The National Archaeological Museum in Naples, Italy, offers a captivating tour led by the knowledgeable Michele Arpa. Over two hours, visitors can explore the museum’s impressive collection of ancient Greco-Roman artifacts, from intricate frescoes to the renowned bronze statues. Priced at a reasonable €200 for groups of up to 20, the tour caters to multiple languages and is wheelchair accessible, ensuring a inclusive experience. While the highlights are many, the enigmatic Secret Cabinet and the Farnese collection’s significance are sure to pique one’s curiosity about the rich historical heritage of this remarkable institution.
This experience made our list of the 2 Best Tours In Naples National Archaeological Museum.
Key Points
- This 2-hour guided tour of the Naples National Archaeological Museum led by Michele Arpa showcases Greco-Roman works, bronze statues, and the Secret Cabinet.
- Highlights include exploring frescoes and mosaics from Pompeii and Herculaneum, viewing the Villa dei Papiri collection, and discovering the impressive Farnese collection.
- The tour is available in Italian, Spanish, and English, and wheelchair accessibility is provided.
- Booking can be done online with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and various ticket pricing options are available.
- Recommended items for the tour include a passport/ID, comfortable footwear, and a charged smartphone, as large bags and luggage are not permitted.
Tour Overview
This tour, titled "Naples: National Archaeological Museum Tour with Michele Arpa," offers participants a comprehensive exploration of the museum’s renowned collections.
Priced at €200 per group of up to 20 people, the 2-hour tour is available in Italian, Spanish, and English. Guests will meet the guide at the museum’s entrance, where wheelchairs are available for those who need them.
The tour highlights include viewing Greco-Roman works, marveling at bronze statues, and discovering the museum’s Secret Cabinet featuring erotic objects from Pompeii.
Visitors can also explore the Farnese collection and the Baths of Caracalla statue room, as well as artifacts from Italy, Egypt, Greece, and prehistoric times.
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Tour Highlights
Guests on the Naples: National Archaeological Museum Tour with Michele Arpa can expect to explore a rich tapestry of Greco-Roman works and historic mosaics.
The tour journeys back to the Vesuvian eruption, guided by expert Michele Arpa. Visitors will venture into the Secret Cabinet to view erotic objects from Pompeii and marvel at bronze statues from Herculaneum’s Villa dei Papiri.
The Farnese collection and the Baths of Caracalla statue room will also be highlights, as well as artifacts from Italy, Egypt, Greece, and prehistoric times, offering a global historical perspective.
Itinerary Details
The tour begins at Piazza Museo, the entrance of the Naples National Archaeological Museum, where guests will meet their guide, Michele Arpa, who holds a sign "iAmguida".
The guided tour starts with frescoes and mosaics from the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Guests will then explore the impressive Villa dei Papiri collection, which features papyrus scrolls and statues.
Next, the tour moves to the Farnese collection, showcasing significant statues and artifacts.
The journey concludes with a global historical perspective, exploring the Egyptian and prehistoric collections at the museum.
Booking and Cancellation
To reserve this tour, customers can do so now and pay later, as no upfront payment is required. The cancellation policy offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Regarding tickets, adults pay €16, European citizens aged 18-25 pay €2, and those under 18 enter for free. However, online tickets do not guarantee priority entrance.
| Reservation | Cancellation Policy | Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| Reserve now & pay later | Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance | Adults: €16 |
| No upfront payment required | Full refund | European Citizens (18-25): €2 |
| Under 18: Free | ||
| Online tickets don’t guarantee priority entrance |
Important Information
Passport or valid identification, comfortable footwear, and a charged smartphone with power bank are recommended for the tour.
Large bags and luggage aren’t allowed. Visitors should be aware that exhibitions may close with little to no notice, so it’s best to check availability and starting times beforehand.
Based on customer feedback, the tour overall earns a 4/5 rating, with the guide’s competence praised but some issues noted with the ticketing process.
Online tickets don’t guarantee priority entrance, so visitors should plan accordingly to avoid potential delays.
Greco-Roman Works and Mosaics
Visitors embark on a captivating journey through the National Archaeological Museum‘s vast collection of Greco-Roman works and historic mosaics.
Showcasing the artistic brilliance of ancient civilizations, the tour explores frescoes and mosaic masterpieces from Pompeii and Herculaneum. Guests marvel at the intricate details and vibrant colors that transport them back in time.
From mythological scenes to everyday life depictions, these well-preserved artifacts offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Under the expert guidance of Michele Arpa, visitors delve deeper into the stories and significance behind these remarkable Greco-Roman treasures, fostering a greater appreciation for the museum’s impressive holdings.
Villa Dei Papiri Collection
Next, guests explore the Villa dei Papiri Collection, which showcases the remarkable artifacts and architectural wonders recovered from the ancient Roman villa of the same name.
The collection includes exquisite bronze statues, such as the famous Dancing Faun, as well as well-preserved papyrus scrolls that offer a glimpse into the intellectual and cultural life of the villa’s former residents.
The guide shares insights into the villa’s construction, the excavation process, and the significance of these extraordinary findings, which provide a unique window into the opulent lifestyle of the Roman elite in the first century BC.
Farnese Collection and Baths
After exploring the remarkable Villa dei Papiri Collection, the tour moves on to the Farnese Collection and the Baths of Caracalla statue room.
This section showcases an impressive array of significant statues and artifacts, including:
- The colossal Farnese Bull, an intricate marble sculpture depicting the mythological story of Dirce’s punishment.
- The Farnese Hercules, a towering bronze statue that exemplifies the Greek ideal of heroic strength and power.
- The Farnese Meleager, a stunning marble sculpture depicting the Greek hero who slew the Calydonian Boar.
- The massive Baths of Caracalla statue, a testament to the grandeur and opulence of ancient Roman bathing complexes.
Visitors are captivated by the sheer scale and artistic brilliance of these remarkable works.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Explore the Museum on My Own?
The museum can be explored at one’s own pace, but it’s recommended to allow 2-3 hours to fully experience the extensive collections and exhibits. Visitors should plan accordingly to ensure they have sufficient time to see the highlights.
Can I Take Pictures of the Exhibits During the Tour?
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos during the tour, though some restricted areas or exhibits may prohibit photography. It’s best to check with the guide or museum staff for any specific guidelines.
Is There a Cafeteria or Restaurant Available at the Museum?
The museum does have a cafeteria and restaurant available for visitors. These dining options allow guests to take a break and refuel during their tour of the museum’s extensive ancient artifact collections.
How Far Is the Meeting Point From the Nearest Public Transportation?
The meeting point at the Piazza Museo, entrance of the museum, is located just a short walk from the nearest metro station. Guests can easily access the tour starting point via public transportation.
Do I Need to Purchase Tickets Separately for the Museum After the Tour?
The tour includes entrance tickets to the museum, so there’s no need to purchase them separately after the tour. Guests just need to show up at the meeting point and follow the guide into the museum.
Recap
The Naples National Archaeological Museum Tour with Michele Arpa offers a captivating exploration of ancient artifacts, including Greco-Roman works, bronze statues, and the intriguing Secret Cabinet. Highlighting frescoes from Pompeii, the Villa dei Papiri collection, and significant pieces from the Farnese collection, the tour provides a fascinating glimpse into Italy’s rich historical heritage. With its accessibility and multilingual options, the tour caters to diverse audiences, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an immersive experience in Naples’ renowned museum.
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