 Dominating
the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius exerts its mystique over every visitor
to the city. Our tour will begin with an excursion to the ruins of Pompeii,
destroyed by the momentous eruption of 79 AD. The ancient world is vividly
brought to life in the statues, mosaics and frescoes of the Archaeological
Museum in Naples. After a morning visit here we will drive out
to the Roman villa at Oplontis. We hope to arrange lunch
at one of the Ville Vesuviane, a country house in a beautiful garden setting,
before continuing to the evocative remains of the town of Herculaneum.
We shall be staying at an elegant small hotel, set in the cloister of
a former convent ideally located between the historic centre and the Lungomare.
There will be two free afternoons for independent exploration or shopping.
In the narrow streets of Spaccanapoli, heart of medieval
Naples, we will discover the tranquil gardens of Santa Chiara,
known for their majolica decoration; the 18th-century sculpture in the
Cappella Sansevero; the Franciscan church of San
Lorenzo Maggiore and, subject to permission, the little convent
church and cloister of San Gregorio Armeno. Our visits
will also include the Cathedral, with its 5th-century
baptistery and revered chapel of San Gennaro and the Pio Monte
della Misericordia, with a series of paintings by Caravaggio
and his contemporaries.
As we explore the city, we shall see how successive eras of foreign rule
fashioned Neapolitan art and architecture, from the castles and churches
of the dukes of Anjou to the palaces and art collections of the Aragonese
and Bourbon dynasties. We will drive up to the Certosa di San
Martino, to visit the church and enjoy the spectacular views
over the city and the Bay of Naples. From here we continue to the Royal
Palace of Capodimonte, housing the superb collection
of art which originated with the Farnese family. On the last morning we
will visit the neo-classical Villa Pignatelli, the richly-furnished
showcase of the Banco di Napoli’s art collection.
During our stay we have planned a day’s excursion
to the island of Ischia, where we hope to be received
by Lady Walton at her exotic garden, created with the help of Russell
Page.
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PRICE
l £2,290
The cost includes accommodation in a superior hotel in Naples (6 nights);
economy class air travel London (Gatwick) / Naples / London (Gatwick)
by scheduled services; ground transport by private coach; hydrofoil tickets;
all meals except one lunch and three dinners; guides; taxes; entrance
fees and the services of a lecturer and a tour organiser.
Price without flights £2,140
l Single room supplement
£330
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