Amalfi Coast, Rome, Florence, Nice, Paris and Barcelona Itinerary

Your journey begins at Orlando International Airport (MCO) with an overnight flight toNaples International Airport (NAP)**. Plan to arrive at MCO about three hours before departure, especially if checking bags or connecting internationally. For a trip of this length, a rideshare, taxi, or drop-off is easier than long-term parking; if you do drive, reserve airport parking in advance and allow extra time for the shuttle to your terminal. The journey will typically take 12–16 hours with a connection, so keep a change of clothes, medication, chargers, and basic toiletries in your carry-on.

Arrival in Naples

On May 18, allow roughly 1–1½ hours at Naples International Airport for immigration, baggage collection, and locating your onward transfer. Since you are continuing to the Amalfi Coast, do not plan sightseeing in Naples on this arrival day. If your prebooked driver or shuttle is collecting you, confirm the meeting point before flying—usually in the arrivals hall or just outside the terminal—and keep the provider’s phone number available offline. If you have a long wait before the coastal transfer, the airport has cafés and ATMs, but avoid exchanging a large amount of cash there.

Evening Recovery

After reaching the Capodichino area or your airport hotel, keep dinner simple and nearby rather than crossing Naples after an overnight flight. A casual pizza or pasta dinner should run about €20–35 per person; ask your hotel for a nearby restaurant open that evening, since hours can vary by season. Set out your documents and luggage for the next morning’s transfer, charge your phone, and get an early night—the following journey to Amalfi is scenic but can be tiring, particularly if it involves a road transfer to Salerno followed by a ferry.

Late Morning–Early Afternoon

After clearing immigration and collecting your bags at Naples International Airport, meet your prebooked driver rather than attempting to navigate the coast with luggage. The most comfortable budget-conscious route is a shared shuttle or taxi to Salerno, followed by the Travelmar ferry to Amalfi; allow roughly 2½–4 hours door to door. If the ferry connection is inconvenient, the SITA Sud bus from Salerno is cheaper, but it can be crowded and slower. On arrival, walk or take a short local taxi to your accommodation and leave your bags before exploring.

Afternoon Exploring

Begin at Amalfi Cathedral, whose striped façade and grand staircase make it an easy first landmark in town. Set aside about 45 minutes for the cathedral and cloister; modest dress is expected, and opening hours can shift around services, so check locally before heading over. From the cathedral square, follow Ruga Nova Mercatorum, Amalfi’s atmospheric main shopping lane, where lemon products, ceramics, paper goods, and small food shops fill the narrow passageways. Take your time here rather than trying to cover too much—the lanes are best enjoyed slowly, with occasional detours up the stairways.

Continue downhill toward Marina Grande for an easy harbor walk and your first broad views of the coast. The waterfront is ideal for a pause over a granita or espresso, and the late-afternoon light is especially pleasant on the cliffs. For dinner, reserve at Trattoria da Gemma, a long-established spot in the center known for polished Campanian cooking; expect approximately €35–60 per person before drinks. Reservations are worthwhile in May, and dinner in Amalfi commonly begins around 7:30–8:00 p.m. Afterward, keep the evening gentle—your overnight flight and coastal transfer make an early night the sensible choice.

Morning: Path of the Gods

Start early for Bomerano, the trailhead in Agerola, before the heat and crowds build. From Amalfi, take the SITA bus toward Agerola/Bomerano—allow roughly 45–60 minutes—or arrange a taxi if the bus timetable is inconvenient. The Path of the Gods is best enjoyed as a 3–4-hour scenic out-and-back rather than attempting the full route toward Nocelle, which requires additional transport planning. Wear proper walking shoes, carry at least 1.5 liters of water per person, and bring sun protection; there is very little shade and no reliable water service along the trail. A shorter turnaround is perfectly sensible in May, particularly if temperatures rise.

Late Morning–Afternoon: Fiordo di Furore and Praiano

After returning to Bomerano, continue by bus or taxi along the coast toward Fiordo di Furore. Give yourself about 30–45 minutes for the dramatic ravine, stone bridge, and sea viewpoint. The stairway down to the small beach can be steep, and swimming conditions vary, so treat this as a viewpoint stop unless access is clearly open and the water is calm. Continue to Praiano, a quieter village with steep lanes and beautiful terraces; spend about an hour wandering slowly rather than trying to cover every corner. Buses can be crowded and may pass by when full, so keep a little flexibility—or use a taxi for this short coastal connection if you are traveling with beach gear.

