A Four-Day Naples Itinerary for the Ultimate Italian Experience

• Day 1: Visit Naples' historical center
  Spend your first day exploring the heart of Naples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the narrow streets of Spaccanapoli, where you'll find iconic landmarks such as the Naples Cathedral and the San Carlo Theatre. Enjoy a cup of coffee at the famous Gambrinus café, and try a slice of pizza Margherita at L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele. End the day with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum, which holds an impressive collection of Roman artifacts.
• Day 2: Discover Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
  Take a day trip to Pompeii, a Roman city buried by ash and pumice after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Explore the ruins of its temples, residences, and bathhouses, frozen in time by the catastrophic event. In the afternoon, hike up Mount Vesuvius and admire the panoramic view of the Bay of Naples.
• Day 3: Enjoy Capri island
  Embark on a boat tour of Capri, an idyllic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Admire the Faraglioni rock formations, swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Grotto, and stroll through the charming streets of Capri Town. Indulge in a Mediterranean lunch at Da Paolino, a restaurant famous for its lemon trees.
• Day 4: Naples' Castles and Submerged City
  Visit Castel dell'Ovo, a seaside fortress built by the Normans, and enjoy the view of the marina. Then, head to the Castel Nuovo, a medieval castle known for its Renaissance artwork. In the evening, take a guided tour of Baia's archaeological park, a submerged city that dates back to the Roman era. Admire the underwater ruins of villas, temples, and baths.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Naples Cathedral (1 hour, free)
• San Carlo Theatre (1 hour, €10)
• Gambrinus café (30 mins, €3 for coffee)
• L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele (30 mins, €5 for pizza Margherita)
• National Archaeological Museum (2 hours, €12)
• Pompeii (4-6 hours, €16)
• Mount Vesuvius (2 hours, €10 for entrance and €20 for shuttle bus)
• Capri boat tour (7-8 hours, €100-€120)
• Da Paolino restaurant (1 hour, €35-€40 for lunch)
• Castel dell'Ovo (1 hour, free)
• Castel Nuovo (2 hours, €6)
• Baia Archaeological Park (2 hours, €8 for guided tour)
Total Estimated Costs: €245-€263

Transportation

Travelers considering this itinerary should be aware that several day trips outside Naples require transportation. For Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius, a train from the Naples Central Station costs around €4, and a shuttle bus from Pompeii to Mount Vesuvius is available for €20. The Capri boat tours usually depart from Naples' Molo Beverello port or Sorrento, reachable by ferry or train. Transportation costs will vary depending on the distance and season.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider a day trip to the Amalfi Coast, where you'll find charming cliffside villages and picturesque beaches. Recommended stops include Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. Alternatively, visit the Royal Palace of Caserta, a lavish palace built for the Bourbon King of Naples. If you have less time, you can skip the Baia Archaeological Park or visit only one of the castles. Be aware that Naples' traffic can be dense, and public transportation may be crowded. Walking is often the fastest option for short distances in the city center.