One of Naples' crowning museums, the artifacts here complement a visit to Pompeii in the same trip,…read moresince the collections span archaeological finds from Pompeii, Rome and beyond. From sculpture, sacred and funerary objects, mosaics, paintings, household items and furniture, to architectural models and decorative elements, there's plenty of intriguing objects to pique various interests. On a grey Sunday morning in April, I arrived at 10am, and was glad I didn't come later! There were two lines, one for those purchasing tickets at the entry and those with pre-booked tickets online in advance. The latter was a fairly short line, maybe about 10 people, while the former was about 20ish. When I left a couple hours later both lines had more than doubled in length. Inside, the exhibit halls begin with sculptures unearthed during archaeological finds, with the direction of visit encircling one of the smaller inner courtyards. They do an excellent job of providing Italian and English translations for didactic labels and descriptions, and I was able to learn much about a) the background and provenance of sculptures and other finds, b) key figures in archaeological excavations which discovered many of the pieces now housed here, and c) the history of this museum. The route of visit continues to a columned hall with some waiting area seating and contemporary local art pieces, (apparently where school groups rest before touring the museum with docents), which lead up a pair of curved stone staircases where you can look upwards at a central dome. On the second floor highlights include a collection of watercolor works from watercolorist Luigi Bazzani, who captured colorful paintings of Pompeii at the turn of the 20th century, a collection of elaborate furniture, and many rooms of artifacts from steles, ceramics, blown glass and tableware. Many colorful wall paintings found in villas and homes were transferred from archaeological sites to this museum. There's a curious collection of erotic art from antiquity called the Secret Cabinet* too. Unfortunately both these sections were closed: a) the mosaic floor where they previously allowed visitors to enter wearing cloth covers over shoes, and b) the sprawling mini replica of Pompeii that looked to be at least 12 x 15 feet. The latter I glimpsed thru a walkway that was cordoned off. The Sundial Hall, named after (you guessed it) a functional sundial installed in the SW corner of the room, was one of the most impressive rooms in the museum, originally serving as the Bourbon** Royal Library of Naples, then later as the National Library. The beautifully restored ceiling fresco depicts the Bourbon royalty as patrons of the arts. Among the most famous group of objects here are items from the Farnese Collection, begun by then Cardinal Alessandro Farnese (1468-1549), who later became Pope Paul III. Theses works were displayed in various settings notably the Farnese palace, villa and gardens in Rome, then subsequently passed down to descendants. Farnese Hercules, Farnese Artemis, the Farnese Bull and the Farnese Cup are all sublimely sculpted pieces. The total time recommended is easily 2.5-3 hours, additional if you want to read more of the placards. Free lockers, coat check and bathrooms are available. Admission is €20.00 for regular tickets, €2.00 for 18-25 year olds, free for teachers, disabled and those with certain city passes including Artecard and Naples Pass. Hours: 9.00 am - 7.30 pm with last entry at 6.30 pm Closed Tuesdays. *did not post these pics as I didn't want to get flagged for posting explicit content! lol **Bourbon as in the royal dynasty that ruled southern Italy from 1734 until 1860. Not the whisky made with a higher percentage of corn from the southern United States. =)

It was the highlight of our visit to Naples. We skipped it after seeing Pompeii over 10 years ago…read more There was no way that we were going to pass it up this time. This is where you'll find the original statues, artifacts, and frescoes unearthed from Pompeii, Herculaneum, Ancient Rome, and even more archeological sites in Italy. The experience was everything that I imagined it would be and more. Some people wonder whether they should visit it before or after seeing Herculaneum or Pompeii. In my opinion, it should be after. The location of where some of these pieces were found is still fresh in my memory. It all came back to me when reading the descriptions. I was also very amazed with the Farnese Collection. These statues are colossal in size. The Farnese Bull has to be the largest sculpture ever unearthed. It's so incredible when you see it up close and personal. Very impressive! It's a very well organized museum. Well worth the admission fee. There's a nice café inside as well as a bookstore. My only disappointment was that they had sold out of the English museum guides that I collect when traveling. They did have the Italian version. Do purchase your tickets online in advance. There was a line of people trying to buy tickets. The situation gets worse when a tour group arrives. Especially when there are 4 cruise ships in port. Also, make sure you scan the QR code to download the museum app for free audio guides and maps. It makes it so easy to find everything. Give yourself more than an hour. There is so much to see. It's a popular attraction for a reason.