Late Afternoon–Evening: Marina di Praia

End the day at Marina di Praia, a compact rocky cove beneath the cliffs. Allow about an hour to swim or relax; bring water shoes, as the beach is pebbly and the area can become shaded in the late afternoon. For dinner, settle in at Il Pirata, right beside the water, where seafood and simple coastal dishes are the reason to linger. Budget approximately €35–60 per person before drinks, and reserve ahead if possible, especially for an outside table. Check the restaurant’s 2027 opening hours shortly before the trip, since coastal businesses sometimes adjust schedules early or late in the season. Return to Amalfi by evening bus or prearranged taxi; buses are the cheaper option, but a taxi is worthwhile if the last departures are limited or you want to avoid waiting after dinner.

Late Morning–Early Afternoon

After arriving at Roma Termini, take a taxi or Metro Line A to your accommodation and leave your bags; Rome’s historic center is easiest on foot, and a day pass usually isn’t necessary. Head first to the Spanish Steps in Piazza di Spagna, where you can spend about 45 minutes admiring the staircase and browsing the elegant lanes of Via dei Condotti. Do not sit or eat on the steps, and keep valuables secure in this crowded area. For a quick, inexpensive lunch nearby, pick up a pizza al taglio or supplì from La Nicchia del Pane around Via della Croce—expect roughly €8–15 per person.

Afternoon Exploring

Walk approximately 15 minutes through Via del Tritone toward the Trevi Fountain. Visit in the late afternoon, when the light is attractive and the largest tour groups often begin thinning; allow 30–45 minutes, and remember that entering the fountain basin or sitting on its edge is prohibited. From there, continue about 10 minutes through the narrow streets of Trevi and Piazza della Rotonda to the Pantheon. It is generally open until early evening, though hours and last admission can vary with religious services; reserve an official timed ticket if available, usually around €5. Allow an hour to see the ancient dome, oculus, and interior. Keep your route flexible afterward—this part of Rome is ideal for an unplanned espresso or gelato stop rather than another major sight.

Evening

Have dinner at Armando al Pantheon, one of Rome’s classic trattorias, just steps from the Pantheon. Reserve well ahead, especially for an evening sitting; dinner is typically around €35–55 per person before drinks. Order Roman specialties such as carbonara, amatriciana, or coda alla vaccinara, and expect an unhurried meal. Afterward, stroll through Piazza Navona and the surrounding Centro Storico if you still have energy, or take a short taxi ride back to your accommodation—the cobbled streets are beautiful but tiring after the morning transfer.

Morning

Start at the Colosseum, arriving 15–20 minutes before your reserved timed entry; the first slots, usually around 8:30–9:00 a.m., are noticeably cooler and less crowded. Allow about 1½ hours, including security. Standard combined tickets covering the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill generally cost around €18–25, with premium or arena-floor options higher; book only through the official Parco archeologico del Colosseo website. From Termini, Metro B to Colosseo takes only a few minutes, while walking from central accommodation is often just as easy.

Continue directly into the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, allowing roughly two hours for the temples, basilicas, and broad viewpoints over ancient Rome. Wear supportive shoes—the paving is uneven and the Palatine Hill has little shade—so bring water and a hat. Once outside, wander through Monti for about an hour along Via del Boschetto and Via Panisperna. For coffee, try La Licata, a relaxed neighborhood bar near the archaeological area; an espresso at the counter is inexpensive, while sitting down costs more. Monti’s small boutiques are best explored without a strict agenda, but many shops close for a mid-afternoon break.

Afternoon and Lunch

Walk downhill toward Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano, roughly 15 minutes from Monti. Its layered underground complex—an early Christian basilica, a fourth-century church, and Roman structures below—is the highlight, and the visit usually takes about an hour. Entry to the excavations is commonly around €10, with opening times varying by day; check the basilica’s official schedule and reserve if required. Afterward, take a short taxi ride or use local buses toward Prati rather than crossing the city on foot in the afternoon.

