Welcome to a journey through the historic landscapes of Naples and Pompeii, where ancient tales and archaeological wonders intertwine to tell stories of civilizations past. Our adventure to this historic region was more than just a voyage; it was a reawakening. Our first encounter with the grandeur of Naples and Pompeii was aboard one of the Mediterranean’s majestic cruises – the Royal Caribbean’s “Harmony Of The Seas”. The cruise took place soon after the world had slowly emerged from the shadow of the pandemic in the Autumn of 2021.
With a tour group pulsing with excitement, we disembarked in Naples, a city bustling with life and echoes of an ancient past. Our guide, Seb, was not just knowledgeable but a storyteller who painted history with his words, capturing the essence of the lands we traversed.
Naples: A Confluence of Cultures
Nestled along the vibrant coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea lies Naples, a city whose history is as rich and layered as its famous Neapolitan pizza. The roots of Naples reach deep into the antiquity of Greek settlements in the 2nd millennium BC. Known then as Parthenope, and later re-founded as Neapolis (“New City”) in the 6th century BC, Naples flourished as a vital member of Magna Graecia, influencing the cultural tapestry of Roman society when it became part of the Roman Republic. [Read more…]
Over the centuries, Naples has been the prized jewel for various empires, serving as the capital of duchies, kingdoms, and finally part of the Two Sicilies until the unification of Italy in 1861. Its storied past is visible in the rich tapestry of its art and architecture, with influences from the Renaissance, Enlightenment, and Baroque periods, the latter of which was greatly inspired by the revolutionary artist Caravaggio. [Read more…]
A year later, with the allure of Amalfi Coast calling, we returned to the Bay Of Naples. This time, the journey was ours alone to command with a week-long stay near Sorrento. We explored Capri and the surrounding regions, savoring the freedom to discover the nooks and crannies of this timeless land on our own terms.
The Day Time Stopped
The eruption of Vesuvius was a two-day horror that began with a pumice rain, allowing many inhabitants to flee. The city of Pompeii and other nearby towns like Herculaneum were then entombed by pyroclastic flows, which obliterated structures and claimed the lives of those who remained. This natural disaster, paradoxically, immortalized the daily life, art, and even the residents of Pompeii, offering an unparalleled archaeological and historical record. [Read More…]
Embracing the Past
Today, Naples pulsates with life, rich with historical sites, while Pompeii stands as a testament to a moment in time that has captivated the imagination of travelers, historians, and archaeologists alike. As we stroll through the modern streets of Naples or traverse the ancient paths of Pompeii, we walk in the footsteps of countless generations, each with their own stories, contributing to the eternal narrative of these extraordinary places.
Watch the video below for a guided bus tour that began our journey in Naples back in 2021. We hope you will enjoy the experience!
All Around The World 