Naples short break

[MadelineZott]

Staying 4 nights in Naples so 3 full days. How to maximise them? Please don't reply with "don't stay in Naples, stay in Sorrento" because we can't change the accommodation.

My thoughts are, one day in Naples itself - would appreciate ideas for where to go, restaurants etc.

One day either Pompeii or Herculaneum - which is best? We don't have a car so would have to go by train.

One day either Capri or Ischia or Sorrento/Amalfi coast. Which is best, what is doable in a day from Naples?

TIA

DD just got back and found Herculaneum more interesting than Pompeii, loved climbing Vesuvius, thought the underground tunnels in Naples were cool (but not if you are claustrophobic or have limited mobility)

Amalfi coast rather than Sorrento, Ischia rather than Capri.

Pompeii and Herculaneum are both great.

In Naples itself, there are some amazing galleries and museums. Our kids go to Naples on school trips with their History of Art teachers.

The National Archeological Museum is very good. Rated as one of the best museums in the world of its kind.
The Reggia di Caserta is 30 km away from Naples (inland) and spectacular.

Trying to book flights to Naples right now. Any tips? The flights are coming up at £700 for the dates we need...

easyJet. Gatwick-Naples is about £50 all season.

Capri would be quite a mission in a day. Also depends when you are going - crazy busy in August. Positano is beautiful but would need a bus from Sorrento as not on train line. Pompeii easier because on train line.

agree on doing the underground tunnels if you can. And would recommend Vesuvius - there’s a bus up the volcano then you walk the last bit to the crater. The train to Ercolano is where you get the bus from (and it’s also the stop for Herculaneum, but would be best to do Vesuvius in the morning then Herculaneum afterwards, as the bus tours stop around 3 or 4pm. The train to Pompeii is also easy, piazza garibaldi is the main station in Naples but there are other stops too depending on where you’re staying. Would also recommend getting the funicular up to Vomero which is a more peaceful and bougie neighbourhood with a nice park - less crowded and hectic than central Naples

OP there was a recent thread on Naples. I wrote this.

I love Naples. It’s edgy, colourful and real. You need to keep your wits about you though.
As PPs have said, it has the best pizza in the world. Usually only a choice of a couple of toppings, though, none of your ham and pineapple stuff.
You can use the Circumvesuviana train for trips to Pompeii and Herculaneum, get a ferry to Capri. It runs frequently and cheaply between Naples and Sorrento.
The Archaeological Museum has all the relics from Pompeii, including an ‘Over 18’ room full of things from the brothels, and wonderful mosaics. And the massive Farnese Bull statue.

The Capella Sansevero has a marble statue of The Veiled Christ which will blow your socks off. I go to gaze at it whenever I am in Naples.

We are flying Lufthansa so it's not ideal with a change in Germany. Couldn't get direct from Manchester.