Finish at Pizzarium Bonci on Via della Meloria, near Cipro Metro station. Choose several rectangular slices by weight—the crisp-edged potato pizza and seasonal toppings are particularly dependable—and expect roughly €15–25 per person with drinks. It is casual, standing-room dining, so arrive outside the main lunch rush, ideally around 2:00–3:00 p.m.; the shop typically closes between lunch and dinner and may have changing hours. From central Rome, Metro A to Cipro is the simplest route, and allow about 25–35 minutes from San Clemente by taxi or public transport.

Morning

Take an Italo or Frecciarossa from Roma Termini around 8:00–9:00 a.m.; the ride to Firenze Santa Maria Novella takes about 1½ hours. On arrival, walk roughly 10 minutes toward San Lorenzo, or take a short taxi ride if you have luggage. Leave your bags at your accommodation or luggage storage, then head to Mercato Centrale Firenze for an easy first meal in the city. The upstairs food hall generally opens from late morning, with individual dishes usually costing €8–15; allow an hour to browse the stalls and choose something more interesting than a rushed station lunch.

Early Afternoon

From the market, walk a few minutes to Basilica di San Lorenzo, one of Florence’s most important early Renaissance buildings. The church is usually open from morning through the afternoon, though hours can change for services; modest clothing is expected and entry is typically around €9–10. Spend about 45 minutes inside, looking especially at the restrained Brunelleschian interior before wandering through the surrounding San Lorenzo streets. Continue south toward Piazza del Duomo, where the exterior ensemble of the cathedral, Baptistery, and Giotto’s Campanile is best appreciated from the square. This is a good low-pressure introduction to Florence after the train—admire the architecture from outside today rather than committing to another timed climb, and keep an eye on bags in the busy square.

Evening

Walk back toward San Lorenzo for dinner at Trattoria Mario, a beloved, unfussy Florentine institution known for ribollita, pasta, and meat dishes. It is generally open only for lunch and an early dinner on selected days, often closes on Sundays and holidays, and does not usually take reservations, so check the current schedule and arrive as service begins; expect roughly €20–35 per person. If it is closed or full, stay in the neighborhood and choose another small trattoria rather than crossing town. Florence’s historic center is compact and easiest on foot, while a short taxi ride from Santa Maria Novella is worthwhile only if your accommodation is outside the central area.

Morning

Reserve an early timed entry at the Uffizi Gallery, ideally around 8:15–8:30 a.m., and arrive 15 minutes beforehand for security and ticket collection. Allow about 2½ hours for Botticelli, Leonardo, and the other Renaissance highlights; the museum is closed Mondays, but it is open Sunday, and advance reservations are strongly recommended. From your accommodation near Santa Maria Novella, walk to the gallery in roughly 15–20 minutes, or take a short taxi ride if you prefer to save your legs. Afterward, stop for an espresso and pastry at Caffè Rivoire along the edge of Piazza della Signoria—it is touristy, but the setting is excellent.

Walk next into Piazza della Signoria, where you can see Palazzo Vecchio and the sculptures beneath the Loggia dei Lanzi without paying for an additional attraction. Spend around 45 minutes here, then continue south toward the Ponte Vecchio. The walk takes about 10 minutes along the lively Via della Ninna and Via dei Calzaiuoli area; keep an eye on bags in the busiest sections. On the bridge, take your time crossing and look back toward the Arno rather than focusing only on the jewelry shops. For a reasonably priced lunch afterward, pick up a panino at La Prosciutteria near Via dei Neri, or sit down for a light meal before heading into the Oltrarno.

Afternoon and Evening

Continue across the river to the Boboli Gardens, entering from the Porta di Annalena side if convenient. Allow about 1½ hours for the cypress-lined paths, fountains, grottoes, and elevated views toward Florence. The gardens generally close in the late afternoon—often between 4:30 and 7:00 p.m. depending on the season—so check the official schedule and arrive with water and comfortable shoes. From Ponte Vecchio, the entrance is roughly a 10–15-minute walk. After visiting, wander through the quieter lanes of Santo Spirito, where small artisan workshops and neighborhood bars make for a pleasant early-evening pause.

