Venice or Naples, Italy: Good Reasons to Add Both To Your Italy Itinerary

It’s hard to choose between Venice or Naples on your Italy travel itinerary.

When you are on a trip to Italy, these two cities belong on any must visit list. After all, Both are considered to be among the most beautiful cities of Europe.

From historic structures, beautiful landscapes, delicious food, and diverse culture, Italy has so much to offer.

But if you’re short on time, we’ll help you decide whether Venice or Naples should be on your Italy Itinerary, below.

Venice or Naples - Grand Canal — Venice, Italy

CONTENTS – In this article, we will help you decide whether Venice or Naples (or both!) should be to to your Italy itinerary, including;

Your Travel Guide For Amazing Naples And Venice City
Best Things to Do In Naples, Italy
Get A Neapolitan Pizza
Visit the Naples City Center
Tour the Naples Underground
Take a Day Tour to Pompeii
Recap of A Visit to Naples Italy
Best Spots To Visit In Venice, Italy
Explore San Sebastiano
Cruise to Torcello Island
Cross the Bridge of Sighs
Recap of Visiting Venice, Italy
Final Thoughts on Visiting Venice or Naples
Next Steps

Your Travel Guide For Amazing Venice or Naples Italy

These days, people are traveling to new places and searching for new activities to do with a vengeance.

But the thing that is difficult for people to do is to plan their trip accordingly.

How do you decide which places belong on your itinerary?

So below mentioned are two places where you can plan your trip to Italy.

To make the most of your time, start with taking a direct flight.

If you’re on the US west coast, that means you can easily take a flight from Los Angeles to Naples.

You’ll be there in no time.

Now, what to do?

Best Things to Do In Naples, Italy

The city of Naples is underrated.

It doesn’t have the similar kind of appreciation or tourism like Rome or Venice.

That can work in your favor!

For one thing, the workmanship and engineering it houses is probably the most incredible on the planet.

Naples has lively, youthful vibe and is filled with locals rather then tourists.

If you’re wondering what to do in Naples, Italy, we have a few good thoughts.

1. Get A Neapolitan Pizza

Naples is the home of the Neapolitan or Naples-style Pizza.

You won’t find a more authentic version of this tasty pizza pie anywhere on earth.

In fact, it’s so key to the local cuisine that pizzerias must meet strict requirements set by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana to sell Pizza Napoletana!

One slice, and you’ll understand why this traditional recipe is perfect!

2. Visit the City Center

Naples’ city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, so you’ll want to check it out.

It includes a variety of ancient attractions that date back to 470 BC.

Among them:

3 incredible castles
several churches and cathedrals
A royal palace.

History buffs will definitely get there fill in Naples!

3. Tour the Naples Underground

Speaking of ancient history, beneath the thumping streets, Naples reveals an underground world of it’s own.

You can tour the aqueducts and partially excavated theatre.

Or, visit the tunnels of Galleria Barbona, once used as a military hospital.

And don’t forget to stroll the Catacombe di San Gennaro.

This authentic underground experience is like no other!

4. Take a Day Tour to Pompeii

Naples is about a 30 minute ride from Pompeii, frozen in time by the volcanic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD.

This massive archeological site demonstrates the magnitude of Vesuvius’ destruction.

It also preserved the ways of ancient Romans, revealing significant insights to history.

Pompeii is a must see when you visit Naples.

But, even if you don’t go to Pompeii, you’ll see ominous Mt. Vesuvius from just about every viewpoint in Naples.

mt vesuvius naples italy — Mt. Vesuvius in Naples, Italy

Recap of Visiting Naples Italy

So, you can see that Naples offers plenty to see and do when you visit.

From historic attractions, fascinating underground experiences, and scenic views, it’s a great add to your itinerary.

In most cases, it’s not overrun by tourism, and the pizza is to die for!

Now, let’s take a look at the virtues of Venice next.

Then you can better decide whether Venice or Naples will suit you.

Best Spots To Visit In Venice

With its enchanting canals, breath-taking gondolas, and winding paths, it’s nothing unexpected that Venice is perhaps the most beloved city on the planet.

While this Italian city is a top destination among honeymooners.

You’ll discover countless phenomenal activities in Venice that make it an extraordinary getaway destination for anybody.

You can also arrive here from the US west coast on a direct flight from Los Angeles to Venice.

Once on the ground, here are some spots you’ll want to include on your itinerary.

1. Explore San Sebastiano

Millions of tourists arrive dally outside San Marco or Saint Mark’s Square, trusting they will get their turn at a brief glimpse at the spectacular basilica.

And of course, you must see it for yourself, despite the crowds.

But why not also take a diversion to the congregation of San Sebastiano?

This is where you’ll find some of Venetian Renaissance ace Paolo Tiepolo’s most famous works.

Save Venice Inc., the non-profit organization is rebuilding of innumerable Venetian works of art and engineering across the city. This includes San Sebastiano.

As a result of their efforts over more than 10 years, you’ll see the splendid marble exterior of the St Nick Maria deiMiracoli, Tiepolo’s roof canvases, and other restorations of the congregation.

And, you can likely take your time admiring this beautiful 16th century Roman church.

2. Cruise to Torcello Island

Dishing up calm tranquillity on an island loaded with green, Torcello Island was the first land body sought by individuals leaving Venice’s crowded central area.

Nowadays, it has few occupants.

It’s predominantly a nature preserve that offers sightseers the ideal serene escape from the overwhelming din of Venice.

During your visit, you’ll want to visit the Basilica of St Nick Maria Assunta.

The church dates back 639 AD.

You’ll be astonished by the amazing Byzantine mosaics and stone arches.

While most visitors head toward the islands of Murano and Burano when in Venice, be sure to get to Torcello, too.

3. Cross the Bridge of Sighs

bridge of sighs venice italy — The Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy

The Bridge of Sighs is one of the main noteworthy landmarks in the city of Venice.

It is a beautiful bridge spanning the waters of Rio di Palazzo. This iconic arched structure is made of white limestone, complete with windows and stone bars.

The connector between interrogation rooms at Doge’s Palace and the Prigioni Nuove (New Jail).

Thus, it is said to have earned it’s name for the moans exhaled by convicts as they crossed the bridge, taking a last look of Venice before imprisonment.

But there is a brighter story to The Bridge of Sighs, too.

An old tradition says that if couples kiss passing under the bridge in a gondola, their love will be eternal.

Recap of Visiting Venice Italy

There’s a reason Venice is so popular with tourists.

From the enchanting canals and islands, to the elegant architecture and mystery that surrounds this unique Italian city, it’s a must-see.

But even if you visit Venice, there’s no reason you have to follow the crowd.

In fact, you might discover some of the best experiences that way.

Final Thoughts on Venice or Naples for Your Italy Itinerary

After learning what each of these beautiful Italian cities offer, you still have a hard decision to make.

But rest assured you will love either one. And if you can swing it, make time for both!

Next Steps

For more travel ideas about Italy, read the articles below, next:

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