Land at Naples Capodichino; collect luggage and decide transport to Salerno (private transfer vs. train). A private transfer is easiest for a family with luggage and children; the train is fast and cheaper.
Option A: Private car from Naples Airport direct to your Salerno hotel (door-to-door, ~45–60 minutes). Option B: Alibus to Napoli Centrale then fast train (Regionale/IC) to Salerno (~40–60 min) — cheaper but needs stairs/platforms with luggage.
Check into a family-friendly central hotel near the Lungomare and Salerno station for easy transfers: mid-range NH Hotel Salerno (family rooms) or small historic Hotel Plaza for a central location; both give quick access to ferries and the promenade.
Relaxed walk along Salerno’s seafront (Lungomare Trieste) and visit the Duomo di Salerno (Cathedral) with its crypt and medieval cloister; easy, family-friendly introduction to the coast.
Choose a family-friendly restaurant on or near the seafront for fresh seafood or classic Campania pizza; reserve a table for the family especially in high season.
Take a regional train from Salerno to Ercolano (change in Napoli Centrale depending on service). Aim to arrive at opening time to beat crowds; total travel ~1–1.5h depending on connections.
Explore Herculaneum, the better-preserved Roman site buried by Vesuvius in 79 AD; its mosaics, wooden structures and thermal baths are fascinating for children and adults alike. Check current opening hours (commonly ~9:00–19:00; reduced in low season).
Take the local EAV bus or private transfer to the Vesuvius National Park parking area; buses depart from Ercolano/Portici at scheduled times — plan logistics in advance or take a guided combined tour to simplify transport.
Walk the last 20–30 minutes up to the crater rim for panoramas over the Bay of Naples; the Vesuvius area is exposed so bring sun protection and water. Park access and last segment usually open ~9:00–17:00 (check seasonally).
Catch an early hydrofoil or ferry from Salerno to Ischia (operators include Alilauro/Caremar; travel time ~50–80 minutes depending on service). Book tickets in advance for family seating.
Drop bags at a family-friendly hotel: splurge option — Hotel Regina Isabella in Lacco Ameno (excellent for families and thermal facilities); mid-range hotels and family B&Bs work well too.
Join a family-friendly half- or full-day Ischia cooking class that typically starts with a market visit (seasonal produce) and then a hands-on pasta/seafood lesson — classes usually run 3–4 hours and are great for children old enough to participate. Check specific class start times and reserve ahead.
Ischia is famous for thermal springs; spend the afternoon at a thermal park (e.g., Negombo or Poseidon Gardens) or a family-friendly beach to rest after the class — check opening hours (typically mid-morning to sunset).
Board a private boat for a customized cruise along the Amalfi Coast. Insist the itinerary includes a stop at Vietri sul Mare (famous for ceramics) plus swimming/snorkeling and optional stops at Cetara, Amalfi or Positano; half-day tours typically run 4–5 hours, full day 8 hours. Book a skipper who can offer family-friendly options and children's life jackets.
Choose a seafront restaurant in Salerno or a short drive to Vietri sul Mare for dinner with ceramics-viewing boutiques — ideal for picking up a souvenir while children dine on familiar pasta or pizza.
Join a 3-hour family-friendly food tour that includes pizza tasting, sfogliatella, espresso, street food and local markets — great way to try iconic Neapolitan flavors and learn where to eat later.
Check into a centrally located Naples hotel for easy walking access to the historic center: mid-range Hotel Piazza Bellini (family rooms) or splurge at Grand Hotel Vesuvio on the Lungomare.
Book an afternoon tour of Napoli Sotterranea (Naples Underground) or the Catacombs of San Gennaro — both offer fascinating underground archaeology and are suitable for curious kids (book times in advance: common tour slots mid-afternoon; cave/climate cooler).
For an unforgettable pizza experience, reserve at L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele or Gino Sorbillo (they get busy; expect queues but worth it for kids and adults). Both are typically open 12:00–14:30 and 19:00–23:00; confirm hours ahead.
If time permits, enjoy a short walk along the harbor or a quick exterior visit to Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino) — keep it short to stay on schedule for airport transfer.