UNESCO WONDERS OF AUTHENTIC CAMPANIA

Day 1 – Naples
Arrival at Naples airport or central train station, pick-up of rental car.
We suggest beginning your visit at Piazza Plebiscito, one of Naples’ most iconic locations. Situated in the heart of the historic center at the end of Via Toledo, with an area of over 25,000 square meters, it is the city’s largest square and one of the largest in Italy. Bordered by its famous colonnade, the square is flanked by the Prefecture Building, Palazzo Salerno, the Royal Palace, and the Church of San Francesco di Paola.

The Royal Palace, facing the square, features a façade made of volcanic stone, tuff, and terracotta. It stretches for 169 meters and displays eight statues of the principal kings of Naples, commissioned by Umberto I. Inside, the grand Scalone d’Onore (Grand Staircase) – once praised by Montesquieu as the most beautiful in Europe – leads to the Royal Apartment with over 30 rooms, including the Court Theatre, Throne Room, and Royal Chapel, all richly furnished and adorned with Bourbon-era artworks. The palace also includes several outdoor areas such as the Courtyard of Honor, the Carriage Courtyard, the Belvedere Courtyard, and the Hanging Garden, which offers spectacular views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.

Alternative visit (for the more adventurous): the Bourbon Tunnel (Galleria Borbonica). This network of tunnels and galleries was originally used by 19th-century military forces, then as tuff quarries, water cisterns, WWII air-raid shelters, and later as a judicial deposit for vehicles. The tour, which lasts about an hour, is accessible to everyone (60% of the route is wheelchair accessible).
Note: not recommended for those with claustrophobia or severe mobility issues.

Check-in at hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2 – Naples & Pompeii
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit to the historic center of Naples. We suggest starting at the Monumental Complex of Santa Chiara. The Gothic austerity of the basilica and the vibrant decoration of the Clarisse cloister create a striking contrast. Built in 1310 by King Robert of Anjou and his wife Sancha of Majorca, the Franciscan citadel included both a convent for nuns and a monastery for friars.

The church retains its original Gothic design, with a simple façade and an ancient rose window. In 1742, architect D.A. Vaccaro introduced changes, notably the creation of intersecting paths dividing the garden into four sections, with octagonal majolica-tiled pillars and benches decorated with scenes of everyday 18th-century life. The cloister walls are covered with 17th-century frescoes depicting Saints, allegories, and scenes from the Old Testament.

Next, visit the Sansevero Chapel Museum, known for its stunning artworks, including the Veiled Christ by Giuseppe Sanmartino – so impressive that even Antonio Canova was in awe. The delicate marble veil covering the suffering body of Christ was carved from the same block as the statue, demonstrating incredible craftsmanship.

Neapolitan Pizza Tasting follows, with ¼ portions of margherita, vegetable, sausage & broccoli rabe, and classic stuffed pizza. The Art of the Neapolitan Pizzaiuolo was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO on December 7, 2017 – a prestigious recognition for Naples and the Campania Region.

Continue the tour to the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. The earliest remains date the city’s origins between the late 7th and mid-6th century BCE, with its first tuff fortifications. It became a Roman colony in 80 BCE, flourishing particularly under Emperors Augustus and Tiberius. On August 24, 79 CE, Vesuvius erupted, burying the city under ash and pumice.

Depart for Salerno. On arrival, check-in at hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3 – Paestum & Salerno
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Paestum to visit its Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998 and an independent museum complex since 2014. Located in the eastern Gulf of Salerno, 10 km from the Sele River, Paestum was among the richest and most vibrant Greek colonies in southern Italy.

Buffalo Mozzarella Tasting – one of Italy’s most famous products – follows. Though available nationwide, its authentic essence belongs to this region.

Proceed to Salerno for a visit. We recommend the Arechi Castle, a medieval fortress located 300 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of the city and gulf. Named after Lombard Duke Arechi II, it is a key historical monument.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Salerno’s scenic seafront promenade.

Return to hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4 – Benevento
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart to visit Benevento. Recommended stop: the Monumental Complex of Santa Sofia, which includes the church (one of the most important from the Langobardia Minor period), its bell tower, the former monastery with a charming cloister, and a central fountain. Since June 25, 2011, it has been part of the UNESCO site “The Lombards in Italy. Places of Power (568–774 CE).”

Tasting of a traditional Beneventan dish: codfish (baccalà) at a typical restaurant in the historic center.
Don’t miss the Arch of Trajan, the city’s symbol. Built between 114–117 CE to honor Emperor Trajan and celebrate the opening of the Via Traiana – a shortcut to Brindisi from Benevento – Trajan was praised even by Dante, who placed him in Paradise.

Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria de Episcopio, almost completely destroyed in WWII. Surviving elements include the bell tower, façade, the frescoed crypt, and the 12th-century bronze door (Janua Major), featuring 72 bas-relief panels. Art historian Adolfo Venturi called it “the greatest sacred poem of the Romanesque age in southern Italy.”

Behind the cathedral lies Triggio, Benevento’s oldest neighborhood, home to ancient Roman baths and the Arch of the Sacrament, one of the city’s eight Roman gates.

Tasting of local sweets from the Strega Alberti company is also planned.

Check-in at hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5 – Caserta
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to visit the magnificent Royal Palace of Caserta, the final grand expression of Italian Baroque. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, it is a masterpiece where architecture and art unite in a unique palace and park. Designed in the 18th century by Luigi Vanvitelli for Charles III of Bourbon, the palace is one of the architect’s greatest works.

