3 expertly planned days — hour by hour. Pick your style and follow along. All booking links included.
The perfect first day — Roman ruins, thermal springs, authentic local food and a golden sunset over Vesuvius. Almost entirely free.
☕ Neapolitan breakfast at a local bar
Start with a proper espresso and sfogliatella. Order 'al banco' — cheaper and more authentic than sitting down.
💶 Budget: ~€2
🏛️ Villa San Marco — Roman ruins, free entry
Spend 1.5h among extraordinary Roman frescoes and a huge swimming pool. Buried by Vesuvius in 79 AD — far less crowded than Pompeii and completely free.
💶 Budget: FREE
🍝 Lunch at Trattoria da Salvatore
The most authentic local trattoria. Where locals actually eat. Try spaghetti alle vongole — no tourist markup.
💶 Budget: ~€12–15pp
🏖️ Afternoon at Pozzano Beach
Head south to Pozzano — cleaner and far less crowded than the centre beach. Stunning coastal and Vesuvius views.
💶 Budget: FREE
🌅 Sunset walk on the Lungomare
Stroll Corso Garibaldi as the sun sets behind Vesuvius — one of the most spectacular views in the Gulf.
💶 Budget: FREE
🍕 Dinner at La Monica Braceria Pizzeria
The best pizza in town. Book ahead — they serve a free house liqueur at the end. A genuinely great evening.
💶 Budget: ~€18–25pp
The classic day trip — ancient ruins and an active volcano crater. Two of the world's greatest sites in one day.
🚆 EAV train to Pompeii — depart early!
Depart Piazza Unità d'Italia → Pompei Scavi. ~30 min, €2.40. Early arrival = no crowds.
💶 €2.40
🏛️ Pompeii Archaeological Park — 3-4 hours
One of the world's greatest sites. Book skip-the-line tickets online — summer queues can be 45+ minutes.
💶 €18 (standard) / €22 (3-day pass)
🍕 Lunch — eat away from the main gate
Restaurants at the main gate are tourist traps. Walk 2-3 streets away — same food, much better prices.
💶 ~€10–15pp
🌋 Bus 808 → Mount Vesuvius crater
Bus 808 from Pompei Villa dei Misteri stop → Vesuvius crater. Only €3.80. Tour sellers charge €20-40 for the same route!
💶 €3.80 (bus) + €12 (park entry)
🚆 EAV back to Castellammare
Head back for a well-deserved sunset aperitivo on the Lungomare. You've earned it.
💶 Total day: ~€40–55pp · Incredible value
The most memorable day of your trip. Private boat from Marina di Stabia to Capri — Blue Grotto, hidden coves, prosecco on board.
☕ Early breakfast — pack your bag
Pack: swimwear, sunscreen and cash. Most boat tours include snacks and drinks — check with your captain.
⛵ Depart from Marina di Stabia
Board at Marina di Stabia — cheaper and far less crowded than Sorrento or Naples. The harbour views are already spectacular.
💙 Grotta Azzurra — the Blue Grotto
The famous Blue Grotto — sunlight through an underwater opening creates an extraordinary electric-blue glow. Unmissable.
💶 €14 (Grotta Azzurra entry)
🍝 Lunch on Capri — ask the captain
Ask your captain for their favourite restaurant — they always know the hidden gems that aren't in guidebooks.
💶 €25–35pp
🏊 Swimming in secret coves — Amalfi Coast
The captain navigates to hidden coves along the Amalfi Coast that you can't reach on foot. Crystal water, no crowds.
💶 FREE (included in boat tour)
🌅 Return to Marina di Stabia
Return sunkissed. Vesuvius silhouetted against the sunset from the boat — a moment you'll remember for years.
💶 Total day: ~€100–130pp · The most memorable day of your trip