Vanished and forgotten, the walled city of Pompeii in Naples, Italy was accidentally discovered 1,669 years after the eruption of its neighboring volcano, Mount Vesuvius, on the 24th of August 79AD. Pompeii’s awful ordeal left at least 2000 people trapped and without a choice but to silently accept their imminent demise. At present, the 150-acre city of Pompei is one of the world’s largest archaeological excavation sites, side-by-side with modern amenities such as pubs, bars, restaurants, tourist facilities, and flourishing commercial areas. Read on and get in-depth with more interesting facts about the lost ruins of Pompeii and the modern city of Pompei below.

1. Life in Pompeii

So what’s it like to live in the past? Top archaeologists and experts of the historic excavation site are still baffled. There are lots of artifacts still needed to be analyzed to somehow depict a story or a scene which can show how everyday domestic living went in Pompeii. But the huge villas, with its walls and floors decorated with intricately designed mosaics; the Thasian dolomitic marbles that line up the bars and bath houses; and a sophisticated water, drainage, and sewage system for public and private use provides us an idea that people in Pompeii lived in a very comfortable manner and sheer opulence during their time.

2. Sealed Through Time

The remains of Pompeii are so incredibly well-preserved that you could walk around and see the Greek-inspired buildings such as residences, water fountains, commercial establishments, brothels, and an amphitheater; standing erect along the deserted cobble-stoned streets where the city’s ill-fated inhabitants used to walk through. People and their pet animals, eternally captured till their last breath in plaster casts are also found in the area. You can almost feel the impression of how sad and scared they must have been at the face of certain death.

3. Brothel in Pompei Re-opens

Don’t get the wrong idea here but the Lupanare, an ancient brothel in Pompeii is back in business- as a tourist destination that is! Ready to serve curious travelers, the fascinating 2-story brothel in the middle of Pompeii reveals signs of the open and systematic flesh trade in those times. Erotic Frescoes found at the walls of the rooms set the ambiance. Even more, names of the women who worked there, their “special talents” to please their clients, and prices of services are etched on the brothel’s walls.

4. Mother Nature Joins the War

While the Second World War was happening all across Europe, American airmen stationed at the Pompeii airfield caught a glimpse of the last known eruption of Mount Vesuvius. At least 2 feet of volcanic ash and football-sized rocks blanketed the area. Army tents, military equipments, and 88 aircrafts have also been severely destroyed.

5. The Santuario

Off to the past and on to the present! Not far from the Pompeii ruins, most tourists in Pompei often miss visiting the Santuario or the Shrine of Madonna del Rosario, a church built in 1876. The whole structure is shaped like a Latin cross which is dominated by a 53-meter high dome in the center. The church altar features the shroud of Madonna di Pompei in a bronze frame encrusted with gems. But the real attraction here is the 80-meter bell tower, the top easily accessible by an elevator where you can get a breath-taking view of Pompei and the surrounding area of Naples.

Top 3 Hotels in Pompei, Italy

• Hotel Diana – 3-star hotel – double room: €73
• Hotel Pompei Resort – 4-star hotel – double room: €85
• Hotel Degli Amici – 3-star hotel – double room: €90

Photo of Villa dei Misteri, Pompei, Italy, by Nick In Exsilio

1. Dimora delle Sirene Guest House – Sorrento

The Dimora delle Sirene is a small, modern hotel in Sorrento offering comfortable guest rooms a few minutes from the city’s historic center.

Special Offer through June 2009: Book a Double Room (prepaid/not refundable) and get a 10% discount on your stay in Sorrento. Free Breakfast

2. Grand Hotel Des Palmes – Palermo

The Grand Hotel Des Palmes offers luxury accommodation in the center of Palermo, Sicily, just a few steps from Teatro Massimo and Politeama theaters. The perfect hotel to stay for a romantic holiday in Palermo.

Special Offer through June 2009: Book a 3-night stay in Standard Double Room and get a 10% discount on your reservation.

3.  Regina Napoli Hotel – Naples

The 3-star Hotel Regina Napoli offers budget accommodation near Naples train station with easy access to the city’s tourist attractions.

