Naples Complete Tour – Part 2: travel itinerary

Morning

⬇️ starting point

X. Castel Nuovo Maschio Angioino

The tour begins with a visit to Castel Nuovo, known as Maschio Angioino, one of the most imposing fortresses in the city. Passing through the iconic Arco trionfale del Castel Nuovo, you enter the Museo di Castel Nuovo, which houses frescoes, artifacts, and works of art related to the history of the castle and the city.

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A. Teatro di San Carlo

Just a few steps from the castle stands the majestic Teatro di San Carlo, the oldest opera house in Europe still in operation. To explore the history and curiosities of this architectural gem, you can visit the Memus Museo Teatro di San Carlo. Nearby, the Biblioteca Nazionale di Napoli Vittorio Emanuele III preserves an immense literary and documentary heritage.

✨ Entering the Teatro San Carlo feels like stepping back in time: gold, velvet, and a solemn silence before the music fills one of the most fascinating theaters in Europe.

📌 the Biblioteca Nazionale di Napoli Vittorio Emanuele III can be visited upon request. You can find the phone number in the Google Maps listing accessible via the link in the table.

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B. Chiesa di San Ferdinando

The route continues with a visit to the Chiesa di San Ferdinando, a refined example of Baroque architecture, closely linked to the history of the city and the Jesuit tradition.

Afternoon

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C. Palazzo Reale di Napoli

One of the symbols of Bourbon power, the Palazzo Reale di Napoli offers a journey through history with its magnificent halls and art collections. Inside, you can visit the sumptuous Cappella Palatina, the elegant Teatrino di Corte, and the Scuderie Borboniche – La Galleria del Tempo, which recount the history of the dynasty.

Among the attractions are the Museo della Fabbrica and the Museo Caruso, dedicated to the famous tenor. The route continues through the evocative Giardini di Palazzo Reale and the panoramic Giardino Pensile, before admiring the elegant Androne delle Carrozze. This stop concludes in the splendid Piazza del Plebiscito, the monumental heart of the city.

✨ Walking through the halls of the Palazzo Reale means immersing yourself in the grandeur of Bourbon Naples, among theatrical settings and details that tell the story of an era of power.

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D. Basilica Reale Pontificia di San Francesco di Paola

Overlooking Piazza del Plebiscito, the Basilica Reale Pontificia di San Francesco di Paola is one of the masterpieces of neoclassical architecture in Italy, inspired by the Pantheon in Rome.

Evening

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E. Ponte di Chiaia, Ascensore Chiaia, Via Chiaia

Crossing the characteristic Ponte di Chiaia, you reach Via Chiaia, one of the most elegant streets in the city, full of shops and historic cafés. To easily reach the upper area, you can use the Ascensore Chiaia.

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F. Palazzo Serra di Cassano

The visit continues to the Palazzo Serra di Cassano, a historic residence linked to the events of the Neapolitan Revolution of 1799.

📌 Palazzo Serra di Cassano can be visited upon request. You can find the phone number in the Google Maps listing accessible via the link in the table.

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G. Villa Ebe

Climbing further up, you reach Villa Ebe, a fascinating residence designed by architect Lamont Young, offering a splendid view over the city.

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H. Rampe di Pizzofalcone

Through the scenic Rampe di Pizzofalcone, you reach the Belvedere di Pizzofalcone, from where you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of Naples and the Gulf. This area, known as Monte di Dio or Monte Echia, is rich in history and legends. For the descent, you can use the Ascensore Monte Echia, which conveniently connects the viewpoint to the lower part of the city.

✨ The Belvedere di Pizzofalcone is one of the most emotional spots in Naples: the Gulf opens up before you with Mount Vesuvius in the background, offering a view that stays with you.

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I. Fontana del Gigante

The itinerary ends along the panoramic Via Partenope, where you’ll find the scenic Fontana del Gigante, one of the most beautiful monumental fountains in the city, with the sea in the background making the atmosphere even more evocative.

✨ Here Naples becomes pure scenery: the fountain, the sea, and the silhouette of Mount Vesuvius create a perfect view, especially at sunset.

I/X. I/X. Fontana del Gigante is a shared stop 🧩 – See the final stop of the previous itinerary.

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A. Castel dell’Ovo

The tour begins at Castel dell’Ovo, the oldest castle in Naples, located on the islet of Megaride. In addition to offering a spectacular view of the Gulf, the fortress is surrounded by legends and stories that enhance its charm. At its base lies the picturesque Borgo Marinari, a characteristic corner of the city with its restaurants and boats moored along the harbor.

✨ Here Naples becomes pure poetry: sea, light, and seagulls around the castle create one of the most iconic scenes of the Gulf.

