Campania, Italy
Pompeii & Herculaneum: These ancient Roman cities, famously buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, present an extraordinary glimpse into daily life in the Roman Empire. Pompeii spans a vast area, while Herculaneum is smaller, better preserved, and often less crowded.
Ischia & Procida: These islands, while less visited than Capri, charm visitors with their unique character. Ischia is famous for its thermal spas and Aragonese Castle. Procida, the Italian Capital of Culture in 2022, is a colorful fishing village with a calm, authentic atmosphere.
The Sorrentine Peninsula and its surroundings showcase remarkable natural landscapes for those seeking outdoor beauty and tranquility.
Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area: Located at the tip of the peninsula, this area presents diverse trails for hiking, clear waters for snorkeling, and opportunities to enjoy pristine coastal nature.
Amalfi Coast drive (SS163): Renowned worldwide for its dramatic cliffs, winding roads, and breathtaking sea views. By bus, car, or private tour, the views unforgettable.
Beyond the immediate region, several culturally rich sites are accessible for longer day trips, broadening your understanding of Campania's history.
Located south of Sorrento, Paestum features some of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples globally, dating back to the 6th and 5th centuries BCE. The site includes a museum with impressive artifacts.
This colossal 18th-century royal palace, an UNESCO World Heritage site north of Naples, mirrors Versailles. It showcases magnificent interiors, opulent apartments, and vast, elaborate gardens.
A historic Benedictine monastery with a long, complex past, notably destroyed and rebuilt during World War II. This site holds significant spiritual and historical importance.
Exploring lesser-known villages like Massa Lubrense, Piano di Sorrento, or Meta presents an authentic glimpse into local life, traditional architecture, and agricultural practices away from the main tourist hubs.
While Monte Cassino Abbey is further, other smaller, local churches and shrines dot the landscape, offering moments of quiet reflection and insight into local devotion.
For those with more time, extending your trip beyond Sorrento for an overnight stay in a nearby location allows for greater exploration and a different perspective.
Spend a night or two on the island of Ischia to fully absorb its renowned thermal parks, volcanic landscapes, and charming towns. It moves at a more relaxed pace than Capri.
Staying overnight in one of the Amalfi Coast towns permits experiencing their unique ambiance after day-trippers depart, enjoying evening dining, and exploring at a more leisurely pace.
An overnight south to Paestum opens up more time for its remarkable Greek temples, perhaps leading into a journey further into Puglia or Basilicata.
Consider logical next destinations to broaden your Italian adventure.
All these suggested extensions enjoy good connectivity, simplifying longer regional travel.
Begin in Naples (2-3 nights), move to Sorrento (3-5 nights), then consider an overnight on the Amalfi Coast (1-2 nights) or Ischia (1-2 nights), before returning to Naples.
Start in Rome (3-4 nights), travel by train to Naples (2-3 nights), then to Sorrento (4-5 nights), potentially extending south to Paestum (1 night) or further into Puglia/Basilicata.
Custom tours cater to specific interests, combining history, gastronomy, or outdoor pursuits across the region, based on your desires.