Special Offer through June 2009:  Double Room from €40 per night (prepaid/not refundable).

4. San Paolo Hotel – Naples

The San Paolo Hotel is an elegant hotel in Naples featuring a bar restaurant, a fitness room, business facilities, a car park, and a roofgarden with views over the Bay of Naples.

Special Offer through June 2009:  Double Room from €70 per night (prepaid/not refundable). Free breakfast

5. Sandalia Hotel – Sardinia

The perfect accommodation for a budget holiday in Sardinia, the Hotel Sandalia is a friendly bed and breakfast located in the picturesque hill village of Badesi, Olbia.

Special Offer through June 2009:  Double Room for €58 per night (prepaid/not refundable). Free breakfast

Villa Capodimonte Hotel – Naples

Book a double room at the 4-star Hotel Villa Capodimonte in Naples, Italy, from 75 euros per night. Prepaid hotel room not refundable. Breakfast not included. Special offer available till May 31, 2009.

Ucciardhome Hotel – Palermo

Book a Double Standard Room at the 4-star Hotel Ucciardhome in Palermo, Sicily, for 120 euros per night. Prepaid hotel room not refundable. Special rate available till May 31, 2009.

Exclesior Grand Hotel – Catania

Book a double room for 3 nights at the luxury Excelsior Grand Hotel in Catania, Sicily and get a 10% discount. “Scents of Sicily” special offer available till May,30 2009.

Villa Cannizzo – Ragusa

Book a 2-night stay at Villa Cannizzo Bed & Breakfast and save 5% off on your holiday in Ragusa, Sicily. Discount available till May, 31 2009.

For more Italy hotels visit venere.com.

The city is oftentimes referred to as the world’s largest open-air museum in that there is an abundance of historical structures, monuments, opera houses, and theaters. Whatever your family’s interests, you will be sure to get your fill by visiting this southern Italian cultural mecca.

Naples family tourist attractions are afforded the visitor via the numerous bus tours available that tour the spectacular countryside with its unmatched scenery. There are many things to enjoy in Naples with your family so, take back beautiful memories of your family trip in the scenic city of Naples. Visit the city which is a tourist’s treasure chest filled with excitement and thrills, including galleries, gardens, historical sites, and parks. The following is a list of recommendations for fun family attractions and things to do while visiting Naples.

1. Naples Walking Tours

Most of the tour guides speak fluent English on these daily walking tours of Naples. You have a choice of family tours ranging anywhere from two to six hours in duration. Mediterranean Italy’s classic landscapes that these tours avail you of include sites such as Herculaneum, Mount Vesuvius, and Pompeii.

2. Napoli Sotterranea

Napoli Sotterranea is an excellent family-friendly tour of some ancient ruins that also includes attractions such as a World War II bomb shelter, candlelit narrow passageways underground, Greco-Roman theatre, and Roman cisterns.

3.  The Naples’ Aquarium (Acquario)

The Naples’ Aquarium  oldest European structure of its kind and was founded in the late 1800’s by a naturalist from Germany. Acquario is situated on Via in the public gardens of Caracciolo. These aquariums are one definitely of the more popular family destinations in Naples and are a must-see attraction while visiting. The aquarium  is open during the months of October through April. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., and on Sundays from 09:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

4. Edenlandia Amusement Park

Located south and west of the city center in Naples, this is Campania’s largest amusement park. Situated near the Stadio San Paolo, Edenlandia is a top attraction featuring numerous rides that are a family’s delight. The park is open October through March from noon until 10:00 p.m., and on weekends from 10:30 a.m. until midnight. During the months of April through September, it is open on weekdays from 3:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., and on weekends from 11:00 a.m. until midnight.