📌 Castel dell’Ovo is currently closed to the public due to major renovation works.

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B. Galleria Borbonica

The itinerary continues underground, exploring the Galleria Borbonica🔗, a fascinating historical route through tunnels and underground cisterns, telling the story of the city from the Bourbon era to World War II.

📌 the visit to the Galleria Borbonica requires booking. You can find the phone number in the Google Maps listing accessible via the link in the table.

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C. Villa comunale di Napoli

Back on the surface, the itinerary continues through the green Villa comunale di Napoli, an elegant historic garden designed in the 18th century. Inside, you will find the Acquario di Napoli, the oldest in Italy and one of the oldest in Europe. Nearby, the charming Fontana di Santa Lucia overlooks the famous Via Francesco Caracciolo, one of the most scenic streets in the city, running along the seafront and offering spectacular views of Mount Vesuvius and Capri.

📌 Route note – Starting from Villa Comunale, you can choose to continue with the Chiaia 2 itinerary, completing the planned route, or opt for the panoramic route Mergellina and Posillipo. This is an optional detour of about 4 hours: choosing it means you will not be able to complete all the Chiaia 2 stops in the same day.

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D. Villa Pignatelli

The tour continues with a visit to the refined Villa Pignatelli, an elegant historic residence. Inside, you will find the Museo Principe Diego Aragona Pignatelli Cortés, which preserves period furnishings and testimonies of aristocratic life, and the Museo delle carrozze, featuring a valuable collection of historic carriages.

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E. Palazzo Mannajuolo

The itinerary continues with a striking architectural highlight: Palazzo Mannajuolo, famous for its spectacular scala elicoidale, a masterpiece of design admired for its flowing shape and refined Art Nouveau structure.

✨ One of the most scenic staircases in Italy: perfect lines and hypnotic perspectives that seem designed to amaze.

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F. Museo della Moda di Napoli

For lovers of style and tailoring tradition, a visit to the Museo della Moda di Napoli offers a journey into Neapolitan elegance, featuring historic garments, accessories, and testimonies of the city’s long haute couture tradition.

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G. Palazzo Zevallos Stigliano

Continuing along the route, you reach Palazzo Zevallos Stigliano, an aristocratic residence housing a prestigious art collection, including works by Caravaggio and other masters of the 17th century.

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H. Galleria Umberto I

A must-see stop is the majestic Galleria Umberto I, an architectural masterpiece from the late 19th century, with its grand glass and iron dome illuminating elegant shops, cafés, and historic bookstores.

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I. Chiesa della Pietà dei Turchini

The tour ends with a visit to the Chiesa della Pietà dei Turchini, a Baroque gem of great historical and artistic value, renowned for its musical tradition linked to the city’s conservatories.

⬇️ starting point

X. Museo Nazionale di Capodimonte

The journey begins at the Museo Nazionale di Capodimonte, one of the city’s most important art institutions, housing a vast collection of works by artists such as Caravaggio, Titian, and Raphael. The museum is located inside the Real Bosco di Capodimonte, a large centuries-old park that also offers extensive green spaces for walking and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. An ideal stop to start the day immersed in the art history and nature of Naples.

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A. Catacombe di San Gennaro

From Capodimonte, we head to the Catacombe di San Gennaro🔗, one of the most evocative and mystical places in Naples. Dating back to the 2nd century AD, the catacombs are the burial site of some of the earliest Christians and of San Gennaro, the city’s patron saint. Here you can admire an extraordinary testimony of Naples’ religious history and traditions.

✨ A timeless place: silence, soft light, and ancient tunnels that tell the deepest origins of Naples.

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B. Basilica di San Severo Fuori le Mura

Continuing our route, we arrive at the Chiesa di San Severo fuori le Mura, which houses one of the most significant contemporary artworks in the Rione Sanità: the Figlio Velato by Jago. The sculpture depicts a lying child, wrapped in a marble veil that enhances its fragility and sense of protection.

✨ A work that strikes deep emotions: marble becomes pure feeling, between fragility and symbolic strength.

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C. Basilica di Santa Maria della Sanità

Next, we head to the Basilica di Santa Maria della Sanità, located in the heart of the Rione Sanità. This district is known for its lively atmosphere and the historic Catacombe di San Gaudioso beneath the basilica. The neighborhood, famous for its popular traditions, is one of the most authentic areas of Naples, rich in history and culture.

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D. Ascensore Sanità

To continue exploring the area, we take the Ascensore Sanità, which connects the Sanità district with the Capodimonte hill. This lift, one of the oldest in Italy, offers an incredible view over the city and allows you to cover a significant distance in just a few minutes while enjoying a unique panorama.

