The third largest city in Italy, Naples is a bustling and exciting place; teeming with life and sensory experiences to be had. Whilst on the tour you enjoy the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the city in the historic centre, yet return each night to the serene Grand Hotel Santa Lucia. Located on the coast with beautiful views of the Castell dell’Ovo and the Bay of Naples itself, the Santa Lucia has helpful staff and wonderful facilities, making it the perfect refuge from the city’s more rugged centre. With countless delicious restaurants within walking distance, the hotel is a real treat to stay at.
Naples provides a gateway to two of the most interesting archaeological sights from our time: Herculaneum and Pompeii. Both are reached by a comfortable Kirker coach transfer with the group. It was fascinating to see the two sights and how they compared to each other, though the highlight of the trip, in my opinion, was an exclusive visit in Pompeii. A sumptuous bathhouse, private residence and extensive bakery have been uncovered mere months ago, and the findings have been documented in a BBC three-part documentary “Pompeii: The New Dig”. The sites looked as though the Romans could have been there just yesterday, the true ‘Pompeii effect’! There was even a bowl balanced on the side of the shared bath which would have been in the exact same position when Vesuvius erupted nearly two thousand years ago. To be able to gain entry to this new find and be shown around by one of the lead archaeologists on the still ongoing dig was an absolute privilege and is one of the reasons clients use Kirker. We have spent years cultivating positive relationships with our partners and being able to get exclusive access to sites that the public cannot is part of the Kirker difference.
In a similar vein, another real highlight of the Bay of Naples Cultural Tour is a day trip the group takes to the beautiful island of Ischia. Lesser known that its neighbour Capri, the island’s natural beauty is stunning and the villages on the island are especially charming. The highlight is the group visit to La Mortella; universally recognised as one of the world’s most spectacular gardens, it was developed by the late Susan Walton, wife of British composer Sir William Walton. The garden is exquisite and, if you see it on this tour, completely empty other than the Kirker group. We enter with exclusive access at a time when the garden is not yet open to the public. You will be shown around by a specialist guide and be able to enjoy all that the subtropical garden has to offer in a completely private setting. It will be a visit you won’t quickly forget, and provides a regenerative experience next to the ancient history and ruins that you will see.
For those departing on the Kirker Bay of Naples Tours in 2025 & 2026, you will travel with Kirker Tour Leader, Stephen Nelson, and a local guide who both provide you with invaluable insight both on site and at the Archaeological Museum, as well as specialist knowledge whilst seeing the thought-provoking Veiled Christ in the Sansevero Chapel and the striking ‘Seven Works of Mercy’ by Caravaggio. As an artist and sculptor who has exhibited at many galleries internationally, it is a complete delight to be shown these pieces by Stephen, enhancing the experience so significantly rather than seeing them independently. Stephen also lives in Italy for part of the year so he provides local and specialist knowledge, and experience to ensure that you have a wonderful trip. I know I’ll be returning to Naples to uncover more that the city has to offer.
