14-Day Scenic Journey from Naples to Palermo: Culture, Coastlines, and Cuisine

Day 1: Naples Introduction

Naples, Italy on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Gran Caffè Gambrinus

Start your day with authentic Neapolitan espresso and sfogliatella at this historic café open from 7am, a perfect introduction to Naples' vibrant culinary scene.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Visit Naples National Archaeological Museum

Explore one of the world’s foremost archaeological museums, showcasing Pompeii artifacts and ancient Roman treasures. Open 9am-7:30pm.
EUR15, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pizzeria da Michele

Enjoy original Neapolitan pizza — famed for simplicity and deliciousness in a bustling, authentic setting. Typically open for lunch 11:30am-3pm.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Walk through Spaccanapoli District

Immerse yourself in the historic heart of Naples with its narrow streets, artisan shops, and baroque churches. Open all day, self-guided.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Castel dell’Ovo

End your day by exploring Naples' oldest fortress with stunning views of the bay. Open till 7pm.
EUR6, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Nennella

Savor traditional Campanian dishes with a lively atmosphere. Open 7pm-11pm.
EUR25, 1.5h
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Day 2: Pompeii and Vesuvius

Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius, Italy on June 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or local café

Fuel up early with pastries and coffee in Naples before heading out.
EUR8, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Pompeii

Short train ride from Naples to Pompeii station, approx 30 minutes.
EUR3, 0h30m

9:00am

Explore Pompeii Archaeological Site

Walk through the vast preserved city frozen by Vesuvius' eruption. Open 9am-7:30pm (last entry 6pm).
EUR18, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Caupona Pompeii Restaurant

Enjoy ancient Roman-inspired dishes near the Pompeii ruins. Open noon-3pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Mount Vesuvius Hike

Drive or take shuttle up to Mount Vesuvius National Park and hike to the crater rim to enjoy panoramic views. Park open 9am-7pm, hike approx 1.5 hours.
EUR15 (entry and shuttle), 3h

6:00pm

Return to Naples

Travel back via train to Naples and relax for the evening.
EUR3, 0h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Il Gobbetto

Dine on high-quality Neapolitan cuisine with fresh local ingredients. Open 7pm-11pm.
EUR30, 1.5h
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Day 3: Sorrento & Amalfi Coast

Sorrento & Amalfi Coast, Italy on June 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel in Naples

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before departing for Sorrento.
EUR10, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Sorrento

Take Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Sorrento, approx 1 hour 10 minutes.
EUR4, 1h10m

10:00am

Explore Sorrento Old Town

Stroll narrow streets with shops and lovely sea views; visit Piazza Tasso and Marina Grande.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante Bagni Delfino

Seafood lunch right on the Marina with fresh local catches. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Drive Amalfi Coast Drive to Amalfi & Positano

Rent a car or join a small tour to enjoy the spectacular coastal drive with stops in Amalfi and Positano.
Transport varies, tour approx EUR60, 4h

6:30pm

Return to Sorrento

Head back to Sorrento for a relaxing evening.
Included in transport, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Il Buco

Michelin-starred restaurant featuring creative Mediterranean cuisine. Reservations recommended. Open 7pm-11pm.
EUR50, 1.5h
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Day 4: Salerno Exploration

Salerno, Italy on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Enghello in Sorrento

Try traditional pastries and coffee before travel.
EUR8, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Salerno

Take train or drive south along coast, approx 1h 15m.
EUR7 train, 1h15m

10:30am

Salerno Cathedral

Visit the historic 11th-century cathedral with stunning mosaics and cloisters. Open 9am-6pm.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Walk along the Lungomare Trieste

Enjoy the wide seaside promenade with gardens and sculptures.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante Cicirinella

Taste fresh seafood and regional specialties. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Arechi Castle

Tour this medieval fortress offering panoramic views over Salerno. Open 9am-6pm.
EUR5, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Salerno’s Old Town

Wander cobbled streets and visit local markets.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Canali

Enjoy traditional Campanian cuisine in a cozy setting. Open 7pm-11pm.
EUR30, 1.5h
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Day 5: Paestum Ruins

Paestum, Italy on June 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at the hotel or local café in Salerno