Have dinner at Osteria Santo Spirito, right on Piazza Santo Spirito, budgeting about €30–50 per person. Reserve ahead, especially for outdoor seating, and expect a relaxed Tuscan menu rather than a quick meal. After dinner, linger in the square with a gelato or aperitivo; this is one of the best areas in Florence for an unhurried final evening, and your accommodation around the historic center is usually reachable on foot within 15–25 minutes.

Morning–Late Afternoon

Take an early train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella toward Nice-Ville, changing along the coast through Pisa, Genoa, and Ventimiglia. Allow 7–9 hours, and pack lunch, water, and snacks—the views become especially attractive between Genoa and Ventimiglia, but connections can be tight. Reserve every available seat and check the platform for each segment, since this route uses both Italian and French rail services. On arrival, use the short walk or a taxi to your accommodation; Nice-Ville is central, and taxis are worthwhile if you have luggage.

Early Evening

After checking in, stretch your legs along the Promenade des Anglais for about an hour. Walk west from the area around Jardin Albert 1er toward Rauba-Capeù, where the shoreline curves toward Castle Hill; stay on the broad seafront pavement rather than the busy cycle lane. Continue inland through Avenue de Verdun to Place Masséna, whose red arcades and illuminated colonnades are particularly atmospheric after sunset. Both areas are free, and the walk between them takes roughly 10–15 minutes.

Evening

Finish in Vieux Nice, where Cours Saleya Market is usually winding down by late afternoon—flower stalls generally close earlier than the food stands, so treat this as a quick browse rather than a full market visit after a long travel day. Wander a few lanes around Rue Rossetti before dinner at Le Safari, a lively, dependable choice for Niçoise and Provençal dishes such as socca, salade niçoise, or fish of the day. Expect roughly €25–45 per person before drinks; booking ahead is sensible in May, though the restaurant is also convenient for a spontaneous early dinner.

Morning

Start at Castle Hill (Colline du Château) around 9:00 a.m., before the exposed paths become hot. From central Nice, walk east along the seafront toward Quai des États-Unis; use the free elevator near Promenade des Anglais and Rue des Ponchettes if you would rather save your legs, or climb the steps for a more atmospheric approach. Allow about 1½ hours for the viewpoints over Baie des Anges, the port, and the red roofs of Vieux Nice. Bring water—the hill is largely open and shaded spots are limited. Descend toward Vieux Nice, where the lanes are liveliest late morning; wander around Cours Saleya, Rue Rossetti, and the baroque churches, browsing small food shops and socca counters without trying to cover every street.

Afternoon

Have a light lunch in Vieux Nice, then take tram line 1 from Opéra–Vieille Ville toward Henri Sappia, getting off at Comte de Falicon for Musée Matisse; the ride takes roughly 20 minutes, followed by a short uphill walk. The museum is generally open Tuesday–Sunday from about 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and closed Mondays, so confirm the 2027 schedule before relying on this visit; admission is usually around €10. Spend about 1½ hours with Matisse’s paintings, drawings, and personal objects in the Villa des Arènes, then walk a few minutes to the Cimiez Monastery Gardens. The gardens are usually free and offer a quiet overlook toward the city—an ideal pause after the museum. Return by tram or taxi; a taxi is worthwhile if you are tired, while tram tickets are only a few euros.

Evening

Finish near the port at Chez Pipo, one of Nice’s classic places for socca. From central Nice, take tram line 2 toward Port Lympia and walk several minutes, or stroll east along the waterfront in roughly 20–25 minutes. Order the signature chickpea pancake hot from the oven, along with a simple Niçoise dish or a small beer; expect approximately €15–30 per person. It is casual rather than romantic, and portions are best shared. Arrive around 6:30–7:00 p.m. for an easier table, as the restaurant can fill quickly. After dinner, take an unhurried walk around Port Lympia and Quai des Docks, where the boats and pastel buildings make a pleasant final view of Nice.

Afternoon Arrival

After arriving at Paris Gare de Lyon in the mid-afternoon, take Metro Line 1 toward La Défense and get off at Saint-Paul; the ride takes about 15 minutes. A taxi is easier with luggage and typically costs €12–20, depending on traffic. Leave your bags at your accommodation, then begin in Place des Vosges, one of Paris’s most graceful squares. Walk beneath the arcades, browse the small galleries, and sit in the central garden for about 45 minutes. The square is always accessible, while nearby museums and shops generally close around 6:00–7:00 p.m.

