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7-Day Road Trip: Naples to Palermo via the Amalfi Coast and Eastern Sicily

Viewed by 95 travelers

Day 1: Naples sights

Naples, Italy on June 17, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Gran Caffè Gambrinus

Classic Neapolitan coffee and sfogliatella in a historic café (open from 7:00am); a perfect start to sample local pastries and espresso.
EUR7, 30m

9:15am

Naples Historic Center walk

Stroll Spaccanapoli, visit Naples Cathedral and lively narrow streets to feel the city's character; much of the center is pedestrian and open all day.
EUR0, 2h

11:30am

Museo Archeologico Nazionale

See world-class Roman and Pompeii artifacts; museum hours typically 9:00am–7:30pm (check local changes).
EUR15, 1h45m

1:15pm

Lunch at Pizzeria da Michele

Iconic, no-frills Neapolitan pizza — fast and legendary (open midday into evening); expect a short queue but excellent value.
EUR10, 1h

3:00pm

Castel dell'Ovo & Lungomare

Walk the seaside promenade and visit the waterfront castle for panoramic bay views; open for exterior visits all day, interior opening times vary.
EUR0, 1h15m

5:00pm

Drive-check and prepare for Amalfi Coast

Return to your car/rental point to pack and plan the coastal drive for tomorrow — traffic is heavy so an early departure is recommended.
EUR0, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Nennella

Lively traditional Neapolitan trattoria serving classic local dishes (opens evenings); great atmosphere and hearty plates.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 2: Positano & Amalfi

Amalfi Coast, Italy on June 18, 2025

7:30am

Early breakfast and checkout

Grab coffee and a light breakfast at your hotel to avoid peak traffic leaving Naples.
EUR10, 30m

8:15am

Drive to Positano

Scenic coastal drive (~1h30 depending on traffic); roads are narrow — take care and enjoy sea views.
EUR0, 1h30m

10:00am

Explore Positano

Wander colorful lanes, visit Church of Santa Maria Assunta and enjoy cliffside views; shops and promenades are open late morning.
EUR0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Chez Black (Positano)

Seaside restaurant on the Spiaggia Grande serving fresh seafood and pasta with beach views (open for lunch); classic Amalfi Coast experience.
EUR30, 1h15m

1:45pm

Drive to Amalfi

Short coastal drive (~40m) to Amalfi; allow extra time for scenic stops and photos.
EUR0, 45m

2:30pm

Visit Amalfi Cathedral (Duomo di Amalfi)

9th-century cathedral with striking façade and historic cloister; open typically until early evening (around 6–7pm).
EUR3, 1h

4:00pm

Limoncello tasting / promenade

Sample local limoncello at a boutique shop and stroll the harbor; many shops open through the afternoon.
EUR5, 30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Marina Grande (Amalfi)

Seafront dining with Mediterranean specialties; reservations recommended for sunset seating (often open 7:00pm).
EUR45, 1h45m

Day 3: Ravello & Paestum

Ravello → Paestum, Italy on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Amalfi

Hotel or café breakfast to fuel an active day; aim to depart early to fit both Ravello and Paestum.
EUR12, 30m

8:45am

Drive to Ravello

Short ascent from Amalfi (~20m) to the hilltop town renowned for gardens and views.
EUR0, 20m

9:15am

Villa Rufolo

Victorian-era gardens and terraces with panoramic coastal vistas; open from about 9:00am and well worth an early visit.
EUR7, 1h

10:30am

Villa Cimbrone - Terrace of Infinity

Explore the gardens and the famous Terrace of Infinity for sweeping photography opportunities; open roughly 9:00am–7:00pm.
EUR7, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria da Cumpa' Cosimo (Ravello)

Simple, locally sourced dishes and salads; open midday, perfect before the longer drive south.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Drive to Paestum

Approximate driving time ~2h15–2h45 depending on traffic; scenic coastal and inland route toward the Cilento plain.
EUR0, 2h30m

4:15pm

Paestum Archaeological Park (later afternoon visit)

Walk among exceptionally preserved Greek temples and the museum; site typically open until ~7:30pm in summer — arriving late afternoon gives softer light and fewer crowds.
EUR12, 1h45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Nettuno (Paestum area)

Seafood and regional Campanian dishes near the ruins; open evenings and convenient after your site visit.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 4: Drive to Calabria

Scilla, Calabria, Italy on June 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and checkout

Early meal and prepare for a longer driving day south into Calabria.
EUR12, 30m

8:15am

Drive to Scilla

Long coastal/inland drive (~4h30–5h depending on stops) down the Tyrrhenian coast into Calabria; plan a fuel and rest stop en route.
EUR0, 4h30m

1:00pm

Lunch stop en route (suggestion: scalea or Diamante)

Quick seaside lunch to break the drive — try a local seafood trattoria; most open 12:00pm–3:00pm.
EUR20, 1h

