Private Naples Tour: Sansevero Chapel, Castles & Pizza Day

Summary

Discover Naples: Full-Day Private City Highlights Tour

If you want to see Naples’ real soul in just one day—with castles, art-filled chapels, lively piazzas, and true Neapolitan pizza—this private tour covers it all at your own pace.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me when we stepped out near Castel Sant'Elmo was the salty air—mixed with a whiff of espresso from a tiny bar across the street. Our driver, Luca, had just zipped us up the hill, and suddenly there was all of Naples below us. The city’s rooftops tumbled down toward the bay, and Vesuvius sat quietly in the distance. It’s hard to explain, but you get this sense that every stone here has seen centuries pass by.

We made our way to Castel dell’Ovo next. Locals say its name comes from an old legend about a magic egg hidden in its walls. The breeze off the water was cool for June—almost chilly if you stood still too long. Fishermen were chatting nearby, their voices mixing with scooter horns from Via Partenope.

Piazza del Plebiscito felt like the heart of everything. We wandered past the Royal Palace and paused under the columns of San Francesco di Paola—kids were kicking a ball around while an older couple argued (gently) over which café had better sfogliatella. Our guide pointed out Gravina Palace tucked away behind some scaffolding; apparently restoration work never really stops here.

Castel Nuovo (or Maschio Angioino) looked even more massive up close than I’d imagined from photos. Its thick walls and towers have stood since the 13th century—our guide explained how Charles I of Anjou built it as both fortress and royal home. Inside, echoes bounce off stone corridors; outside, pigeons rule the square.

Luca insisted we check out Stazione Toledo before lunch. Honestly? I didn’t expect much from a metro stop—but wow. Blue mosaics swirl overhead like waves, and locals rush past without even glancing up anymore. It’s right on Via Toledo, which is packed with shops selling everything from cheap sunglasses to handmade leather bags.

The Cappella Sansevero was our last big stop before food—and it’s hard to put into words what it feels like standing in front of the Veiled Christ sculpture. The detail is unreal; you can almost see breath beneath the marble shroud. There’s this faint smell of incense inside, and everyone whispers without meaning to.

No trip here is complete without pizza—so Luca drove us to a spot he likes near Spaccanapoli. We tried both classic Margherita and fried pizza (pizza fritta). Greasy fingers, tomato sauce on my shirt… totally worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Naples Highlights

• Visit Saint Elmo’s Castle
• Visit Castel dell'Ovo
• Explore Piazza del Plebiscito and Royal Palace
• Tour Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino)
• See Stazione Toledo Metro Station
• Visit Sansevero Chapel
• Enjoy classic or fried pizza

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes! Specialized infant seats are available upon request and the itinerary is flexible for all ages.

How long does each stop last?

The timing depends on traffic and your interests—usually about 30–60 minutes per main site.

Will there be time for shopping or coffee breaks?

Absolutely—you can ask your driver to pause along Via Toledo or at any café that catches your eye.

Do we have a guide inside attractions?

This is a self-guided tour with a private driver; local guides can be arranged separately if needed.

What’s included

Your private driver handles hotel pickup and drop-off plus round-trip transfers around Naples. Light refreshments are included along with fuel costs—and yes, there’s always time for pizza!