We have a friend in Winston who does Italian travel guide arrangements (which is something we have never done in all our years of travel!) But, what a way to travel. Our guide, Anna, is an American living in Sorrento and with her Phd in Art History teaching in Rome with Temple University (Philadelphia, Pa).

Walker with new found friend and teacher, Anna

Anna met us at the hotel at 7:30 and we quickly headed to the jet boat for our trip across the bay to Naples. Naples is a crowded city, with cars, scooters and people flying in all directions. Without Anna we would have lasted for a couple of hours and then fled for our lives. With Anna, we hopped in a cab and headed off to see the most important artifacts this 3000 year old city had to offer. We started in the oldest part of the city, Spaccanapoli, and visited churches, chapels and museums for the day.

Commemorative Tower

Lunch was at Pizzeria Sorbillo, mentioned in the Guiness Book of Records for the largest pizza. It was wonderful! Of course eating would always be a highlight for us ---wherever we are!
With full stomachs we happily keep moving throughout Naples.

The sights are incredible and the list of masterpieces too long to mention. The highlight for us all was the sculpture, "Veiled Christ" by Giuseppe SanMartino. A remarkable feat in marble that must be seen to be appreciated.

The Forbidden Room in the Archaeological Museum was a hit also. It presented a collection of erotica from Pompei. Quite the education for us.

Abbey w/ painted tile garden

The amount of artwork we saw in such a short time was incredible. Without Anna to quickly and efficiently move us from one spot to another it would not have been possible to see all we did, and having her to impart her historical and artistic knowledge was as the ads say, "priceless".

Two views of Hercules

Sculpture and pose that marked change from ancient to modern period in art