7-Day Dream Itinerary in Naples, Pompeii & Ischia

Don’t wait any longer to explore Naples – a raw, intense, and vibrantly alive destination. We visited in May to discover Naples and its surroundings. In just one week, it’s possible to combine the cultural buzz of the city, the awe-inspiring ruins of Pompeii, and a relaxing island escape to Ischia. Here’s a full travel guide to plan a one-week trip to Naples and nearby attractions, based on our real itinerary, with updated budget tips, accommodation, restaurant picks, and practical information.

Our 7-day Naples itinerary can be a bit packed, but feel free to adjust the pace to your liking.

Check out our Google maps list with all saved addresses and restaurants.
Leave us a comment if you have new spots to recommend! 🙂

Our 7-Day Itinerary Overview

Day	Location	Activities
Day 1	*Naples*	Museum + Historic Center
Day 2	*Naples*	Lungomare + Scenic Viewpoints
Day 3	*Pompeii*	Pompeii Tour + Ice Cream
Day 4	*Ischia*	Forio + La Mortella Gardens
Day 5	*Ischia*	Mount Epomeo Hike + Sant’Angelo
Day 6	*Ischia*	Aragonese Castle + Island Tour
Day 7	*Naples*	Return

What You’ll Find in This Guide:

Estimated Budget for a Week in Naples and Surroundings
- Average cost per person (7 days):
What to Do in Naples
What to Do Around Naples
Where to Stay in Naples
- Recommended Neighborhoods
- Areas to Avoid (for first-timers)
Best Restaurants in Naples
Our 7-Day Itinerary in Detail
Practical Info & Official Sites

Estimated Budget for a Week in Naples and Surroundings

Naples remains one of Italy’s most affordable major cities, especially compared to Rome or Florence.

Average cost per person (7 days):

Roundtrip flight from France: €80 – €200
Accommodation (mid-range hotel or B&B): €70 – €120 per night
Alternatively: HomeExchange
Meals: €25 – €40 per day
Local transport & day trips: €60 – €120
Entry fees: €40 – €70

Total Estimated Budget

Budget trip: €650 – €750
Comfort trip: €850 – €1,050

Note: Ischia slightly increases the cost but reduces activity expenses.

What to Do in Naples

NNaples is best explored on foot – embrace the beautiful chaos!

The Historic Center (Centro Storico)

UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city’s beating heart:

Spaccanapoli’s lively streets
The Duomo & San Gennaro’s treasure
Sansevero Chapel & the Veiled Christ

Major Museums

National Archaeological Museum (a must before visiting Pompeii or Herculaneum)
Royal Palace & Piazza del Plebiscito

Unique Experiences

Underground Naples
Funicular ride to Vomero district for panoramic views
Easter street ceremonies

What to Do Around Naples

Pompeii

Explore the famous archaeological site (plan for the whole day)
Combine with the Naples Archaeological Museum
Herculaneum is another excellent site, though we didn’t visit it

Tip: We went during May public holidays and had no trouble entering, but be aware there’s a 20,000 visitor limit per day.

Mount Vesuvius

Accessible from Naples or Pompeii
Easy hike to the crater
Panoramic views of the Bay of Naples
We skipped it due to complex public transport options

Islands Near Naples

Ischia: hot springs, hikes, beaches, local vibes
Capri: expensive and very touristy
Procida: picturesque and more authentic

Amalfi Coast

Positano, Amalfi, Ravello
Stunning but exhausting for a day trip from Naples
Best if skipping Ischia (expect big crowds)

Where to Stay in Naples

Recommended Neighborhoods

Centro Storico: perfect for walking everywhere
Spanish Quarters: lively and central, but hilly – check Google Street View
Chiaia: more upscale, near the coast, slightly further out

Areas to Avoid (for first-timers)

Too far from the center
Around the train station at night

Best Restaurants in Naples

Pizzerias incontournables

L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele: extremely popular – long waits
Sorbillo: multiple locations, arrive early and sign in. Gino e Toto is the most famous
Pizzeria Del Popolo: budget-friendly and excellent

Neapolitan Cuisine & Pasta

Trattoria da Nennella
Tandem Ragù
Cala La Pasta

Street food

Fried pizza (pizza fritta)
Arancini
Hot Sfogliatella in the morning
Try the Frittatina from Friggitoria Napoletana da Rosetta

Seafood

Pescheria Azzurra: great seafood, usually crowded but worth it

Our 7-Day Itinerary in Detail

Days 1 & 2 – Naples

Explore the historic center and museums
Spanish Quarters and Maradona mural
Scenic walk from Via Toledo to Piazza del Plebiscito
Afternoon in Chiaia and Vomero with panoramic viewpoints (Villa Floridiana, San Martino)

Day 3 – Pompeii

Train via Circumvesuviana from Naples
Entered via Scavi di Pompei – Biglietteria Porta Marina Superiore with train station Pompei Scavi Villa Dei Misteri
Bought Pompei+ ticket (€22)
Free maps and audioguides available
Ice cream at Gioelia
Returned in the evening

Important information for Pompeii:

We left for the May bank holidays and were able to get in and secure places. However, there is a limit of 20,000 places per day, with 15,000 in the morning and 5,000 in the afternoon.