Sant’Arpino

Day Trips

Begin with cappuccino and freshly baked cornetto at a family-run bar in Piazza Umberto I. Wander through the narrow cobblestone alleys, admiring pastel-hued facades and colorful bougainvillea. Step inside the Basilica di San Michele Arcangelo to marvel at its ornate Baroque altarpiece.

Savor a rustic lunch at Trattoria Da Gino, sampling homemade fusilli alle ragù campano. Explore the nearby archaeological ruins of the Roman amphitheater, picturing gladiators in ancient contests. Stop by the Museo Caudino to learn about the pre-Roman history of the Samnite tribe.

Sip an aperitivo at a cozy piazza-side café as the sun sets over terracotta rooftops. Enjoy a wood-fired pizza at Osteria Il Cavaliere, paired with a local Falanghina or Aglianico wine. End the night with a passeggiata, chatting with friendly locals gathered by the fountain.

Visit the Museo Civico Samnite e Caudino to dive deeper into the region’s ancient heritage, admiring Samnite artifacts and Roman relics. Join a guided tour of the nearby necropolis, where you can see well-preserved tombs and inscriptions. Pause for a mid-morning espresso and sfogliatella at a bakery favored by archaeologists.

Head to the excavation site of the Roman amphitheater for a behind-the-scenes look at ongoing digs and restoration efforts. Participate in a pottery workshop that reconstructs ancient Samnite ceramic techniques under the guidance of an expert. Taste olive oil pressed from local cultivars as you learn about its role in antiquity.

Gather with fellow history enthusiasts at a rustic agriturismo for a farm-to-table dinner featuring seasonal produce and grilled meats. Share stories around a long wooden table illuminated by lanterns, sampling homemade limoncello. Stroll back through the village under a star-studded sky.

Catch an early train along the Circumvesuviana line to Pompeii and begin a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed ruins. Walk through the Forum, marvel at the frescoed villas of the wealthy aristocracy, and peer down the ancient plumbing of a public latrine. Pause at a café near the amphitheater for a Neapolitan espresso and a sfogliatella riccia.

Transfer by minibus to the slopes of Mount Vesuvius and set off on a spirited hike to the crater rim. Admire panoramic views of the Bay of Naples, observing puffs of sulfuric steam rising from the volcano’s depths. Learn about the science behind eruptions from an experienced vulcanologist.

Return to Sant'Arpino and freshen up before dinner at Pizzeria Il Vesuvio, known for its signature marinara of San Marzano tomatoes. Indulge in authentic Neapolitan pizza baked in a wood-fired oven and topped with buffalo mozzarella. End the evening with a gelato stroll along the main street.

Travel to a countryside masseria where you’ll join a hands-on cooking workshop led by a local nonna. Learn to knead and shape fresh pasta such as cavatelli and tagliolini using traditional wooden tools. Sip a glass of local white wine as you watch your creations take shape on the marble countertop.

Enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch, tasting multiple pasta dishes drizzled with olive oil and heirloom tomato sauce. Take a leisurely walk through the estate’s olive groves and lemon orchards, gathering ingredients for an afternoon olive oil and citrus tasting. Discover the artisanal methods behind the region’s prized extra virgin olive oil.

Dine family-style under a canopy of grapevines, feasting on slow-roasted lamb, sautéed seasonal greens, and homemade dessert. Join in melodic folk songs as local musicians play the tamburello under the pergola. Absorb the warm hospitality of your hosts before returning to Sant'Arpino.

Drive or take the train to Caserta to marvel at the grandeur of the Reggia di Caserta, often called the ‘Versailles of Italy.’ Wander through opulent rooms adorned with intricate frescoes, gilded stucco work, and imperial furniture. Step outside to explore the vast Baroque gardens, complete with cascading fountains and stately sculptures.

Stroll along the meticulously designed water features, passing the grand cascades and the English Garden. Pause for a picnic lunch on the palace grounds, feasting on local cheeses, cured meats, and fresh bread. Visit the royal stables and the Milkwood Tree, famed for its centuries-old trunk.

Return to Sant'Arpino and seek out a lively enoteca for a chance to sample rare Campanian wines by the glass. Pair the wine with a charcuterie board of capocollo, provolone del Monaco, and sun-dried tomatoes. Enjoy an informal tasting session led by the enoteca’s passionate proprietor.