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E. Palazzo Sanfelice

Continuing along our itinerary, we stop at Palazzo Sanfelice, a Baroque masterpiece designed by Francesco di Palma. The palace is famous for its elegance and its beautiful inner courtyards, representing one of the most fascinating examples of 18th-century architecture in Naples.

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F. Palazzo dello Spagnolo

We then visit Palazzo dello Spagnolo, an elegant 18th-century palace located in the Spanish Quarters. The palace is famous for its monumental double-helix staircase, one of the most beautiful in Naples. The structure is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture and a symbol of Neapolitan nobility of the time.

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G. Ipogeo dei Cristallini necropoli ellenistica

Another unmissable stop is the Ipogeo dei Cristallini, a Hellenistic necropolis located beneath the Capodimonte hill. This archaeological site hosts numerous ancient tombs and burial chambers, offering a window into the history and culture of Hellenistic Naples. It is a mysterious and fascinating place for lovers of ancient history.

✨ Descending here feels like entering an invisible and ancient Naples, among colors and spaces that seem suspended in time.

📌 the Ipogeo dei Cristallini can be visited by reservation. You can find the phone number in the Google Maps listing accessible via the link in the table.

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H. Orto Botanico di Napoli

Not far from Palazzo dello Spagnolo, we head to the Orto Botanico di Napoli, a wonderful garden that hosts a vast collection of plants from all over the world. This garden, extending over 12 hectares, is a perfect place to walk and relax surrounded by nature, away from the city’s chaos.

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I. Real Albergo dei Poveri

We conclude our journey with a visit to the Real Albergo dei Poveri, an imposing building that once housed the city’s poor and is now a cultural center. Its location in Piazza Carlo III is symbolic, as it represents the final point of an itinerary that has explored the many layers of Naples’ history, from art and architecture to popular and religious culture.

⬇️ starting point

X. Villa comunale di Napoli

The tour begins in the historic Villa comunale di Napoli, an elegant 19th-century garden commissioned by the Bourbon dynasty. Inside it is the Acquario di Napoli, the oldest aquarium in Italy, which showcases the marine biodiversity of the Gulf. Not far away, you can admire the Fontana di Santa Lucia, a symbol of Naples by the sea. The first walk takes place along the scenic Via Francesco Caracciolo, one of the most beautiful streets in the city, with Mount Vesuvius and Capri on the horizon.

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A. Lungomare Francesco Caracciolo

We continue along the stunning Lungomare Francesco Caracciolo, a promenade that crosses the heart of maritime Naples, running along the bay all the way to Mergellina. A perfect place to enjoy the sea breeze and the unmistakable Neapolitan atmosphere.

✨ Walking here means living Naples by the sea: between breeze, light and Vesuvius on the horizon, every step is pure atmosphere.

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B. Lungomare Mergellina

The walk continues along the Lungomare Mergellina, a stretch of coastline featuring traditional restaurants, historic cafés and a charming view of the boats moored in the small harbour. This area is famous for its connection to fishing traditions and its lively nightlife.

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C. Fontana del Sebeto

Among the artistic highlights of the route is the Fontana del Sebeto, a beautiful Baroque fountain that celebrates the ancient Sebeto River, now disappeared, and through its sculptures represents an important part of the city’s hydrological history.

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D. Chiesa di Santa Maria del Parto a Mergellina

We then reach the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Parto a Mergellina, a small Renaissance gem linked to the poet Jacopo Sannazaro, who made it his private chapel. Inside, you can admire artworks of great historical and artistic value.

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E. Funicolare di Mergellina

To reach Posillipo in a scenic and convenient way, take the Funicolare di Mergellina, one of Naples’ four funicular railways, connecting the coastal area with the city’s panoramic hills.

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F. Belvedere di Sant’Antonio a Posillipo

Once at the top, the Belvedere di Sant’Antonio a Posillipo offers one of the most extraordinary views over Naples and the Gulf. This panoramic spot is perfect for unforgettable photos and for enjoying the breathtaking landscape.

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G. Chiesa di Sant’Antonio a Posillipo

Next to the viewpoint stands the Chiesa di Sant’Antonio a Posillipo, a small sanctuary overlooking the city from above, offering a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.

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H. Chiesa di Santa Maria di Piedigrotta

Descending back towards the city, the itinerary leads to the Chiesa di Santa Maria di Piedigrotta, linked to one of the oldest religious and popular traditions in Naples. Nearby lies the evocative Chiostro di Santa Maria di Piedigrotta, a place of silence and reflection immersed in history.

