Naples-Pompeii-Capri in one day?

for sure Pompeii, wouldn't know about Capri

Jay, I'm assuming your arrival port is Salerno? I've never tried to visit those locations on the same day, but it's doubtful that you'll be able to get to all three within an 11.5 hour time frame. Your travel time from Salerno to Naples could be about an hour each way (plus waiting times), and of course you'll have to allow travel time on the Circumvesuviana to Pompeii and back. Visiting Naples and Pompeii is probably the most realistic option. Save Capri for a future visit when you have more time. Happy travels!

Since you're cruising, I'd opt for Pompeii rather than an island with sea views. You can combine a visit to Pompeii with a visit to the archaeology museum in Naples which has most of the mosaics, frescoes, and statues found in the ruins of all the towns destroyed by Vesuvius. It's a short metro ride from the Garibaldi station, where you get the Circumvesuviani train to Pompeii. Rick's book has very good directions on how to get there. He also has a free audio guide of Pompeii that you can download for an mp3 player.

Thank you to all who responded, even though you all gave me an answer I did not want to hear.

My guess is the port of Naples - at least it was for us on the last two times. I would do Capri on a ship excursion for one simple reason. If you have trouble returning from Capri, the ship will wait. You could have weather problem that would disrupt the boats to and from Capri. Pompeii is half day min unless you are just interested is saying, "I have been there." I would combine it with a visit to the museum in Naples. This fall will be our third stop at Naples and we will finally do the museum, local pizza, and the walking tour in Steves' book on Naples.

You cannot do all three in one day - not even 11 1/2 hours. Naples itself deserves a week. Go to Pompeii which is amazing (and falling apart, tragically) and see as much of Naples as you can. Narrow down what to see in Naples (Spaccanapoli and Archeological Museum are great for example) and leave at least a few hours for aimlessly sitting around and enjoying the sweet life over a meal.

Like most said, Capri is just not an option. I think Naples is an under rated city - alot to do there. Personally, I would just stay in naples and forego Pompeii. However, if your heart is set on it, I would opt to go to Pompeii right away (it will take alot of the day, if not most). Try to ensure you get back to Naples in time to enjoy an excellent relaxing pizza dinner :-) Glenn

Sadly, sometimes the answer is no. This is one of those times. Good for you for asking in advance and not learning the hard way.

And one final reason for it not being possible is that though the ship will be in port 11.5 hours you will probably in reality have only 10 hours. You will not be permitted to leave the ship as soon as it docks. You may have to wait as much as an hour and you must be back on board about 45 minutes before sailing time.

I agree with everyone else, all three would be impossible to enjoy. Pompeii is a definite, we spent the entire day getting lost among the ruins, incredible to see and entire city still intact. Once you are back in Naples, have the best pizza in the world at Pizzeria da Michele.