NAPLES
vast is hard to comprehend until you’re there, but keep the words ‘entire ruined city’ in your mind and you have an inkling of the scale. It’s fair to say that there is probably nowhere else that brings the ancient Roman world to life more vividly for kids than this archaeological marvel, and everyone seems to know it, so we were relieved to discover they put a daily cap on visitor numbers, which means it’s always busy, inevitably, but it doesn’t feel too overwhelming. That said, it’s another one to book online and you definitely want to get tickets which include the suburban villas, because on no account should you miss the breathtaking two-millennia-old frescoes at the Villa of the Mysteries. Getting to Pompeii is easy, just take a direct train from Napoli Piazza Garibaldi station, underneath Napoli Centrale, to Pompeii station, then catch the shuttle bus to Porta Marina, the site’s main entrance. Remember to take snacks, water (the cafe at Pompeii tends to be packed to overflowing) and hats, as well as sunscreen. And on the train ride back, sit on the left, and you’ll be treated to a sunset across the Bay of Naples. Speaking of sunsets, Naples is awash with places to sleep and we were delighted with our choice of excellent Le Corti del Re in the Spanish Quarter. A B&B on the upper floors of an old apartment building, it features comfortable and newly- decorated double, twin and family rooms. The feel is friendly and welcoming, and it’s within easy walking distance of Centro Storico. Just be aware, as in any older Neapolitan apartment building worth its salt, there’s a very small lift, but I can testify that teenagers find it quaint.
DIG DOWN From top: Naples Underground; the Granary, Pompeii; Pompeii
the lowdown
HOW TO GET THERE Direct UK flights to Naples from 2 hours, 40 minutes WHERE TO STAY
Le Corti del Re, Family Room, B&B (2 adults, 2 children) from £143 per night lecortidelre.eu GOOD TO KNOW Underground Naples napolisotterranea.org National Archaeological Museum of Naples museoarcheologiconapoli.it Pompeii
pompeiisites.org Pizzeria Mattozzi ristorantemattozzi.it Al22 Pizzeria al22pizzeria.it
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