5. Museo Nazionale Ferroviario

This Naples museum that is enjoyed especially by children, this family attraction features old fashioned cars, engines, and railway equipment, displayed in a restored format of railway atmosphere. The structure is located east of the city center of Naples and was originally created by the 19th century Bourbon rulers. The museum is open Mondays through Saturdays from 09:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Photo of Edenlandia, Naples, by manfrys

Via San Gregorio Armeno is so named after the baroque church and monastery on this street. In the eighth century Armenian nuns fleeing from the Byzantine Empire reached Naples with the relics of the Bishop of Armenia, St. Gregory. At the centre of the city, connecting the modern vibrant city with its ancient heritage, Via San Gregorio Armeno has seen the footprints of every local of Naples and every tourist to the city for centuries.

However its greatest attraction is what makes this already vibrant street come to an almost magical state of existence. It is the little shops selling the terracotta nativity scenes with quaint figurines. Open all year long, a special time to visit this street, for obvious reasons, is just before and during the Christmas season. The Christmas season in Italy begins with Christmas Eve on the twenty-fourth of December and continues till Epiphany on the sixth of January. The Nativity Scene is the most important symbol of Christmas in Italy, even more than Babo Natale- or as he is popularly known, Santa Clause. The Italian Nativity scene or the crib is called presepe. During the whole season, every house and every church has a Nativity Scene occupying an important position in the Christmas display. In fact, Christmas trees were not a part of the decoration in Naples until the middle of the last century. The Neapolitan Nativity Scene, however, is very different from those known in other parts of Europe like Germany, Austria or even Northern Italy. In Naples, the crib abounds with everyday people. Madonna and Jesus are still indispensable, obviously, but the shepherd with his animals, the farmer’s wife, the children playing, all occupy an equally central position.

The street of Nativity shops in Naples

Numerous little shops have in their window displays recreations of the most important night in the Christian world- the birth of Jesus Christ. More than half a million tourists make their way to the Via San Gregorio Armeno. At the shops in Via San Gregorio Armeno there is plenty for even just the window shopper. For those not religiously inclined, these nativity scenes are beautifully imagined doll houses. And for those to whom Christmas is more than just a festive season, this is an opportunity to buy a piece of Christmas legacy. On sale are not only statues of the Virgin Mother and her Son but of various household items like pots and pans and furniture. Though not edible, equally delicious looking replicas of Christmas feasts and gastronomic delights occupy an important part of the Nativity Scene displays.

Farm animals stand alongside the traditional shepherds. Some adventurous artists even put in caricatures of politicians in their displays. For the more artistically inclined visitor there is everything that one would need to create their own Nativity Scene available here. Not just figurines and homes but also little lakes with bridges to go over them and trees to go around. There are also small motor powered waterfalls, grasslands, towers, and so many more things. Almost everything on sale here is handmade. Though December is the most crowded month, September and November are both great times to visit Via San Gregorio Armeno because this is when the artists begin to ready their shops.

A tourist can actually watch the process of creating these beautiful decorative pieces. Several of the shops have been in this business for generations and consequently have names recognizable to everyone who knows anything about these cribs and their creation. Some of the famous names include Ferrigno, Giannotti and Maddaloni. The Neapolitan Tourist Board and the Neapolitan Association of the Friends of the Christmas Crib have done much to popularize this street’s main occupation. The Neapolitan Tourist Board even offers prizes to the best creations and promotes several cultural activities. Via San Gregorio Armeno has much to contribute to Naples being called ‘the city of the crèche.’

Sights other than cribs:

The church and monastery of San Gregorio Armeno was a very wealthy convent. The beginning of the church goes all the way back to the middle of the sixteenth century. The well preserved interiors of the monastery showcase frescoes painted by Luca Giordano, intricate wooden ceiling, and a grand central fountain in the Cloister made of marble with Matteo Bottigliero’s sculpture of Christ and the Samaritan. There is also the staircase that the nuns used during their atonement – the Holy Staircase. The tourist can catch a breathtaking view of the Bay of Naples. However, the monastery of San Gregorio Armeno is not the only important building on this street. Via San Gregorio Armeno is also famously known as the platea nostriana. St Nostriano, a fifteenth century archbishop in Naples, had baths built here that catered to the poor.

