Paestum and Amalfi – Day Trip from Naples

Once serving as a major ancient Greek city, Paestum’s ruins offer sights that are equally majestic and haunting – and you’ll get front-row seats to the storied history of this magical realm. Achieve skip-the-line access to this ancient site, and explore the Doric-style temples with the help of your expert guide, who will help you unlock the secrets of the towering pillars and intricate stonework. The whole experience, between Paestum and Amalfi, will last for 8 hours – letting you truly absorb the sights and sounds in exquisite detail.

Older than 500 BCE, these temples offer unique insight into the Greek world. The first temple of Hera is the oldest of the trio, its beauty so enchanting that the archeologists who discovered it first mistook its construction for a Roman-era Basilica. The second temple, dedicated to Athena, bears a unique mixture of Doric and Ionic styles – among the first of its kind to do so. The third temple, once thought to be dedicated to Poseidon, also belongs to Hera’s domain. The most elaborate of the three, it saw use into the late Roman era – worship including Hera, Zeus, and a third unknown deity.

But Paestum’s splendor extends beyond the three temples. Exploring outward, you’ll also find intricate art, painted tombs, and complexes from the same era, offering even greater insight into ancient Greek life and culture. Other large structures include a council chamber, Roman streets, and ruined towers – letting you glimpse through time at the larger society responsible for these grand temples.

Amalfi is the namesake of the region, offering unique architecture and quality food that makes it incredibly popular with tourists looking for a taste of Italian excellence. This town was a particular favorite of British aristocracy during the 1920s and 30s – and looking at the surrounding high-flung cliffs and picturesque views of the deep blue sea, it’s easy to see why. The town also has an exquisite cathedral all its own, its majestic exterior depicted in historical paintings.