Arrive at Napoli Centrale or Naples airport and check into your hotel; drop bags and get oriented so you can walk the historic centre on foot. This keeps the first day relaxed and lets you acclimatise to the city and its pace.
Historic café on Piazza Plebiscito for sfogliatella and espresso—classic Neapolitan start. Open from early morning (typically from 8:00am); great people-watching and central location.
Self-guided walk along Spaccanapoli to see artisan shops, the historic centre and the Cathedral (Duomo) with its Chapel of San Gennaro. The Duomo is usually open mid-morning (check local hours for special services).
Try a classic Neapolitan Margherita at the famous Sorbillo on Via dei Tribunali; queues are common but turnover is quick. Open from around midday; perfect for an authentic pizza experience.
One of Italy's top archaeological museums with large Pompeii and Herculaneum collections—excellent context before visiting the sites. Typically open 9:00am–7:30pm (may be closed Tue), so check exact opening/closure dates.
Stroll along the Lungomare to Castel dell'Ovo for sunset views of Vesuvius and the bay; the castle grounds are freely accessible though some interiors may have opening hours. Ideal light for photos in the evening.
Another legendary Neapolitan pizzeria serving very traditional pizza in a simple setting—classic choice if you want a no-frills, authentic pie. Usually open from late morning into the evening; expect queues but quick service.
Early breakfast at your hotel or a quick pastry near the station to catch the Circumvesuviana train from Napoli Centrale to Pompeii Scavi (approx 30–40 minutes). Trains run frequently but choose an early one to avoid midday crowds.
Explore the vast ruins of Pompeii—houses, baths, frescoes and the Forum, offering a unique window into Roman life before Vesuvius' 79 AD eruption. Park hours in September are typically around 9:00am–7:30pm; purchase tickets in advance (often EUR16) and allow 3–4 hours to see the highlights.
Caupona is a themed tavern near the ruins offering Roman-inspired dishes and a good selection of regional wines—convenient and atmospheric. Open for lunch midday; a good place to rest before heading to Vesuvius.
Take the local bus or pre-booked transfer up to the Vesuvius National Park trailhead and hike ~20–30 minutes to the crater rim (allow 1–1.5 hours on-site). Park visitor hours often start around 9:00am and last until mid-afternoon (check exact closing time); entrance fee to upper trail is approx EUR10.
Lively local trattoria in the Spanish Quarter serving homely Neapolitan dishes; great for an authentic atmosphere and regional cooking. Usually open evenings from around 7:30pm.
Enjoy a classic Neapolitan pastry and espresso at historic Scaturchio near Piazza del Plebiscito—ideal for a sweet start. Typically open from early morning.
Either visit Capodimonte Museum for grand collections in a palazzo and park, or Museo Madre for contemporary art—both offer contrasting cultural perspectives of Naples. Opening hours often 9:00am–7:00pm, but check the museum of your choice.
Famed for its creative pizzas and classic fried specialties, Starita is a local institution—great midday stop before more sightseeing. Usually open during lunchtime and dinner services.
Visit the elegant Galleria for architecture and shops, and view Teatro di San Carlo (book tours in advance if you wish to enter). These central sights are open for exterior visits any time, interior tours depend on theatre schedules.
Option: tour Napoli Sotterranea (typical tours run 11:00am–5:00pm; check times) to see ancient Greek-Roman tunnels, or explore the market streets of Pignasecca for local products. Choose according to your energy and interest.
Transfer to Sorrento by Circumvesuviana train (~1h20m) or ferry (~40 minutes from Molo Beverello) depending on schedules; check last ferry times if preferring sea travel. Arrive in Sorrento and check into your hotel base for exploring Capri and Amalfi Coast.
Historic restaurant set in lemon groves, serving Sorrentine specialities—romantic atmosphere and regional dishes. Typically open for dinner from early evening.
Simple breakfast of coffee and cornetto at a local bar near Piazza Tasso to fuel a full day on the coast. Bars open early and are perfect for a quick authentic Italian breakfast.
Walk the compact town—Piazza Tasso, narrow lanes, artisan shops and the pretty fishing harbour of Marina Grande with seaside views. Everything is within easy walking distance and open all day.
Relax in Villa Comunale for views across the Bay of Naples, followed by a limoncello tasting at a local producer to learn about Sorrento’s citrus tradition. Many small producers open mid-morning; check individual opening times.
Traditional Sorrentine dishes close to the town centre—ideal for relaxed midday dining before afternoon exploring. Open around lunchtime into early afternoon.
