With a rich history, delicious food, and stunning scenery, Italy should be on any person’s bucket list. And when you want to spend a special vacation, mix history and culture with one of the most charming destinations, you should choose a Rome and Amalfi Coast itinerary.
Landing in Rome is easy since Italy’s capital is well linked to many of the world’s destinations, and making your way from Rome to the Amalfi Coast is both fast and easy. I even have a complete guide to help you with that!
No matter if you are visiting for your Italy honeymoon or for that vacation you’ve been dreaming of for so long, in Rome, you’ll step back in time, and on the Amalfi Coast you’ll live the “bella vita”.
Let me help you plan your dream vacation!
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Your perfect 10-day travel guide to Rome and the Amalfi Coast
Day 1 – arriving in Rome
Day 2 – explore the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, have dinner in the old city center
Day 3 – visiting the Vatican City and Castel Sant’Angelo, dinner in Trastevere
Day 4 – travel to the Amalfi Coast and Positano
Day 5 – day trip to Capri
Days 6 – 8 – explore the Amalfi Coast
Days 8 – 10 – Sorrento – Pompei and Vesuvius
Important things to know for your Rome and Amalfi Coast itinerary
Where to fly?
The most convenient airport you could fly to is Rome Fiumicino.
Located 30 kilometers outside of Rome, the airport is perfectly linked to the city center and you won’t find it hard to get to town.
However, if you are flying from Europe and choose to travel low cost, your plane might land at Ciampino Airport. Ciampino is even closer since it’s less than 20 kilometers outside of Rome.
I always check for the best flight options on SkyScanner. It is easy to use and it shows the best flight options depending on your requests, in real-time.
From either one of the airports, you will have 4 options to get to the center of Rome:
- by train – go to Rail Europe and search for trains from Fiumicino airport to Rome Termini (the price can be anywhere around 9 EUR with one easy change, and 17 EUR directly), or Ciampino to Rome Termini (only 15 minutes ride for 1.6 EUR).
- by taxi – it won’t be hard to find a taxi at the airport, and you will be charged a fixed amount of 48 EUR when traveling from Fiumicino Airport.
- by bus – the bus leaves in front of the airport at Ciampino and it takes around 30 minutes to get to the city center. From Fiumicino Airport it will take you roughly 45 minutes (depending on the traffic) to get to Rome Termini. For both options, I recommend taking the Terravisio private bus for the current price of 10 EUR. Book your ticket in advance here!
- by private transfer – this option can be similar to taking a taxi, but it will be less challenging for you because you will have everything arranged and the driver will have all the information. See private transfer options here!
How to get around in Rome?
Getting around Rome is easy when you choose public transportation. Moreover, if you choose to stay close to the old town, you’ll find it easy to walk as well.
In my opinion, since you will be spending 3 days in Rome, you should consider booking the Roma Pass.
Roma Pass has a 48 or 72 hours option, free access to two venues of your choice (one for the 48-hour option), and limitless public transportation. You must know also that even if you hold the Roma Pass you will still have to book a visiting slot online for the Colosseum or the Roman Forum and pay an extra fee of 2 EUR.
Where to stay in Rome
Choose your accommodation wisely and you won’t waste any time commuting.
Some great locations would be around the Vatican City, close to the Foro Romano or Colosseo, or near Piazza del Popolo.
Here are 2 great options that will place you close to the main tourist attractions I have included on this itinerary:
Vatican Luxury Penthouse with terrace
A stunning 2-bedroom penthouse with a terrace that will leave you in awe! Located only 3 minutes away from the metro this place is not only super comfortable but also typical Italian, in the heart of the city.
Check out availability and prices here!
Rooftop Magic in Piazza del Popolo
A rooftop facing Piazza del Popolo where you could return for a stunning sunset over one of the most iconic landmarks of Rome.
Check out availability and prices here!
What to do in Rome
I have created this itinerary so that you can have 2 full days in Rome, with another half day or even more, depending on when your flight lands on the first day.
My 2 days in Rome itinerary is packed with valuable information and an easy-to-follow itinerary with a map. The itinerary can also be split into 3 days when you don’t want to run from one attraction to the other.
Here is a short overview, together with some useful information.
Day 1 in Rome
Depending on when you land, check-in at the hotel and head for a stroll in the old city center.
Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, step inside the Pantheon, have a glass of wine in Piazza Navona, rest on the Spanish Steps, and have a traditional delicious dinner in the old town.
Day 2 in Rome
Wake up early and go visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.
When you visit the Colosseum, try to imagine the noise, smell, and violence of over 9000 wild beasts being slaughtered in the building’s inaugural games alone: lions roaring, weapons clinging, the frenzied masses shouting their encouragement, the metallic smell of gallons of blood spilled on the arena’s floor.
