Gardens and parks in and around Naples

Unknown gems

Naples and the surrounding area are always subject to some reservations. Mafia, handbag robbery and other raids. Many are therefore afraid to travel to this wonderful city. Apart from that, who knows that Campania also has wonderful botanical gems?
We don't just want to clear up a few prejudices, we want to "kidnap" you to completely unknown places, show some of what you already know live, and a little more. Because Campania is always suitable for surprises!

Day 1: Welcome to the Land of Mignon
The best way to reach Naples is by plane. You will be picked up by your guide at the airport (preferably arriving in the morning). After a fairly short drive, you will have your check-in at the Hotel Tenuta Re Ferdinando near Caserta. You will be amazed by the location of the hotel, because it offers a wonderful view of the Gulf of Naples. In addition, the tenuta is nestled between olive groves and vineyards - a small oasis.
Depending on the time of arrival you have the opportunity to have a small lunch and after a little rest you can take a trip to the medieval town of Casertavecchia. Only 10 km from today's Caserta, it invites you to a world from the day before yesterday. The cobbled streets, the old churches, noble palaces and the presence of old traditions make the visit very impressive. The Cathedral of San Michele, a great example of Arab-Norman architecture, should definitely not be missed. Located at an altitude of 450 meters, it also offers visitors a remarkable panorama of Caserta and the Royal Palace, across the sea to the island of Ischia. After returning, enjoy a menu of typical Campania delicacies.

Day 2: The Reggia - the megalomania of yesteryear
The symbol of Casertas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Royal Palace of Caserta, the so-called Reggia, is an absolute must for visitors. The reggia was commissioned by Charles III in the 18th century. from the Bourbon family, designed by the architect Luigi Vanvitelli and has since been considered a masterpiece of architecture and decoration. Charles II wanted to surpass Versailles with this building - which he succeeded because the reggia is considered the largest royal palace in the world. You will visit the most important interiors here and will certainly spend much more time visiting the park, which stretches over a length of 3 km and is simply beautiful to look at with waterfalls, water features and various fountains. The English garden with the Swan Lake adjoins the French garden. However, it was not part of the original planning, but was added later. Exotic plants from all over the world can still be found there today.
You have lunch in a small restaurant.
In the afternoon we will introduce you to S. Maria Capua Vetere. Cicero called the city the second Rome, which was true in terms of size and wealth. You will have a short stop at the second largest amphitheater after the Colosseum, visit the Gladiator Museum if desired and finally see a rarity. The Mithraeum, the place of worship dedicated to the god Midas, has hardly survived anywhere!
After this excursion into antiquity, you will return to the hotel, where you will be spoiled with specialties.

Day 3: Naples - unique and diverse
Today is reserved for Naples with some of its most beautiful sights. This includes the S. Chiara Monastery in the center of Naples. It is not so much the church that enchants, but rather the monastery garden with its wonderful majolica works. Especially in spring, the wonderful colorful majolica combine with the flowers of the trees. You will definitely enjoy this part of Naples.
After a short tour of this lively old town, you will of course be served a pizza for lunch, because Napoli is the capital of pizza! After this lunch break, turn to Capodimonte. The so-called Bosco di Capodimonte is perhaps the largest and most beautiful park in Naples. The park was founded in 1734 by Charles III. Commissioned by Bourbon as part of a hunting lodge, then converted into Capodimonte Palace and finally transformed into an English garden. This park is rich in trees and plants of various kinds and also has a rich fauna, despite the fact that the park is almost in the middle of the city. Another garden will surprise you today, because tourists are mostly unfamiliar with the Botanical Garden of Naples. It is one of the largest and richest in Italy. Not only are there thousands of herbaceous, tree-like and shrub-like species from around the world, but there are also examples of almost all of the flowers available. In addition, greenhouses with different temperatures, hot, cold and temperate, allow the cultivation of plants. Plants such as medicinal, coloring and essence plants also find their place here.
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon for dinner.

Day 4: Ravello - who doesn't know it?
The visit of Ravello and the two world famous ones
Villa gardens take a little more time to reach. The program includes the two gardens of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone.
The Villa Cimbrone presents itself with rare species of plants, statues and fountains. The garden paths lead to the Belvedere, which ends in the "Terrazza Verso all'Infinito", where you can enjoy the most spectacular view of the Amalfi Coast.
The situation is different with Villa Rufolo, at least as far as the construction is concerned, because it has existed since 1200. "The garden of the soul" is how Richard Wagner described this garden, and it was here that his ideas were materialized. Villa Rufolo was built in Piazza Duomo by the Rufolo family, the most important and powerful family in Ravello. The same applies here as for Villa Cimbrone - simply beautiful!
Of course, we cannot finish this excursion without first giving you the opportunity to enjoy free time in Amalfi. Return to the hotel via the Amalfitana, the panoramic coastal road. You will then have dinner at the hotel.

Day 5: The secret garden of Airola
The secret garden of Airola is one of the most beautiful parks in Italy and is located in the heart of Campania not far from Benevento.
In this small oasis more than 16,000 plant species and 300 animals from all over the world live together in absolute harmony and goes back to the initiative of a private individual who, on his travels across the world, was captured by the desire to unite all of these wonderful treasures.
The feature that makes Airola's secret garden a unique place is its ever-expanding and yet-to-be-discovered route, which is divided into 7 different environments. From Japanese to Australian, through English, the Mediterranean, arid and tropical regions as well as Chinese, this park fascinates every age group.
After this tour you will visit Benevento, which today does not have much to show from its Roman wedding, but some sights are actually worth seeing, such as the church of S. Sofia with the unique cloister, the church complex has been part of a group since 2011 of building ensembles included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Triumphal Arch of Trajan still amazes us in its almost completely intact structure and admires the art of the ancient Romans.
Return to the hotel for the dinner menu.

Day 6: Napoli and somehow not ...
Naples has a constantly changing face due to the many suburbs, each of which retained its own characteristics. You will get to know one of the faces today, the island of Procida. It is the smallest in the Gulf of Naples, but connected to it is an even smaller one, Vivara. Visitors have been able to enter it again since 2017. The small, wild and untouched island of Vivara with its special crescent shape is the remnant of a circular volcanic crater that was submerged for a very long time. The ring ends with the old Santa Margherita promontory on the island of Procida and encloses the stretch of sea, the filling of which is called the Golfo di Gènito.
Not only is Vivara inhabited by wild rabbits and numerous water birds, but it also has a number of trails that are characterized by lush and unspoiled vegetation. After some time out to look around this enchanting island of Procida, head back to the hotel.

7. Arrivederci a Napoli?
Today is the day to say goodbye. We hope we were able to break down some prejudices against Naples and build fond memories. Depending on the departure time, a small item in the program can be added.
If you want to extend your stay in Naples, you can of course do so. For this, however, an accommodation directly in Naples would be recommended. We are happy to help.
Transfer to the airport and hopefully see you again!

Maybe you missed wine, oil or mozzarella tastings during the program. You can rest assured that it is all included. Even a program description contains a few surprises!
© ulla kastner

Min. Participants 4, max. 15

Travel date:
May 23-29, 2022

Services included:
6 x overnight stays in a 4 * hotel near Caserta
4 x small lunches
6 x dinner
Permanent German-speaking tour guide
All transfers from / to Napoli Capodichino airport
Entrances

Not included:
getting there
beverages
Private expenses and tips
Services not listed

Please note the tiered prices!

Price per person / double room € 2,180.00 from 4 people
Price per person / double room € 1,890.00 from 6 people
Price per person / double room € 1,640.00 from 10 people

Double as single + € 250.00