Campania

This region is one of immense contrasts, from the idyllic tranquil Amalfi coast in the south with its lemon groves, beautiful villas and views across sparkling blue water towards the chic island of Capri, to the huge bustling city of Naples where life is lived noisily on the streets. Find time to visit the volcanic crater of Mount Vesuvius which still emits the occasional wisp of smoke and jet of lava. Also take a trip to the small but popular tourist resort of Sorrento which overlooks the Bay of Naples, and is famous for its limoncello drink. Avoid the tourist coaches and take a forty-minute train ride early in the day to spend a few hours exploring the legendary excavated city of Pompeii. Further afield is the stunning island of Ischia with its thermal spa resort, and to the east of Naples the second largest protected National Park in Italy.