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I. Parco Vergiliano a Piedigrotta

The final stop is the Parco Vergiliano a Piedigrotta, a fascinating and historically rich site. Here you will find the mysterious Crypta Neapolitana, an ancient Roman tunnel carved into the rock, and two extraordinary tombs: the Tomba di Virgilio, the Latin poet who immortalised Naples in his verses, and the Tomba di Giacomo Leopardi (Monumento Nazionale), one of Italy’s greatest poets, who chose Naples as his final resting place.

⬇️ starting point

X. Città della Scienza

The itinerary begins at Città della Scienza, one of Naples’ main scientific and interactive centers. Here visitors can explore topics related to science and technology, with exhibitions covering a wide range of fields, from biology to physics and neuroscience. It is an excellent introduction to the modern and dynamic side of Naples, reflected in its educational and scientific approach.

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A. Parco Archeologico del Pausilypon

From here we head to the Parco Archeologico del Pausilypon, an extraordinary site offering breathtaking panoramic views over the Gulf of Naples. The park preserves the remains of a Roman villa dating back to the 1st century BC, including an ancient theatre and thermal baths. Nearby lies the Parco Archeologico Sommerso di Gaiola, a protected marine area featuring submerged Roman ruins visible through crystal-clear waters. A true journey into the past between archaeology and sea landscapes.

📌 The Parco Archeologico del Pausilypon is visitable by reservation. You can find the phone number in the Google Maps listing via the table link.

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B. Museo Archeologico Etrusco “De Feis”

Continuing, we reach the Museo Archeologico Etrusco “De Feis”, a small but valuable museum dedicated to Etruscan culture. It houses a collection of archaeological finds that tell the story of the Etruscans, one of the most influential civilizations of ancient Italy. An ideal stop for archaeology and ancient history enthusiasts.

📌 The Museo Archeologico Etrusco “De Feis” is visitable by reservation. You can find the phone number in the Google Maps listing via the table link.

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C. Villa Rosebery

The next stop is Villa Rosebery, a historic residence located in the Posillipo district. The villa is an example of neoclassical architecture and, although not regularly open to the public, its architectural beauty and surrounding park attract visitors seeking the quiet atmosphere of a historic residence away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

📌 Villa Rosebery is visitable by request. You can find the phone number in the Google Maps listing via the table link.

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D. Villa Volpicelli

Continuing along the Posillipo coastline, we reach Villa Volpicelli, another stunning historic villa with a garden overlooking the sea. With its elegant architecture, it is a clear example of how Neapolitan aristocracy embraced the natural beauty of Posillipo to build prestigious seaside residences.

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E. Antica Villa Romana di Caius Olius Ampliatus (Rotary Napoli Est)

Next, we visit the Antica Villa Romana di Caius Olius Ampliatus, an important testimony of the Roman era located in a less-known but highly fascinating area. Once belonging to a Roman patrician family, this villa is another example of ancient Naples’ grandeur, with beautifully preserved mosaics and frescoes still visible today.

📌 The Antica Villa Romana di Caius Olius Ampliatus is visitable by request. You can find the phone number in the Google Maps listing via the table link.

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F. Eremo dei Camaldoli

Our next stop is the Eremo dei Camaldoli, a place of great serenity located on the Camaldoli hill. The Camaldolese monastery is a site of prayer and meditation, but it also offers a stunning panoramic view over the city and the Gulf. The Terrazza dell’Eremo dei Camaldoli is the perfect spot to admire the landscape and experience the peaceful atmosphere of this sacred place.

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G. Cimitero delle Fontanelle

Another fascinating stop is the Cimitero delle Fontanelle, one of the most enigmatic places in Naples. This underground cemetery holds millions of human bones and represents one of the most striking expressions of Neapolitan culture, deeply connected to death and the afterlife. The cemetery is famous for its history, blending religious and popular traditions.

✨ A unique place in the world where history, devotion, and mystery merge into an unforgettable atmosphere.

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H. Museo Nazionale della Ceramica Duca di Martina

Next, we head to the Museo Nazionale della Ceramica Duca di Martina, located inside the beautiful Villa Floridiana. This museum is dedicated to ceramics, featuring pieces from different historical periods and various parts of the world. The surrounding park, Parco di Villa Floridiana, is perfect for a relaxing walk in nature with panoramic views over Naples.

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I. Museo del Mare di Napoli

Finally, we conclude our itinerary with a visit to the Museo del Mare di Napoli, located in the Posillipo district. Dedicated to the history of navigation and Neapolitan seafaring, the museum displays a rich collection of ship models, nautical instruments, maps, and photographs that tell the story of Naples’ deep connection with the sea. A perfect place for those interested in maritime history and naval tradition.