Naples, Pompeii and Herculaneum form the Vesuvius triangle — three distinct and complementary destinations reachable by Circumvesuviana (the local train, €3-5, every 20-30 min from Napoli-Piazza Garibaldi). In 3 days: Naples in depth (Spaccanapoli, MANN, Castel dell'Ovo, pizza), Pompeii (the world's most visited Roman excavations), Herculaneum (better preserved than Pompeii), Vesuvius (optional, 1h extra). Capodichino airport (NAP) 7km from the centre — Alibus €5 or taxi fixed rate €25. From Rome by train: 1h 10' (Frecciarossa €20-45). From Milan: 4h 40' (Frecciarossa €45-90).
Day 1 — Naples: Spaccanapoli and MANN
Spaccanapoli (2km, the Greek decumanus) crosses the UNESCO historic centre: Gesù Nuovo (1584, piperno diamond-rusticated facade), Santa Chiara (14th century, Poor Clares cloister with majolica tiles), San Gregorio Armeno (the nativity scene street), Cappella Sansevero (€8, mandatory booking, Sanmartino's Veiled Christ). MANN — National Archaeological Museum (€15) — is the world's most important collection of Roman artefacts: the Alexander and Issus mosaics from Pompeii, the Secret Cabinet (Pompeii's erotic works, €4 extra). Pizza from Sorbillo (Via dei Tribunali 32) or Starita (Via Materdei 27). Castel dell'Ovo (free, the gulf terrace) at sunset.
Days 2-3 — Pompeii, Herculaneum and Vesuvius
Pompeii (Circumvesuviana 35 min, €18 book online): Forum, Lupanar, Stabian Baths, Casa dei Vettii, Villa dei Misteri (the world's largest in-situ Roman fresco cycle). Body casts at multiple points. Herculaneum (Circumvesuviana 20 min, €13): smaller but better preserved — organic materials (wood, food, textiles) not found at Pompeii. The Casa del Bicentenario has the oldest Christian symbol found at a Roman site. The combined Pompeii + Herculaneum + Oplontis + Stabia ticket (€22) is worthwhile for both sites. Vesuvius: Vesuvio Express from Pompeii (€12 return, 30 min) + €10 crater entry tax — the combination Pompeii morning + Vesuvius afternoon + pizza in Naples evening is the perfect day.
Practical tips
Cappella Sansevero must be booked online — the Veiled Christ is among Italy's most extraordinary things
Herculaneum is worth the extra half day — the preserved organic materials (wood, food) do not exist at Pompeii
Book Pompeii online — in August without booking the queue is 1-2 hours
Plan your Naples and Pompeii trip
Spaccanapoli, Roman excavations and Vesuvius — itinerary in 5 minutes.
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