There’s something truly special about mother-son trips—a chance to explore, bond, and create unforgettable memories together. My son and I set off on an epic adventure through Italy’s Campania region, soaking in breathtaking coastal views, indulging in incredible Italian food, and even hiking to the top of a volcano.
Many of you requested our detailed itinerary after seeing my Instagram stories during our travels, so here it is! A recap of our day-by-day journey through this beautiful part of the world. And if you love to travel like we do, be sure to check out our Iceland road trip and Banff: A Gateway to the Canadian Rockies for more adventure inspiration.
From the bustling streets of Naples to the breathtaking cliffs of Sorrento, the island paradise of Capri, and the stunning beauty of the Amalfi Coast, every moment of this trip was an adventure. Whether you're planning your own getaway or simply dreaming of Southern Italy, I hope this itinerary—expertly put together by my son—sparks some inspiration! P.S. – He also found us the perfect places to stay, and we loved our time in clean, spacious, modern, and centrally located accommodations in both Naples and Sorrento.
I am excited to share our itinerary to help you plan your trip to Campania with friends, family, or kids — filled with food, adventure, and breathtaking views! I hope this serves as the perfect Italy family travel inspiration for your unforgettable journey.
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Day 1: Arrival in Naples – Pizza & Evening Strolls
We landed in Naples, checked into Auroom and our first stop was obvious—pizza!
Dinner at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
Nothing beats authentic Neapolitan pizza straight from the source — especially at the iconic pizzeria made famous in the movie Eat Pray Love with Julia Roberts. The crispy-yet-chewy crust and simple, fresh ingredients truly lived up to the hype and were absolutely perfect.
Evening Walk Through Spaccanapoli
After dinner, we wandered through Spaccanapoli, the narrow street that runs through Naples’ heart. We couldn’t resist stopping at Gelateria Casa Infante for our first (of many!) gelatos.
Day 2: Naples, Pompeii & Sorrento
Our first full day in Italy was packed with excitement — we explored Naples, took a scenic train to Pompeii, hiked up the legendary Mount Vesuvius, and ended the day in the beautiful coastal town of Sorrento.
We began with a hearty breakfast at Auroom, our clean, bright, and spacious bed and breakfast, perfectly situated near Napoli Centrale station. It was the ideal starting point for a day full of adventure and discovery.
Morning in Naples
- We started our day at Naples Duomo, admiring its stunning frescoes and historic charm before strolling through Via Dei Tribunali, the heart of the old city.
- A quick stop at Café Diaz Napoli introduced us to Al Pistacchio, a rich espresso topped with velvety pistachio cream—pure heaven in a cup!
- For a quick bite, we grabbed a thin, crispy folded pizza from A’ Puteca D’a Pizza, proving once again that there’s no such thing as too much pizza in Naples.
- We wrapped up our morning with a walk down Via Toledo, browsing a lively mix of Italian brands, local boutiques, and bustling street vendors.
Afternoon Adventure: Hiking Mt. Vesuvius
Instead of exploring Pompeii, we decided to do something even more thrilling—climb to the top of Mt. Vesuvius.
- Getting there was easy — we booked a Mt. Vesuvius tour right at the Pompeii train station, hopped on a comfortable bus up the mountain, and then hiked the final stretch to the crater for stunning panoramic views.
- The views? Absolutely unreal. From the summit, you get a breathtaking panoramic view of Naples, the Bay of Naples, and the surrounding countryside.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one of the most memorable parts of our trip!
Evening in Sorrento
After our volcanic adventure, we hopped on the Circumvesuviana train from Pompeii to Sorrento, enjoying the scenic ride along the coast. We arrived in this charming cliffside town overlooking the sea and checked into Al Centro Suites, our lovely and centrally located accommodation.
- Dinner at Ristorante Fuoro was the perfect way to end the day—delicious fresh seafood, warm hospitality, and a charming atmosphere tucked away in the heart of Sorrento.
Day 3: Capri Adventure – Blue Grotto & Scenic Views
We took a pre-booked Caremar ferry, arranged easily through the Direct Ferries app, from Marina Piccola in Sorrento to Capri. The ride was quick, smooth, and incredibly scenic, taking just 30 minutes across the beautiful Bay of Naples.
Arriving at Marina Grande, Capri’s main port, we decided to explore the island by sea first. We booked a boat tour around the island, which took us past some of Capri’s most breathtaking sights, including the Faraglioni Rocks, the Green and White Grottos, and the famous Blue Grotto. Cruising along the island’s rugged coastline, we got to experience hidden sea caves, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear waters—a truly magical way to take in Capri’s beauty before heading inland.
Capri Highlights
- Blue Grotto – A surreal cave where the water glows electric blue.
- Lunch at Ristorante Pizzeria Verginiello - everything we tried here was delicious with spectacular views!
- Augustus Gardens – Beautiful gardens with breathtaking views of the Faraglioni rock formations.
- Mount Solaro Chairlift – Soaring above Anacapri for the best views on the island. We took the Capri local bus from Marina Grande up to Anacapri, enjoyed the chairlift ride and stunning scenery, and then took the bus back down to Marina Grande in time for our ferry back to Sorrento.