Or envision the appalling conditions in the dim, suffocating underground area below the floor: the visitors of today can see the remains of the ‘hypogeum,’ a series of tunnels and cells used to hold the wild beasts and the slaves and prisoners condemned to fight.
Follow my comprehensive guide for visiting the Colosseum and you will find it easy to plan your day. It is a guide packed with valuable information that will answer all your questions about visiting the Colosseum in Rome.
Link together the Colosseum with the Roman Forum.
Why is this place so special? The short answer: because it is the most glorious meeting place in human history.
Political elections, public speeches, criminal trials, triumphal processions, gladiatorial matches, business negotiations…everything happened in the Forum! The Roman Forum was the heart of Rome while Rome became the capital of the Mediterranean world (or THE WORLD, as they called it)!
Think of this when you visit the place: you are following in the footsteps of some of the most iconic people in the history of mankind. Mass murderers and Christian saints, famous orators and infamous demagogues, great philosophers and delirious madmen, business magnates and unscrupulous charlatans, all of them operated in the Forum Romanum during their days.
The visit can take up to half of the day when you book in advance, and even more when you choose to buy the tickets on the same day.
Here are 2 options worth considering for visiting the Colosseum and the Roman Forum:
- Priority tickets with skip the line – entry to both the Colosseum and the Roman Forum that are valid for 24 hours from the first usage. Book it here!
- Guided tour of the Colosseum (including the Arena floor), the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill – you can choose between a private group, up to 10, 20, or 30 people in a group. Book it here!
Have lunch in between the 2 attractions at one of the restaurants nearby.
Day 3 in Rome
Visit the Vatican City and Castel Sant’Angelo.
A place like the Vatican could easily take up to one entire day to explore. Make sure to book your ticket and tour ahead of time so you won’t waste any time at the huge lines outside of the museum.
Here are 2 great options to have in mind:
- A Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel skip-the-line tour
- A tour of the Vatican Museum that would also include a climb to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica Dome from where you will get one of the most breathtaking views over Rome. Check it out here!
Once the visit to the Vatican is over, cross the street and get to see Castel Sant’Angelo.
With a vast history behind it, here you can visit a series of cells in which many famous figures were incarcerated throughout the years, see Renaissance frescoes, or be amazed by the weapon collection.
End your day with a romantic dinner in Trastevere, across the river from the attractions you have explored today.
Transfer from Rome to the Amalfi Coast
Today, you will be making your way to the Amalfi Coast.
For you to make the best out of your days on the Amalfi Coast, I have split your stay here into 2:
4 days on the Amalfi Coast/ Positano
2 days in Sorrento
For all the options you have for getting from Rome to the Amalfi Coast, follow my comprehensive guide.
I have covered there all the options you have, no matter if you prefer to rent a car and drive from Rome to the Amalfi Coast or get there by train.
If you have decided that renting a car is the way forward for part of your itinerary, my go-to destination for the best prices is DiscoverCars.
It is a great aggregator that will help you find and book the best option for renting a car during your trip, helping you save up to 70% on your car rental. They have a pretty good cancellation policy that would give you options in case your flight or travel plans change.
For train tickets in Italy, I always use Omio – it is an aggregator that will show you all the options (both Italo and Trenitalia), offering the chance to filter only by direct rides. Configure your trip here!
Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast?
That might be the hardest question to answer, with so many stunning accommodation options to choose from.
Depending on your budget and what you are planning to do and see, you can choose to stay in Positano – the Amalfi Coast’s crown jewel, perfect especially when you spend your honeymoon on the Amalfi Coast, Maiori for the beach, or other smaller and less known towns for more affordable options – such as Vietri, Cetara, Scala.
To help you make your choice for the best accommodation, read my where to stay in Positano guide, or this round-up of Amalfi Coast affordable accommodation options.
What to do and see on the Amalfi Coast
In my 7 days Amalfi Coast itinerary I cover all the things to do and places to see on a vacation in one of the most charming Italian destinations.
On the other hand, my Amalfi Coast on a budget guide will help you see some of the most beautiful places in Italy, without having to break a bank.
That being said, here is how I would split the 4 days you have in Positano, or another small village nearby.
Day 1 on the Amalfi Coast – Positano
Check-in at your hotel or just leave your luggage and depending on where you choose to stay, head to the beach, or jump on the bus and go to Positano.
Even though Positano is small there are plenty of things to explore on a day here.
Boats come and go, hoards of people wander up the stairs taking them through the winding roads, but you can also find hidden gems and not-so-crowded places with views that will take your breath away.
Relax at the Spiaggia Grande (the beach in Positano), go for drinks at Franco’s Bar for sunset or make your way to Il San Pietro di Positano for a sunset dinner, taste the locally made limoncello, shop for some colorful beautiful Amalfi Coast ceramics to take home, and take countless amazingly beautiful pictures.
