Day one: The historic center
Start your journey in Naples with a hearty breakfast, because you'll need all the energy you can muster. Head to a local café for a classic sfogliatella and an espresso. Your first stop should be the magnificent Duomo di Napoli, where you can marvel at the stunning architecture and maybe even catch a glimpse of St. Januarius's blood miracle. The church is just a short walk from the heart of the city, so lace up your walking shoes.
After absorbing the divine vibes, make your way to the Cappella Sansevero. This chapel is home to the famous Veiled Christ, a sculpture that’s so lifelike it might just give you chills. Entrance is around €7, which is a small price for art that will haunt your dreams. Take your time here, soak in the details, and don’t forget to appreciate the eerie, yet beautiful, atmosphere.
Now it's time for a leisurely lunch in the Quartieri Spagnoli. This area is a maze of narrow streets filled with local shops and eateries. Try a classic pizza at Antica Pizzeria da Michele or Pizzeria Starita. Don't forget to order a side of fried pizza—yes, it exists, and yes, it’s as good as it sounds. With your stomach full and your spirits high, explore the nearby streets. You might feel like you’ve stepped into a movie set, complete with colorful murals and the occasional opera singer serenading you from a balcony.
Day two: Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
For your second day, get ready to channel your inner history buff. Start early with a quick breakfast, then catch the Circumvesuviana train from Napoli Centrale to Pompeii. The journey takes about 30 minutes, and trust me, this is one train ride you won’t want to miss. Once you arrive, you’ll find yourself stepping into a time capsule of Roman life—just watch your step; those ancient cobblestones are more treacherous than they look.
- Morning: Explore the ruins of Pompeii. Don’t miss the Forum, the Amphitheater, and the preserved frescoes. You might even want to hire a guide to help you navigate the vast site.
- Lunch: Grab a quick bite at a nearby café. A panino and a bottle of water will do the trick.
- Afternoon: Head to Mount Vesuvius. You can take a bus from the Pompeii archaeological site to the trailhead. The hike to the summit takes about 30-40 minutes, and the views are worth every drop of sweat. Just be careful not to trip over your awe.
After soaking in the breathtaking views, make your way back to Naples. Treat yourself to gelato at Gelateria della Scimmia. After all that walking, you deserve it. Spend the evening wandering the city, exploring shops and maybe grabbing dinner at a local trattoria. Don’t forget to order a glass of Limoncello—because when in Naples, right?
Day three: Art and the Vomero district
On your final day, you’re going to get cultured. Start your morning at the Museo di Capodimonte. This museum houses a fantastic collection of Renaissance art, so prepare to be dazzled. You can easily spend a few hours here, especially if you take your time to appreciate works by Caravaggio and Titian.
- Lunch: After your art fix, stroll through the beautiful park surrounding the museum. Pack a picnic or grab a sandwich from a nearby café.
- Afternoon: Head to the Vomero district. You can take the funicular from the city center to reach this charming area. Once there, visit the Cappella di San Severo if you missed it on Day One. Otherwise, explore the shops and enjoy the view from Castel Sant'Elmo.
- Evening: Treat yourself to dinner at Da Michele or another local favorite. This is your last night, so go big or go home.
As you wrap up your Naples adventure, take a moment to reflect on the flavors, sights, and sounds that have filled your days. You’ve walked the ancient streets, tasted the iconic pizza, and climbed a volcano. What more could you ask for? Maybe a lifetime supply of sfogliatella, but let’s not get greedy. You’ve explored Naples like a true Neapolitan, and if anyone asks, you can say you survived the chaos and loved every minute of it. Now go forth and spread the Naples gospel.