Le Marais and Rue des Rosiers

From Place des Vosges, stroll west through Le Marais along Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, Rue Vieille-du-Temple, and the quieter medieval lanes around Rue des Rosiers. Allow roughly 1½ hours to dip into independent boutiques, design shops, and small galleries rather than trying to cover every street. This is one of Paris’s best neighborhoods for an unhurried first evening, and most shops stay open until about 7:00 p.m., with some boutiques open later. At Rue des Rosiers, stop for a casual snack—falafel, rugelach, or a pastry—before dinner; expect €5–10.

Evening Dinner

Finish at L’As du Fallafel, on Rue des Rosiers, for the neighborhood’s iconic inexpensive dinner. The pita falafel is usually around €10–13, with counter service and a takeaway line that can be quicker than sitting down. Go before 7:00 p.m. or after the main dinner rush; opening days and hours can change, so check the restaurant’s current schedule that morning. Afterward, wander toward Hôtel de Ville or along the Seine—both are about a 15-minute walk from Le Marais—for an easy first glimpse of illuminated Paris before turning in.

Morning

Book an early timed entry at the Louvre Museum, ideally around 9:00 a.m., and arrive 20–30 minutes early for security at the Pyramide entrance. Allow about three hours, but keep your visit focused: choose a few sections—such as the Denon Wing for the Mona Lisa and Renaissance paintings, then the Sully Wing for Egyptian antiquities—rather than trying to cover the entire museum. Standard admission is usually around €22, though prices and entry policies may change by 2027; reserve through the official Louvre website. Afterward, exit toward the Carrousel du Louvre and walk directly into the gardens.

Late Morning–Afternoon

Spend about an hour strolling through the Jardin des Tuileries, following the central grand avenue toward Place de la Concorde. This is a good place to slow down with a coffee from a garden kiosk or a casual snack near Rue de Rivoli. Continue to the Musée de l’Orangerie, located at the garden’s western end, and allow roughly an hour for Monet’s enormous Water Lilies panels. Reserve a timed ticket if possible; admission is generally around €12, and the museum is commonly open from 9:00 a.m. until early evening but closed on Tuesdays. From there, walk toward the river—about 10–15 minutes via Place de la Concorde—for your cruise.

Afternoon–Evening

Board the Seine river cruise from Port de la Conférence, near Pont de l’Alma. The cruise usually lasts about an hour and offers an easy view of the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Musée d’Orsay, and Notre-Dame without adding more walking. Allow extra time to reach the boarding point: from Place de la Concorde, walking takes about 25 minutes, while Metro Line 1 toward Franklin D. Roosevelt, followed by a connection toward Alma-Marceau, is quicker. Evening departures are especially atmospheric, but check the operator’s schedule and arrive 15–20 minutes early.

For dinner, take the Metro toward Grands Boulevards and eat at Bouillon Chartier, a historic, bustling dining room where traditional dishes generally cost about €20–35 per person. Expect a queue at peak dinner time, so arriving around 6:30–7:00 p.m. is sensible; the restaurant typically serves into the late evening. Afterward, wander along Rue du Faubourg Montmartre and the surrounding theater district, keeping your return route simple by using Grands Boulevards station.

Morning–Afternoon

Take the direct high-speed train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Barcelona-Sants, ideally departing between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. The journey takes roughly 6½–7 hours, so reserve seats early and bring sandwiches, fruit, and water; onboard café service can be limited. Keep passports and valuables close, and allow a little extra time at Gare de Lyon for security and finding your platform.

After arriving at Barcelona-Sants, follow signs for the Metro or Rodalies commuter trains. A taxi is easiest with luggage—usually around €12–20 to central neighborhoods—while the metro takes approximately 20–40 minutes depending on your accommodation. Once checked in or after leaving bags, walk toward Plaça de Catalunya, Barcelona’s central meeting point between the Eixample and Old Town. Spend about 30 minutes getting oriented, picking up a T-casual transit card if useful, and enjoying the fountains and lively street scene.