Options include sunbathing at a nearby lido, walking coastal paths, or shopping for local ceramics and limoncello in the old town. Most shops and lidos operate through the afternoon, but beach lidos may have seasonal hours so check locally.
Fresh seafood in a picturesque setting on Marina Grande—ideal for a leisurely evening meal with sea views. Restaurants in Marina Grande typically open from early evening; reservations recommended in high season.
Take a hydrofoil from Sorrento to Capri (about 20–30 minutes) to maximise your day on the island; check ferry timetables as services start early and run until evening. Booking in advance recommended in high season.
Join a small boat circuit around Capri to view the Faraglioni and try to enter the Blue Grotto if sea conditions allow (the grotto is typically visited mid-morning; small dinghy fee applies if entry is possible). Blue Grotto opening depends on sea and wave conditions—no guarantee.
Head to Anacapri and take the chairlift up to Monte Solaro for the best panoramic views of the island and bay—chairlift usually operates from around 9:00am to late afternoon. A short walk at the top provides spectacular photos.
Dining under lemon trees in one of Capri’s most atmospheric restaurants—reserve in advance. Open for lunch and dinner; expect a higher price but memorable setting.
Walk the famous panoramic terraces of the Gardens of Augustus and through Capri’s elegant Piazzetta for shopping and people-watching; gardens generally open from morning until early evening. Great for a relaxed afternoon before the return ferry.
Depart Sorrento early by ferry (~35–45 minutes) or SITA bus for Positano to beat the crowds; ferries offer superior views and avoid road traffic, but check schedules and weather. Ferries typically operate from morning to early evening.
Wander Positano’s steep lanes, boutiques and seaside; enjoy the beach or a coffee with a view, taking in the colourful stacked houses. Most shops and cafes open mid-morning; the town is compact but steep walking is required.
Classic beachfront restaurant serving seafood and pizzas with sea views—perfect for a long leisurely lunch. Open throughout the day; busy in high season so reservations are helpful.
Take the short ferry to Amalfi and see the Cathedral of St Andrew with its striking facade and cloister; Duomo visiting hours are seasonal (often morning and mid/late afternoon), so check entry times. The town is a pleasant place to stroll and sample lemon products.
Head up to Ravello for panoramic gardens and terraces — Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone offer spectacular views over the coast and are typically open from morning until early evening. Allow time to wander the gardens and enjoy music history if interested (Ravello is famed for its concert season).
Return by ferry to Sorrento or take bus back along the coast; you can have dinner in Amalfi or Positano if timings suit, otherwise dine in Sorrento. If you plan to dine on the coast, check closing times—many restaurants remain open into the evening in September.
Slow morning with breakfast at a local bar in Sorrento and optional shopping for ceramics, limoncello and local products around the old town. Shops open from mid-morning; this is a good buffer day before travel back to Naples.
If you’re fit and the weather is clear, hike the famed Sentiero degli Dei for breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast; the trail is open all day but avoid midday heat and verify local bus connections for return. The hike takes around 3–4 hours depending on pace.
Light local lunch (panini or pasta) in a mountain hamlet or back in Sorrento—choose based on how far the hike took you. Many small bars are seasonal; check opening times in smaller villages.
Relax—book a spa treatment, return to a beach lido, or simply enjoy Sorrento’s terraces and sunset over the bay. Many spas and lidos operate with afternoon slots; reserve in advance where possible.
Return to Naples this evening to be convenient for departure the next morning; trains and ferries run into the evening but check the last connections and allow time for luggage. Arrive in Naples and check into accommodation near your departure point if needed.
Enjoy a special final dinner—choose a Michelin-style option like Palazzo Petrucci for a memorable meal or a classic seafront trattoria for relaxed coastal dining. Reservations strongly recommended, especially in September.
Final chance for a Neapolitan coffee and pastry before you depart; the café opens early and is conveniently central if you need a quick but classic breakfast. If you’re staying near the port or station, choose a nearby cafè to save time.
If time allows, take a short walk to pick up any last souvenirs or enjoy a final view of the bay—Pignasecca market and the seafront are nearby. Markets open morning hours; plan according to your transport schedule.
Leave for Naples International Airport (Capodichino) or Napoli Centrale depending on your onward travel—allow sufficient time for traffic and check-in. Taxi or Alibus to the airport typically takes 20–40 minutes depending on traffic.
End of tour—depart Naples with memories of Pompeii, Vesuvius, Capri and the Amalfi Coast. If you have a later departure, consider a final museum visit or leisurely lunch.