Naples
Day 12
Morning drive to Napoli and check in to hotel Palazzo Turchini. We toured a good portion of Italy's second largest city with a local guide marveling at the beautiful churches, concert hall, and busy streets filled with shops. Naples had just won the national soccer title and streamers flew everywhere! Excitement filled the city.
In the late afternoon, we were treated to a private concert at Napulitanata. Beautiful traditional music, exceptional vocalists, and local delicious wine was a enjoyed by all. Some of our group participated in the traditional dances, it was a fun time for everyone
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Evening on our own, we walked and discovered a fine dining restaurant off the beaten path. After a short wait we were welcomed inside to our table. We almost felt like locals.
Our last day in Naples began after breakfast with a visit to centuries old Cappella Sansevero Chapel, home to amazingly lifelike marble sculptures, paintings, and jewels gifted throughout time. Unfortunately, there is no photography allowed in the Chapel, but the interior is absolutely breathtaking. Adorned with richly painted ceilings and marvelous statues all around we had a total "WOW" moment. There was a sculpture of Jesus rising from the dead that took our breath away. Truly some of the most skilled artistry we have ever seen.
We continued the day by visiting the National Archeological Museum and toured the greatest collection of artifacts from Pompeii; statues, murals, mosaics, pottery, jewelry, tools, and plastered bodies. We marveled at the largest ever sculpture recovered from antiquity, the Farnese Bull, restored by none other than Michelangelo, it was overwhelming.
Back to our hotel to ret before a final group seafood dinner prepared especially for us at a nearby restaurant. We shared memories and took photos at the Piazza del Plebiscito where we said our goodbyes.
Salute!
