Fancy a proper Italian adventure that combines urban exploration, ancient history, and breathtaking coastal views? Naples and its surrounding gems offer the perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. This 4-day itinerary will take you through the vibrant streets of Naples, the haunting ruins of Pompeii, the magnificent Mount Vesuvius, and the picture-perfect destinations of the Amalfi Coast and Capri.
Day 1: exploring naples city centre
Begin your Neapolitan adventure in the pulsating heart of the city. Naples has a character unlike any other Italian destination, with its UNESCO World Heritage historic centre offering a genuine glimpse into southern Italian life. The city's rich history, dating back thousands of years, is evident in its architecture, museums, and the very layout of its streets.
Wandering Spaccanapoli and Visiting the Duomo
Start your morning with a leisurely stroll down Spaccanapoli, the main artery that splits Naples in half. This perfectly straight ancient street cuts through the historical centre, offering an authentic slice of Neapolitan life with its narrow alleyways, hanging laundry, and locals going about their daily business. As you wander, you'll encounter the magnificent Naples Cathedral, known locally as the Duomo. This 13th-century Gothic masterpiece houses treasures including frescoes, ancient baptisteries, and the Chapel of San Gennaro, where the blood of Naples' patron saint is said to liquefy during an annual miracle.
Continue your exploration to Cappella Sansevero, a chapel that houses the remarkable 'Veiled Christ' sculpture, considered one of the most impressive works of art in the world. Nearby, you can discover Port'Alba and Piazza Dante, bustling areas filled with bookshops, cafes, and local charm. Piazza Bellini offers a glimpse of ancient city ruins alongside modern cafes, creating a unique atmosphere where past and present coexist.
Authentic pizza and archaeological treasures
No visit to Naples would be complete without sampling authentic Neapolitan pizza. For lunch, head to L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele, one of the oldest and most revered pizzerias in the city. The simplicity of their margherita pizza, with its perfect dough, San Marzano tomatoes, and buffalo mozzarella, is truly a revelation in flavour.
After lunch, make your way to the National Archaeological Museum, home to one of the world's finest collections of Roman artefacts. Many of the treasures here were unearthed from Pompeii and Herculaneum, giving you a perfect preview of tomorrow's adventure. Marvel at intricate mosaics, classical sculptures, and everyday items that offer fascinating insights into ancient Roman life. Round off your day with a visit to Underground Naples, where you can explore the ancient Greek-Roman aqueduct system beneath the city streets.
Day 2: ancient pompeii and mount vesuvius
Your second day takes you on a journey back in time, exploring one of the world's most famous archaeological sites and the volcano that both destroyed and preserved it for posterity.
Walking through history in pompeii's ruins
Take an early morning train from Naples' Garibaldi Station to Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri, a journey of about 50 minutes. As you step into the ancient city of Pompeii, you'll be transported back to 79 AD, when Mount Vesuvius erupted and buried the thriving Roman town under ash and pumice. The remarkably preserved ruins offer an unparalleled window into daily life during the Roman Empire.
Wander along ancient streets with chariot ruts still visible in the stone, step inside homes adorned with vibrant frescoes, and visit public buildings including the forum, bathhouses, and theatres. The plaster casts of victims, caught in their final moments, serve as a poignant reminder of the human tragedy behind this archaeological wonder. For a more informative experience, consider downloading the MyPompeii app, which offers detailed explanations of the various sites. Allow at least four hours to explore this vast UNESCO World Heritage Site, though history enthusiasts could easily spend an entire day here.
Hiking to the Summit of Vesuvius
After immersing yourself in the ruins of Pompeii, it's time to face the volcano responsible for both its destruction and preservation. Take a bus from Pompeii to Mount Vesuvius, the only active volcano on mainland Europe. The journey to the parking area takes about 30 minutes, followed by a moderately challenging 30-minute hike to the summit.
Standing at the crater's edge is a truly humbling experience. Peer into the vast caldera while taking in sweeping panoramic views of the Bay of Naples, the surrounding countryside, and even Pompeii in the distance. The contrast between the verdant slopes and the barren crater serves as a reminder of nature's dual capacity for creation and destruction. Remember that Vesuvius last erupted in 1944, and though currently dormant, it remains closely monitored by volcanologists. The national park, established in 1995, protects this remarkable natural landmark situated 1000 metres above sea level.