Day 2 on the Amalfi Coast – go on a day trip to Capri
Capri island is not only one of the most picturesque destinations in the Italian riviera, but it has also been the favorite destination for the rich and famous throughout history.
One cannot visit Capri without falling in love with the landscape, luxurious restaurants, and hotels, and the vibe this island has. There’s no wonder why celebrities choose to spend their vacations in Capri and even have their favorite restaurants.
Plan for the perfect Capri day trip with my ultimate guide – it includes all the information you will need: how to get to Capri, what to do and see in a day in Capri, where to eat on the island, and much more.
Days 3 – 4 on the Amalfi Coast
You will have 2 full days to explore the wonderful Italian Riviera and you can split them however you want.
Once you have seen Positano and its colorful houses perched on the top of the hill overlooking Marina Grande, head to some of the less known hidden gems on the coast.
Atrani is a small village, minutes away from Positano, where you can feel the authentic Italian vibe and way of living. I remember having lunch at one of the restaurants in the small piazza, next to some ladies that were discussing their day and life. Children were playing football by the fountain, and people were returning to their homes after a long day at work.
Another beautiful place worth traveling to is Vietri sul Mare.
It does not only have one of the biggest beaches on the Amalfi Coast, but it’s also one of the less explored small villages on the Riviera, with plenty of souvenir shops and authentic restaurants.
Don’t skip a climb all the way to Ravello – apart from the stunning views, you should visit the most stunning Italian villas: Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo.
Villa Cimbrone dates back to the 11th century, is a luxurious boutique hotel, Michelin star restaurants, and an impressive botanical garden that is open to visitors daily from 9 AM until sunset. Most tourists come here for the famous Terrazza dell’Infinito – the panoramic belvedere point.
Villa Rufolo is a “younger” establishment dating from the 13th century, having been built by a wealthy family with the same name. With such a long history, the location is nowadays popular for its beautiful garden and breathtaking view over the Gulf of Salerno and the Amalfi Coast.
If you love to exercise and are always looking for the best landscape views, go on a hike on the Path of Gods. The main section is only 6.5 kilometers long and links Bomerano to Nocelle.
Since both villages are above sea level, there isn’t much climbing involved, and the hike is moderate. However, come prepared with plenty of water and something to cover your head when choosing a sunny summer day for the hike.
Another beautiful and easy hike is the Sentiero dei Limoni (the path of the lemons), which links Maiori and Minori. Go there in spring all the way to the beginning of summer and witness the harvesting of lemons.
You can also explore the vineyards and cellars of Amalfi, with lunch at a local farmhouse perched on top of a cliff. See more here!
When you want a special souvenir, you can even plan for a professional photo session and let a professional local photographer create a memory that will last forever.
Day 8 – transfer to Sorrento
No matter where you will stay on the Amalfi Coast, it will be easy to get to Sorrento by car, public transportation, or private transfer.
Where to stay in Sorrento
I have put together a list of apartment-style accommodation options for Sorrento that can help you make the best choice when it comes to staying in Sorrento.
What to do in Sorrento in one day
On your first day in Sorrento, explore the beautiful city and maybe spend some time at the beach in Marina Grande.
Relax with a glass of wine in Piazza Tasso, wander on the narrow streets, and shop for souvenirs, go for a stroll in Villa Communale and take in the stunning views of the Bay of Naples.
For your first night in Sorrento, book a table for dinner at O’Parrucchiano – with tables set in the middle of lemon groves, this will be an unforgettable experience!
Other things worth doing in Sorrento:
Be part of a cooking class in Sorrento and learn how to make a traditional Italian meal. See more here!
Learn everything about the traditional cheese, oil, and limoncello, from cultivation to production. See more here!
Day 9 – Pompei and Mount Vesuvius
No visit to Sorrento should be complete without a day trip to Pompei.
Step back in time and stroll through the ancient ruins of the city destroyed thousands of years ago by the eruption of Vesuvius. Admire the well-preserved ruins, artwork, and frescoes of this UNESCO World Heritage site on a guided tour.
Next, the car will take you to 1000 m altitude, up on the volcano, from where you can go on a walk on the edge of the crater.
When you don’t want to worry about transfers, timetables, and tickets, choose to go on an organized tour to Pompei and Vesuvius. You will have everything included and you’ll just have to pay attention and take plenty of pictures as memories. See more here!
Day 10 – transfer to Rome or Naples airport
On your last day, enjoy a delicious Italian breakfast, with a strong coffee, and make your way towards the airport.
The closest airport to Sorrento is the one in Naples, but it might be easier to fly out of Rome since this is where you have landed.
Other Italy Travel resources
- Choose the best Italy subscription box idea for when you don’t travel
- Read the best books about Italy, with the action taking place in Italy
- Make the best traditional Italian gifts for Italy lovers
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