Exploring Naples and the Phlegraean Fields - a journey through history and the sea

Sailing along the Sibilla's Route you'll reach the lively tourist port of Naples, where the crystal clear sea meets the frenetic energy of the city. Surrounded by modern yachts and historic vessels, the harbour offers breathtaking views of Mount Vesuvius and a taste of the unique atmosphere of this metropolis. From here, after enjoying the sea breeze and admiring the panorama, you can begin your adventure inland to discover the hidden treasures of Naples.   Immerse yourself in the inexhaustible charm of Naples and start your adventure in the beating heart of the city: the Centro Storico, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This maze of ancient streets is a journey back in time, and your first stop can only be Spaccanapoli , the historic artery that runs through the centre, offering an authentic glimpse of Neapolitan life. During your visit to Spaccanapoli, don't miss the chance to visit the Cathedral of Naples , a masterpiece of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, famous for housing the Treasure of San Gennaro. This treasure, an incredible collection of relics and jewels, is linked to a thousand-year-old tradition that fascinates and surprises thousands of visitors every year. The magic continues at the Cappella Sansevero , a jewel of Neapolitan Baroque, where the sculpture of the Veiled Christ, with its surprisingly transparent marble veil, is one of the most enigmatic and evocative works in the world. In the afternoon, head to the National Archaeological Museum of Naples a veritable treasure trove of antiquity. One of the most prestigious museums in the world, , it houses one of the richest and most varied collections of ancient art, with extraordinary finds from the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Each room tells a different story, from magnificent statues to colourful mosaics, giving a complete overview of daily life in ancient Rome. After such an intense visit, it's time to take a break. Take a walk in the majestic Piazza del Plebiscito, the monumental heart of Naples. This magnificent square, surrounded by the Royal Palace and the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola , is the idealplace to savour Neapolitan tradition. To end your day, head to Lungomare Caracciolo, a picturesque promenade that winds along the coast and offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Naples. Your walk may take you to Castel dell'Ovo, the city's oldest castle, located on a picturesque islet and steeped in a myriad of fascinating legends and stories. Admire the view from the top of the castle and let the charm of Naples envelop you, as the sun sets over the sea, bathing the city in a magical golden light.

Start your day with a visit to the Flavian Amphitheatre of Pozzuoli, the third largest in Italy. This majestic Roman structure is not only an imposing monument, but also a testament to the grandeur of ancient architecture. Imagine walking among its ancient stones, listening to the whisper of stories that have passed through the centuries and admiring the vastness of a building that once hosted spectacular fights and public demonstrations. Continue your journey to the Astroni Crater, a true protected natural oasis. This corner of paradise offers a trekking route that will take you through breathtaking landscapes. Walking along the paths that wind through the volcanic craters, you will have the opportunity to come into contact with extraordinary fauna and flora, living an immersive experience in wild and uncontaminated nature. After regenerating your senses in nature, head for Rione Terra, the ancient beating heart of Pozzuoli. This Roman quarter is a veritable open-air museum, where the streets and buildings tell the story of past centuries. Recent archaeological excavations have revealed layers of civilisation that will allow you to take a fascinating journey back in time, and discover the deep roots of this historic city. In the afternoon, explore the Park and the Archaeological Museum of Cumae, another jewel of ancient history. Here you can visit the Cave of the  Sibyl, the legendary place where the priestess was famous for her prophecies. Walking among the ruins of one of the first Greek cities in Italy, you can imagine what life must have been like at that time and how the Greeks influenced the culture and history of this region.

