Italian Seaside Splendor: A 10-Day Journey Through Naples & Sorrento

Walk across a causeway to reach this picturesque medieval castle located on a small

Accessed via the 15th century Ponte Aragonese, a 750 feet (228m) long causeway, the rocky islet fortress of Alfonso the Magnanimous is Ischia's top sight. As you explore you will understand why it made such a stunning backdrop in the film The Talented Mr Ripley. The citadel itself is showing signs of wear and tear and some of it is closed to the public, but below is a complex of buildings that could be almost a separate village, and you can wander around these by way of olive-shaded paths and lush terraces. There's an eerie open shell of a cathedral destroyed by British bombardment in 1806 and a prison that once held political prisoners during the Unification struggle. Otherwise, there are a couple nice cafe-restaurants from where you can enjoy the sea views.There's also the remains of a convent, in which a couple of dark rooms are ringed with a set of seats that look like stone toilets. These actually served as a cemetery for the deceased sisters - the bodies were placed on these seats to decompose, and the nuns would gather to pray here. While today this all seems rather macabre, the sisters considered it a reminder of their own ephemeral existence on earth.

Hike to the top of Mount Epomeo for breathtaking views over the island.

Take a short but steep hike up to Ischia's highest point on Mount Epomeo to enjoy superb views of the entire island of Ischia and its many vineyards. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Vesuvius, Sorrento and the island of Capri in the distance.  You need to be reasonably fit and wear good shoes, as the final part of the track becomes no more than a channel cut out of the soft rock. There's a rather good terrace cafe/restaurant at the top where you can take a refreshment break.

Walk across a causeway to reach this picturesque medieval castle located on a small

Accessed via the 15th century Ponte Aragonese, a 750 feet (228m) long causeway, the rocky islet fortress of Alfonso the Magnanimous is Ischia's top sight. As you explore you will understand why it made such a stunning backdrop in the film The Talented Mr Ripley. The citadel itself is showing signs of wear and tear and some of it is closed to the public, but below is a complex of buildings that could be almost a separate village, and you can wander around these by way of olive-shaded paths and lush terraces. There's an eerie open shell of a cathedral destroyed by British bombardment in 1806 and a prison that once held political prisoners during the Unification struggle. Otherwise, there are a couple nice cafe-restaurants from where you can enjoy the sea views.There's also the remains of a convent, in which a couple of dark rooms are ringed with a set of seats that look like stone toilets. These actually served as a cemetery for the deceased sisters - the bodies were placed on these seats to decompose, and the nuns would gather to pray here. While today this all seems rather macabre, the sisters considered it a reminder of their own ephemeral existence on earth.

Hike to the top of Mount Epomeo for breathtaking views over the island.

Take a short but steep hike up to Ischia's highest point on Mount Epomeo to enjoy superb views of the entire island of Ischia and its many vineyards. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Vesuvius, Sorrento and the island of Capri in the distance.  You need to be reasonably fit and wear good shoes, as the final part of the track becomes no more than a channel cut out of the soft rock. There's a rather good terrace cafe/restaurant at the top where you can take a refreshment break.

Take a guided tour and descend into the catacombs to see an ancient Christian burial place.

The catacombs date from the second century AD and seem to have developed around the family tomb of an early member of the Christian community. It probably became the official cemetery of Christian Naples after the burial here, in the 3rd century, of the bishop-saint Agrippinus, over whose tomb a basilica was built. The catacombs became a place of pilgrimage after the 5th-century martyr and patron saint of the city, San Gennaro, was entombed here. Some of the early Christian frescoes and mosaics have been newly restored, and much of the complex has been superbly lit, which provides visitors not only with an ideal view of the rows of tombs, but also a wonderful ambiance. Temperatures range between 17-22 degrees Celsius throughout the year, so take warm clothing if you think you might be shivering throughout the 45min tours.

Take a relaxing stroll in the oldest and most beautiful public park in the city.

With exquisite views of the city and Bay of Naples, this enormous landscaped park is a great opportunity to exchange the urban chaos of Naples for some greenery. The park covers nearly 100 acres and over the last nearly 300 years it has been filled with over 400 different plant species.

Spend some quality time with Caravaggio and Titian in one of Italy's largest and best art collections.

