Naples is one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, founded by the Greeks as Neapolis and later flourished under Rome and the Bourbon kings. Its treasures are legendary: the National Archaeological Museum’s masterpieces, Caravaggio canvases tucked inside churches, and a subterranean city of aqueducts and WWII shelters beneath your feet. Above ground, Naples rewards wanderers with intimate piazzas, laundry-festooned alleys, and views of brooding Vesuvius over a shining bay.

This is also the homeland of the Margherita pizza, sfogliatelle pastries, and some of Italy’s best seafood. You’ll trace the dramatic story of Pompeii and Herculaneum, drift along the Capri coast (weather permitting, into the Blue Grotto), and wind to cliffside Ravello and pastel Positano on the Amalfi Coast. Between day trips, savor espresso “al banco,” stroll the Lungomare at sunset, and toast with limoncello.

Practical notes: Naples rewards street smarts—keep valuables secure in crowds and use licensed taxis or rides when out late. Book timed entries for the Sansevero Chapel (closed Tuesdays) and consider a 3‑day city pass for museums and transit savings. Best weather: April–June and September–October; July–August is hot, with busy coastal day trips.

Naples

Naples feels wonderfully alive—historic palazzi rub shoulders with modern art metro stations, and every corner yields something delicious. Base yourself near the Centro Storico or along the seafront (Chiaia/Santa Lucia) for easy walks and romantic evenings.

• Top sights: National Archaeological Museum (MANN), Sansevero Chapel (Veiled Christ), Naples Cathedral & Treasury of San Gennaro, Castel dell’Ovo, Castel Sant’Elmo & Certosa di San Martino, Toledo Metro art station, Napoli Sotterranea (Underground Naples).
• Local eats: pizza a portafoglio on Via dei Tribunali, ragù at Tandem, sfogliatelle at Attanasio or Mary, seafood cones (cuoppo) and friggitoria snacks in Pignasecca Market.
• Romantic moments: sunset along Via Partenope, belvedere views from San Martino, a shared gelato in Piazza del Plebiscito, and a candlelit dinner overlooking Castel dell’Ovo.

Getting there and around (bookable options):

• Flights (Europe): search and compare on Omio Flights. Flights (from outside Europe): see Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.
• Trains in Europe (e.g., Rome–Naples ~1h10, Florence–Naples ~2h50, Milan–Naples ~4h15): Omio Trains. Buses: Omio Buses.
• Ferries (for Capri/Ischia/Procida): Omio Ferries. Capri fast ferry is ~50–60 minutes, typically €25–€30 one-way.

Where to stay (mid-range romantic picks):

• Hotel Piazza Bellini (Centro Storico): Artistic rooms around a quiet courtyard, perfect for exploring Spaccanapoli. Great value for couples.
• Hotel Royal Continental (Seafront): Sea-view balconies and a rooftop pool on Via Partenope, steps from Castel dell’Ovo.
• Grand Hotel Vesuvio (Santa Lucia): A classic for a splurge night—book the Caruso Roof Garden for that cinematic bay view dinner.
• Browse more stays: VRBO Naples | Hotels.com Naples

Day 1: Arrival, Seafront Stroll, and Sunset by Castel dell’Ovo

Morning: Travel to Naples. If you’re flying within Europe, compare options on Omio Flights; coming from farther afield, check Trip.com Flights. Arrive at Napoli Centrale or NAP airport and taxi to your hotel (budget €20–€30 to the center).

Afternoon: Check in, then stretch your legs along the Lungomare Caracciolo. Drop into Gran Caffè Gambrinus for a first espresso and babà. Walk to Borgo Marinari and the 12th‑century Castel dell’Ovo for golden-hour photos across the bay.

Evening: Seafood dinner on the water: try La Scialuppa or Zi’ Teresa for linguine alle vongole and grilled fish. For a sweet finish, gelato at Mennella’s branch in Chiaia. Nightcap at L’Antiquario, an award-winning speakeasy—perfect for a romantic first toast.

Day 2: Old Naples, Veiled Christ, and a Night at the Opera

Morning: Wander Spaccanapoli, peeking into cloisters and artisan workshops on Via San Gregorio Armeno (famous for nativity figurines). Book the Sansevero Chapel (Veiled Christ; closed Tuesdays) ahead. Coffee break at Caffè Mexico (Toledo) for a classic tazzulella ’e cafè.

Afternoon: Pizza lunch in the historic center—Pizzeria Da Attilio (star-shaped cornicione) or Antica Pizzeria Di Matteo (try the frittatina). Continue to the National Archaeological Museum (MANN) for Farnese marbles and the Pompeii mosaics. Pop down to Toledo Metro station to admire its brilliant blue “crater” art installation.

