea (about 4000 ft.). there is a panoramic road to drive up to 1000 meters ASL, then is 30 minutes walk to the crater. The mounten has erupted many times during the history, the most catastrophic was dated august 24/25 of the 79 AC that led to the distruction of the roman cities of POMPEI and HERCULANEUM. All the details for this eruption are been recorded and reported to us by the roman writer Pliny the yonger who observed the disaster from the town of Miseno, 35 km away. Last eruption was dated in march 1944.
Today, the volcano is closely monitored by the Osservatorio Vesuviano in Naples and there is no sign for a new eruption in the next future.
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| PAESTUM |
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The town of Paestum was founded by the Greeks around the 600 BC. It was called POSEIDONIA because dedicated to Poseidon, the God of sea. In the 400 BC this town was occupied by an Italian population called Lucans, they ruled the town till the 273 BC when it became a Roman Colony and renamed in PAESTUM. With fall of the Roman Empire was olso the decline of Paestum, and little by little all the area became quite unhealthy. The malaria had already spread all over the place and the built up area became marshy. However, these magnificen ruins were preserved by marshes and woods, which prevented them from being destroyed. This old town was discovered in 1750 when they were building the modern road.The main attraction of this site are the remains of three Greek temples Doric style, builted between the 550BC and450BC:
1)The temple of Hera, 2)the temple of Athena 3)the temple of Apollo. These three temples are considered as the best preserved in all the Magna Graecia. Next to the famous temples, is the entrance to the archaeological museum which contains all the artifacts found during the excavations of the city, including the famous TOMB OF THE DIVER found in a Necropolis outside the city. On september 1943, during the Allied invasion of Italy, Paestum was the lending beach for the US 36th infantry Division. A visit to the temples and museum, takes two hours.
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| NAPLES |
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Third biggest city in Italy and capital of the Region Campania. From Naples the tourist can visit a wealth of interesting destinations in southern Italy: The Amalfi coast, the Volcano of Vesuvius, and the archaeological sites of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Paestum are all close by.The origin of Naples are dated in the 7th century B.C. by the Greeks who named NEAPOLIS (in Greek means new city). Its beautiful gulf is bordered by mounth Vesuvius on the east, the Sorrento Peninsula and island of Capri on the south. The traditions, the culture, the history and the beauty of its monuments, makes Naples one of the most famous cities in the world. A visit to the city takes no less then one day, important museums needs to be seen, as:
1) the Archaeological Museum considered one of the most important for Roman history in the world. It hosts most of the artifact from Pompeii and Herculaneum, as well as some artifacts from the Greek and Renaissance periods.
2)The art gallery of Capodimonte, paintings from the 13th to the 18th century, including major works by Simone Martini,Raphael,Titian and Caravaggio.
Then a visit to the historic centre, to look all the different type of architecture, as the Medieval, the Renasissance and the Baroque. In this area there is same of the very important Churches than needs to be seen, as: Santa Chiara, Gesù Nuovo, San Severo Chapel and the Duomo of San Gennaro.
SEE THE EVENTS
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| ROYAL PALACE OF CASERTA |
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The construction of the palace was begun in 1752 by the architect Luigi Vanvitelli. The reasons for building the Palace were to have a new magnificent administrative capital of the Kingdom in Caserta and to protect the court from possible attacks from the sea. The King also decided to build a theatre, a large library, and a university. The Palace might have been a splendid place for court ceremonies, too. As finished, the palace has some 1,200 rooms, and a royal theatre modelled after the Teatro San Carlo of Naples. The garden, a typical example of the baroque extension of formal vistas, is inspired by the park of Versailles, but it is commonly regarded as superior in beauty...
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| WINE TASTING TOUR |
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This excursion takes us into the hinterland of the Region Campania, in the province of Avellino, better known as IRPINIA. This area is famous for the production of four different kind of wines:
AGLIANICO and TAURASI (red wines)
FIANO and GRECO DI TUFO (white wines)
Above mentioned wines, are considered as same of the best wines produced in Italy.
Same of the most important cellars can be visited under reservation, but it has to be arranged in advance, as:
CANTINE ANTONIO CAGGIANO, MASTROBERARDINO and FEUDI DI SAN GREGORIO.
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| AMALFI COAST, BREATHTAKING VIEWS: |
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Sorrento peninsula south shore, is known as the famous Amalfi Coast. This coast line start from the hills above Sorrento to Vietri sul mare, all along the gulf of Salerno. offering to the visitors always different views, as: little islands, fishing villages, Saracen towers and wonderful landscape. The entire coastline is very steep, the road was builted high up above the clear sea, offering what is considered the most breathtaking drive in the Mediterranean sea. The highlight is the drive along the scenic coastline and the opportunity to visit the towns of POSITANO, AMALFI AND RAVELLO, spendig one hour or more in each one of these towns, to see same of the architectural and artistic works of great significance.