Light breakfast before heading to Paestum.
EUR8, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Paestum

Short train or drive south approx 30-40 minutes.
EUR4, 0h40m

9:30am

Visit Paestum Archaeological Park

Explore some of the best-preserved Greek temples in Europe and an onsite museum. Open 9am-7:30pm.
EUR12, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at La Brace

Traditional local cuisine focusing on buffalo mozzarella and fresh produce. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Relax on nearby beaches

Spend the afternoon at the nearby sandy beaches for sun and sea.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Return to Salerno

Drive back or take train to Salerno, rest for evening.
EUR4, 0h40m

8:00pm

Dinner at Gran Caffè Basilico

Enjoy refined Italian dishes with a modern twist in Salerno's historic center. Open 7pm-11pm.
EUR30, 1.5h
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Day 6: Maratea Adventure

Maratea, Italy on June 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and depart early from Salerno

Light breakfast then drive or take train + bus to Maratea, about 2.5 hours drive.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Maratea

Drive through scenic coastal and mountain roads to Maratea.
EUR30 car rental/fuel, 2h30m

11:30am

Visit Christ the Redeemer Statue

Climb to the iconic 21-meter statue with sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
EUR5 parking, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante La Conchiglia

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes with a view of the sea. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR30, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Historic Center of Maratea

Discover charming alleys, churches, and artisan shops.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relax on Marina di Maratea Beach

Unwind on beautiful sandy beach with crystal-clear waters.
Free, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at L’Ancora

Experience traditional Lucanian flavours with spectacular sunset views. Open 7:30pm-11pm.
EUR35, 1.5h
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Day 7: Reggio Calabria Highlights

Reggio Calabria, Italy on June 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast near hotel or on road

Quick breakfast before departure to Reggio Calabria, approx 3-hour drive.
EUR8, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Reggio Calabria

Scenic coastal drive south along Calabria coast.
EUR40 car rental/fuel, 3h

11:00am

Visit National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria

See the iconic Riace Bronzes and other ancient artifacts. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR8, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante Le Lampare al Fortino

Popular spot for fresh fish and Calabrian dishes near waterfront. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR30, 1h

3:00pm

Stroll along Lungomare Falcomatà

Enjoy the seaside promenade known as the most beautiful in Italy.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Visit Aragonese Castle

Explore historic castle offering views over the Strait of Messina. Open till 6pm.
EUR5, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante La Tavernetta da Pino

Well-regarded for its authentic Calabrian fare. Open 7pm-10:30pm.
EUR25, 1.5h
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Day 8: Scilla and Chianalea

Scilla, Italy on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Reggio Calabria

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before a short trip.
EUR8, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Scilla

Short 30-minute drive north along coast.
EUR10 fuel, 0h30m

9:30am

Explore Chianalea District

Discover the charming old fishing village with narrow alleys and seaside houses.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Al Convento

Fresh seafood and Calabrian specialties in historic setting. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Ruffo Castle

Historic castle perched overlooking the sea with great views. Open 9am-6pm.
EUR4, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Scilla’s Marina Grande Beach

Relax by the water on a pebbled beach with scenic views.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Return to Reggio Calabria

Short drive back to Reggio Calabria, prepare for next day ferry.
EUR10, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria degli Storti

Casual spot with local dishes and cozy atmosphere. Open 7pm-11pm.
EUR25, 1.5h
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Day 9: Messina Arrival

Messina, Sicily, Italy on June 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Reggio Calabria

Early breakfast to catch morning ferry.
EUR8, 1h

8:00am

Ferry from Reggio Calabria to Messina

Short ferry crossing across the Strait of Messina about 20 minutes, frequent departures.
EUR5, 0h20m

9:00am

Visit Messina Cathedral and Bell Tower

Explore the cathedral with its famous astronomical clock. Open 8:30am-6pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Messina Regional Museum

See fine artworks and historic relics of the region. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR8, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria La Marina

Fresh seafood with views of Messina's harbor. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Stroll along the Messina seafront

Leisurely walk with views of Sicily and Calabria.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Forte San Salvatore

Historic fortress with panoramic city views. Open 9am-6pm.
EUR4, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Pizzeria Al Gabbiano