Evening Return to Sorrento
We took the ferry back to Sorrento and enjoyed a cozy dinner at L’Antica Trattoria, a charming garden restaurant with twinkling fairy lights followed by most delicious Gelato at Raki.
Day 4: Amalfi Coast – Positano, Amalfi & Ravello
This was one of my favorite days of the entire trip. We joined a pre-booked Viator tour for a stress-free way to explore the Amalfi Coast without worrying about the winding roads.
Positano
- We strolled through colorful streets lined with shops selling handmade ceramics, linen clothing, and leather sandals.
- Relaxed on Spiaggia Grande, the famous beach with a postcard-perfect view.
Amalfi
- Took a scenic boat ride along the coast (seasonal, but highly recommended!).
- Visited Duomo di Sant’Andrea, a stunning 9th-century cathedral.
- Tried some street seafood (CICA Frirotia), lemon sorbet, and delicious pastry at Savoia Antica Dolceria.
- Picked up some beautiful handmade paper souvenirs from a local shop, a perfect keepsake of Amalfi’s rich papermaking tradition.
Ravello
- Villa Rufolo – The panoramic views from here were simply breathtaking.
- Visited Ceramiche d'Arte Carmela, a stunning ceramics shop offering handcrafted, locally-made pieces with the convenience of free worldwide shipping—perfect for bringing a piece of the Amalfi Coast home!
Evening Return to Sorrento
- Dinner at La Cantinaccia del Popolo.
Day 5: A Relaxing Day in Sorrento
After days of exploring, we slowed things down to soak in the magic of Sorrento.
Morning
- Breakfast with a sea view – Cappuccino and pastries while gazing at the sparkling blue waters.
- Shopping on Corso Italia – The best place to find Sorrento’s famous limoncello and intricate woodwork souvenirs.
Afternoon
- Marina Grande – A quaint fishing village with colorful boats and beachside cafés.
- Raki for Gelato - We enjoyed it so much on our first day that we had to return to try some more flavors.
Final Dinner in Sorrento
For our last night, we enjoyed our dinner at Azz! Italian Tavern, a cozy family-owned restaurant in Corso Italia.
Day 6: Farewell to Italy
It’s never easy saying goodbye to Italy, but we made the most of our final morning in Sorrento before starting our journey home. After an 8-minute walk from our hotel to Sorrento Station, we boarded the Circumvesuviana train to Napoli Garibaldi. From there, we hopped on the Alibus airport shuttle, which runs every 20 minutes to Naples International Airport.
As we boarded our flight home, we couldn’t stop reminiscing about all the amazing places we explored together. This mother-son trip to Campania was beyond incredible, and I already can’t wait to return!
Additional Travel Tips!
More Food Recommendations
- Gelateria David – Sorrento
- Ristorante Bagni Delfino - Sorrento
- Gelateria Buonocore – Capri
Getting Around
- Circumvesuviana Train – A convenient and affordable way to travel between Naples, Pompeii, and Sorrento, with frequent departures.
- Ferries – A beautiful and relaxing way to reach Capri and explore the Amalfi Coast from the water.
- Group Tours – Easy to book through platforms like Viator or Get Your Guide, offering guided experiences to make the most of each destination.
- Private Drivers – For a comfortable and hassle-free journey, services like Sorrento Limousine Service and Positano Car Service are excellent options.
This trip was filled with adventure, bonding, and unforgettable moments in Southern Italy. We were absolutely mesmerized by the lemon trees in Sorrento, their bright yellow fruit filling the air with the freshest citrus scent. Along the way, we also learned that the vibrant oranges lining the streets aren’t meant to be eaten—a fun little discovery that made us appreciate the region even more. If you’re planning a visit to Naples, Mt. Vesuvius, Sorrento, Capri, or the Amalfi Coast, I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your family trip to Campania!
✨ Have you been to Campania? Let me know your favorite spots in the comments! 🇮🇹💙
Mindy T. says
We spent a week in the charming little town of Praiano for our 25th wedding anniversary, and it was glorious. We stayed at Hotel Margherita, in a lovely room with a veranda with an absolutely breathtaking view of the water.
Our trip began with a week in Rome, and we ended with one more night there, using Trenitalia - clean, comfortable, and efficient. Highly recommend!
While in Praiano, we took side trips to Positano, Amalfi, and Pompeii. Loved them! And also enjoyed exploring our own little town. Like many locations on the Amalfi Coast, it’s built mostly on the vertical, which maximizes the spectacular views from anywhere and everywhere in town.
On our anniversary, the hotel arranged for me to get a wonderful manicure at a local salon (and provided transportation).
Our anniversary dinner was a seafood extravaganza at Tramonto d’Oro - just magnificent.
Based on our experience, I can’t recommend the Amalfi Coast highly enough. Do yourselves a favor and visit there soon!
Rajinder Nagi says
Hi Archna, wow what a beautiful holiday with your son in Italy, beautiful places and food you had!
We have been to Rome and it was beautiful place and food was delicious too.
Regards