Explore Naples, Pompeii, and the Amalfi Coast in 10 days

Day 1: Departure to Naples

From Naples Airport, take a taxi or public transport to the city centre to check in, drop off your luggage and explore the city.

Day 2: Naples

You will visit the most Italian city in Italy, including Spaccanapoli, the old town, Castel Nuovo and the Spanish Quarter. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, you will discover the charm of this city and learn how to bake Neapolitan-style pizzas.

Day 3: Naples - Ischia

You will take a taxi or public transport to the port of Naples, where you will take the boat to the romantic island of Ischia. This island stands out in the Bay from the others because of its many beautiful beaches and the volcano that provides fertile soil and unique fauna and flora.

Day 4: Ischia

Explore the island on foot or by taxi and stroll through the picturesque harbor villages of Lacco Ameno and Forio, home to plenty of charming shops and restaurants. If you fancy a brisk hike surrounded by stunning scenery, we recommend taking the trail to the top of the volcano. Once at the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Ischia and Procida.

Castello Aragonese adds a rich dose of history to this unassuming island. The castle was built about 2,500 years ago by a ruler who set foot here from Syracuse, Sicily. It owes its current name to the royal House of Aragon, who restored and expanded the castle during the Middle Ages. In 1441, Alfonso V connected the citadel to Ischia with a stone bridge. Want to taste the local cuisine? You can book a street food tour through Caractère!

Day 5: Procida

Take the ferry to the nearby island of Procida and stroll past the restaurants and shops in the colourful harbour, the Marina Grande. The island is overshadowed by Ischia due to its smaller size, but is definitely worth a visit. The former prison on the island of Procida, Palazzo d'Avalos, is an imposing building by the sea that was built at the end of the 16th century. The palace was designed by the architects Cavagna and Tortelli, commissioned by Cardinal Innico d'Avalos.

Day 6: Ischia - Sorrento

You leave the islands behind for a while and return to the mainland. The ferry takes you back to Naples, where you pick up your hire car and drive on to the next location. Discover Sorrento, where views of the immense Bay of Naples are never far away and countless restaurants and boutique shops can be found. It is a very pleasant place with old streets, often adorned with medieval gates, churches, the delightful cloister of San Francesco and ancient fortress walls.

Day 7: Pompeii and Ercolano

Step back in time to August 24, 79 AD, and discover the destruction wrought by Mount Vesuvius upon Pompeii and Herculaneum. Joined by your private Caractère guide, you'll dive straight into history: a thick layer of ash buried these cities, preserving them remarkably well to this day.

The sheer size of Pompeii is astonishing: you'll be amazed when your guide reveals that only one-third of the city has been excavated. Stroll along Via dell’Abbondanza, visit the forum and the thermal baths, and get an authentic glimpse into how people lived here 2,000 years ago. To top it off, you'll enjoy a unique wine tasting right on the archaeological site, just like a true Roman!

Day 8: Capri

On your penultimate day, discover the beauty of Capri: explore this stunning, exclusive island in style aboard a vintage Fiat 500 or Vespa! The walk along 'Via Krupp' to Villa Jovis is one of the most beautiful hikes on the island. Afterwards, drive over to the unique and quieter village of Anacapri, where you can visit Axel Munthe's Villa San Michele. Follow the Scala Fenicia back down to the harbor. Be sure to take a boat trip around the island too, to admire the Faraglioni—the three famous rock formations jutting out of the sea—and the Grotta Azzurra...

Day 9: The Amalfi Coast

Today you will drive along the beautiful Amalfi Coast and stop in picturesque Positano, Amalfi with its “Duomo” with majestic steps, and beautifully situated Ravello, where you will visit Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, with its dizzying panoramic “Terrazza dell'Infinita”. You can also opt for a guide who will take you on a day trip along one of the world's most beautiful coastlines.

Day 10: Departure home

Your holiday is over. You return to Naples, where you take the plane back home. Would you prefer to stay a few days longer? Then you can book a few extra nights in one of our boutique hotels.

What budget should you expect?

For this journey during peak season, you can expect a price starting from € 7,000 for two people. This includes flights, accommodation, and a rental car. The exact price will depend on the period you travel, your final choices, and any optional extras.

Frequently asked questions about Naples and the Amalfi Coast

When is the best time to take this tour of the Amalfi Coast and the islands in the Bay of Naples?

May, June, September and October are ideal. Temperatures are around 22 to 28 degrees, there is less traffic on the coastal road and it is more pleasant to visit archaeological sites. In July and August it is warmer and busier, especially in Positano and on Capri. Beach weather is guaranteed, but you will be sharing the view with more people.

Do I need a hire car for this trip?

Not in Naples and on the islands. There you can walk and take ferries to Ischia, Procida and Capri. From Sorrento, a hire car is useful for Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. Would you rather not drive along the cliffs yourself? Then we can arrange a private driver for those days.

What makes this trip different from a standard Amalfi Coast holiday?

You are not limited to Positano and Amalfi. You start in Naples, visit Herculaneum and Pompeii and discover the islands in the Bay of Naples. This gives you a better understanding of the region and means you don't have to change hotels every two days. More cohesion, more variety, less lugging around suitcases.