Via San Gregorio Armeno -Naples’ street of Nativity workshops seems like it is stuck in a timeless world of a dream with minuscule people flocking the make believe streets and lakes. For fans of these Nativity Scenes I suggest another Naples landmark, though a slight detour from the Via San Gregorio Armeno. The Museo Nazionale di San Martino houses the famous Presepe Cuciniello, the largest nativity scene in the world. It consists of a hundred and sixty two people, eighty animals and almost four hundred and fifty other miniatures.

Naples Hotels recommended by venere.com:

The Hotel Nesis is a 4-star hotel located in Naples city center, only a few steps from the Science Museum. Member of the Space Hotels Group, the Nesis Naples offers an array of hotel amenities including rooms with sea view, Internet point, free car park, fully-equipped gym and fitness room, as well as business facilities.

The Mercure Hotels Garibaldi is an elegant hotel conveniently situated close to Naples central train station (Piazza Garibaldi).  Member of the Mercure hotel chain, the Mercure Naples Garibaldi boasts modern hotel amenities including comfortable guest rooms, wireless Internet access, business facilities and free shuttle service to Naples city center.

Photo of Via San Gregorio Armeno, Naples, Italy originally posted by [tox]

I spent the Christmas holiday in Rome two years ago and will do so again this year, so in the spirit of the holidays have composed a list of some of my favorite things to do during the Italian holiday season.

1. Christmas Markets

Christmas means shopping and towns all over Italy are filled with traditional markets selling candy and handicrafts. Most markets start popping up after December 8 (the holiday of the Immaculate Conception) and remain until January 6 (the Epiphany). One of my favorites is in Piazza Navona in Rome, with its carnival games, candy, and stalls selling nativity scenes and figurines of the Befana. For something a bit out of the way, stop by the Auditorium for their month long Christmas festival with games, concerts, ice skating, and puppet shows. Up north in Venice, the annual market in Campo Santa Stefano runs from November 29 to December 23 and features stands with handmade toys and crafts, as well as regional culinary specialties.

2. Christmas Food

To me winter always starts up when I see vendors on the streets roasting chestnuts. Just follow your nose and ask for a bag, which should cost 2 to 3 euro. Pandoro, typical of Verona and panettone, typical of Milan, are now found all over the peninsula and are often given to friends and co-workers. In Naples try strufoli, which are balls of fried dough drizzled with honey and sprinkles and then stacked into a little pyramid.

3. Christmas Presepe

Instead of looking for Christmas lights (though you will see those around as well), you can make a whole trip out of viewing the nativity scenes set up in various Italian cities. The nativity gets more popular the further south you go, where it seems like every store from butcher to baker has one set up. In Rome, stop by Santa Maria Maggiore to see one of the oldest nativities in the city, carved in marble. Of course the enormous nativity scene set up in St. Peter’s Square is also not to be missed. Also worth a visit is the Aracoeli, by Piazza Campidoglio, for their nativity and, from Christmas Eve onwards, a glimpse at the Santo Bambino. Roman children come to give thanks to this oil wood sculpture of the Christ Child. In Naples, you’ll want to be sure to visit via San Gregorio Armeno in Spaccanapoli. This famous street is filled with artisans creating nativity figurines. Everything from your traditional figures to Bart Simpson as a shepherd can be found here.

At Context Travel we offer specials walks in Rome and Naples designed around the food and nativity traditions in each city. Each make your holiday stay a bit more special, as you come away with a better understanding of what it means to celebrate Christmas in Italy. Both walks last three hours and are either 55 euro per person or 270 euro for groups booking privately.

Buon natale!

Photo of the Colosseum at Christmas, Rome originally posted by Jakob Montrasio

Want to know where to eat great food while waiting for your flight in Athens Airport, Greece,  Rome Fiumicino Airport, Italy, Munich Strauss Airport, Germany or other international airports in the world? Read PlanetEye travel experts’ recommendations on best airport restaurants.

How to get around in Rome?

Context Travel gives very useful tips on Rome public transport system to all travelers planning a holiday in the capital city of Italy.

Where to find traditional Nativity scenes in Italy?

