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Italy 9-day itinerary: Rome (3 days), Naples/Pompeii, then 5 nights Sorrento & Amalfi Coast — Mar 17–25, 2026

Day 1 · Tue, Mar 17
Rome

Arrival in Rome — Settling in and evening stroll

Morning:

After arrival and a light rest, ease into Rome with a relaxed morning wandering the charming streets around Piazza Navona, stopping for a cappuccino at a nearby café and admiring the fountains and street artists. Continue to the nearby [Pantheon](https://www.turismoroma.it/en/places/pantheon) to soak in its ancient grandeur, then enjoy a leisurely stroll to Campo de' Fiori to browse the vibrant market stalls and sample fresh pastries and local citrus before lunch.

Afternoon:

After a leisurely lunch, wander toward Piazza di Spagna and climb the famous Spanish Steps for a first panoramic view of the city, then browse the high-end boutiques along Via dei Condotti. As the afternoon light softens, head to the quieter Villa Borghese Gardens for a peaceful row on the lake or a visit to the terrace by Pincio for a sunset overlook before returning to your hotel to refresh for the evening.

Evening:

As twilight falls, wander toward the atmospheric lanes of the Trastevere neighborhood to enjoy lively piazzas and ivy-clad buildings; stop for aperitivo at a terrace bar like Freni e Frizioni to soak up local evening rhythms. Continue to the romantic riverside along the Tiber Island, cross the pedestrian bridges for views of the softly lit city, and finish with a relaxed dinner of classic Roman dishes at a trattoria such as Da Enzo al 29 to cap your first night.

Day 2 · Wed, Mar 18
Rome

Ancient Rome highlights: Colosseum and Roman Forum

Morning:

Begin with an early visit to Colosseum to beat the crowds-take a guided entry that includes the arena floor and underground passages to feel the scale and drama of ancient spectacles. From there walk through the layered ruins of the Roman Forum, pausing at Temple of Saturn and Arch of Titus while your guide pieces together daily life in imperial Rome, then climb up to the Palatine Hill for sweeping views over the forum and the city beyond before a late-morning espresso at a nearby café.

Afternoon:

After your morning exploration, stroll toward the Capitoline Hill and linger at Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo, then visit the nearby [Musei Capitolini](https://museiincomuneroma.vivaticket.it/eng) to see ancient bronzes and a panoramic view over the Forum. Continue with a relaxed walk down the cobbled lanes to Via dei Fori Imperiali, pause for an espresso at a terrace café, and finish the afternoon with a contemplative stop at the dramatic ruins around Trajan's Forum and Market, absorbing how Rome layered its imperial ambitions before returning to your hotel to freshen up for the evening.

Evening:

As the sun softens, drift toward the atmospheric lanes of the Monti neighborhood for aperitivo at a cozy enoteca like Ai Tre Scalini, then browse its artisan shops and vintage boutiques. Continue to Piazza Venezia to watch the city lights come alive from the terrace of Altare della Patria, then enjoy a classic Roman supper-cacio e pepe or supplì-at a nearby trattoria such as Trattoria Vecchia Roma to round off a day steeped in ancient history.

Day 3 · Thu, Mar 19
Rome

Vatican City and historic center: St. Peter's and Vatican Museums

Morning:

Start early with a pre-booked early-entry tour of the Vatican Museums, weaving through the Gallery of Maps and the Raphael Rooms before arriving at the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo's ceiling with fewer crowds. After the museums, cross St. Peter's Square to enter St. Peter's Basilica, climb the dome for panoramic views over the Tiber and the city's rooftops, then enjoy a leisurely espresso at a nearby café in the Borgo area before continuing into the historic center.

Afternoon:

After the Vatican morning, wander across the Tiber into the historic center and enjoy a relaxed lunch in the charming lanes near Piazza Navona, then linger to admire Bernini's fountains and the lively street artists. Continue with a gentle, art-filled stroll to [Galleria Doria Pamphilj](https://www.doriapamphilj.it/en/) to see private palazzo rooms and masterpieces by Velázquez and Caravaggio, finish with a gelato break at Gelateria del Teatro before ascending the elegant hill of Pincio Terrace for a late-afternoon panorama that nods back to the domes you visited earlier.

Evening:

As evening falls, cross the Tiber and wander the lesser-known lanes toward Piazza Farnese, admiring the palazzo façade before settling for aperitivo on the terrace of Caffè Farnese. Continue with a gentle, lantern-lit stroll to Piazza Campo de' Fiori to soak in its lively nighttime atmosphere, then enjoy a seafood-focused dinner at Ristorante La Carbonara or a cozy trattoria nearby, finishing with a nightcap at the rooftop bar of Hotel Raphael for soft views of Rome's domes.

