8-Night Italy Itinerary: Rome (3 days) → Naples/Pompeii → 5 Nights Sorrento & Amalfi Coast — 18–26 May 2026

Rome · Monday, May 18, 2026

Arrival in Rome — Settle in and evening stroll

Morning:

After landing, ease into Rome with a relaxed breakfast at Roscioli Caffè near Campo de' Fiori, then stroll through the lively market to soak up local colours and fresh produce. Head to the peaceful greenery of Villa Borghese Gardens for a gentle walk or a hire-a-bike spin, and pause at the panoramic terrace of Pincio for your first sweeping views of the city-perfect for orienting yourself and planning the afternoon.

Afternoon:

Wander the cobblestone lanes toward Piazza Navona, linger at Bernini's fountains and sip a leisurely espresso at Caffè Domiziano while people-watching. From there, amble to the nearby Pantheon to admire its dome and oculus, then pick a table at Armando al Pantheon for an early relaxed dinner of classic Roman dishes before your evening stroll.

Evening:

Begin your evening with aperitivo and views at Terrazza Borromini, then wander down to the softly lit lanes of the historic Jewish Ghetto to sample authentic Roman-Jewish specialties like fried artichokes at Da Enzo al 29. Finish with a leisurely passeggiata along the Tiber, pausing at Isola Tiberina for river reflections and a gelato from a nearby artisan shop.

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Rome · Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Rome — Ancient Rome highlights: Colosseum and Roman Forum

Morning:

Start early with a skip-the-line guided tour of the Colosseum, exploring the arena floor and underground passages while your guide brings gladiatorial drama to life; follow this with a short walk to the Arch of Constantine to photograph Rome's triumphal architecture. Continue into the heart of ancient civic life at the Roman Forum, visiting the Temple of Saturn and climbing the Palatine Hill for layered ruins and sweeping views over the Forum and the city - finish with a mid-morning espresso at a nearby café such as La Nuova Taverna to regroup before the afternoon.

Afternoon:

After exploring the heart of ancient Rome, wander toward the atmospheric lanes of Monti for a relaxed lunch at Trattoria Vecchia Roma, then browse independent artisan shops and vintage stores along Via del Boschetto. In the early afternoon, head to the nearby archaeological museum Mercati di Traiano (Trajan's Market) to see layered Roman urban life up close, and finish with a lemonade or gelato on the terrace of La Casetta nel Bosco while you plan your late-afternoon return to the hotel or an aperitivo in the neighborhood.

Evening:

As dusk falls, head to Capo Market (Mercato di Campo de' Fiori) for an informal aperitivo among locals, then make your way to Piazza di Spagna to climb the famous Spanish Steps and soak in the twilight atmosphere from the top. Finish with dinner in the elegant streets off Via dei Condotti at a classic osteria such as Osteria del Conte, followed by a nighttime stroll to admire the softly illuminated façade of Sant'Andrea delle Fratte and a final gelato on the way back to your hotel.

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Rome · Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Rome — Vatican Museums, St. Peter's and Trastevere evening

Morning:

Begin with an early entrance to the Vatican Museums, following a quieter route through the Pio-Clementino Museum and the Gallery of Maps before arriving at the breathtaking Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo's ceiling with fewer crowds. After the museum, cross into St. Peter's Square and climb the dome of St. Peter's Basilica for panoramic city views, then linger over a late-morning espresso and cornetto at Caffè Vaticano while planning a relaxed walk down to Trastevere for the evening.

Afternoon:

After your visit to St. Peter's, drift east toward the serene lanes of Borgo Pio for a leisurely lunch at Ristorante Arlù, sampling fresh pasta and a crisp local white while watching everyday Roman life. In the early afternoon, cross the river to explore the charming artisan workshops of Via dei Fabbri and hunt out antiques and handmade leather at Mercato di Porta Portese (weekday stalls near Via Lungaretta), then pause for coffee and people-watching at the riverside terrace of Farnese Café before preparing for an evening in Trastevere.