While most of Sorrento is perched up on the limestone cliffs, if you want to take a ferry to Capri…read moreor other islands or ports, the Port of Sorrento is where you depart. With beautiful blue water, views of the steep cliffs from sea level, and Mt. Vesuvius in the background, it's very picturesque and worth experiencing even if you aren't catching a ferry. There are some cafes and a few touristy souvenir kiosks, one that sold some very pretty and functional tote bags. I purchased one that folded up to practically nothing and easily fit into my handbag. This way, I always had a tote to carry any items I bought along the way. For $5, my tote covered in signature Sorrento lemons was a treasure! The beach here isn't what one typically envisions. There is no sand and not much space. Most areas are owned by the hotels and they have private lifts that take you down to their private docks lined with recliners. On the far south end is a public area and if you are coming from the town above, you can walk down a path of steps and switchbacks to reach the public docks and cafes. From above, the lift / elevator is located over by the museum and small. For just $1 euro each way, you can make it down to the beach or back up to the town easily. Some people walk down then take the lift up. After a full day of walking, I did the round trip for $2 and it was totally worth it!

Clean quiet port. Spectacular views of volcanoes, yachts,Vespas and volcanic cliffs. Outdoor…read morecafes @ hotels facing the ocean.

So I'm giving it five stars not for the museum because in all honesty I am not a museum person and…read moreas far as Italy goes this would hardly rate as a museum unless your really into that author. That being said what I enjoyed was exploring the house and grounds and the views! The house itself is the "museum" aspect that I enjoyed most because it was an insight into how some really fortunate people lived. I enjoyed walking the grounds and the immaculate views the property offered. There was a room at the top that had a piano in it and it had a painting showing people partying there back in the day with the most amazing views behind them- I'll admit it had me daydreaming for a minute! It's peaceful up there with beautiful flowers, views and birds chirping. I'm not sure if you will think it's worth paying 8 euro for, but after tons of crowds everyday on our trip- I enjoyed the quite and birds chirping while gazing out at a immaculate view!

Villa Michele is a beautiful museum located on the tip top of the Isle of Capri. The property was…read moreonce owned by Axel Munthe, a Swedish doctor (to the Swedish royal fam) who called Capri home for many years. Inside the museum is filled with sculptures, paintings and artifacts dating back to 17th Century. Outside the museum offers up spectacular views of the northern coast of Capri. The garden surrounding the property is also gorgeous. Admission is €7 and I thought a bit steep for the few minutes we spent touring the buildings and snapping photos of the view. Although I'm sure many could spend an afternoon having lunch (they have a bar & restaurant on site) and enjoying the grounds. Despite the cost I'm so glad we got to see Capri from this vantage point.

The city of Sorrento is perched on a cliff overlooking the Bay of Naples and views for miles,…read morequaint cobblestone streets and shop filled alleys, detailed historic architecture and lemon & orange trees everywhere, I instantly fell in love! With the casual vibe of a seaside town, friendly people, exquisitely delicious food and fabulous local wine, it's impossible not to love Sorrento! My eight days there, whether exploring Sorrento itself or the surrounding areas, were glorious and already I want to return! The sherbert colored buildings, centuries old wooden and iron doors and detailed architecture line the streets and are a feast for your eyes. Make sure to walk along Via Correale with the upscale hotels and the best views of the pools and hotels built into the cliffs going down to the beach. To access the beach you need to take a lift from a hotel or on the west end of town, a public lift for $1 euro each way. It's totally worth it! There is also a path of switchbacks that takes you down. The beach is rocky and there are floating docks with recliners and stairs to the deep aqua blue waters. Lots of cafes down at water level, too. Views from the top are like a postcard or in todays terms, Instagram worthy. Treat yourself to lunch or dinner at one of the hotel restaurants. The food is fabulous and the atmosphere transports you. I recommend the Lorelei and it's outdoor patio with tables under white umbrellas and unparalleled views of Mt. Vesuvius. Or at the opposite end, sit under the lemon tree covered pergola at a table overlooking the cliffs and bathing docks below, the blue sky and the blue water of The Bay of Naples merging into one. Both meals were memorable and I will definitely be going back to both! In the heart of the city is I Giardini de Cataldo, a lemon grove with an entrance on the sidewalk of Via Corso Italia. You can wander and explore for free and try their limoncello and gelato, both available for purchase. Past the Piazza Tasso, the central square, there are narrow streets filled with shops, cafes, churches, museums, restaurants, and bars. The gorgeous centuries old doorways framed by hanging plants, bougainvillea, iron window boxes spilling over with geraniums, with and flag pendants and laundry hanging above. It is as charming as you have imagined, even better! Go down to the port and catch a ferry to the island of Capri where the boats in the harbor and pastel buildings great you. Many high end shops, restaurants and a boat ride to the blue grotto will be a full day. Hire a tour guide to drive you down the Amalfi Coast with stops in Positano, Rovello and Amalfi Town, each with their own beauty and charm. And lots and lots of steps and steep roads! The drive is incredibly beautiful but do leave the driving up to the skilled and experienced drivers. We also did a day trip to Salerno to visit a buffallo Mozzerella farm and have a farm fresh lunch; to Mt. Vesuvius to hike up to the crater; an afternoon taking in the wonders of Pompeii and this preserved ancient city; and a day in Naples where they truly have the worlds best pizza. Really! Even with all that, I had four full days in Sorrento and never ran out of things to do. There are cooking classes, which I highly recommend. Various tours. Lots of shopping. And too many restaurants to name! The food is some of the best in the world and it was surprisingly affordable especially the wine. Delicious pasta dishes for $10 and a bottle of wine for $8. I could live here! If Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast are not in your bucket list, they should be! Best time to go is early April or October as the summer months are super hot and the streets overflowing with tourists. We were there the last two weeks of October and it was sunny, 75-80 degrees, and blue skies every day. Plenty of people so you didn't feel like the town was isolated but never too crowded. Sorrento is a beautiful place in every way. Can not wait to return!

