Naples & the Amalfi Coast - 6 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Naples, Explore

Welcome to Italy! You'll arrive at Naples Airport and transfer to your accommodation in the city center. Naples sits on a bay near the still-active Mount Vesuvius, which was buried nearby Pompeii in 79 CE. There's a lot to see and do here, so make the most of your time in Naples with these suggested activities:

• Visit the Naples Archaeological Museum to see Roman, Greek, and Renaissance-era ruins, including artifacts from nearby Pompeii.
• Tour the Castel dell'Ovo, a seaside castle located on the former island of Megaride.
• See the 16th-century Museo Cappella Sansevero, which houses thousands of veiled sculptures. 
• Go underground to see the network of tunnels and passageways built under the city streets. 
• Get outside and see the dormant Solfatara volcano, located a half-hour drive west of Naples.

In the evening, go for a stroll along the Caracciolo e Lungomare di Napoli, a waterfront promenade, then head to the Quartieri Spagnoli, a lively commercial hub, for dinner at a trattoria. On the way, stop at the Toledo Metro station, the Stazione della Metropolitana dell'Arte, to see beautiful mosaic inlays.

Day 2: Street Food Tour in Naples

One great way to experience Naples is on a street food tour. You'll snack your way through the city's historic streets while visiting back-alley markets, modest bakeries, old bars, and various food stalls on the hunt for sweet and savory eats.

You'll meet your guide in the morning and discover how Naples' unique culinary history informs its street food scene. Meander over to the Mercato della Pignaseccamarket. This market is abuzz with activity as vendors of local produce and fish proffer their goods. Naples is famous for its Napolitano slice of pizza, but on this tour, you'll learn about the other culinary delights that make the city so unique. From sfogliatella (a sweet shell-shaped filled pastry) to traditional cafés and espresso drinks, there's something to satisfy everyone. 

With a full belly, you'll have the afternoon free to explore the city at your own pace. Continue to discover the Centro Storico of the city and pop into one of the world's oldest pizzerias for dinner.

Day 3: Transfer to the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius

In the morning, you'll leave Naples and head south to the Amalfi Coast. Along the way, stop to visit the area's most notable attractions, Pompeii and nearby Mount Vesuvius.

Start with a visit to the ruins of Pompeii, once a flourishing Roman coastal city that was famously buried under ash and volcanic debris after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 ACE. The ash, which killed many of Pompeii's residents, acted as an archaeological time capsule by preserving many of the city's original buildings completely intact. 

You'll stroll the remains of Pompeii's ancient streets, which are lined with well-preserved villas, shops, public buildings, and plazas. Afterward, visit Mount Vesuvius, which is designated as a UNESCO Biosphere World Reserve. It's a brisk 30-minute hike up a trail to the top, where you'll be rewarded with stunning views inside the crater as well as panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and the Tyrrhenian Sea. 

After the excursion to Vesuvius, you'll continue on to the Amalfi Coast, where you'll check into your hotel and settle in for the evening.

Day 4: Vespa Tour of the Amalfi Coast

Just south of the Gulf of Naples lies the Sorrentine Peninsula, featuring the 24 miles (40 km) of Italy's famed Amalfi Coast. This entire region is one of the most storied and beautiful parts of the country, boasting a long history dating back to ancient Rome. Notable citizens of the empire were the first to come here to build seaside villas. There's no better way to explore this singularly gorgeous stretch of coastline than on two wheels—particularly those attached to a Vespa.

This full-day Vespa tour begins and ends at your accommodation along the Amalfi Coast. The pebbly beaches and clifftop views made it a prime destination for Europe's literati and aristocracy from the 17th century onward. From the Amalfi Coast, you'll zip along with your experienced driver to the charming fishing villages whose homes are resplendent with bright colors. The tour finishes with a ride along the stunning coastline, famous for its terraced lemon groves and vineyards, after which you'll return to your accommodation. 

All in all, the route follows 46 miles (75 km) of some of the most incredible coastal landscapes on Earth. Even better, you'll get to stop along the way for tours and, should you choose, to relax on the beach and take a dip in the water. No need to worry if you've never been on a Vespa: your expert guide and driver will take care of zipping along the coastline so you can sit back and enjoy the ride.

Head to the village of Amalfi to finish off your day with fresh seafood and a Delizie al Limone, lemon delight, for dessert to cap off your day.

Day 5: Day Trip to Capri & Anacapri

Spend the day enjoying the sunshine and clear blue waters of Capri Island. Known locally as the "pearl of the Mediterranean," the ancient Greeks called it the "Isle of Sirens." Capri sits on the south side of the Gulf of Naples and has been a popular vacation destination for millennia. The ancient Romans, in fact, built summer villas here for the Empire's VIPs.

In the morning, you'll head out to catch a hydrofoil to Capri. Visit the Marina Grande and Marina Piccola harbors, walk along the Belvedere of Tragara (a villa-lined promenade with panoramic views), and explore the ruins of ancient Roman villas.

Then head up the hill to Anacapri to see the Piazzetta and Augustus' Garden and enjoy the best views of the Faraglioni Rocks. Should you choose, you can later return to the water and explore the Grotta Azzurra, the famous "Blue Grotto," which is located inside a hollowed sea cave. Afterward, we recommend spending the remainder of the afternoon soaking in the sunshine on the beach before taking the ferry back in the evening.

Day 6: Depart Naples

Time to say goodbye to Italy—for now! Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!

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