Day 4 · Fri, Mar 20
Naples / Pompeii

Train to Naples and Pompeii day trip

Morning:

Catch an early high-speed train from Rome Termini to Napoli Centrale, then transfer by Circumvesuviana or private shuttle toward Pompeii Scavi for a guided walk through well-preserved homes, bakeries and the haunting plaster casts in Via dell'Abbondanza; pause at the restored House of the Vettii to admire frescoes up close. After exploring the main archaeological streets, stop at the on-site Forum café for espresso and a sfogliatella before taking time to climb the steps to the Stabian Baths to imagine daily life in this ancient resort town.

Afternoon:

After lunch, head to the nearby Mount Vesuvius National Park for a short hike to the crater rim, where sweeping views over the Bay of Naples and the ash-layered slopes offer dramatic context to the ruins you explored this morning. Later, descend toward the charming town of Ercolano to visit the lesser-known but beautifully preserved Herculaneum ruins and enjoy a relaxed aperitivo in the seaside Portici promenade before catching an evening train back to Rome or onward to Sorrento.

Evening:

After returning from the archaeological sites, head into the lively heart of Naples for an evening that contrasts the day's ruins with vibrant city life-start with a passeggiata along Via Toledo, popping into the historic Galleria Umberto I for its glass-domed arcade and late-afternoon light. For dinner, savor true Neapolitan pizza at a celebrated pizzeria like Sorbillo or Da Michele, then finish with a digestivo and views over the bay from the panoramic terrace at Castel dell'Ovo, where the illuminated waterfront and distant Capri provide a memorable coastal backdrop to cap your day.

Day 5 · Sat, Mar 21
Sorrento

Transfer to Sorrento — Explore Sorrento town

Morning:

After a scenic transfer from Naples, settle into Sorrento with a relaxed stroll through Villa Comunale for sweeping views over the Bay of Naples, then descend toward the marina to watch fishing boats and sample fresh granita at a seaside café like Bar Washington. Continue exploring the historic center by wandering the narrow lanes of Via San Cesareo, popping into artisan shops for inlaid wood souvenirs and stopping at Piazza Tasso for an espresso while planning the afternoon ferry or coastal drive along the Amalfi Coast.

Afternoon:

After a leisurely lunch, wander toward the sea-facing Marina Grande to watch fishermen mend nets and try a slice of fresh limoncello sorbet at a waterfront kiosk, then stroll the elevated Corso Italia for boutique window-shopping and a stop at a bakery to taste local sfogliatella riccia. As the light softens, take the panoramic path to Villa Fiorentino to explore its small gardens and exhibitions, then settle at a terrace bar in Piazza Sant'Antonino for an aperitivo while watching daily life unfold before you return to your hotel.

Evening:

As twilight settles, wander to Piazza Sant'Antonino's quieter side streets then head for an aperitivo at the panoramic terrace of Ristorante Terrazza Bosquet, where you can toast with local falanghina and watch lights wink across the bay. Afterward, take a gentle seaside stroll down to Marina Piccola to enjoy fresh seafood at Il Buco or a casual fish trattoria, then finish the night with a gelato while lingering on the cliffside promenade, listening to distant boat horns and the gentle surf.

Day 6 · Sun, Mar 22
Amalfi Coast (Positano)

Amalfi Coast drive: Positano visit and coastal views

Morning:

Set off after breakfast for a scenic drive along the SS163 and arrive early in Praiano to wander the quiet lanes and visit the cliffside Church of San Gennaro before the crowds; pause at a coastal overlook for photos of the dramatic amphitheater of houses. Continue down to Forni Beach in Positano to stroll the pebbled shore, watch local artisans at work in the studios along Via dei Mulini, and enjoy a seaside cappuccino at La Zagara while planning an afternoon boat trip along hidden coves.

Afternoon:

After a relaxed morning in Praiano and a stroll on Forni Beach, continue south along the SS163 to stop in the colorful hamlet of Nocelle for panoramic coastal views and a short walk on the famous Path of the Gods trailhead-perfect for photos and a light hike. Later descend into Positano's higher quarter to browse local ateliers around Via dei Mulini for hand-painted ceramics and linen, then reward yourself with a seaside lunch or aperitivo on the terrace at Chez Black overlooking the pebbled shore before lingering at an oceanfront café to watch the boats glide past.

Evening:

As daylight softens, drive or take the local SITA bus up to Montepertuso for a short sunset walk to the natural rock arch and sweeping views over Positano's tiered houses, then descend toward the cliffside terraces of Le Sirenuse for an aperitivo on their famed bar terrace. Afterward, enjoy a dinner of fresh seafood and homemade pasta at Rada Restaurant in La Porta or a relaxed meal at La Sponda, followed by a moonlit stroll along the pebble-dotted Spiaggia Grande to watch lights shimmer on the water.