It's time for some travel inspo!…read more While Sorrento isn't an island, its location sits at a viewpoint of the Gulf of Naples and the surrounding iconic beauties of Southern Italy, like Mount Vesuvio. Here you'll find lemon and orange giardini (gardens), zig zags staircases, cobblestone roadways lined with lemon and orange trees, and beautiful historic architecture - all in a seemingly busy, however relaxed seaside lifestyle. With outdoor bistros and lots of conversation, you can't miss out on delectable food! I'll take you on a picture tour of Sorrento's residential streets, bayside, cliffside, shopping alleys, and some fun food. For the best experiences, when the countries open up, GO VISIT! (All my travel photos were taken 2019 pre-covid)

Unbelievable. The M.A.R. museum offers tours that include two crypts under the main church, and the…read moreremains of a Roman Villa under the crypt. The crypts are very cool - the villa is unbelievable. Currently only one room of the villa has been excavated, but that includes two walls with the most spectacularly preserved frescos - way better than any of the walls in Pompeii. The details are so well preserved that there are still plaster reliefs of cherubs, sea horses, etc. on the walls. It was stunning. The whole tour is absolutely worthwhile - our tour guide was great and knew a lot about the site. She said they're currently working on excavating other sites in the vicinity - hopefully that's successful! Either way this is a can't-miss stop in Positano. The tour was quick, about 20 minutes, and worth every penny.

Charming shop in Sorrento that offers lots of linen clothing and scarves, perfect for the warm…read moreclimate. The clothes stand out from the other shops in these back alleys for the quality and prints. Solid colored tops, pants and dresses in light and flowing fabrications that can be pulled together with soft colored, striped scarves and sun hats to complete the outfit. Even some shoes, handbags and other accessories. It was the linen scarf printed with lemons that caught my attention. The lemons were so realistic and the design both simple and elegant, it stood out from the plethora of lemon scarves and accessories that pepper the alley shops! After thinking about it for a day, I went back to purchase and have no regrets. While of course it's perfect for Sorrento, its also a way to bring a part of Sorrento home with me. I'll definitely think of this beautiful town perched on the cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples whenever I wear it. Friendly service, great location just down the street from the art museum, the lift down to the beach and Hotel Bellvue Syrene.

This church is absolutely stunning and worth the trip up all those stairs to get to see it…read more I honestly do not think it's worth any admission price to enter, even if it's under 5 euro each to get in. We paid less to see some amazing things at other places so the value wasn't there for me. So even if you don't want to enter, I still think it's a great view from the cathedral down to the city. There are also some cool architectural details you can look at without going inside. Ans it's cool up here, so if you're trying to get away from the heat, for free, this is your place to go.

Beautiful church located in Amalfi…read more You will need to walk up a ton of steps to get up, so if you have a bad back, I would day it's not for you. Also it's not free. Still a beautiful spot and another great cathedral within Europe.