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Naples, or as it was known to the Ancient Greeks who founded it Neapolis (meaning new city), is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its surroundings are just as prolific as the city itself, boasting Mount Vesuvius, the delightful islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida, and the Amalfi Coast. Regarding Naples itself, a classic promenade of this city will show its truest and most elegant face with its ancient narrow alleyways and mysterious churches. Perhaps the most famous church is the San Gennaro Cathedral, known for its annual Miracle Blood ceremonies (these take place a few times a year, most notably on September 19th, the saint's feast day), which include watching the blood of the beheaded St Januarius (San Gennaro) turn to liquid in its ampoule. This is celebrated along with a procession followed by a feast with vendors selling local fare and merchandise all around the Cathedral.

Scores of charming gardens permeate the city and are a great place for a scenic refuge if Naples' thundering personality proves a tad excessive. The loveliest is the Santa Chiara gardens, on the grounds of a convent, with looming columns, benches and walls that are of a stunning glossy-pearl color. The technical name for this hue is majolica, which is a white tin glaze decorated with colorants that are applied on a raw surface of white slip before firing. After absorbing a bit of mystical inspiration in the gardens, pay a visit to nearby quaint music shops, bookstores and, of course, pizzerias (the "soul food" of Naples).

Nature lovers will be happy to know that Naples' urban sprawl is complemented by the labyrinth of caves at the Piazza San Gaetano. Build on limestone, this site was once used as a cemetery and as a gathering place for cults. Exploring Naples' underground city is a favorite activity of the adventurous, exploring its meandering 2000-year-old tunnels, Ancient Roman aqueducts, cisterns, and caverns.