Evening:

As twilight falls, cross the Tiber into Trastevere and begin with aperitivi and people-watching at Freni e Frizioni, then wander the flowered lanes toward Santa Maria in Trastevere to admire its mosaics in the soft evening light. Follow with dinner at the lively Osteria Pizzeria da Zi Umberto for wood-fired pizza and local wines, and finish the night with a digestivo on the panoramic terrace of Belvedere del Gianicolo for sweeping city views and a quiet, romantic close to the day.

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Naples / Pompeii · Thursday, May 21, 2026

Travel to Naples and Pompeii excursion

Morning:

Catch an early high-speed train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale, then drop your bags at a left-luggage or your hotel and head straight to Pompeii Archaeological Park for a guided walk through the remarkably preserved streets, visiting the House of the Vettii and the atmospheric Villa of the Mysteries while your guide explains daily life frozen in ash. After the ruins, recharge with Neapolitan espresso and sfogliatella at Gran Caffè La Caffettiera near the station before a short funicular ride up to Vomero to stretch your legs and enjoy sweeping views back over the Bay of Naples as you plan the afternoon transfer to Sorrento.

Afternoon:

After your panoramic pause in Vomero, catch the Circumvesuviana or a private transfer to Sorrento and stop en route in Herculaneum (Ercolano) to explore its remarkably preserved wooden fixtures and intimate Roman houses-less crowded and richly informative after Pompeii. Continue down the coast to Sorrento, check into your hotel, then unwind with a citrus-scented stroll through Piazza Tasso, sample limoncello at I Giardini di Cataldo, and finish the afternoon watching the sunset from the Marina Grande promenade with fresh seafood at Ristorante Bagni Delfino.

Evening:

As the day winds down, take a scenic drive up the coast to the cliffside village of Castellammare di Stabia for aperitivo on a terrace overlooking the Gulf of Naples, sampling local white wine and anchovy bruschetta at Terrazza Stabia. Later, return toward Sorrento but stop in quaint Vico Equense for a relaxed dinner of wood-fired pizza at the acclaimed Pizzeria Le Parule, then stroll the peaceful Marina di Vico as the lights sparkle on the water before heading to your Sorrento hotel to rest for the Amalfi adventures ahead.

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Sorrento · Friday, May 22, 2026

Transfer to Sorrento — Explore Sorrento town

Morning:

After a scenic transfer from Naples, begin your Sorrento morning with a leisurely breakfast of fresh pastries and an espresso at Bar Ercolano near the station, then take a gentle cliff-top walk along Corso Italia to admire sweeping views of the Bay of Naples. Explore the fragrant lanes of the historic centre, visiting the artisan Botteghe della Cartapesta (papier-mâché workshops) and stopping at Museo Correale to learn about local art and maritime history before settling on a terrace at Raki Bar to sample a chilled limoncello and plan the afternoon.

Afternoon:

After checking in, wander down to Marina Piccola for a relaxed late-afternoon swim or sunbathe on the rocks, then hop on a short boat ride to the nearby Bagni Regina Giovanna to explore its sea-filled Roman ruins and secluded coves. Finish with an aperitivo at the cliffside Terrazza Vittoria watching the fishing boats return, sampling seafood antipasti and a glass of Falanghina as the light softens over the bay.

Evening:

As twilight deepens, head to Villa Comunale for golden-hour views over the Bay of Naples, then descend toward Marina Grande to watch fishermen mend nets and choose a seafront trattoria for dinner - try grilled pescato at Ristorante O'Parrucchiano beneath lemon trees. After dinner, enjoy a leisurely passeggiata along Via San Cesareo, pause for artisan gelato at Gelateria David, and finish with a nightcap of local limoncello at the intimate Fauno Bar in Piazza Tasso, soaking in the lively Sorrentine evening atmosphere.

