Sample Itinerary
Amalfi Coast & the Bay of Naples
7 days — Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast, and Capri.
The route
The most intense coastal trip in Italy. Naples for the pizza and the chaos, Pompeii and Herculaneum for the ruins, then Sorrento as base for the Amalfi Coast and a day trip to Capri. Go shoulder season; August is a traffic jam.
7 stops
Coastline · Campania
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is worth two or three nights if you base in one town and ferry to the others. Driving the coast road in season is miserable — use the ferries. Positano is the photograph; Amalfi is the town; Ravello is the view.
Coastline · Campania
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is worth two or three nights if you base in one town and ferry to the others. Driving the coast road in season is miserable — use the ferries. Positano is the photograph; Amalfi is the town; Ravello is the view.
Town · Campania
Naples
Naples is worth two nights and rewards the traveler who doesn't need things tidy. It is the gateway to Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, and Capri, and it has the best pizza in Italy. Skip it only if you need order and calm.
Archaeological Site · Campania
Pompeii
Pompeii is worth a full half-day from Naples. Go early, bring water and a hat — there is little shade. Herculaneum is smaller, better preserved, and less crowded; do both if you can.
Town · Campania
Sorrento
Sorrento is worth a night or two as a base, not as a destination. It is the logistical hub for the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Pompeii. It is pleasant and touristy; stay here for the connections, not the charm.
Island · Campania
Capri
Capri is worth a day trip or one night. It is extraordinarily crowded in season — the day-tripper crush from 11am to 4pm is intense. Stay overnight to see it empty, or ferry in early and leave by late afternoon.
Archaeological Site · Campania
Herculaneum
Herculaneum is worth a half-day and is the better archaeological site than Pompeii if you can only do one. It is smaller, shaded, less crowded, and the preservation is more intimate.
Ready to make it yours?
Build a custom itinerary at Travel Itinerary Co
This is a sample route to spark ideas. When you're ready for a real, day-by-day itinerary — paced to your dates, transport, and budget — take it (and your saved places) to Travel Itinerary Co.
Start a custom itinerary