Day 3: breathtaking amalfi coast journey
Your third day takes you along one of the world's most scenic coastal routes, where dramatic cliffs meet the azure Mediterranean Sea in a landscape that seems almost too beautiful to be real.
Coastal Villages from Positano to Ravello
The journey along the Amalfi Coast is an experience in itself, with winding roads carved into cliffside offering spectacular views at every turn. Begin in Positano, perhaps the most photogenic of the coastal villages, with its pastel-coloured buildings cascading down to the sea. Explore its narrow streets filled with boutiques selling handmade sandals, ceramics, and linen clothing, then make your way down to the beach for a different perspective of this vertical town.
Continue to Amalfi, once a powerful maritime republic. Visit the striking Cathedral of St. Andrew with its distinctive striped façade and impressive staircase. Sample local limoncello made from the region's famously large lemons, and perhaps enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking the water. For your final stop, head to Ravello, perched high above the coastline. This refined village is known for its magnificent gardens and villas, including Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, both offering incomparable views of the Mediterranean from their terraced gardens.
Transport options and photography spots
Getting around the Amalfi Coast requires some planning. While public SITA buses connect the major towns, they can be crowded during peak season, and the winding roads might challenge those prone to motion sickness. For more flexibility, consider booking an organised tour from Naples or hiring a private driver for the day. This option, though pricier, allows you to stop at the numerous panoramic viewpoints along the route that are inaccessible to larger vehicles.
Photography enthusiasts should bring their best equipment, as the Amalfi Coast provides endless opportunities for stunning images. The view from the Terrace of Infinity at Villa Cimbrone in Ravello, the winding coastal road seen from above, and the colourful umbrellas dotting the beaches all make for memorable photographs. The changing light throughout the day transforms the landscape, with early morning and late afternoon offering the most magical conditions for capturing this remarkable coastline.
Day 4: island escape to capri
Your final day takes you to the enchanting island of Capri, a Mediterranean jewel that has attracted visitors from Roman emperors to modern celebrities with its natural beauty and sophisticated charm.
The mystical blue grotto and boat tours
Catch an early morning ferry from Naples' Molo Beverello port to Capri, a journey of approximately 45 minutes. Upon arrival at Marina Grande, consider taking a boat tour around the island to appreciate its dramatic coastline featuring soaring cliffs, hidden coves, and remarkable rock formations like the iconic Faraglioni. The highlight of any boat tour is undoubtedly the Blue Grotto, a sea cave where sunlight passing through an underwater cavity creates an otherworldly blue glow that illuminates the entire cavern.
Entrance to the Blue Grotto involves transferring to small rowboats that can navigate the tiny opening, an exciting experience in itself. Inside, your boatman will likely serenade you with Neapolitan songs as you float in the mesmerising blue light. Note that access depends on sea conditions, so having alternative plans is wise. If the Blue Grotto is inaccessible, the Green Grotto and White Grotto offer their own unique beauty, while the Natural Arch and Lovers' Arch provide equally impressive natural wonders.
Leisurely lunch and local limoncello experience
After your maritime adventure, take the funicular railway up to Capri Town, the island's charming main settlement. Wander through the elegant Piazzetta, the perfect spot for people-watching while sipping an espresso. Explore the surrounding lanes filled with designer boutiques, artisanal shops, and fragrant gardens.
For lunch, find a restaurant with a terrace offering views over the Mediterranean. Capri's cuisine focuses on fresh seafood, locally grown vegetables, and simple preparations that highlight the quality of the ingredients. Try ravioli capresi, the island's signature dish featuring pasta filled with caciotta cheese and marjoram in a tomato sauce.
After lunch, visit one of the limoncello producers to learn about this famous lemon liqueur and enjoy a tasting. The lemons of Capri are prized for their fragrance and flavour, making the local limoncello particularly special. As your day on the island draws to a close, take one last stroll through the Gardens of Augustus for panoramic views before catching the late afternoon ferry back to Naples, completing your 4-day adventure with memories to last a lifetime.