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Amalfi Coast (Positano) · Saturday, May 23, 2026

Amalfi Coast — Positano day trip and coastal views

Morning:

Catch an early SITA bus or a private driver along the coastal road to arrive in Positano at first light, then wander the steep, flowered stairways down to Spiaggia Grande for a morning swim and coffee at La Zattera while watching fishing boats return. After a seaside refresh, climb the lanes toward Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta to admire its majolica dome and then take a short boat taxi to the quieter Fornillo Beach for snorkeling among clear coves before a relaxed mid-morning limoncello tasting at Franco's Bar overlooking the bay.

Afternoon:

After your Fornillo swim, take a leisurely cliffside walk along the Sentiero dei Limoni toward Praiano, pausing at the panoramic terrace of Il Pirata for a late lunch of fresh grilled fish and a glass of local Falanghina while watching the dramatic coastline. In the early afternoon, board a small private boat from Marina Grande for a coastal cruise past grottoes and sea caves, stop to snorkel near the hidden Cala di Gavitella, then return to Positano to browse the ceramics at Ceramiche Casola and enjoy an espresso overlooking the 18th-century Chiesa Nuova before sunset.

Evening:

As the sun lowers, catch a local SITA bus or a private driver back toward the coast and stop for aperitivo on the terrace of Monsù in nearby Nocelle to soak in panoramic twilight views without the Positano crowds. Continue to the cliffside village of Montepertuso for a leisurely dinner at Casa e Bottega, enjoying garden-fresh salads and citrus-forward cocktails, then finish with a moonlit walk along the lesser-known mule tracks toward Arienzo for quiet sea vistas before returning to Positano for a nightcap.

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Amalfi Coast (Amalfi / Ravello) · Sunday, May 24, 2026

Amalfi and Ravello — Gardens, cliffside walks

Morning:

Start with a leisurely breakfast of sfogliatelle and espresso at Pasticceria Pansa in Amalfi, then stroll the historic harborfront to the ancient Arsenale della Repubblica to learn about the town's maritime past. From there, take the winding uphill path to Villa Rufolo in Ravello for fragrant gardens, Moorish loggias and sweeping sea views, finishing with a guided walk through the terraced lemon groves toward the peaceful belvedere of Villa Cimbrone to watch the morning light play across the coastline.

Afternoon:

After a morning among the terraces, take the winding path from Amalfi up to Scala and pause at the quiet lookout above the valley for sweeping coastal panoramas; descend into the village to browse handcrafted ceramics at Ceramiche d'Arte Scarlatti and sample local nibbles with a glass of Falanghina at Bar San Francesco. In the mid-afternoon, catch the local bus or a short taxi to Ravello and wander the intimate lanes to discover the peaceful cloister of Chiesa di San Giovanni del Toro, then relax with a late-afternoon tea or limoncello tasting on the panoramic terrace of Caffè Calce while the light slants across the Amalfi stretch, setting you up for an evening concert or sunset stroll back toward Villa Rufolo.

Evening:

As twilight falls, take a short drive down to the seaside hamlet of Minori for aperitivo on the marina at Ristorante Giardiniello, sampling fresh anchovy bruschetta and a chilled glass of Falanghina while watching fishing boats bob in the harbor. Afterwards, return toward Ravello for an intimate evening concert or chamber music performance at Auditorium Oscar Niemeyer, then finish with a late-night limoncello and panoramic stargazing from the quiet terrace of Villa Maria Hotel overlooking the lit curve of the coastline.

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Capri · Monday, May 25, 2026

Capri day trip from Sorrento

Morning:

Catch an early ferry from Sorrento to Marina Grande (Capri) and head straight to the lesser-known Gardens of Augustus for a tranquil morning among bougainvillea with postcard views of the Faraglioni rocks. Continue with a short walk to Via Krupp's switchbacks toward Punta Tragara, then pause at a café in Piazzetta dei Faraglioni for a cappuccino and a light breakfast while watching private boats skirt the coast before your mid-morning boat trip to sea caves and secluded coves.

