A 2-Week Italian Adventure: Exploring the Best of Cinque Terre and Pompeii

  • Day 1: Arrive in Rome
    1 hour flight to Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
    2-hour drive (140km) from airport to hotel in Florence

    Welcome to Italy, start your adventure in Rome and head to the beautiful city of Florence. Check-in to the hotel and take a walk around the city center. You may visit some of the city's highlights like Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, and Duomo.

  • Day 2: Cooking Class and Wine Tasting in Tuscany
    1-hour drive (40km) from Florence to Tuscany

    Join a cooking class today and learn how to make some delicious local dishes. Afterward, visit a winery for some wine tasting.

  • Day 3: Leaning Tower of Pisa and Lucca
    1-hour drive (80km) from Florence to Pisa
    30-minute drive (20km) from Pisa to Lucca

    Take a day trip from Florence to Pisa and visit the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Afterward, head to Lucca to explore the ancient city walls and medieval streets.

  • Day 4: Cinque Terre
    2-hour drive (150km) from Florence to Cinque Terre

    Visit the stunning villages of Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Go for a hike between the five picturesque towns, sample some seafood and wine, and marvel at the stunning views of the Italian Riviera.

  • Day 5: Florence Cathedral and Gallery
    2-hour drive (150km) from Cinque Terre to Florence

    Return to Florence for some sightseeing. Today, visit the iconic Florence Cathedral with its magnificent dome and explore the renowned Uffizi Gallery.

  • Day 6: Volterra and San Gimignano
    1.5-hour drive (75km) from Florence to San Gimignano
    30-minute drive (25km) from San Gimignano to Volterra

    Discover the quaint villages of Volterra and San Gimignano after another short drive. San Gimignano is famous for its medieval towers, while Volterra offers a glimpse of ancient life in Etruscan times.

  • Day 7: Pompeii
    3-hour drive (240km) from Florence to Pompeii

    Explore the ruins of the ancient city of Pompeii, which fossilized under volcanic ash in AD 79. Walk along the preserved streets and see the beautifully preserved mosaics, frescoes, and houses.

  • Day 8: Amalfi Coast
    30-minute drive from Pompeii

    Day trip to the stunning Amalfi Coast. Be fascinated by the dramatic scenery, the charming towns of Positano and Amalfi, and some excellent seafood.

  • Day 9: Capri Island
    1-hour drive from Pompeii to Sorrento
    20-minute ferry ride (10km) from Sorrento to Capri

    Visit the picturesque island of Capri, taking in the stunning views of the Bay of Naples. Take a boat tour around the island, see the famed Blue Grotto, and sample some of the island's limoncello.

  • Day 10: Naples
    30-minute train ride from Pompeii to Naples

    Visit the captivating city of Naples, famous for its pizza, art, and architecture. Visit the world-class museums and art galleries, explore the preserved historical sites such as Pompeii, and enjoy the lively vibe of the night scenes.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Florence Cathedral (1-2 hours, €18)
  • Uffizi Gallery (2-3 hours, €20)
  • Leaning Tower of Pisa (1 hour, €18)
  • Cinque Terre Hike (5 hours, €7.5 per train ride)
  • Pompeii (3 hours, €15)
  • Amalfi Coast Day trip (8 hours, €70)
  • Capri Island Day trip (8 hours, €150)
  • Naples Archaeological Museum (2-3 hours, €18)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €316.5

Transportation

Most of the trip will involve driving, so it may be more convenient and flexible to rent a car, especially when going to Cinque Terre, Voltara, and San Gimignano. Trains are an option when traveling from Pompeii to Naples or between major cities, Additionally, boat tours are recommended when visiting Capri Island and Amalfi Coast. Budget around €900 for a car rental for 14 days and up to €250 for taxis, trains, and boat tours.

Useful Tips

If you have more time and want to take it slower, consider reducing the number of cities in your itinerary. Consider a day trip to the Tuscan countryside if you love Italy's vino production. Check out local markets and enjoy Italian cuisine. If you're looking to cut your itinerary short and save some cash, eliminate San Gimignano and/or Tuscany from the itinerary. It's important to stretch your legs after driving and one of the best ways to do this is exploring on foot.

Airports

Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is the primary airport if you are visiting Florence, Tuscany, and Cinque Terre first. Naples International Airport (NAP) is the best for Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. Both airports are close to the city centers (around 30-40km).

0