Port of Call Naples, Pompeii & Sorrento
Naples is a major metropolitan area with a number of historical sites and several nearby destinations of interest. First is Pompeii, the ancient Roman city that was buried by an eruption from Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. Another popular side trip is to Sorrento. It is one of several beautiful Southern Italian seaside towns well worth a visit.
Where the Ship Docks – Cruise ships dock at a pier in Naples harbor right in the central city. There is a terminal and an easy walk out of the port area.
Transportation – Since the port is right in Naples CBD there are a number of sites and destinations within walking distance. To get out to the archeological sites or the southern coast it is best to take a regional train or a bus tour.
Pompeii – You can take a train to Pompeii from Naples at the Porta Nolana Circumvesuviana station only a few blocks from the port entrance. Circumvesuviana is the regional Naples train system around Mount Vesuvius with stops at Herculaneum, Pompeii and Sorrento. Go to the Circumvesuviana train ticket window and get tickets for Pompeii Scavi. The cost should be about €7 round trip. Once at Pompeii Scavi, exit the train station, turn to your right, and walk about 50 meters to the entrance to the Pompeii ruins.
Sorrento – Taking a Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento is easy since it is Capolinea, meaning the train service ends and starts in Sorrento from or to Naples. The trip takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The trains to Sorrento run approximately every 30 minutes. There are 2 types of trains. Diretto which stops at every station and Diretissimo which is faster (10 to 20 minutes). The Direttissimo is marked as DD on the schedule.
Money – Like most of Europe, Italy uses the Euro (€) and credit cards are widely accepted.
Attractions –
Ovo Castle – Only a short walk from the port entrance is an imposing fortress & former royal residence, with 2 towers offering views of the city.
Napoli Sotterranea – Underground system of ancient catacombs, tunnels, caverns, cisterns & hideouts accessible by tour.
Castel Nuovo – Medieval fortress near the port with 5 towers and a Renaissance triumphal arch, plus an art museum & chapel.
Anton Dohrn Zoological Station – Interesting 19th-century aquarium featuring local marine life including sea horses, squids & sea turtles.
Cameo Factory de Paola – The city of Naples is famous for its cameos and de Paola is one of the oldest being in business since 1932 and is only blocks from the port entrance.
http://www.cameodepaola.it
Via Annibale Caccavello 67/69, Incrocio Via Tito Angelini 20 – 80129 Naples
Archeological Sites – Pompeii is probably one of the most famous ancient Roman cities. Buried by an eruption of Mt. Vesuvius under 20 feet of volcanic ash and pumice in AD 79. Incredibly preserved under the ash the site offers a look into city life of 2,000 years ago. Nearer the sea from Pompeii is Herculaneum another Roman city buried in the eruption and preserved more or less intact as well. Both sites can be easily reached using the regional commuter trains.
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