Evening flight from a major Southeast airport (CHS/CLT/ATL recommended) to Rome FCO — overnight to maximize time in Italy. Choose a late-afternoon/evening departure to sleep on the plane and arrive next-day morning local time.
Confirm airport transfer to your departure airport, print or bookmark train tickets and hotel confirmations, and download offline maps for Rome before boarding.
Arrive, clear passport control, and take the Leonardo Express train (32 min) or pre-book a private transfer to central Rome (Termini/Trastevere). Aim to drop bags and freshen up.
Relax, unpack, and get a quick orientation walk — choose a centrally located 3–4 star B&B to keep costs reasonable and romantic (Spanish Steps/Termini/Trastevere).
Famous quick pasta lunch near the Spanish Steps — excellent for a fresh, affordable first meal and local vibes. Open ~11:00–15:00; great for a fast midday bite.
Walking tour of iconic public sights — toss a coin at Trevi Fountain and relax on the Spanish Steps to feel the city's pulse. These outdoor sites are open 24/7 (busy midday).
Handmade pasta near Piazza Navona for a cozy, authentic Roman dinner — reservation recommended. Typical dinner service ~19:00–23:00 (check for seasonal hours).
Pre-book a combined timed-entry ticket (opens ~8:30am) to skip lines and tour these Ancient Rome highlights; a must-see for history and dramatic photo ops.
Short walk to the panoramic terraces near Piazza Venezia for great city views and photos; museums nearby if you want an indoor option (check opening hours ~9:30–19:30).
Book an afternoon timeslot (generally 9:00–18:00 with last entry earlier) — the Vatican is best pre-booked to avoid long queues and maximize time viewing the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Classic Roman trattoria experience; lively neighborhood with great atmosphere. Most restaurants serve dinner from 19:00–23:00. Reserve for prime evening seating.
High-speed trains take ~1h10–1h20 to Naples. Book in advance for best fares and bring a small daypack for the coast. Trains run frequently from Termini.
From Naples, take the Circumvesuviana to Sorrento (~1h) or a private transfer; from Sorrento or Positano port, ferries and boats run seasonally to Positano and Amalfi (spring/summer schedules).
Half-day boat excursions (morning departures) explore Capri’s Blue Grotto or coastal caves and secluded beaches; book in advance — many run 9:00–13:00.
Capri has charming trattorias; if staying on the coast, enjoy a relaxed lunch back on the beach. Ferry/boat schedules vary by season — check same-day timetables.
If you prefer active sightseeing, the Path of the Gods between Agerola and Positano provides breathtaking views — daytime hike, bring water and good shoes; ferries run late afternoon.
Early transfer from Positano/Sorrento to Naples, then catch a high-speed train to Florence (Firenze Santa Maria Novella). Plan ~4–5 hours total travel time including connections.
Arrive mid-afternoon, check in near the Duomo or Santa Croce for easy walking access, and enjoy a relaxed Tuscan lunch (many trattorie open 12:00–15:00).
Visit Florence’s Duomo complex — book climb to Brunelleschi’s Cupola or a combined ticket for Baptistery and viewpoint; opening hours typically ~10:00–17:00 (times vary).
Reserve tickets in advance to view Renaissance masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo; Uffizi usually opens ~8:15–19:00 (check your slot).
Stay in a centrally located hotel in San Marco or Cannaregio to avoid long vaporetto rides; enjoy seafood specialties at a nearby osteria open from lunch hours (~12:00).
Visit St. Mark’s Basilica (opening ~9:30–17:00; hours vary) and soak up the grandeur of the square; consider skipping peak midday lines with prebooked entries.
Opt for a shared or private gondola experience or take the public vaporetto on the Grand Canal for a less costly scenic ride — gondolas are pricier but iconic.
Take a vaporetto to Murano for glassblowing demos then on to colorful Burano for lace and photos; boats run regularly — allow 4–5 hours for both islands.