7 Day Italy Itinerary: Echoes of the Empire from City to Coast

Ease into Rome with a low-key yet immersive first day, ideal for morning arrivals. After storing your luggage at Fiumicino Airport, head to close-by Ostia Antica, a quieter and more spacious counterpart to Pompeii, perfect for fresh air and shaking off jet lag. It’s spacious, evocative, and uncrowded, so stretch your legs and soak in early Roman ruins without the fanfare.

Back in the city by afternoon, check into your hotel and take a brief rest. Come evening, join a twilight walking tour through Rome’s iconic piazzas and fountains, capped with a gelato tasting. It’s a charming, easy way to get your bearings and feel Rome come alive.

Insider tip: Planning some easy sightseeing as soon as you land is a great way to fight jet lag. Another way is to set an alarm for your afternoon nap. Aim to rest long enough to shake off the tiredness without sleeping through the night.

After yesterday’s deep dive into ruins and city rhythms, today invites you to slow down. Italians have long mastered the art of rest, and Sunday in Rome practically insists on it. Many shops are closed, so it’s a natural moment to linger over coffee or simply wander aimlessly and soak in the quiet charm of the city.

If you’re itching for activity, the Capitoline Museums or Palazzo Altemps offer a beautifully curated detour into classical art and sculpture, both just a short stroll from Piazza Navona.

Insider tip: Don’t feel pressure to “accomplish” anything today. This is your license to live like a local and soak up la dolce vita.

Trade Rome’s bustling streets for the wide skies and pastoral calm of the countryside. A half-day eBike tour takes you along the Appian Way and through the Park of the Aqueducts. This storied Roman road is lined with aqueducts, catacombs, and ancient tombs.

Expect a bumpy, adventurous ride with narrow trails, traffic crossings, and hills, but the eBikes make it manageable and fun. A stop for a picnic-style lunch near a natural spring adds a relaxed, local flavor to the outing.

Insider tip: Don’t let the eBike fool you—this tour can be challenging. Bring water, wear sturdy shoes, and plan on a quiet, restful evening afterward.

Today is another tribute to ancient grandeur. Begin with a slow morning and, if you’re up for it, take a self-guided stroll toward the Colosseum through the heart of the Roman Republic (about two miles total). Along the way, you’ll pass Julius Caesar’s assassination site, Trajan’s Column, and the immense Victor Emmanuel monument.

In the afternoon, join a guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. It’s a splurge, but consider spending on the underground access, seeing the arena floor and ruins up close brings ancient Rome vividly to life.

Insider tip: Watch for impostor guides near the Colosseum and confirm you’re joining the right group.

If you want to take a break from the urban energy of Rome, day trip to Orvieto. It’s a favorite hilltop gem in Umbria known for its dramatic setting, Etruscan history, and that unforgettable black-and-white-striped cathedral. The train from Rome takes just an hour, making it an easy escape into a slower rhythm and stunning scenery.

Ride the funicular up to the old town and spend the afternoon exploring underground caves, strolling cliffside paths, or marveling at the Duomo’s mosaic facade. Lunch in the piazza with views of the cathedral is a must, followed by a gelato from a local favorite.

Insider tip: Orvieto is compact and walkable but full of layers to uncover. Skip the museum if you’re short on time and prioritize the Duomo, St. Patrick’s Well, and a lap around the cliffside Anello della Rupe path for sweeping countryside views.

This morning, you’ll trade Rome’s beautiful chaos for the breezy citrus groves of Sorrento. Take the high-speed train to Naples, then continue by regional rail to the coast. For a smoother, more relaxed experience, consider booking a private transfer directly from your hotel in Rome to your hotel in Sorrento. Just be aware that during high-season, traffic and roadwork along the coastal route can significantly slow your journey.

Once you arrive, check into your hotel and ease into seaside life with a few blissful hours at Bagni Salvatore, a waterfront club built atop ancient Roman ruins. Sip an Aperol spritz, take a dip, and soak in the view.

Insider tip: Sorrento doesn’t have much in the way of sandy beaches. Instead, you’ll find wooden sun decks at private beach clubs. To reach them, take the cliffside elevator near the Imperial Hotel Tramontano or walk the winding ramp down to the bay.

Enjoy your morning in Sorrento, then head to Pompeii in the early afternoon when the crowds thin and the light softens. This half-day visit to the ancient city reveals a hauntingly detailed portrait of Roman life, with its forum, villas, and streets preserved beneath layers of ash.

Explore on your own or with a guide, then return to Sorrento in time for dinner and a gelato stroll through the old town. It’s a day that balances the weight of history with the charm of coastal living.

Insider tip: Afternoon visits to Pompeii are typically quieter and less rushed. Just be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring water. The city may be in ruins, but the sun is still relentless.