Afternoon:

After a morning on the Faraglioni side, take a tender to the quieter Marina Piccola and climb the scenic steps to Villa Jovis to explore the ruined palace of Emperor Tiberius with dramatic cliff-top views. In the early afternoon, wander the elegant shopping streets around Piazza Umberto I sampling local caprese salads at Ristorante Da Paolino (lemon garden), then ride the chairlift up to Monte Solaro for panoramic photos before descending for an aperitivo at the panoramic terrace of Il Geranio to watch the sun soften over the Gulf of Naples.

Evening:

As dusk falls, take a leisurely walk through Piazza Umberto I (La Piazzetta) to soak up the island's twilight buzz, then head to Certosa di San Giacomo to admire its cloistered gardens bathed in golden light. For dinner, reserve a table at Ristorante Il Riccio for seafood by the sea or choose the romantic terrace of Ristorante Villa Verde for classic island dishes, finishing the night with a digestivo and stargazing from the panoramic bar at Hotel Punta Tragara.

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Sorrento → Rome · Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Relax in Sorrento and return to Rome for departure

Morning:

Savour a final Sorrento morning with breakfast on the terrace of Fauno Bar in Piazza Tasso, then take a slow coastal walk down to Villa Comunale di Sorrento to enjoy last sweeping views of the Bay of Naples and a peaceful moment among lemon trees. Before you depart, pop into Antica Gelateria Sorrentina for a citrus gelato and collect artisanal limoncello at Torre a Mare Limoncello Shop to bring the flavours of the coast with you en route to the train or private transfer back to Rome.

Afternoon:

Spend a languid afternoon meandering the peaceful cliff-top paths to Villa Fiorentino, touring its manicured gardens and small exhibits before settling on the terrace café for a light lunch of caprese and seafood carpaccio. Afterwards, take a short taxi to Marina Grande (Sorrento) Market to pick up last-minute artisan limoncello and ceramics, enjoy a slow seaside espresso at Bar Nettuno, then return to your hotel to collect luggage and catch your transfer back to Rome feeling refreshed and rooted in Sorrentine flavours.

Evening:

For a final Sorrentine evening, enjoy a relaxed seafood-focused dinner at Ristorante O'Puledrone on the Marina Grande terrace, watching the fishing boats bob under fairy lights while sampling local scialatielli and a glass of Falanghina. Afterwards, take a gentle post-dinner stroll up to the panoramic belvedere at Punta del Capo for one last sunset-to-night view of the Bay of Naples, then collect your bags and head to Sorrento Train Station or your private transfer with plenty of time for the comfortable journey back to Rome.

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Estimated Costs (per person)