Evening: If schedules align, catch a performance or guided tour at Teatro di San Carlo, Europe’s oldest working opera house. Dinner in Chiaia at Umberto 1916 (Neapolitan classics, moderate prices). Stroll Piazza del Plebiscito and the colonnaded church of San Francesco di Paola under the stars.

Day 3: Underground Naples, Vomero Views, and Pizza-Making Date Night

Morning: Explore Napoli Sotterranea (book the English tour) beneath San Lorenzo Maggiore—cisterns, tunnels, and wartime shelters. Step back into daylight for a sfogliatella at Sfogliatelle Mary inside Galleria Umberto I.

Afternoon: Lunch at Tandem (specialist in slow-cooked ragù; share a pasta duo). Ride the Montesanto funicular up to Vomero. Visit Castel Sant’Elmo and the Certosa di San Martino for sweeping bay views—arguably Naples’ most romantic lookout.

Evening: Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on date night: Authentic Pizza Making Class in Naples with Appetizers and Drink. Expect to knead, top, and bake your own Neapolitan pie, then savor it with a drink.

After class, wander down to Piazza Bellini for an al fresco amaro, or find a quiet wine bar in Chiaia for a final clink.

Day 4: Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius—Time Traveling with a View

Morning: Join a small group to maximize time and context: Naples: Pompeii & Mt Vesuvius All-Inclusive Small Group w/ Lunch typically includes skip-the-line Pompeii, transport, and Vesuvius crater time (weather permitting).

Afternoon: Explore forum streets, frescoed villas, and ancient bakeries, then ascend to the volcano rim for panoramic bay views. If you prefer DIY, take the train (~35–40 min) toward Pompeii via Omio Trains and local transport to Vesuvius.

Evening: Back in Naples, eat like a local at Trattoria da Nennella in the Spanish Quarter—lively, affordable, and very Neapolitan. If you fancy something quieter, try Osteria della Mattonella (majolica‑tiled dining room; meatballs, zucchini alla scapece). Digestif: a chilled limoncello.

Day 5: Capri, Anacapri, and (Conditions Allowing) the Blue Grotto

Morning: Set sail for the island. A guided day makes logistics easy: Small Group Tour from Naples to Blue Grotto, Anacapri and Capri includes fast ferry and island transport.

Afternoon: In Anacapri, ride the chairlift up Monte Solaro for breathtaking, hand‑in‑hand vistas. If seas are calm, visit the Blue Grotto; if not, circle the island by boat or walk the Pizzolungo trail to Faraglioni viewpoints. Lunch ideas: Verginiello (Capri Town, moderate), or a caprese panino followed by gelato at Buonocore.

Evening: Ferry back to Naples. Light dinner near Piazza Dante at Al 53 (homey pasta and seafood) or sample a paper cone of fried bites at Fiorenzano 1897 in Pignasecca. Take an evening passeggiata along Via Toledo and Galleria Umberto’s arcades.

Day 6: Amalfi Coast Day—Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello

Morning: Trade city bustle for cliffside drama: Amalfi Coast Tour: Positano, Amalfi & Ravello from Naples typically includes panoramic stops, free time, and a comfortable coastal drive.

Afternoon: Browse Positano’s boutiques and postcard lanes, step inside Amalfi’s striped Duomo, and drift through Ravello’s gardens and belvederes. Snack suggestions: lemon granita, delizie al limone, and fresh sfogliatelle.

Evening: Return to Naples for a late pizza at 50 Kalò (near Mergellina; acclaimed dough and light, airy crusts). Gelato or a midnight pastry at Chalet Ciro on the promenade, then a seaside stroll under the lamps.

Day 7: Markets, Last Bites, and Departure

Morning: Join locals at Pignasecca Market—taste olives, pick up dried tomatoes, and grab espresso at a corner bar. For a final pastry, Sfogliatelle Attanasio near the station bakes them warm, ricotta fragrant and crisp.

Afternoon: Last‑minute shopping along Via Toledo or on Via Chiaia. A farewell lunch at Antica Capri (in the Spanish Quarter—ask for a table tucked in the lane) or a quick cuoppo of fried seafood at Pescheria Azzurra. Depart in the afternoon; compare trains on Omio Trains or flights on Omio Flights/Trip.com.

Evening: If you have extra time, watch the sunset from the rocks near Castel dell’Ovo, then head to the airport or station with Naples safely tucked into your hearts (and camera roll).

Budget tips (targeting a comfortable mid-range ~50/100): Prioritize one guided coastal tour and one archaeological tour; do Capri as a DIY ferry to save if needed. Plan one “special” dinner (try the Caruso Roof Garden at Grand Hotel Vesuvio), balance with street food lunches. Use the funiculars and Metro Line 1; buy daily/weekly tickets to reduce costs.

In seven days, Naples reveals its soul: ancient streets, generous tables, and a coastline that glows at dusk. You’ll leave fluent in the language of pizza, sunsets, and centuries of history—already plotting a return.