Ancient Ruins, Volcanic Landscapes & Coastal Life — All Easily Done in a Day
Naples sits at the heart of one of Italy’s most extraordinary rail networks. Local lines reach world-class archaeological sites, coastal towns and volcanic landscapes quickly and cheaply — making independent exploration not just possible, but effortless.
Pompeii: A Roman City Frozen in Time
Getting there by train
Departure station: Napoli Garibaldi
Train: Circumvesuviana
Journey time: ~35 minutes
Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Tickets: Local Circumvesuviana ticket
The station exit is directly opposite the ruins.
What to do when you arrive
Walk original Roman streets and houses
Explore the forum, baths and amphitheatre
Take time — Pompeii is vast and absorbing
A quieter angle
Arrive early and focus on one section rather than trying to see everything.
Where to eat lunch
Caupona – Roman-inspired menu
Add’u Mimi – casual and local
Herculaneum: Smaller, More Intimate, Exceptionally Preserved
Getting there by train
Departure station: Napoli Garibaldi
Train: Circumvesuviana
Journey time: ~20 minutes
Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Tickets: Local ticket
What to do when you arrive
Explore remarkably preserved houses
See wooden structures rarely found elsewhere
Visit the waterfront remains
A quieter angle
Perfect if Pompeii feels overwhelming.
Where to eat lunch
Terrazza di Mamma Rosa
Bistrot Italia
Sorrento: Clifftop Views & Southern Light
Getting there by train
Departure station: Napoli Garibaldi
Train: Circumvesuviana
Journey time: ~60 minutes
Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Tickets: Local ticket
What to do when you arrive
Walk the historic centre
Enjoy views over the Bay of Naples
Browse shops and cafés
A quieter angle
Skip the busiest viewpoints and head toward Marina Grande.
Where to eat lunch
O’Parrucchiano
Trattoria da Emilia
Caserta: A Royal Palace on an Epic Scale
Getting there by train
Departure station: Napoli Centrale
Train: Regionale or Regionale Veloce
Journey time: ~35 minutes
Frequency: At least hourly
Tickets: Regional ticket
The palace is directly opposite the station.
What to do when you arrive
Explore the vast Royal Palace
Walk the monumental gardens
Visit the English Garden section
A quieter angle
Spend more time in the gardens than the palace interiors.
Where to eat lunch
La Bouganville
Tre Farine
Pozzuoli : Volcanic Landscapes & Everyday Life
Getting there by train
Departure station: Napoli Montesanto
Train: Cumana line
Journey time: ~30 minutes
Frequency: Every 20 minutes
Tickets: Local ticket
What to do when you arrive
Visit the Flavian Amphitheatre
Walk the harbour
Explore volcanic landscapes nearby
A quieter angle
Pozzuoli feels local and raw — embrace that.
Where to eat lunch
Il Rudere
White Chill Out
For detailed rail guidance, planning tools and many more day trips like these, grab your copy of Touring Italy by Train here:👉 https://mybook.to/TouringItalybyTrain