A Dreamy 10 Days in Italy: Rome & The Amalfi Coast

Check into your hotel and drop your luggage. If your room is ready, you can freshen up, but avoid taking a nap. Today’s plan is to walk and get fresh air in order to stay awake as long as possible.

Head into the city center to soak it all in. The first order of business is getting an espresso or cappuccino (if it’s still morning). Pro tip: You’ll pay less if you have your caffè standing at the coffee bar instead of sitting down. Walk by the famous sights of Trevi Fountain, The Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Campo de Fiori, and the Spanish Steps. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a square of Roman pizza at Alice and then your first gelato of the trip.

Continue walking towards Piazza del Popolo. Climb the stairs at the north end to get a breathtaking view of the city at the Terrazza del Pincio. You can see St. Peter’s Basilica from here. You’ll likely be tired, but try to make it to at least your first aperitivo, Italy’s upgraded version of happy hour. Sip on an Aperol spritz and enjoy the light bites that are typically served with your drink. You made it through your first day in the eternal city.

Today is all about seeing Rome from a new perspective via a Vespa sidecar tour. This three-hour tour will take you all around Rome with stops at many of its iconic landmarks. The morning tour includes a stop for a cappuccino and croissant. It’s an incredible way to see Rome and my number-one recommendation for all who visit the city.

After the tour, grab lunch in the Monti neighborhood. Some favorites in the area are Ai Tre Scalini, La Taverna Dei Monti, and Fuorinorma (for a quick meal).

You’ll be near the Colosseum and Roman Forum, so this is a great day to visit. The late afternoon can be less crowded and have even cooler temperatures. The last admission is typically one hour before closing. You must buy tickets well in advance, and I do recommend a tour guide to get the most out of your visit.

After a busy day of sightseeing yesterday, enjoy a leisurely morning. Have breakfast at your hotel and then take a stroll through the Villa Borghese gardens. This huge park is a nice change of pace from the bustling city center. If you appreciate art, I highly recommend booking tickets in advance to Galleria Borghese. It’s an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures housed in a gorgeous 17th-century villa.

After lunch, wander the streets of Rome and see where the afternoon takes you. There are plenty of shops, cafés, restaurants, and piazzas to explore. If you’re near the Spanish Steps a few hours before sunset, head up to Cielo, a rooftop restaurant at Hotel de la Ville. It’s the perfect place to have aperitivo and watch the sunset.

Explore the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica today. You can book a tour or see it on your own, but, either way, plan for crowds. If you want to see the Sistine Chapel with low crowds, an early morning VIP tour is recommended! If you’re up for a challenge, climb the 551 steps to St. Peter’s dome. There’s also an elevator option if you’re unable or prefer not to climb the stairs.

Head back to your hotel to rest for a bit and freshen up before the evening activity. One of my favorite ways to experience a city is through a food tour. Rome has so much good food to experience! There are many tours to fit your interests, but personally I loved the Trastevere twilight tour. Make sure to show up hungry and you’ll have a great time!

Depart your hotel in the morning and head to Termini train station. You’ll board the high-speed train to take you to Naples. Once in Naples, meet your driver for transportation to the Amalfi Coast.

On your way to Positano, stop at the archaeological site of Pompeii. Take in the wonder and then continue on to a winery near Mount Vesuvius for wine tasting and lunch. You’ll arrive in Positano in the late afternoon and settle into your hotel. Have dinner at Da Vicenzo. Order a bottle of local wine and toast to your first night on the Amalfi Coast.

The Amalfi Coast has beautiful beaches with crystal-clear water set among dramatic cliffs. Take time to relax and enjoy a beach day. Splurge on a beach club that includes loungers, umbrellas, food, and drinks. You’ll feel like you’re living la dolce vita at Arienzo Beach Club near Positano. If you don’t want to splurge, there are two public beaches right in Positano. Fornillo is more local and quieter than Spiaggia Grande.

For an iconic meal, have dinner at Il Tridente. Even at night, you’ll have a gorgeous view of Positano. Book well in advance to secure a table here!

Take a boat tour either along the stunning Amalfi Coast or across to the island of Capri. Visit grottos and beaches, swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea, and take in the views. If you choose Capri, you’ll see the Faraglioni Rocks, Blue Grotto, and the towns of Capri and Anacapri. You can also opt for a sunset cruise, which typically includes prosecco and snacks.

If you dine in a seaside restaurant, make sure to try spaghetti alle vongole or scialatielli ai frutti di mare with a glass of crisp vino bianco.

Start the morning by grabbing a pistachio croissant and cappuccino from Collina Bakery. Walk to the pier and take the ferry from Positano to the town of Amalfi. The small town is worth a visit to explore its streets and see Duomo di Sant'Andrea. For a refreshing treat, get a lemon sorbetto served in a lemon.

When you’re done in Amalfi, buy a bus ticket to Ravello. Ravello is a stunning town perched above the coast. The whole town feels like it's out of a storybook. Visit Villa Cimbrone for breathtaking views at the Terrace of Infinity. Villa Rufolo offers another viewpoint with gorgeous gardens. Have a gelato or spritz in the charming main square.

When it’s time to head back, consider taking a taxi back to Positano for a quicker, more direct route. For your final night in Positano, have an upscale romantic dinner at La Sponda at Le Sirenuse hotel. Think candlelight tables, vine-covered walls, and a dreamy experience.

Travel back to Naples via a private driver and then take the train to Rome. Drop your bags at the hotel and wander the streets. Have another bowl of cacio e pepe, do some shopping, and have a final aperitivo as the sun sets in Rome.

Wake up early and roam the streets of Rome. If it’s early enough, the streets will be quiet and you can take unobstructed pictures of landmarks like Trevi Fountain. Don't forget to toss a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand to ensure you return to Rome. It’s also a nice way to stretch your legs before a long flight home. Grab one final cappuccino before heading to the airport.