Offers traditional Sicilian cuisine and seafood. Open 7pm-11pm.
EUR30, 1.5h
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Day 10: Taormina Exploration

Taormina, Sicily, Italy on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Messina hotel

Enjoy a satisfying breakfast before departure.
EUR8, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Taormina

Scenic 1-hour train or bus ride along the coast to Taormina.
EUR7, 1h

10:30am

Visit Ancient Theatre of Taormina

Stroll around the famed Greek-Roman theatre with spectacular views of Mount Etna and the sea. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR10, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Don Ciccio

Traditional Sicilian dishes served in a charming setting. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Corso Umberto and Taormina’s Old Town

Walk the main pedestrian street filled with shops, cafes, and historic sites.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Visit Public Gardens (Giardini della Villa Comunale)

Relax in beautiful gardens offering sea views, open until 7pm.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante La Capinera

A Michelin-starred restaurant with exquisite seafood and Sicilian cuisine. Reservations recommended. Open 7pm-11pm.
EUR60, 1.5h
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Day 11: Catania City Tour

Catania, Sicily, Italy on June 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Taormina

Enjoy a quick breakfast before heading out to Catania.
EUR8, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Catania

Short 1-hour train journey from Taormina to Catania.
EUR7, 1h

9:30am

Visit Piazza Duomo and Catania Cathedral

See iconic Baroque buildings including the Elephant Fountain. Open all day.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Explore La Pescheria Market

Bustling fish and produce market to experience local life and foods.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria da Antonio

Enjoy hearty Sicilian dishes near the market area. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Castello Ursino

Medieval castle with museum exhibits on city’s history. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR6, 1h30m

3:30pm

Stroll along Via Etnea

Main shopping street with beautiful architecture and cafes.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Il Mare

Specialty seafood restaurant popular with locals. Open 7pm-11pm.
EUR35, 1.5h
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Day 12: Mount Etna Excursion

Mount Etna, Sicily, Italy on June 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Catania

Early breakfast before full-day excursion to Mount Etna.
EUR8, 1h

8:00am

Mount Etna Tour

Join a guided tour to explore Europe’s highest and most active volcano, including crater hikes and scenic views. Tours usually 8am-5pm.
EUR80 guided tour, 7h

3:00pm

Return to Catania

Tour concludes with return to the city for rest.
Included, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Antica Marina

Classic Sicilian seafood dishes in Catania’s old fish market. Open 7pm-11pm.
EUR30, 1.5h
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Day 13: Cefalù Visit

Cefalù, Sicily, Italy on June 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Catania

Quick breakfast before travel to Cefalù.
EUR8, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Cefalù

Train transfer approx 2 hours via Palermo.
EUR19, 2h

10:30am

Explore Cefalù Old Town

Stroll cobblestone streets with medieval buildings and sea views.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante La Brace

Popular spot for Sicilian grilled specialties and fresh seafood. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Cefalù Cathedral

UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing stunning Norman architecture and mosaics. Open 9am-6pm.
EUR5, 1h

3:30pm

Relax at Cefalù Beach

Spend afternoon on the golden sandy beach adjacent to historic center.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Il Normanno

Enjoy refined Sicilian cuisine just a short walk from the beach. Open 7pm-11pm.
EUR35, 1.5h
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Day 14: Palermo Arrival

Palermo, Sicily, Italy on June 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Cefalù

Hearty breakfast before final leg to Palermo.
EUR8, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Palermo

Train ride approx 1 hour.
EUR10, 1h

10:00am

Visit Palermo Cathedral

Explore this architectural marvel with its layered history. Open 9am-5pm.
EUR5, 1h

11:30am

Explore Quattro Canti and Piazza Pretoria

See Palermo’s famous baroque squares and fountains.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Antica Focacceria San Francesco

Sample traditional Sicilian street foods and specialties. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Palazzo dei Normanni and Cappella Palatina

Tour the royal palace with breathtaking mosaics. Open 8:15am-5:30pm.
EUR12, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Teatro Massimo Square

Enjoy the surroundings of Sicily's largest opera house.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria dei Vespri

Conclude your trip with gourmet Sicilian cuisine in a refined setting. Open 7pm-11pm.
EUR45, 1.5h
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