Organized around four grand courtyards, its richly decorated interiors include stucco, reliefs, frescoes, sculptures, and inlaid floors. Highlights: the Hall of Astrea, Hall of Mars, and the Throne Room. The park features fountains and cascades and is a fine example of an Italian-style garden, with geometric flowerbeds, open lawns, and water features.

Lunch at a traditional restaurant.
Drive back to Naples, return rental car.
End of services.

NOTES:
Visits may be reordered for technical reasons, but the itinerary remains unchanged.
Please inform us in advance of any food intolerances, allergies, or religious/cultural dietary restrictions. Suppliers may not always accommodate special diets, so we recommend guests bring suitable food and identify themselves to restaurant/hotel staff to avoid issues. Surcharges may apply in some cases.

INDIVIDUAL RATE:

• In a double room for single use: €925.00 
• In a double/twin room: €640.00 
• In a triple room: €550.00 

DISCOUNTS: Extra bed for children aged 2 to 8 upon request.

THE PRICE INCLUDES:
Rental car (category A/B/C), pick-up and drop-off at Naples airport or central train station, accommodation in a 4-star hotel with half board, meals as per program in selected local restaurants, medical and luggage insurance.

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Tourist tax, beverages during meals, entrance fees*, tips, extras, and anything not specifically listed under “The price includes.”

PAID ENTRANCES:

Monumental Complex of Santa Chiara:

• Reduced ticket: €4.50 (for Campania ArteCard holders, teachers, university students, over 65s with valid ID) 
• Special ticket: €3.50 (children aged 6 to 17, FAI members) 

San Severo Chapel Museum:

• Standard ticket: €8.00 + €2.00 booking fee 
• Reduced ticket: €6.00 + €2.00 (FAI members) 
• Youth ticket (ages 10–25): €5.00 + €2.00 
• Free admission + €1.00 (children up to 9 years) 
• Disabled visitors with a companion: €5.00 + €2.00 (two tickets) 
• School groups: €3.00 per student (valid only on weekdays with mandatory booking; 1 teacher free every 10 students) 

Note: Online booking is highly recommended and is the only way to guarantee entry, allowing you to choose a date and time slot. Time slots are available every 30 minutes starting from 9:00 a.m. A limited number of last-minute tickets may be available at the ticket office daily, subject to availability. For groups of 10 or more, online booking is mandatory, and last-minute tickets are not available. Online tickets are released one month in advance and serve as valid admission without needing to go to the ticket office. Entry is allowed up to 15 minutes after the reserved time. Tickets are only valid for the date and time selected. Online purchases are non-refundable and cannot be changed. (Art. 59, letter n) of Legislative Decree 206/2005, known as the “Consumer Code”).

Arechi Castle:

• Standard ticket: €4.00 
• Reduced ticket: €2.00 (groups of more than 15, tenured public school teachers, EU citizens aged 18–25) 
• Free admission with appropriate ID for: 
  • EU citizens under 18 or over 65 (children under 12 must be accompanied) 
  • ICOM members 
  • Students in Architecture, Cultural Heritage, Education Sciences, Archaeology, History of Art, Fine Arts, or equivalent programs (with current academic year enrollment certificate) 
  • People with disabilities and their accompanying support staff 
  • Cultural association operators, based on agreements with the Province of Salerno and the Ministry of Culture 
  • Art history teachers (with valid documentation) 
  • Journalists (with ID proving profession and paid membership) 
  • Visitors conducting research or study (certified by educational or research institutions, both Italian and foreign) 
  • Ministry of Culture personnel 

Benevento:

• Santa Sofia Cloister: €2.00 – reduced €1.00 
• Sant’Ilario at Porta Aurea: €2.00 – reduced €1.00 
  • Reduced tickets for groups of at least 20 people, over 65s, Italian and foreign students of all levels (with valid ID), holders of an international student card, Touring Club Italiano and CTS members, and Friends of the Museum association members 
  • Free admission for: people with disabilities, teachers accompanying school groups, journalists, licensed tour guides, uniformed military personnel, provincial government employees and guests, staff of the Ministry of Culture and local museum institutions (with proper ID)

CANCELLATION: Read “Terms and conditions.”

CONDITIONS INCLUDED IN CAR RENTAL: damage and theft coverage without deductible (super cover policy), auto liability, taxes, 1 additional driver, unlimited km.

CONDITIONS NOT INCLUDED IN CAR RENTAL: full tank of gasoline, other optional options available over the counter.

MAIN EVENTS:

Naples: Maggio dei Monumenti (May – all month)

Pompeii: Ludi Pompeiani (September)

Paestum: Mediterranean Exchange of Archaeological Tourism (November)

Salerno: Luci d’Artista (November)

Benevento: Città Spettacolo (August–September)

Caserta: Settembre al Borgo (September)

MEETING POINT:
Arrival at Naples airport or central train station, rental car pick-up.
It is also possible to arrange pick-up at another location by agreement.

ACCESSIBILITY:
On request, it is possible to rent a car equipped with all necessary features to allow a wheelchair user to travel in complete safety.

PETS:
Small dogs or cats can be transported in a pet carrier when renting a car.
Please note: some attractions may have restrictions regarding animal access.

SUSTAINABILITY:
Read “Our Philosophy”

CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE:
Available 24/7