Anne Ackermann/ Novus Select
This is, without a doubt, one of the most colorful, vibrant, and interesting areas of Italy, home to world-class museums and archeological sites, extraordinary scenery, superb restaurants, and enough hidden gems to keep an agoraphobic happy for days. It was a tough job to single out just 14 highlights, but my favorite moments range from a genuinely awe-inspiring first visit to Naples' Archaeological Museum to a memorable al fresco seafood meal.
Photo Caption: San Francesco di Paola in Piazza Plebiscito bears a striking resemblance to Rome's Pantheon.
In Naples you realize what pizza is all about. The Neapolitans make the best in the world; crusts are light and puffy and toppings are made with San Mazzaro tomatoes and real mozzarella. Da Michele may not go in for frills, but the pizza is fab.
Photo Caption: Much of the appeal at Da Michele, a tiny pizza joint widely held to be Naples's best, is the stripped down, focus-on-product-not-frills approach.
Guaranteed to put you in the holiday mood, from early December this Naples street is chock-a-block with twinkling shops and stalls selling artisan-made Christmas crib figurines.
Photo Caption: Nativity figurines for sale along Via San Gregorio Armeno in Naples, Italy.
The first time you visit the Archeological Museum is an experience not quickly forgotten. The collections of Roman sculpture and the ancient bronzes are unique; just look at those two bronze athletes with their haunting eyes in Rooms 114-117.
Photo Caption: The museum's prize mosaic, from Pompeii, showing Alexander the Great and his steed Bucephalus in battle against the Persians.
Soothe your soul in peaceful San Gregorio Armeno, it's hard to believe that such a spot can exist among the madness of the Spaccanapoli.
Photo Caption: San Gregorio Armeno in Naples, Italy.
Teatro San Carlo is one of Italy's premier opera houses. There's nothing more exciting for opera lovers than the moment when the lights go down; performances here will not disappoint.
Photo Caption: Teatro San Carlo in Naples, Italy.
Naples is an immensely rewarding and exciting city, but it is undeniably crazy. After a few days wandering its traffic-clogged, noisy streets, jump on a ferry for a taste of sleepy island life.
Photo Caption: Catching a ferry to Positano from Naples, Italy.
The short trek up to the rim of the only active volcano in mainland Europe offers fabulous views, wild flowers, birdsong and a lasting impression of the awesome power of nature.
Photo Caption: The trail to the summit of Mt. Vesuvius.
As you descend the Nastro Azzurro ("Blue Ribbon") road that runs over the mountain from Sorrento to Positano, gives a taste of what it is to embark on one of the world's famous coastal drives. The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as the blue sea glistens far below.
Photo Caption: The winding stretch of coastal road between Sorrento and Amalfi is one of Europe's classic drives.
One of the more indulgent highlights of an Amalfi Coast tour. The celebrated Hotel San Pietro enjoys a setting second to none, clinging to the side of a cliff just east of Positano. Cocktails are served on the top terrace to a backdrop of the town's twinkling lights. Magic.
Photo Caption: Hotel San Pietro in Positano, Italy.
Some of the best preserved Doric temples outside Greece, Paestum's three giants rise from the surrounding countryside like a mirage. Try and catch them at sunset for a truly memorable experience.
Photo Caption: The unmistakably Greek temples at Paestum have a history that stretches back to 550 b.c.
You'll need good shoes and plenty of stamina to cope with the 800-odd steps, but will be rewarded by some of the most spectacular scenery to be found in the region.
Photo Caption: The Arco Naturale in Capri, Italy.
The healing powers of Ischia's thermal springs have been known since Roman times. On a cool spring or autumn day they make a perfect therapy for museum-weary bones.
Photo Caption: Thermal pools in Ischia.
Leaving the madness of the coast below far away, refined Ravello is a civilized place to spend the night. After dark, the square with its marble paving stones and lovely cathedral, is at its most atmospheric.
Photo Caption: Piazza del Duomo in Ravello, Italy.
Photo Caption: San Francesco di Paola in Piazza Plebiscito bears a striking resemblance to Rome's Pantheon.
Photo Caption: Much of the appeal at Da Michele, a tiny pizza joint widely held to be Naples's best, is the stripped down, focus-on-product-not-frills approach.
Photo Caption: Nativity figurines for sale along Via San Gregorio Armeno in Naples, Italy.
Photo Caption: The museum's prize mosaic, from Pompeii, showing Alexander the Great and his steed Bucephalus in battle against the Persians.
Photo Caption: San Gregorio Armeno in Naples, Italy.
Photo Caption: Teatro San Carlo in Naples, Italy.
Photo Caption: Catching a ferry to Positano from Naples, Italy.
Photo Caption: The trail to the summit of Mt. Vesuvius.
Photo Caption: The winding stretch of coastal road between Sorrento and Amalfi is one of Europe's classic drives.
Photo Caption: Hotel San Pietro in Positano, Italy.
Photo Caption: The unmistakably Greek temples at Paestum have a history that stretches back to 550 b.c.
Photo Caption: The Arco Naturale in Capri, Italy.
Photo Caption: Thermal pools in Ischia.
Photo Caption: Piazza del Duomo in Ravello, Italy.