7-Day Scenic South Italy Road Trip: From Naples to Sicily

Day 1: Explore Naples

Naples, Italy on June 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Gran Caffè Gambrinus

Start your day with traditional Neapolitan espresso and sfogliatella pastries at this iconic café near Piazza del Plebiscito, a favourite of local intellectuals and visitors alike.
EUR5, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit Naples National Archaeological Museum

Home to one of the world's best collections of Greco-Roman antiquities, including stunning mosaics and artifacts from Pompeii, this museum offers a fascinating cultural insight.
EUR15, 2h0m

11:45am

Walk around Spaccanapoli District

Stroll through the heart of Naples' historical centre, experiencing the vibrant street life, artisan shops, and historical churches like Santa Chiara.
Free, 1h30m

1:15pm

Lunch at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele

Enjoy a traditional Neapolitan pizza margherita or marinara at this renowned pizzeria that’s open since 1870 and beloved by locals and tourists alike.
EUR12, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Castel dell'Ovo

Explore the oldest standing fortification in Naples, offering beautiful views of the Bay of Naples and a rich historical background dating back to Roman times.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Lungomare Harbour Promenade

Enjoy a scenic walk alongside the sea, sipping a gelato or coffee while watching the bustling port and Mount Vesuvius in the distance.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Da Nennella

Experience authentic Neapolitan cuisine in a lively, traditional trattoria famous for its local atmosphere and fresh seafood dishes.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Drive Amalfi Coast

Positano and Amalfi, Italy on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or local café

Fuel up with a cappuccino and cornetto before heading out on the scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast.
EUR7, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive Naples to Positano (1h30m)

Take the scenic coastal route south from Naples to the picturesque cliffside village of Positano, enjoying Mediterranean views along the way.
Fuel & toll ~EUR20, 1h30m

10:30am

Explore Positano

Wander through narrow lanes lined with colourful houses, designer shops and the beautiful beach; the perfect place for photos and soaking up summer vibes.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Chez Black, Positano

Dine on the beachfront terrace specializing in fresh seafood pasta and classic Mediterranean dishes with breathtaking sea views.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive Positano to Amalfi (40 min)

Continue your drive east along the dramatic coastline to the historic town of Amalfi.
Fuel & toll ~EUR5, 0h40m

2:45pm

Visit Amalfi Cathedral (Duomo di Amalfi)

Marvel at the striking medieval cathedral's façade and visit the Cloister of Paradise; Amalfi’s religious and historical heart.
EUR3, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Amalfi Beach

Spend an hour unwinding on the beach or enjoying a gelato while admiring the sea and mountain backdrop.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Drive back to Naples (1h30m)

Return to Naples to rest and prepare for the next day of exploration.
Fuel & toll ~EUR20, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Il Gobbetto, Naples

Enjoy traditional southern Italian dishes like pasta alla genovese in a warm, casual setting in central Naples.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 3: Pompeii & Vesuvius

Pompeii and Naples, Italy on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Naples hotel

Have a quick Italian breakfast with espresso and pastries before an early start to Pompeii.
EUR6, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive Naples to Pompeii (30 min)

Arrive early to beat the crowds at the Pompeii Archaeological Site.
Fuel ~EUR5, 0h30m

8:30am

Tour Pompeii Ruins

Discover the remarkably preserved ancient Roman city destroyed by Vesuvius' eruption in AD79, exploring houses, theatres, and baths.
EUR18, 3h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Caupona Pompeii

Enjoy hearty Roman-inspired dishes with archaeological-themed décor near the Pompeii entrance.
EUR22, 1h0m

12:30pm

Drive to Mount Vesuvius (30 min)

Head up to the Mount Vesuvius National Park base for your hike.
Fuel ~EUR5, 0h30m

1:00pm

Hike Mount Vesuvius

Climb a moderate trail (~45 mins) to the crater rim of the active volcano, enjoying panoramic views of the Bay of Naples.
EUR10, 2h0m

3:00pm

Return to Naples (45 min)

Drive back to Naples and relax after an active day.
Fuel ~EUR5, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pizzeria Starita

Famous for its quality pizza and fried specialties, this historic pizzeria is a great spot to finish your day.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 4: Discover Matera

Matera, Italy on June 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Naples hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for your journey inland to Matera.
EUR6, 0h30m

