We know Italy is really two countries in one and to experience a real taste of Italy Naples and Sorrento are your destinations.

Naples

Naples is a city with a reputation, and not a very good reputation. For many some words that come to mind when thinking about Naples include unmentionables like dirty and crime infested. While these descriptions may be true, it is also true that Naples is a very colorful city. Yes crime is a problem, but you will be fine if you employ just a little common sense.

Naples is all about truth. When in Naples you won't get that odd tourist feeling like you get in some of Italy's other cities. Naples is about living. It's people can be a bit gruff, but are also a heck of lot more colorful than you find elsewhere throughout the country. It's also been said you get in trouble in Naples, all you need do is bring up the subject of soccer and you’ll suddenly have friends for life.

The best way to experience Naples is just to explore it. The action is on the street, not in museums. If you’re hankering for picture opportunities, the glass dome over the Galleria Umberto I is a good spot. You can also climb above the city to take scenic pictures of the coast and madness of Naples.

If you are really pining for a tourist fix, Pompeii and the looming Mount Vesuvius are close by. Pompeii, of course, was buried in a Mount Vesuvius explosion, literally freezing everything in place. Ah, you already know the story.

Sorrento

If Naples overpowers you, you should make your way around the bay in Sorrento. Sorrento is quite similar to Naples only with one very notable exception. That being where Naples is not, it is all about tourism. It's a city that works to make tourist comfortable. Frankly, it is difficult to see how Naples and Sorrento can coexist but they certainly do. In Sorrento, you can stay at ancient resorts where service is the name of the game. The beaches aren’t so hot, but you can rent jet skis and such to invoke your inner tourist.

Southern Italy often gets a bad rap as a rough place riddled with crime and to some extent this probably true, but seeing this region of Italy is worth it.

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