The Amalfi coast has been included in the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LIST, since 1997.
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| SORRENTO AND ITS PENINSULA: |
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A famous holiday resort, Sorrento stands on a terrace at 200 Ft above the sea level, in one of the most spectacular point in the gulf of Naples. Because of its enchanting position and mild climate, Sorrento had been a favorite resort since the Roman times. A nice walk through the alley-streets or the main square, gives you the opportunity to see the numerous shops selling lace, Embroidery and inlaid woodwork for which the town is famous.
A driving tour on hill side of Sorrento, will take us to Massalubrense and Sant'Agata sui due Golfi,to look one of the most spectacular views, the golf of Naples, the golf of Salerno, and the islands of Capri and Ischia.
SEE THE EVENTS
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| POSITANO |
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One of the most fashionable seaside towns in Italy, artists, and then tourists, have been attracted to this delightful town, where the characteristic white houses and luxuriant gardens, descend in steps to the clear sea. John Steinbeck, in one of his many articles on Positano, wrote that it is a dream place, isn't quite real when You are there but becomes real after you have gone.
SEE THE EVENTS |
| AMALFI |
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Famous tourist resort, it was an indipended republic from the 7th century untill the year 1075
and rivalled with Pisa and Genoa for prosperity and maritime importance in the Mediterranean.
The most important monumets is the Cathedral of St. Andrew originaly builted in the 11th C. in Arabian-Sicilian style is one of the most beautiful in Italy, and is overlooking the main square.
It keeps many old elements, as the famous bronze doors imported from Costantinopoli and Chapel of Crucified. The rich façade is decorated with mosaics and is a reconstruction from the XVIII Century. The interior, thoroughly restored, consists of nave, aisles and chapels. From the forth chapels on the right a Flight of steps descends to the crypt, built in 1253. Below the altar rests the body of St Andrew the Apostle, brought here from Constantinople in 1208, as evidence of the participation of Amalfi to the IV Crusade.
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| RAVELLO |
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1100 feet above the see level, was founded in the 9th century AD under the rule of Amalfi.
The town is a garden of beauties, full of art, history and flowers. The main square is dominated by the Duomo of St. Pantaleone, built in the 1086. The façade has three portals, the central one, are the famous bronze doors sculpted by Barisano Da Trani in 1180. On side of the square, is the entrance to Villa Rufolo, an example of Norman-Saracenic buildings from the11 Century, partly in ruins, the palace is surrounded by a famous tropical garden. Is in this garden that Wagner found his inspiration for the magic garden of Klingsor in his Parsifal. A short walk
from the square is Villa Cimbrone, with a beautiful lush garden, at the end of this garden is the famous Belvedere Cimbrone, the furthest point of the ridge on which Ravello lies. Every year from early april to the end of october in the gardens of VILLA RUFOLO take place the prestigious RAVELLO MUSIC FESTIVAL, which is one of the oldest music festivals in Italy.
SEE THE EVENTS
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| FOR DEVOTEED TO FATHER PIO: PILGRIMAGE TO SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO: |
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This trip take us across the Italian peninsula, from the west coast to the east coast, infact, the town of San Giovanni Rotondo is located in the Region of Puglia, near the east coast of Italy.
This is the town where Father Pio has lived the last 50 years of His life, and is the town where He died in September 1968.
He was buried in the crypt of the old Church of SANTA MARIA DELLE GRAZIE. In the year 2002, under the pontificate of Pope John Paul II. he has been canonized with the name of St. Pio da Pietralcina, because he was born in Pietralcina, a town Just outside Benevento. March 4th of 2008, his corp have been removed from the grave and from April 24th will be exposed to the veneration of the pilgrims.
SEE THE EVENTS - WWW.CONVENTOPADREPIO.IT
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| FIND YOUR ANCIENT ROOTS: |
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Millions of people, expecialy in Northern and Southern Amarica have Italian blood in their veins. Infat, starting from 1870, hundreds of thousands of people left Italy (80% of them were from the Southern Region)directed to USA, Canada, Argentina, Venezuela etc. Today, most of their grandchildren are interested in visiting and discovering their ancestral towns, to find out the history of their Italian family. If you are interested in discovering where your ansisters lived, the Church where they were Baptized and the street where they were born, the most important imformations that you should know, is the name of the town where they came from and their Italian surname.
Everything else is my Job !
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