Italy Itinerary: Rome, Naples + Amalfi Coast

This is a brief overview of my Rome, Naples and Amalfi Coast itinerary. Having more time I would definitely add Amalfi town and Revello as places to see if you have more than a week!

Rome – 2-3 nights

Accommodation: We stayed near the train station in Rome as it was easier to get around by being more central. We also did a ton of walking so bring good walking shoes.

Recommendations:

• Colosseum
• Trevi Fountain
• Pantheon
• Piazza Navona
• Roman Forum

Leave a half day for the Vatican

• Climb the Dome of St Peters Basilica – the “Holy See”. You get stunning views of Saint Peter’s square.

Naples – 1 night (only stayed overnight)

Overview: We stayed overnight in Naples and got on the Circumvesuviana train (commuter train) to Sorrento. This is approximately a 1 hour and 15 minutes train ride. It’s not the most comfortable train because it has no air conditioner, it’s not always running on time, and has a high rate of pickpocketers. This is the train you would also take from Sorrento to Pompeii. There is also a “tourist train” Campania Express that runs less frequently but on the same line. It costs around 10.50 euros has an air conditioner, a guaranteed seat, and only stops at the major tourist spots.

Train Schedule: 2022 Train Naples – Sorrento Schedule

Sorrento – 3 nights total (home base)

Overview: We stayed in Sorrento and took day trips to Positano and Capri. Sorrento is located between major areas of interest with lots of transportation options. Another bonus is that Sorrento is more affordable than the surrounding areas.

Sorrento is great because everything is within walking distance, and you’ll be able to see a bunch of Sorrento on your first day as the main town is small.

Accommodation: A Sorrento B&B

Recommendations

• Exploring Piazza Torquato Tasso. This is the main square of Sorrento. You will find cute shops and places to eat, as well as stairs to get down to the Sorrento Ferry port.
• Marina Grande. This is a cute fisherman village where you can have freshly caught seafood. It has black sand beaches and a view of Mount Vesuvius.
• Villa Comunale di Sorrento. This park has gardens, fountains and nice views.
• Pizza. Have pizza from Pizzeria Da Franco and/or La Tavola Di Lucollo

Capri + Ana Capri – 1 nights / 2 Days

Overview: Arrive early and head over to Sorrento’s Marina Piccola port to catch the ferry to Capri. The ride is about 25 minutes and tickets can be bought at the port.

Once arriving in Capri’s port head over to the Funicular. The Funicular is a quick train ride that will take you to the center of Capri. Once exiting, you will see panoramic views of Capri’s coastline.

We intended to do a day trip to Capri from Sorrento but ended up staying overnight in Anacapri. We took a bus to Anacapri – Anacapri is located at a higher elevation point on the island than Capri. We stayed in a very cute Italian villa called Il Tramonto – The Sunset B&B. It was further from Capri but quiet, cute and romantic.

Recommendations:

• Faraglioni from the Gardens of Augustus. Gorgeous views of the coast. From here you can also see the Krupp pathway
• Faraglioni by Sea (famous rock formations). You can get a shot of these on a boat
• Funicular Terrace
• Capri Town *many cute photo ops in town, aesthetic streets
• Large Lemons *so many lemons – they’re so cute and aesthetic
• Sirens’ Rocks at Marina Piccola
• Blue Grotto boat tour / ride from the port. There are many options at the Port for guided tours.
• Explore the town of Anacapri

Positano – Day Trip

Overview: We took a day trip to Positano from Sorrento via the CitySightseeing Red bus. We chose this option because you are guaranteed a seat and very minimal stops, meaning we would get there quicker. The ferry is another popular option and can be taken at Marina Piccola (where the Capri ferry is). You can purchase tickets for the bus at the train/bus stop in Sorrento (Circumvesuviana train).

Recommendations:

• Spiaggia Grande Beach, Positano. Once getting off the bus, head back down the hill to get to Spiaggia Grande, Positano’s famous beach. The one with the iconic views.  We spent most of our day relaxing on the beach. The peach, pink, and white houses are a beautiful backdrop, and the surrounding views are the star of the show. The sand is a bit rocky. You can rent out a sunbed for the day (which will cost approx. €18).
• Hike the Walk of the Gods. This is the most famous walk on the Amalfi Coast and it’s in Positano. The trail is high up in the hills above the coast, with many views.
• Cannolis. While you’re exploring the shops in town be sure to stop and try the cannolis!
• Rent a boat. Exploring Positano by boat is a must.
• Take a cooking class. Sign up for a group cooking class to make some authentic pasta in Italy!