Late Afternoon–Evening

From Plaça de Catalunya, stroll south along La Rambla toward the waterfront, allowing about 45 minutes with pauses. Stay on the central pedestrian promenade, but keep your phone and wallet secured—this is one of the city’s busiest areas for pickpockets. About halfway down, turn into La Boqueria for an easy first dinner: browse the fruit juices, jamón, seafood, and tapas stalls, choosing a few small portions rather than committing to the first counter you see. Budget approximately €20–35 per person, and check closing times on the day since individual stalls often shut earlier than the market itself. After eating, take the short walk back toward your accommodation or use the nearest metro station rather than lingering with luggage in the busiest part of La Rambla.

Morning

Reserve an early timed entry at Sagrada Família, ideally around 9:00 a.m., and arrive 15–20 minutes ahead for security. Allow about two hours inside: the morning light through the stained glass is beautiful, and the interior is best appreciated before the central nave fills up. Wear modest clothing—shoulders and knees should be covered—and keep your ticket and identification handy. From central Barcelona, take the Metro to Sagrada Família station; a single ride is roughly €2.65, while a T-casual ticket is better value if you will use transit several times today.

Walk about 10 minutes along Avinguda de Gaudí to Hospital de Sant Pau, arriving late morning. The former hospital complex is one of Barcelona’s finest Modernisme sites, with tiled pavilions, gardens, mosaics, and quieter courtyards than the city’s major attractions. Allow around 1½ hours; the visitor area generally opens at 9:30 a.m., though hours can vary by season. Buy tickets online if possible, and take a short coffee break along the avenue before entering.

Afternoon Exploring

After lunch, take the Metro from Hospital de Sant Pau toward Park Güell, allowing roughly 25–35 minutes including the walk from the station. Reserve a timed ticket for the Monumental Zone, preferably between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m.; the park is hilly, shaded only in places, and much easier with water and comfortable shoes. Spend about two hours exploring Gaudí’s terraces, tiled structures, and elevated viewpoints over the city. The free areas of the park can be visited separately, but your timed ticket is needed for the principal architectural section.

Evening

Walk downhill into Barri de Gràcia and spend an hour wandering its small plazas and independent shops. This is a good neighborhood for slowing down rather than collecting sights—look around Plaça de la Virreina, Plaça del Sol, and Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia, where locals gather for drinks in the early evening. Finish at La Pepita, a lively spot known for creative tapas and small plates; expect approximately €25–40 per person with drinks. Arrive around 7:30 p.m. or reserve ahead, since it is popular and the dining room is compact.

Morning

Start with a final Barceloneta waterfront walk while the promenade is still relatively quiet. From the beach, wander along Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta for about an hour, stopping for coffee and a pastry at Brunch & Cake by the Sea or Bar Jai-Ca if you prefer something more local and savory. Keep your luggage at the hotel or a secure locker; the beach is an easy place to lose track of a bag. Allow roughly an hour, then walk inland toward El Born—about 20 minutes—or take the short L4 metro ride from Barceloneta to Jaume I.

Continue to Palau de la Música Catalana, one of Barcelona’s most beautiful Modernisme buildings. If a morning guided tour is operating, reserve ahead through the official website; tours generally last about 45–60 minutes and cost approximately €20–25. Otherwise, admire the richly decorated exterior on Carrer del Palau de la Música before walking about 10 minutes through El Born to Santa Maria del Mar. The church usually opens around 9:00 a.m., although worship services can affect visiting hours; allow 30–45 minutes and keep voices low inside this elegant Gothic maritime church.

Early Lunch and Departure

Have an early final lunch in El Born before collecting souvenirs. Tapeo Born is a good choice for shareable Catalan tapas, while Cal Pep is ideal if you can get a seat at the counter; budget about €20–35 per person without extensive drinks. Browse the small shops along Carrer de l’Argenteria and Carrer dels Flassaders for ceramics, leather goods, and packaged food gifts, then return to your accommodation for luggage. For Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN), leave central Barcelona about three hours before an international flight. The Aerobús from Plaça de Catalunya is straightforward and takes roughly 35–45 minutes, while the R2 Nord train from Barcelona Sants is economical but less convenient with luggage; a taxi generally takes 25–40 minutes depending on traffic and costs about €30–40, plus any airport surcharge. Allow extra time at the terminal for bag drop and security.