Pompeii & the Bay of Naples
Backstreet archaeology, Vesuvius vistas, and slow-food days between sites—paced for real humans.
Overview
At a Glance
- Duration: 6–9 days (easy to extend)
- Pace: Moderate walking with stairs and uneven paving
- Best time: April–June, September–October
- Style: City base + day trips; option for 1–2 coastal nights
- Start/End: Naples → Sorrento/Salerno (optional) → Naples
Route Highlights
- Naples Archaeological Museum (context first)
- Pompeii backstreets (workshops, bakeries, daily life)
- Herculaneum (multi-story houses, preserved wood)
- Oplontis, Villa A (palatial frescoes, quiet)
- Vesuvius crater rim walk (weather-dependent)
- Optional: Paestum • Capri (Villa Jovis) • Cumae & Baiae
Practical Logistics
- Airports: Naples (NAP); Rome (FCO) with fast train
- Transport: Circumvesuviana/CF lines; private driver on heavy days
- Lodging: Naples old town or Chiaia; Sorrento/Salerno optional
- Tickets: Timed Pompeii entries; reserve Vesuvius slot with weather backup
- Dining: Veg-forward trattorie; market picnics on heavy site days
Budget Tiers (per person)
Comfort
$225–$325/day • boutique guesthouse, trains, select guides
Boutique
$350–$525/day • 4★ boutique, 2 guided days, private transfers
Splurge
$600+/day • 5★ stays, private guide most days, premium dining
Planned Activities
Naples arrival & evening passeggiata
Check in, stroll the historic center, light dinner, early night.
Context day — Naples Archaeological Museum
Museum in the morning; snack crawl afternoon to keep energy steady.
Pompeii I — backstreets & bakeries (early entry)
Target quieter quarters first; shade-aware routing; late-PM rest.
Herculaneum + Oplontis fresco palace
Compact site + villa splendor; seaside dinner nearby.
Vesuvius crater rim & winery lunch (weather-dependent)
Reserve timed slot and keep a weather backup; easy afternoon after the climb.
Pompeii II — targeted returns
Shortlist big hits (House of the Faun, suburban baths) at calmer hours.
Slow coast day — Sorrento/Amalfi
Views, light walks, and a celebratory dinner. Depart or extend.
Accommodation Options
Chiaia Boutique Guesthouse
Walkable base for museum days; sound-dampened rooms and hearty breakfasts for early site starts.
Cliffside Boutique
Great for a 1–2 night coast add-on: sunset views, easy transit back to Naples.