The Bay of Naples

SIX NIGHT HOLIDAYS | 20 MARCH & 30 OCTOBER 2023

The ancient and imperial history of Naples and its glorious bay is so powerfully etched into the minds of travellers to the region that it often comes as a shock to remember that, after the fall of the Roman Empire, Naples was reborn and went on to establish itself as a major historic and cultural centre. After the Romans came the Byzantine influence, followed by the Normans, the Spanish and the Bourbons. With a fascinating history and a vibrant present, Naples is now a city determined to show off its unique charms to the full. Visits to the Roman sites along the coast are included, as is a wonderful day on the verdant island of Ischia.

the itinerary

We travel to Naples and stay for six nights at the 4* Grand Hotel Santa Lucia.

We begin our visit with a panoramic sightseeing tour of the thronging, colourful streets of Naples. Each of the city’s neighbourhoods has its own distinctive flavour, with vastly contrasting worlds. We will visit Castel Nuovo which dominates the seafront and also the vast and impressive Palazzo Reale, where we will see the Museum of the Royal Apartments.

Today we go to Herculaneum, which contrasts in every way with Pompeii. Excavations began here in 1738 under the enlightened patronage of the Bourbon King Charles. Sunk in mud and perfectly preserved, Herculaneum is a mysterious and haunting place. We also visit the beautifully restored Villa Oplontis, once home to Poppaea, the second wife of the Emperor Nero.

We will see several works by Caravaggio today – ‘The Seven Acts of Mercy’ at the Pio Monte della Misericordia and ‘The Martyrdom of St. Ursula’. We will visit the glorious and richly decorated interiors of the Cathedral of San Gennaro, and end the day in the Capodimonte Museum. It was built by Charles VII of Naples and Sicily to house the matchless collection of paintings and ancient sculptures inherited from his mother. We will see a third Caravaggio here, ‘The Flagellation of Christ’.

We will cross the Bay of Naples to spend a day on the island of Ischia. Sir William Walton and his wife, Susana, lived on the island from the 1950s. Walton composed many works at their villa, La Mortella and Susana created the garden, which is acknowledged as one of the world’s most ravishing. We will tour the island before ending the day with a guided tour of the garden at La Mortella.

TOUR LEADER

STEPHEN NELSON

Stephen Nelson is an artist who divides his time between London and Italy. He has exhibited internationally and recent exhibitions include the Royal Academy summer show and Skin Falls Apart at Francesco Pantaleone Gallery, Palermo. Stephen has taught throughout France, Italy and Mexico, but his speciality is southern Italy “the Mezzogiorno” – particularily the regions of Basilicata, Campania, Puglia and Sicily.

DAY 6

Back to the world of the Romans, we visit Pompeii, frozen in time for almost 1,700 years. We will see the clearly defined townscape with its houses, shops and amphitheatre, all in the shadow of Vesuvius. The afternoon is spent in the Museum of National Antiquities which is full of impressive finds from the ancient sites around the Bay of Naples.

We drive to the airport for the flight back to London.

DAY 7

the hotel

The Grand Hotel Santa Lucia is a fine Liberty style hotel, built in 1900 by the famous architect, Giovan Battista Comencini. It overlooks Castel dell’Ovo and is 15 minutes’ walk from Teatro San Carlo. There is a stylish restaurant, an atmospheric bar and 95 bedrooms.

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP 20 March 30 October £2,279 £450

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways: March departure: Depart London Heathrow, 14.15 arrive Naples 17.55 Depart Naples 11.05, arrive London Heathrow 12.50 October departure: Depart London Heathrow 14.15, arrive Naples 17.55 Depart Naples 19.45, arrive London Heathrow 21.35 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights • Six nights’ accommodation with breakfast staying in classic rooms • Three dinners • All sightseeing, entrances fees and gratuities • The services of a Kirker Tour Lecturer