Ancient Greek philosopher Homer, in his epic poem Odyssey tells the story of Ulysses and his travels to the Italian coasts. When approaching these waters he encountered the mermaids who tried to attract the sailors into the sea with their enchanting singing, for later killing them. Ulysses, warned already by sorceress Circe, put wax earplugs to his fellow seamen and tied himself up to the ship’s mast, in order to resist the attractive creatures. The latter, disappointed for being ignored, killed themselves and were founded dead ashore. One of these, the mermaid Parthenope landed on the little island of Megaride, where it stands the Castle dell’Ovo. From here the other name for Napoli, Partenope. The origin of this old city is tied to this legend. With over 3000 years of history, the city of Naples can be considered an open air museum. In its history, it has experienced times of great power and wealth as well as disastrous ones, such as the economic depression of the second half of the past century. In recent years, the trend is changing again and its inhabitants are feeling more positive about their future. This tour will show you three areas of the city. First, a drive along the seaside and up to Posillipo hill from which you can take a snapshot of the most popular view of the city embracing the whole bay, Capri island and Mt. Vesuvius. Driving back to the center you will pass by the ancient Castel dell’Ovo, the oldest standing stronghold in town (12th century) embedded in an old fishermen village (Borgo Marinari). Second, you will have a short stroll to the monumental area. This neighborhood counts a number of outstanding buildings placed side by side, such as: Maschio Angioino castle (1279); Real San Carlo theatre (1737); Royal Palace (1644); Plebiscito Square, the largest in town; Galleria Umberto, a shopping mall from 1887; the neoclassic church of San Francesco di Paola from 1820 inspired by the Pantheon in Rome and much more. The third part will be the historical center “Naples splitter” (Spaccanapoli), the ancient Greek urban structure and heart of the city: a pedestrian area filled with small shops and workshops, cafes and restaurants, buskers and street vendors that attract locals and foreigners every day. A short walk of countless old buildings, churches, art crafts shops and gateway to the underground city with its archaeological remains.

3 hours

Naples, Italy