Catch an early train to Naples and begin at Spaccanapoli, the narrow thoroughfare slicing through the historic center. Admire the frescoes in the Church of Gesù Nuovo and marvel at the marble pulpit in the Cathedral of Naples. Stop for a caffè in Galleria Umberto I to watch Neapolitans pass by in true dolce vita style.

Savor authentic street food like pizza a portafoglio and fried seafood at a bustling friggitoria. Wander to Piazza del Plebiscito to visit the Royal Palace and then stroll along the seafront promenade to Castel dell’Ovo. Take in panoramic views of Mount Vesuvius and the sparkling bay.

Dine in the elegant Chiaia district, choosing from seafood risotto or spaghetti alle vongole at a terrace restaurant. Sample limoncello made from local Amalfi lemons as night falls. Immerse yourself in Neapolitan nightlife with a final stop at a jazz bar or a piano café.

Depart early for Sorrento and board a ferry to Positano, enjoying coastal vistas as you cruise past towering limestone cliffs. Step ashore to wander pastel-painted streets lined with boutique shops and art galleries. Relax with a cappuccino on a terrace overlooking the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea.

Charter a small private boat to explore hidden grottoes and secluded beaches along the Amalfi Coast. Swim in the crystalline waters off the coast of Amalfi and sample local limoncello granita served aboard. Cruise back to shore with a scenic view of the iconic pastel villas clinging to the cliffs.

Return to Sant'Arpino for a light dinner of fried zucchini flowers and seafood antipasti at a cozy trattoria. Toast to the day’s adventures with a glass of chilled Greco di Tufo. Conclude the evening with a moonlit walk through the ancient olive groves.

Set off for an invigorating hike up Mount Tifata, tracing shaded trails through oak and holm oak forests. Pause at scenic overlooks to capture breathtaking panoramas of the Volturno Valley and distant Apennines. Learn about the mountain’s rich flora and fauna from a local naturalist guide.

Descend to a nearby vineyard for a guided tour of sun-soaked vines producing Aglianico and Falanghina. Taste the estate’s signature reds and whites, pairing each sip with regional cheeses and cured hams. Stroll through the barrel cellar to understand the aging process behind these distinguished wines.

Gather around a long table under pergolas draped in vines to enjoy a family-style dinner of roasted pork, bruschetta with fresh tomatoes, and seasonal vegetables. Share stories with the winemaking family as dusk settles over the vineyard. Savor their homemade dessert wine as a sweet finale to the evening.

Head to the weekly farmers market in Sant'Arpino’s central square to browse stalls overflowing with olives, cheeses, honey, and heirloom vegetables. Chat with producers about organic farming methods and pick up ingredients for a picnic lunch. Sample fresh mozzarella made on-site and sip a glass of chilled local rosé.

Visit a traditional pottery workshop, where you’ll learn to shape clay and paint intricate designs under the guidance of a master ceramist. Personalize your own souvenir vase or bowl as you discover regional motifs passed down through generations. Stop at a nearby artisanal bakery to taste pane cafone, the bread of Lower Campania.

Enjoy an aperitivo hosted by a local ceramicist in their studio, surrounded by finished works of art. Then head to Trattoria La Pergola for homemade gnocchi and eggplant parmigiana. End the night with a sweet slice of pastiera napoletana paired with a shot of espresso.

Travel to the nearby Terme di Telese for a rejuvenating soak in natural thermal baths renowned for their therapeutic properties. Indulge in mud treatments and thermal pools that have been celebrated since Roman times. Relax in the steam rooms and loungers overlooking lush parkland.

Enjoy a light lunch at the spa’s restaurant, selecting from organic salads, grilled fish, and locally sourced fruit smoothies. Continue your wellness journey with a full-body massage or a guided yoga session in the tranquil gardens. Sample mineral-rich waters directly from the source.

Return to Sant'Arpino for a grand farewell dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant in the countryside. Delight in a tasting menu that elevates Campania’s finest ingredients—burrata, wild mushrooms, and Amalfi lemons—into culinary masterpieces. Toast with a crisp Fiano di Avellino as you bid arrivederci to this enchanting region.