3-Day South Italy Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day South Italy tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaSouth Italy travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Day Southern Italy Itinerary, incl. Rome and Sorrento

  South Italy's gems unfold over three days: from UNESCO-listed Pompeii's archaeological wonders to Sorrento's coastal charm at Grand Hotel Vesuvio. The trip features Capri island's Blue Grotto, Anacapri's mountain views, and authentic Neapolitan cuisine with skip-the-line archaeological access.

  

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  • Day 1

    Rome to Sorrento

    Start early with a 7:30 AM departure from Rome. Hotel pickup starts at 6:30 AM. "Communication about pickup times is essential, so confirm details the day before" advises a recent traveler. The 4-hour drive south through Lazio and Campania gets you to Sorrento by early afternoon. Your free afternoon is perfect for exploring Sorrento's historic center. Visit the winding streets around Via San Cesareo between 4-7 PM when locals take their traditional evening stroll.

    
  • Day 2

    Capri Excursion (April-October)

    Take an early boat to Capri to visit the famous Blue Grotto, though sea conditions determine access. One visitor shared: "I wish I had known the likelihood of seeing the Blue Grotto was fairly slim due to sea height variability. Still, the boat ride around Capri was good and our guide showed us samples of the luminescent blue water." In the afternoon, visit Anacapri at 918 feet elevation for spectacular Bay of Naples views. If traveling during peak season (July-August), book your lunch ahead of time as restaurants fill up fast.

    
  • Day 3

    Sorrento to Pompeii to Rome

    Spend your final morning in Sorrento before leaving at 1:15 PM for Pompeii. The guided tour includes skip-the-line access and radio headsets, which you'll appreciate in the crowded ruins. A TourRadar traveler commented: "The archaeology professor who guided us through Pompeii was truly outstanding!" Return to Rome in the evening, usually arriving around 9 PM depending on traffic. If you need to travel onward, book tickets for the next day since arrival times can vary.

    

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• 3 Days in Naples, incl. Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius

  Visit South Italy's treasures combining Pompeii's UNESCO site and Mount Vesuvius trek. Walk through Forum, Thermal Baths, and Lupanare with expert guides. Two nights Naples stay with breakfast and authentic pizza lunch included.

  

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  • Day 1

    Naples

    Check into your hotel in the historic center and spend your first afternoon exploring the Spanish Quarter (Quartieri Spagnoli). The narrow alleys here offer a real slice of Neapolitan life. If you arrive before 3 PM, visit the Naples National Archaeological Museum. It's less busy in late afternoon and gives you good background information for your Pompeii visit tomorrow.

    
  • Day 2

    Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius

    Your guide picks you up at 8:10 AM. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes with good grip. The streets in Pompeii are uneven and Vesuvius has loose volcanic terrain. You'll spend 2-3 hours in Pompeii seeing the main spots like the Forum, thermal baths and the House of Vetti. A recent visitor shared: "The frescoes in the wealthy homes are incredibly well-preserved—bring a hat and water bottle as there's little shade among the ruins." After a quick Italian lunch you'll head up Mt. Vesuvius. The bus takes you to 1,000 meters but you'll need to walk the last part to the crater. It's about a 25-30 minute uphill walk. The path gets dusty and steep so take it slow. Bring a light jacket since it's usually windy at the top. You'll be back in Naples around 4:30 PM. Perfect timing for authentic Neapolitan pizza in the historic center.

    
  • Day 3

    Naples

    Start with breakfast at your hotel. If time allows before you leave visit Castel dell'Ovo by the water. It's Naples' oldest castle and opens at 9 AM. You'll get great views of the bay without the crowds that come later.

    

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• 3-Day Pompeii, Capri & Sorrento Mini Tour

  Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, and Capri unfold over three days. Guided Pompeii archaeological tours, traditional Neapolitan pizza lunch, and two nights at the panoramic Grand Hotel Vesuvio, total costs around $900 per person.

  

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  • Rome Italy

    131 mi

  • Sorrento Italy

    9 mi

  • Capri Italy

    19 mi

  • Pompeii Italy

    130 mi

  • Rome Italy

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