Place / ActivityCost
Roscioli Caffè (breakfast)€8
Villa Borghese Gardens (park access / bike hire)€10
Pincio (viewpoint)Free
Piazza Navona (public square)Free
Caffè Domiziano (espresso)€3
Pantheon (entry to church)Free
Armando al Pantheon (early dinner)€40
Terrazza Borromini (aperitivo / rooftop bar)€15
Jewish Ghetto (walking / street food - fried artichokes)€8
Da Enzo al 29 (dinner, Roman-Jewish specialties)€35
Colosseum skip-the-line guided tour€55
Arch of Constantine (photo stop)Free
Roman Forum (included with Colosseum ticket)Free
Palatine Hill (included with Colosseum ticket)Free
La Nuova Taverna (espresso / snack)€4
Trattoria Vecchia Roma (lunch)€30
Mercati di Traiano (Trajan's Market) entry€8
Capo Market / Mercato di Campo de' Fiori (aperitivo / market visit)Free
Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna)Free
Osteria del Conte (dinner)€35
Vatican Museums early entrance (ticket)€30
Sistine Chapel (included with Vatican ticket)Free
St. Peter's Basilica dome climb€10
Caffè Vaticano (coffee)€3
Ristorante Arlù (lunch)€30
Mercato di Porta Portese (antique market visit)Free
Freni e Frizioni (aperitivo in Trastevere)€12
Osteria Pizzeria da Zi Umberto (dinner / pizza)€20
Belvedere del Gianicolo (viewpoint)Free
Train Roma Termini → Napoli Centrale (high-speed, per person, 2nd class)€30
Left-luggage at Napoli Centrale (per bag approximate)€6
Pompeii Archaeological Park entry + guided tour€25
Gran Caffè La Caffettiera (espresso / sfogliatella)€4
Funicular / Vomero visit (transport + snack)€3
Circumvesuviana Naples → Sorrento (per person)€3.80
Herculaneum (Ercolano) entry€13
Piazza Tasso / I Giardini di Cataldo (limoncello tasting)€8
Ristorante Bagni Delfino (seafood dinner)€40
Terrazza Stabia (aperitivo)€12
Pizzeria Le Parule (pizza dinner in Vico Equense)€15
Bar Ercolano (breakfast in Sorrento)€6
Corso Italia cliff-top walkFree
Botteghe della Cartapesta (papier-mâché workshop visit)Free
Museo Correale entry€6
Raki Bar (limoncello / drink)€6
Marina Piccola swim / boat transfer to Bagni Regina Giovanna€10
Bagni Regina Giovanna (access by boat / landing)€8
Terrazza Vittoria (aperitivo)€12
Villa Comunale (viewpoint)Free
Ristorante O'Parrucchiano (dinner)€35
Gelateria David (gelato)€3
Fauno Bar (nightcap)€8
SITA bus Sorrento → Positano (one-way)€2
La Zattera (coffee at Spiaggia Grande)€5
Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta (visit)Free
Boat taxi to Fornillo / snorkeling (shared)€15
Franco's Bar (limoncello tasting)€8
Sentiero dei Limoni walk (Free)Free
Il Pirata (lunch in Praiano)€30
Private coastal boat cruise (split per person, half-day)€60
Ceramiche Casola (shopping)€20
Monsù (aperitivo in Nocelle)€12
Casa e Bottega (dinner Montepertuso)€30
Pasticceria Pansa (breakfast Amalfi)€5
Arsenale della Repubblica (harbourfront visit)Free
Villa Rufolo entry (Ravello)€7
Villa Cimbrone / Terrace of Infinity entry€7
Ceramiche d'Arte Scarlatti (shopping)€15
Bar San Francesco (drink)€6
Caffè Calce (tea / limoncello tasting)€8
Ristorante Giardiniello (aperitivo Minori)€15
Auditorium Oscar Niemeyer (concert ticket, variable)€25
Villa Maria Hotel terrace (stargazing drink)€10
Ferry Sorrento → Capri (round-trip)€40
Gardens of Augustus (entry)€1.50
Via Krupp / Punta Tragara (walks / viewpoints)Free
Boat trip to sea caves (shared tour)€25
Villa Jovis entry (Capri)€6
Ristorante Da Paolino (lunch in Capri - lemon garden)€50
Monte Solaro chairlift (round-trip)€12
Il Geranio (aperitivo terrace)€15
Certosa di San Giacomo (visit)€6
Ristorante Il Riccio (dinner by the sea)€70
Ristorante Villa Verde (dinner)€50
Fauno Bar (final Sorrento breakfast)€8
Villa Fiorentino (garden visit)Free
Antica Gelateria Sorrentina (gelato)€3
Torre a Mare Limoncello Shop (souvenir bottle)€12
Marina Grande (Sorrento) Market (shopping)Free
Bar Nettuno (seaside espresso)€3
Transfer Sorrento → Rome (private or train; estimate per person by train + regional)€40
Estimated Total (per person)€1396.30
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