3:30pm

Arrive and explore Scilla (Chianalea)

Stroll the picturesque fishing quarter of Chianalea, visit Castello Ruffo and relax by the pebbled shore; town is enjoyable in late afternoon light.
EUR0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Beach time or relax

Short swim or walk along the waterfront before dinner; beaches and promenades are open public spaces.
EUR0, 45m

8:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Al Convento (Scilla)

Fresh Calabrian seafood with views of the Strait of Messina; open evenings and ideal for sampling regional flavors.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 5: To Taormina

Villa San Giovanni → Messina → Taormina, Italy on June 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and checkout

Quick breakfast and early departure to Villa San Giovanni to catch a ferry crossing to Sicily with the car.
EUR10, 30m

8:45am

Drive to Villa San Giovanni ferry port

Short drive (~1h depending on route/time) to the ferry terminal; ferries run frequently but allow time for boarding.
EUR0, 1h

10:00am

Ferry crossing to Messina with car

Fast vehicle ferry across the Strait of Messina (~20–30 minutes); check operator times and ticketing in advance in high season.
EUR20, 30m

11:00am

Quick visit to Messina Cathedral & Fountain

See the impressive cathedral and astronomical clock in Messina’s main square; sites typically open from mid-morning.
EUR0, 45m

12:00pm

Drive to Taormina

Scenic ~1h drive up the coast to the hilltop town of Taormina.
EUR0, 1h

1:15pm

Lunch at Trattoria da Nino (Taormina)

Typical Sicilian lunch near Corso Umberto; solid local pastas and seafood with terraces open midday.
EUR30, 1h15m

3:00pm

Ancient Theatre of Taormina (Greek Theatre)

Iconic Greco-Roman theatre with exceptional views of Mount Etna and the sea; usually open 9:00am–8:00pm in summer — arrive mid-afternoon for better light.
EUR10, 1h30m

5:00pm

Stroll Corso Umberto & Isola Bella viewpoint

Enjoy shopping, gelato, and a walk down to the viewpoint for photos of Isola Bella (open all day).
EUR0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante La Capinera (Taormina)

Refined Sicilian seafood and tasting menus — reservations recommended (opens evenings).
EUR55, 1h45m

Day 6: Etna to Palermo

Taormina → Catania → Palermo, Italy on June 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast in Taormina

Light breakfast and checkout; Bam Bar is famous for granita and opens early around 7:00am.
EUR10, 30m

8:15am

Drive to Mount Etna (from Taormina)

Drive ~1h to Etna access points; choose a guided half-day tour or self-drive into Etna Regional Park — guided tours offer safety and local knowledge.
EUR0, 1h

9:30am

Mount Etna half-day tour

Explore lava fields, craters and viewpoints with a licensed guide; tours typically last ~3–4 hours and run mornings/afternoons — book in advance.
EUR80, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch in Catania (Piazza Duomo area)

Enjoy Catania specialties near the elephant fountain; many trattorie open 12:00pm–3:00pm.
EUR20, 1h

3:15pm

Drive across Sicily to Palermo

Long drive (~3h30–4h depending on traffic) west across the island — consider a short stop in Cefalù if time allows for a quick walk on the beach.
EUR0, 4h

7:30pm

Arrive Palermo and dinner

Check into your Palermo hotel and enjoy dinner — Osteria Ballarò or similar serves lively Sicilian dishes (opens evenings).
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 7: Palermo highlights

Palermo & Monreale, Italy on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Cappello

Excellent coffee and pastries to start your Palermo day (opens from ~7:00am).
EUR10, 30m

9:00am

Palazzo dei Normanni & Cappella Palatina

Iconic Norman palace with the stunning Palatine Chapel mosaics; open mornings (around 8:15am–5:00pm) — arrive early to avoid lines.
EUR12, 1h30m

10:45am

Drive to Monreale and visit Cathedral

Short 15–20 minute drive to Monreale to see the cathedral’s golden mosaics; cathedral hours generally from 8:30am–7:00pm.
EUR3, 1h15m

12:30pm

Lunch at Mercato di Ballarò stalls

Sample street-food classics like arancini, panelle and cannoli in Palermo’s oldest market (best in late morning–early afternoon).
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Teatro Massimo guided tour

Visit Italy’s largest opera house with a guided tour (tours run roughly 10:00am–5:00pm; check booking availability).
EUR9, 1h

3:30pm

Stroll Quattro Canti, Piazza Pretoria & Foro Italico

Enjoy Palermo’s baroque heart and the seaside promenade for relaxed sightseeing and photos.
EUR0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Relax and pack

Return to hotel to rest and prepare for departure or onward plans.
EUR0, 1h

8:00pm

Farewell dinner at Bye Bye Blues

Creative, refined Sicilian cuisine in an elegant setting — great for a final celebratory meal (opens for dinner evenings).
EUR60, 2h
0
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