Start your day imagining yourself in the beating heart of one of Italy's most fascinating regions, immersed in an atmosphere of history and beauty: the Castello di Baia. This imposing mediaeval building, which today houses the Archaeological Museum of the Campi Flegrei, is much more than a simple fortress. It is a portal that takes us back in time, revealing the wonders of ancient Campania. Walking through its rooms you can admire an extraordinary collection of archaeological finds coming from the many historical sites in the surrounding area. Each piece, from the smallest to the largest artefact, tells stories of past civilisations and gives us a glimpse of how people lived centuries ago. The exhibits are carefully curated and allow you to fully understand the cultural and historical richness of the Campi Flegrei. But the magic of the area does not end there. For those looking for a truly unique experience, the Underwater Archaeological Park of Baia is one of the most extraordinary wonders of the region. Imagine diving into the crystal clear waters and discovering the remains of an ancient Roman city, now submerged. Diving and snorkelling will allow you to explore a fascinating underwater world where ruins and artefacts lie silently beneath the surface, offering you a unique opportunity to see history from a whole new perspective. But that's not all. For a trip back in time that combines history and relaxation, don't miss the Terme di Baia. These ancient Roman thermal baths, with their majestic structures, are still able to enchant visitors with their grandeur. Not only do they offer a fascinating immersion in the history of Roman wellness, but also spectacular panoramic views that make every visit an unforgettable experience.

In the afternoon, don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and beauty of the Piscina Mirabilis, a masterpiece of Roman engineering and the largest cistern in antiquity. Imagine yourself in a place that, centuries ago, was a vital water reserve for the mighty Roman fleet. This extraordinary underground structure, with its majestic columns and impressive rooms, tells stories of ingenuity and grandeur that have defied time. Walking through its walls is like stepping back in time and discovering how the Romans met the challenges of their time with architectural solutions of incredible sophistication. After exploring Piscina Mirabilis, take a relaxing break at Lago Miseno, a haven of tranquillity surrounded by natural beauty. This enchanting coastal lake is the perfect place for a refreshing walk or a family picnic. Its tranquil waters and surrounding countryside, rich in lush vegetation, provide an idyllic setting in which to relax and enjoy the tranquillity of the place. Whether you are a history buff or simply looking for a moment of peace, this combination of antiquity and nature offers a truly unique experience.

Continue your journey towards the Torregaveta belvedere, a panoramic point offering breathtaking views of the Campi Flegrei and the surrounding islands. This privileged corner is the ideal place to be enchanted by the natural beauty of one of Italy's most fascinating landscapes. From the terrace of the Belvedere you can gaze out over the horizon and see the vast expanse of the Campi Flegrei, an area rich in history and unique geology. The islands, with their varied shapes and mysterious charm, appear like pearls in the sea, completing a picture of extraordinary beauty. Continuing your journey, you will find yourself in Porto di Acquamorta, a small but charming tourist port that looks like a picture postcard. This picturesque corner of paradise is the ideal place for a sunset stroll on the adjacent beach, where the waves gently break on the sand and the serene atmosphere invites you to relax.

We continue our journey with one of the stops on the Golden Mile: Portici. We start our day with a visit to the Pietrarsa Railway Museum, a place that celebrates the evolution of the railway. Set in a suggestive environment, the museum offers a complete overview of the history of the Italian railways, with a collection of historic locomotives and valuable documents. Walking among the tracks and the old machines, it is easy to imagine the adventurous journeys that have connected cities and towns. Continuing along this historic route, we arrive at the Royal Palace of Portici, a magnificent royal residence that, with its elegant architecture and well-tended gardens, represents a golden age of the Bourbon kingdom. The Royal Palace is not only an architectural masterpiece, but also an important testimony to the aristocratic life of the time. Its interior, rich in frescoes and sumptuous furnishings, conveys a sense of grandeur and refinement. Our itinerary continues towards the Villa d'Elboeuf, another architectural gem that deserves to be discovered. With its refined style and enchanting gardens, this villa is an example of luxury and opulence. Every corner of Villa d'Elboeuf tells the story of the social and cultural events that have marked the history of the region.

The end of this fascinating itinerary is Villa Campolieto, another architectural marvel of the Golden Mile. This villa, famous for its elegant façade and splendid interiors, offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding gardens and the Campania countryside. Villa Campolieto is a perfect example of the art and architecture of the period and its visit is a complete immersion in the beauty and history of the past.

Finally, we conclude our itinerary at Villa La Favorita, a jewel that represents the pinnacle of art and culture on the Golden Mile. With its spacious rooms, elaborate decorations and manicured gardens, Villa La Favorita is a place where past and present meet in a celebration of beauty and elegance.