Day 7 · Mon, Mar 23
Amalfi / Ravello

Day trip: Amalfi and Ravello — Gardens and cliffside vistas

Morning:

Catch an early SITA bus or a private driver toward Amalfi and begin with a peaceful stroll through Piazza Duomo to admire the cathedral's Arab-Norman façade before popping into Antica Pasticceria Pansa for a morning sfogliatella and espresso. From there, take the coastal road up to Ravello and wander the terraced gardens of Villa Rufolo, pausing at its belvedere for sweeping views of the Amalfi coastline and then explore the intimate cloister and seasonal blooms at Villa Cimbrone's Terrace of Infinity for postcard-perfect panoramas.

Afternoon:

After a leisurely lunch in Amalfi's harbor, wander into the quieter lanes to visit Chiostro del Paradiso with its peaceful arcades and ancient stonework, then stop for a lemon granita at Limonoro while watching fishing boats. In the early afternoon take the narrow road or a local bus up to Ravello and explore the intimate art spaces of Chiesa di San Giovanni del Toro, then linger over coffee on the terrace of Caffè Calce before strolling the lesser-known gardens around Villa Maria for sweeping cliffside views and a serene pause before evening.

Evening:

As golden hour arrives, head to Belvedere Principessa di Piemonte in Ravello for a quiet glass of local limoncello while the terraces glow and the coastline stretches below. Then descend toward Amalfi and enjoy dinner at Eolo on a cliffside terrace for refined seafood and panoramic views, finishing with a leisurely post-dinner passeggiata along Marina Grande to watch lights ripple across the water.

Day 8 · Tue, Mar 24
Sorrento

Relax in Sorrento — Beachfront time and local food

Morning:

Wake slowly with a sunrise stroll along Marina Piccola to watch fishermen and early light on the bay, then head to Bagni della Regina Giovanna for a gentle swim and cliffside sunning in its natural sea pool. After drying off, wander the quieter lanes to Corso Italia's morning bakeries for a warm sfogliatella and espresso, then join a short cooking class at Cooking School Sorrento to learn to make fresh gnocchi alla sorrentina before a leisurely seaside lunch.

Afternoon:

After your cooking class and seaside lunch, amble down to Punta del Capo for a slow cliffside walk and a sun-drenched pause at the panoramic terrace, then descend to the sheltered Bagni Regina beach club for an afternoon of lounging on sunbeds and swimming in calm waters. Later, explore the artisanal food stalls at Mercato di Sorrento to sample local cheeses and chilled limoncello, then settle at Ristorante O'Parrucchiano's citrus garden for an aperitivo as the late light softens over the bay.

Evening:

As twilight falls, stroll the cliffside promenade toward Belvedere di San Francesco to watch the bay glow and catch a live local guitar performance on the terrace. Continue to Marina Grande's quieter harbor for a seafood dinner at Trattoria da Emilia, then finish with a digestivo at Fauno Bar in Piazza Tasso, lingering over people-watching and the soft night air before returning to your hotel.

Day 9 · Wed, Mar 25
Sorrento / Amalfi Coast

Final Amalfi Coast leisurely day — Departure prep

Morning:

As a gentle finale, wander the terraced lanes of Corso Italia toward [Museo Correale di Terranova](https://museocorreale.it/) to enjoy its intimate collection and a quiet garden view over the bay, then stop by Antico Caffè for a last cappuccino and a cassata slice. Afterward, take a short coastal bus or ferry to Meta di Sorrento for a relaxed walk along the seafront promenade and a final swim at Lido Sirenuse, leaving time to return to your hotel to pack and arrange transfers with a lingering limoncello on a sunny terrace.

Afternoon:

After a relaxed morning, take a short ferry from Sorrento to Capri for an unhurried afternoon: wander the chic lanes of Piazzetta and browse the designer boutiques, then ride the funicular up to Gardens of Augustus for postcard panoramas of the Faraglioni rocks. Finish with a late-lunch seafood risotto at a breezy terrace like Ristorante Lo Smeraldo near Marina Piccola, then return to Sorrento in time to collect luggage and confirm your transfer, savoring a final limoncello at Bar Fauno in Piazza Tasso before departure preparations.

Evening:

As twilight deepens, enjoy a last coastal ritual with an aperitivo at Terrazza enoteca Il Leone overlooking a quieter stretch of the bay, then take a short sunset boat ride from Marina Piccola toward the headland for one final photo of the coastline. Return to town for a farewell dinner of house-made gnocchi and lemon-infused seafood at Ristorante Tasso, and finish with a final limoncello toast on the hotel terrace while packing and confirming your transfer for tomorrow.

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