Kevin's Italian Adventure: Exploring Naples with Friends

Echoes of the Past, Heights of Wonder

Today was a day of contrasts, a journey through time and up a mountain, all under the watchful gaze of Vesuvius. It's days like these that remind me why I love to travel – the chance to walk in the footsteps of history, to feel the earth beneath my feet, and to witness the sheer power and beauty of nature.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Taverna dell'Arte. I opted for a strong espresso and a sfogliatella, a traditional Neapolitan pastry. The rich coffee gave me the jolt I needed, and the sweet, flaky pastry was the perfect way to start a day of exploration. The Taverna dell'Arte had a cool atmosphere and friendly staff, and the prices were reasonable. It's a great place to taste some authentic Italian cuisine. After breakfast, fueled and ready, we set off for our first destination: Herculaneum.


Explore the ancient wonders of the Archaeological Park of Herculaneum, a UNESCO World Heritage site that unveils life in a Roman city frozen in time.
The Archaeological Park of Herculaneum was nothing short of breathtaking. This ancient Roman town, like Pompeii, was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. However, unlike Pompeii, Herculaneum was buried by a pyroclastic surge, a superheated cloud of gas and ash, which carbonized organic materials and sealed the city, preserving it in remarkable condition. Walking through the streets of Herculaneum felt like stepping back in time. The buildings are incredibly well-preserved, with many still retaining their original walls, frescoes, and mosaics. I was particularly impressed by the wooden structures, such as doors and roofs, which survived the eruption. I learned that the absence of oxygen prevented the wood from burning, causing it to carbonize instead. We were lucky enough to see the exhibit at the Antiquarium, which houses a selection of furnishings and wooden objects. It was really special to see these artifacts returned to Herculaneum, displayed in rooms recreated to evoke the atmosphere of a Roman home. The level of detail was astounding – from the intricate mosaics on the floors to the vibrant colors of the frescoes on the walls. It's easy to imagine what life must have been like here centuries ago. It was fascinating to see the House of the Tuscan Colonnade and the House of the Wooden Shrine, which have recently reopened after more than two decades of restoration. I even downloaded the “Herculaneum Digital” app, which provided multilingual themed itineraries, maps, multimedia content, and audio guides, making the visit even more engaging. Even though the Casa dell'Erma di Bronzo was closed for maintenance, there was still so much to see.

To walk through Herculaneum is to whisper with ghosts, to touch the past with your fingertips.

After spending several hours exploring Herculaneum, we were ready for lunch. We headed to Osteria Il Gobbetto, a charming restaurant in Naples known for its authentic Neapolitan cuisine. The osteria had a homey atmosphere and cute decor. I decided to try the spaghetti alle vongole, a classic Neapolitan dish of spaghetti with clams. The pasta was perfectly cooked, and the clams were fresh and flavorful. My friends opted for other local specialties, and everyone raved about their meals. The staff was friendly and attentive, making the experience even more enjoyable. It was the perfect place to refuel before our next adventure.

With our bellies full, we set our sights on Vesuvius National Park.


Explore Vesuvius National Park, where breathtaking landscapes and volcanic history come together for an unforgettable Italian adventure.
The drive up the winding roads of Mount Vesuvius was an adventure in itself. The views became increasingly panoramic as we ascended, with the Bay of Naples stretching out before us like a glittering tapestry. The landscape changed dramatically as we climbed higher, from lush green forests to barren volcanic slopes.

Reaching the summit of Vesuvius was a truly awe-inspiring experience. Standing on the edge of the crater, gazing into the depths of the volcano, was both humbling and exhilarating. The sheer scale of the crater is immense, a testament to the immense power of nature. The views from the top were simply stunning. We could see the entire Bay of Naples, with the islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida dotting the horizon. We could also see Pompeii and Herculaneum below, a stark reminder of the destructive force of Vesuvius.

I learned that entry to the path leading up to the crater is restricted to groups of 60 people every 10 minutes, and tickets can only be purchased online. I'm glad we booked our tickets in advance! The hike to the top was a bit challenging, but definitely worth it. The air was crisp and clean, and the silence was broken only by the occasional squawk of a bird or the rustling of the wind. It was a moment of pure serenity, a chance to connect with nature and to reflect on the history of this incredible place. I thought about the last eruption in 1944 and the transformations that have occurred over two thousand years. It's a permanent laboratory for scientific experimentation.

After descending from Vesuvius, we were ready for a drink. We stopped at Happening cocktail bar, a trendy spot in Naples known for its creative cocktails and lively atmosphere.


Experience the vibrant nightlife of Naples at Happening Cocktail Bar, where inventive cocktails and a lively atmosphere await.
The bar was easy to find, the staff was creative, the service was terrific, and the ambiance was pleasant. I ordered a Negroni, a classic Italian cocktail made with gin, vermouth, and Campari. It was the perfect way to relax and unwind after a day of exploring. We chatted with the friendly bartenders, listened to music, and soaked up the vibrant atmosphere.

For dinner, we chose Ristorante Santa Croce, drawn in by its reputation for excellent cuisine.


Discover Ristorante Santa Croce in Amalfi – where fresh seafood meets breathtaking coastal views for an unforgettable dining experience.
I opted for the linguine with scampi, while my friends chose the spaghetti with clams and scialatielli with seafood. The food was delicious, and the location was enchanting. To reach the beach, we took a small boat from Amalfi, a pleasant and picturesque experience that made our day even more special. The beach staff was friendly and helpful, providing impeccable service.

As the sun began to set, we made our way back to our guest house, Suite CuoreNapoletano.


Experience the heart of Naples at Suite CuoreNapoletano, your tranquil oasis in the vibrant city, perfect for exploring cultural gems and culinary delights.
The streets of Naples were alive with activity, with people strolling, chatting, and laughing. The air was filled with the aroma of pizza and the sound of music. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Today was Palm Sunday, which marks the start of Holy Week. I learned that services are held where palms (sometimes olive branches) are given out to the congregation in memory of the palms that were thrown down in front of Jesus Christ as he entered Jerusalem. It's interesting to see how the city prepares for Easter, with many specific traditions and foods to enjoy at this time of year.

Tomorrow, we're off to the Amalfi Coast! I'm excited to explore the picturesque towns, hike the scenic trails, and soak up the Mediterranean sun. We'll be visiting Villa Rufolo, and I'm already looking forward to the stunning views and beautiful gardens. I'm also excited to try some local specialties at Sottocoperta Taverna di Mare for breakfast, Ristorante - Pizzeria Longano for lunch, and Ristorante A Figlia d'O Luciano for dinner. And of course, I'm hoping to find some unique souvenirs at Ceramiche Casola and enjoy a glass of wine or craft beer at OAK Napoli Wine And Craft Beer.

As I reflect on today's adventures, I'm filled with a sense of gratitude. I'm grateful for the opportunity to explore this incredible part of the world, to learn about its history, and to experience its culture. I'm also grateful for the friends who are sharing this journey with me. It's moments like these that make life so rich and rewarding. And as I drift off to sleep, I can't help but wonder what tomorrow will bring.

It's been a wonderful nine days here in Naples, and I'm excited to see what the rest of the trip holds!