A three-day itinerary in Campania takes a little planning to balance travel times between cities with timed entry slots at cultural sites. The route takes you through the historic quarters of Napoli, the Vesuvian archaeological remains and the royal palace complex in Caserta, relying on the regional rail network to bypass road traffic.
The best months to plan this trip are in spring, between April and May, or in early autumn, between September and October. The mild temperatures at these times of year are ideal for the hours of walking required to explore sun-drenched ruins or stroll through monumental parklands, which get uncomfortably hot during the peak summer months.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Napoli: from the historic centre to Vomero
Morning
Your day begins in the heart of Spaccanapoli along Via San Gregorio Armeno, the street famous for artisan workshops crafting nativity scenes and wood carvings. It is best to arrive early in the morning before the big crowds descend. Just a short walk away lies the Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara, renowned for its majolica-tiled cloister lined with citrus trees and Baroque frescoes; a visit takes around an hour. Straight after, head over to the Cappella Sansevero e Cristo Velato to admire the sculptural masterpiece and the anatomical machines. You will spend between 45 and 60 minutes inside, but entry slots are very limited. For lunch, simply make your way to the nearby Forcella district and L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele on Via Cesare Sersale: this historic venue serves only wheel-sized margherita and marinara pizzas. Given that queues are often long, it is best to turn up early.
Afternoon
The second part of the day centres on the Piazza Museo area to explore the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli (MANN). The building houses Greco-Roman collections, the Collezione Farnese and, above all, original mosaics unearthed at Pompei and Ercolano. Allow around 2–3 hours to make your way through the various floors and exhibitions. Towards late afternoon, head up to the Vomero district to reach Castel Sant'Elmo e Belvedere di San Martino.
Evening
Sunset is the perfect time to stroll along the ramparts of Vomero's star-shaped medieval fortress, where you can take in sweeping views across the entire Golfo di Napoli, Mount Vesuvio and the rooftops of the historic centre.
Day 2 — Vesuvian excavations and the seafront
Morning
From Napoli Piazza Garibaldi station, catch the Circumvesuviana train to Pompei Scavi Villa dei Misteri station. The journey takes between 35 and 40 minutes. This brings you directly to the Parco Archeologico di Pompei, the Roman city buried by the eruption of 79 AD. The visit takes at least 3–4 hours, easily filling half a day, and it is best to set off early in the morning, making sure to book your tickets in advance. Once you have finished touring the ruins, stop in Pompei for lunch at Varnelli Pizza Bistrot & Restaurant on Via Roma, a quality spot recommended by food guides.
Afternoon
Back in Napoli by train, start again from Stazione Metro Toledo, set between Via Toledo and the Quartieri Spagnoli. This underground station on Linea 1 features Robert Wilson's striking light crater. Strolling towards the sea, you will reach Piazza del Plebiscito e Palazzo Reale di Napoli in the San Ferdinando quarter. The monumental square faces the colonnade of San Francesco di Paola. Step inside the former Bourbon royal palace to tour the Appartamento di Corte in about an hour and a half.
Evening
Continuing towards the Santa Lucia neighbourhood and Lungomare Caracciolo, dusk settles over Castel dell'Ovo e Borgo Marinari. Set on the tiny islet of Megaride, the city's oldest castle makes the perfect backdrop for a relaxing evening stroll along the waterfront.
Day 3 — Caserta and the Bourbon residences
Morning
Leave Napoli on a regional train departing from Napoli Centrale. In around 40 minutes you will alight at Caserta station, situated directly opposite the main entrance to the Reggia di Caserta e Giardini Reali. Vanvitelli's Bourbon residence is best explored by touring the historic apartments before walking the 3 km park, complete with cascading waterfalls and the Giardino Inglese. Tickets are timed and the visit will easily take up a full half day. For lunch, still in Caserta, you can head to Pizzeria I Masanielli di Francesco Martucci on Viale G. Dohuet, famed for its innovative doughs and the 'Futuro di Marinara' (booking well ahead is essential), or try Sasà Martucci - I Masanielli on Via Vivaldi, dedicated to traceable flours and local ingredients from Campania.
Afternoon
Head up to the hamlet of San Leucio to spend a couple of hours at the Complesso Monumentale Belvedere di San Leucio. This former Bourbon industrial colony still maintains historic working looms for silk manufacturing and weaving, alongside expansive views across the plain below.
Evening
The final stop of your weekend brings you to Borgo Medievale di Casertavecchia. This hilltop village remains remarkably intact with cobbled lanes, famous for its Arab-Norman Duomo di San Michele Arcangelo. It is a wonderfully peaceful spot to unwind before your journey home.
Practical tips
- To streamline admissions and journeys between Napoli, Pompei and Caserta, purchase the digital 'Campania>Artecard 3 Giorni' via the app. It includes 72 hours of travel on the regional UnicoCampania public transport network, free entry to your first two chosen cultural sites and up to 50% off from the third ticket onwards.
- Avoid driving to the Vesuvian excavations, given the heavy traffic and steep parking charges. Simply take the Circumvesuviana from Piazza Garibaldi. The same goes for the Reggia di Caserta, easily reached on regional trains from Napoli Centrale.
- Remember to book your ticket to see the Cristo Velato well ahead of time. Entry to the chapel is strictly by named, timed-entry tickets, which often sell out on the official website several days in advance.
- As a rough budget for three days, excluding accommodation, expect to spend between €130 and €180 per person. This covers around €40–€50 for transport and museum passes, €20–€30 for casual lunches and €40–€60 for sit-down dinners or tastings.
Where to stay for this itinerary
A hotel with a panoramic rooftop terrace, conveniently close to regional trains and Metro Linea 1.
View on Booking →A historic luxury address along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, featuring sweeping views over the gulf.
View on Booking →Located right in front of the Reggia di Caserta and just a short stroll from the railway station.
View on Booking →