The true capital of Southern Italy, Naples is lacking the sophistication and refinement found in the northern cities. It is gritty and hectic, massive and dirty, yet possesses a realness that sets it apart from any other Italian city. Naples is said to posses the best of Italy without the polish; museums, ruins, piazzas, volcanoes, and archaeological wonders, especially for those who stray from the beaten path. The Bay of Naples is jam-packed with piers and resort hotels all the way down to the resort city of Sorrento without sparing an inch. If Naples isn’t your thing don’t worry, there are a phenomenal number of sites to see once you leave the city.

In the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii and Herculaneum are an easy reach from Naples; you don’t even have to leave the city sprawl. If you’re in Italy, exploring the historical impact of the fabled eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD is a must. Pompeii was once a proud city, centre of trade and commerce for the region until it was buried under volcanic ash from nearby Mount Vesuvius. Pompeii is sprawling and crawling with tourists during the high season, which makes the smaller, yet more preserved Herculaneum a great alternative. At either site you can take a tour of the ruins made famous by their impeccable preservation of the victims of Vesuvius. Tourist town Sorrento marks the end of the Bay of Naples and the beginning of the absolutely spectacular Amalfi Coast.

The southern shore of the Sorrentine peninsula is one of the world's most desirable destinations; hillside villages cling to the steep landscape, overlooking spectacular beaches that are reminiscent of Southeast Asia. The road into the Amalfi Coast is one of the most spectacular rides that you will find anywhere in Europe. The road repeatedly climbs, swoops, twists and turns while clinging to the steep sides of the cliff face before descending into quaint, iconic Mediterranean towns. The small cities of Amalfi and Positano are two of the more popular stops on the Amalfi Coast and tour operators are present in both. This stretch, from Naples to Sorrento and around the point to the Amalfi Coast, is one of the most memorable trips one can take in Italy. It can get extremely crowded and hectic during the peak summer months, so consider taking a trip in the shoulder seasons if you want a little more room to ride your bike on the winding roadways.

Best Seasons:Apr - Jun; Sep - Nov
Popular Locations:Positano, Amalf,i Pompeii