The Palazzo Reale di Capodimonte was the royal residence of the Bourbon King Charles III. Purpose-built in 1738 by Charles specifically to house the family art collection, it now operates as one of the best public art galleries in the country, the Museo Nazionale di Capodimonte. A large part of the first floor is dedicated to the fabulous Farnese Collections. Among the great paintings to look out for here are Sandro Bollicelli's Madonna and Child with Two Angels, and the Venetian painter Giovanni Bellini's masterpiece Transfiguration. Another great Venetian painter, Titian, is represented here by his depiction of Danaë. The second floor focuses on the development of painting in Naples 1200-1700, and while there are a number of masterpieces here, the two standouts are Flagellation by Caravaggio, and Judith and Holofernes by Artemisia Gentileschi. The first is a dark and disturbing painting that comes from the church of San Domenico Maggiore, where you can still see a 17th-century copy. Caravaggio was known to work in a darkened studio using point-source lighting to increase the contrast, hence the dramatic effect of his images. 

Take a guided tour and descend into the catacombs to see an ancient Christian burial place.

The catacombs date from the second century AD and seem to have developed around the family tomb of an early member of the Christian community. It probably became the official cemetery of Christian Naples after the burial here, in the 3rd century, of the bishop-saint Agrippinus, over whose tomb a basilica was built. The catacombs became a place of pilgrimage after the 5th-century martyr and patron saint of the city, San Gennaro, was entombed here. Some of the early Christian frescoes and mosaics have been newly restored, and much of the complex has been superbly lit, which provides visitors not only with an ideal view of the rows of tombs, but also a wonderful ambiance. Temperatures range between 17-22 degrees Celsius throughout the year, so take warm clothing if you think you might be shivering throughout the 45min tours.

Visit the beautiful residence of the Swedish physician and writer Alex Munthe, one of the top sights on the island.

This beautiful 20th-century mansion is one of the top sights on the island. Sitting almost 1000 feet above the sea, visitors come to the villa to walk through its beautiful gardens and enjoy the panoramic views of the town of Capri. Inside the villa, you'll find a small museum home to a collection of archaeological artefacts found on the island. 

Take a taxi or bus up to this pretty little village awash with boutique shops and high priced restaurants.

High up the plateau above Capri town lies Anacapri, a smaller village (compared to Capri Town) which is much quieter and more authentic in feel. Stroll its white-washed lanes of artisan boutiques, take the chairlift to the top of Monte Solaro or walk to the nearby Villa San Michele. 

Take a boat trip around the island to reach this mystical Blue grotto cave.

Named the Grotto Azzurra in Italian (Blue Grotto), this famous sea cave is a popular trip from Capri by boat. Sunlight passing through the small entrance creates a bright blue water grotto which is only accessible by a small rowing boat. Lie down flat in the boat, pass through the entrance and awe at the aqua colours of this natural wonder. 

Take the chairlift up to Mount Solaro for amazing views over Capri and the Bay of Naples.

Ride to the summit of Capri's mountain on a thrilling chairlift journey. The scenic ride up takes approximately 12 minutes, and from the top you'll enjoy views over Capri and over the Bay of Naples with Mount Vesuvius in the distance. 

Visit the most beautiful and most popular town on the Amalfi Coast.

Known for its colorful buildings, beautiful panoramas, excellent seafood restaurants and luxury boutique shops, Positano is the go-to town for most people visiting the Amalfi Coast. Wander its narrow streets, spend time on its beach front or walk to the top of town to enjoy the famous views over the town and sea below. 

Visit the largest town on the Amalfi Coast known for its culture, history and beaches.

What was once an important trading centre is now a stunning seaside town and the second most visited after Positano. Spend time relaxing on the beach and dip your toes in the azure water, visit its historic Cathedral, enjoy a cold lemon spritz in one of its seafront restaurants or simply enjoy strolling around its lanes and take in its views. 

Visit one of the most important Cathedrals on the Amalfi Coast.

The Amalfi Cathedral called “Duomo di Sant’Andrea Apostolo” can be found on the main Piazza Duomo in Amalfi Town. Built during the ninth century with a Byzantine architecture style, the cathedral is considered a must-visit for anyone who comes to Amalfi. Today the Duomo is a mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque style, with an imposing staircase that leads to a 1,000-year-old bronze door that was given to the town by a wealthy local merchant who had the door made in Constantinople - modern-day Istanbul. Follow a one-way route around its interior which includes relics of Saint Andrew, the Apostle (the patron saint of Amalfi), the crypt and the cloister. 

Visit the most beautiful and most popular town on the Amalfi Coast.

Known for its colorful buildings, beautiful panoramas, excellent seafood restaurants and luxury boutique shops, Positano is the go-to town for most people visiting the Amalfi Coast. Wander its narrow streets, spend time on its beach front or walk to the top of town to enjoy the famous views over the town and sea below.