7:30am

Drive Naples to Matera (3h30m)

Travel across Basilicata region to the UNESCO World Heritage city known for its cave dwellings (Sassi di Matera).
Fuel & tolls ~EUR40, 3h30m

11:30am

Check-in and quick rest

Settle into a unique cave hotel to enjoy an authentic Matera experience.
EUR0 (included in accommodation), 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria Al Casale

Taste traditional Basilicata cuisine featuring fresh local ingredients in a cosy setting.
EUR25, 1h0m

1:45pm

Tour Sassi di Matera

Explore the ancient stone-carved dwellings, narrow streets, and rock churches that tell the story of life here for millennia.
EUR10, 3h0m

5:00pm

Visit Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario

Step into a restored cave home museum showcasing traditional living conditions of the Sassi inhabitants.
EUR3, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Francesca

Enjoy refined southern Italian dishes with excellent local wines in an elegant restaurant within the old town.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Sicilian Coastal Charm

Taormina, Sicily, Italy on June 8, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at Matera hotel

Early breakfast before driving to Sicily to maximise your time on the beautiful island.
EUR6, 0h30m

7:00am

Drive Matera to Taormina (5h00m)

A long scenic drive crossing from mainland Italy south to the eastern coast of Sicily. Plan stops as needed.
Fuel & tolls ~EUR50, 5h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Don Ciccio

Savour authentic Sicilian dishes in the centre of Taormina, with specialties like swordfish and fresh pasta.
EUR30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Ancient Theatre of Taormina

Explore this well-preserved Greco-Roman amphitheatre with stunning views over Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea.
EUR10, 1h0m

2:45pm

Stroll Taormina's Corso Umberto

Enjoy walking along the main pedestrian street full of shops, cafés, and charming architecture.
Free, 1h15m

4:15pm

Relax at Isola Bella Beach

Spend a couple of hours by the sea on this picturesque pebble beach connected to a small island nature reserve.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante La Griglia

Enjoy grilled seafood and Sicilian specialities with a view of the lit-up coastline.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Etna & Catania

Mount Etna and Catania, Sicily, Italy on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Taormina hotel

Fuel up with a robust Italian coffee and pastries for your adventurous day.
EUR6, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive Taormina to Mount Etna Rifugio Sapienza (1h15m)

Head to the starting point for exploring Europe’s largest active volcano.
Fuel ~EUR10, 1h15m

9:30am

Guided Etna excursion

Join a guided tour to hike or take cable cars and jeeps exploring craters and lava fields with spectacular volcanic landscapes.
EUR60, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Rifugio Sapienza

Enjoy mountain fare including hearty soups and pasta dishes near the volcano base station.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Drive to Catania (45 min)

Travel down to the bustling city of Catania located on the coast beneath Mount Etna.
Fuel ~EUR7, 0h45m

3:15pm

Explore Catania Old Town

Walk through the lively Piazza del Duomo, see the Baroque Cathedral, and the famous Elephant Fountain.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Antica Marina

Enjoy fresh seafood specialties in a vibrant atmosphere near Catania’s fish market.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 7: Palermo Highlights

Palermo, Sicily, Italy on June 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Catania hotel

Early breakfast before heading west to Sicily’s capital.
EUR6, 0h30m

7:30am

Drive Catania to Palermo (2h45m)

Scenic drive crossing the island to Palermo, rich in culture and history.
Fuel & toll ~EUR30, 2h45m

10:15am

Visit Palermo Cathedral

Admire the unique architectural styles and climb to the rooftop for panoramic city views.
EUR5, 1h0m

11:30am

Explore Ballarò Market

Experience the bustling street market, sampling local produce and street food like arancini and panelle.
Free to browse, food from EUR5, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Antica Focacceria San Francesco

Enjoy historic Sicilian street food specialties in an atmospheric setting.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:15pm

Visit Palazzo dei Normanni and Cappella Palatina

Tour the impressive Norman palace and ornate Palatine Chapel, showcasing Byzantine mosaics.
EUR12, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Foro Italico Park

Walk or rest in the spacious seafront green park, ideal for a peaceful afternoon before departure.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Ai Cascinari

Taste traditional Palermo dishes featuring fresh seafood and local vegetables in a cosy atmosphere.
EUR30, 1h30m
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