On About.com, see pictures of Via San Gregorio Armeno. Located in Naples Old Town,  the street of Nativity workshops is really worth a visit at Christmas time.

Where to find the best sushi in London?

If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine and are traveling to London, read Mr & Mrs Smith Travel Blog and find the best new sushi spots in the British capital.

How to find vegetarian food in Japan?

If you’re a vegetarian and are planning to visit Tokyo,  read Gadling and find 5 tips for eating veggie in Japan.

1. Teatro di San Carlo

Taking a trip to Italy for their majestic opera house in Naples is not to be missed. As the oldest in Italy and one of the largest in Europe, San Carlo is a true sight to be seen. The theater was amazingly built in only half a year in 1737 and is famous for its fabulous acoustics, especially considering it’s so big. It might be one of the biggest and most famous but San Carlo is a little more than just an opera house. It’s famous for having some quite vocal members of the audience on stage, but then this is where opera is most at home so it can be forgiven. If you want somewhere more regal and well behaved then head north to La Scala in Milan but if you want more of an experience then this is your best bet.

2. Gran Teatre del Liceu

The location this time is Barcelona in Spain and the Gran Teatre del Liceu is one of the finest in the whole country. Build in the 19th Century, it’s not one of the oldest in Europe but certainly one of the most exclusive in terms of performances. It’s huge too and after La Scala it’s the second largest in Europe. It has been the stomping ground for many of the greatest opera singers in modern theater and once housed a certain Jose Carreras in his younger days.

3. Wurttemberg State Theater

If the prize was for the most beautiful building then the home of the Stuttgart State Opera would be in the lead. Like many of the opera houses above and around Europe, the Second World War seemed to hit this theater hard. It was rebuilt after the war but the original building was completed in 1912 by architect Max Littmann. It’s one of the more recognizable of theaters, as the classical columns prop up the curved stone building which overlooks a beautiful lake. It seats 1400 people and is well rehearsed in putting on some, if not all, of the biggest operatic shows in Germany.

4. Prague Estates Theater

This neo classical theater in the Czech capital of Prague is famous for being the venue where a certain Amadeus Mozart first conducted a performance of his opus Don Giovanni. Since then it’s gone from strength to strength and cemented itself both in its own country and across Europe as being the best place to experience Mozart’s operas in the venue he loved so dearly.

5. Glyndebourne

It doesn’t come more bourgeoisie than Glyndebourne, UK. If you thought opera was just for the higher classes then…you’d be pretty much right if you went on an evening out to the famous East Sussex opera theater. Nestling in the dainty English countryside is the 700-year-old country house that now hosts a regular capacity of some 1,200 opera lovers. The building has been given a big make-over over the last twenty years and in 1992 it opened its doors to a new incredible £34 million theater. A lot of the money came from a great number of private donors so sadly they take priority over many of the seats. But for those who feel they own the right attire (black tie and evening dress) then it annually hosts he Glyndebourne Festival Opera and is more of an institution and experience now than your average opera house.

Photo of Prague Opera House originally posted by Tom Scamardo

Nudist vacation resort: About.com recommends Le Cap d’Agde, the most famous naturist beach in France.

Hotel news: Globorati announces the opening of an innovative CitizenM hotel in the area of Schiphol Amsterdam airport.

Shopping in Naples: On Jaunted see funny pictures of an odd fireworks shop selling pink bikes near Naples train station.

Air travel news: On USA Today read an article on American Airline testing in-flight Internet access.

According to Gadling, this is the perfect time to go visit Naples: the trash crisis is over and you can find cheap hotel accommodation.

Find out the top 10 places to go fly a kite on USA Today. The list includes travel destinations all over the world, from the beach resort of Cervia on Italy east coast to the big Indian city of Jaipur.

Vagabondish reports that Finnish prime minister has proposed a law to offer an annual 7-day “love vacation” to any employee working in Finland. So you, lucky Finnish people, get ready to enjoy a fantastic romantic break in Venice, Marrakech or Paris.

Traveling by plane and wearing body piercing ? Learn more about nipple ring issues at airport security lines on msnbc.com.