Highlights
- Explore colorful fishing villages along the Amalfi Coast
- Take a spin around the isle of Capri on a private yacht
- Discover Rome's characterful neighborhoods & peaceful parks
- Tour the labyrinthine chapels & galleries of the Vatican
- Immerse yourself in Ancient Rome at the Colosseum & Forum
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Rome, Transfer to Sorrento | Sorrento |
| Day 2 | Scenic Amalfi Coast Driving Tour | Sorrento |
| Day 3 | Capri Private Boat Tour | Sorrento |
| Day 4 | Sorrento to Rome | Rome |
| Day 5 | Vatican City Tour | Rome |
| Day 6 | Imperial Rome Tour | Rome |
| Day 7 | Free Day in Rome | Rome |
| Day 8 | Depart Rome | Rome |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Rome, Transfer to Sorrento
Welcome to Italy! Upon arrival at the Rome airport, you'll meet your driver and transfer to your train to Naples, where your concierge will manage your luggage, check-in, and all other logistics. Upon arrival in Naples, a private transfer takes you to your hotel in beautiful Sorrento. Beloved by Italian and international vacationers for its stunning views, tranquil atmosphere, and terraced lemon groves, Sorrento will serve as your gateway to the Amalfi Coast and home base for the next three nights.
After settling in, take a stroll along the waterfront as you head to the Sorrento's central Piazza Tasso for dinner and drinks.
Day 2: Scenic Amalfi Coast Driving Tour
Meet your private driver today and venture out for a breathtaking driving tour along the Amalfi Coast, visiting towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. This stretch of coastline south of Naples is renowned for its exceptional beauty and iconic cliffside fishing villages. Lemon groves and sprawling summer villas cling to the rocky hillsides overlooking sparkling blue waters.
Your first stop is dashing Positano, where colorful houses tumble down to the sea in a cascade of sunbleached peach, pink, and terracotta. Its steep streets and steps flanked by wisteria-draped hotels, smart restaurants, and fashionable retailers are no less photo-worthy. Visitors have flocked to Positano since the days of the Roman Empire, but today the village is popular for its lush scenery and cobbled streets flanked by bougainvillea flowers. Stop in Piazza dei Mulini and walk through the narrow alleys leading to the waterfront. These streets also lead to the cathedral and are characterized by charming shops selling lemon, shoes, and clothing.
Continuing along the coast, you'll pass through the villages of Praiano, Furore, and Conca dei Marini before reaching the ancient maritime republic of Amalfi, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for its white-washed buildings, historic churches, and paper-making industry, Amalfi is a jewel of the Mediterranean coast. Stroll through the town to see the sights and soak up the atmosphere, stopping by La Piazzetta di Sant'Andrea—the town square—to see the Duomo and the Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea.
Further east sits the tranquil oasis of Ravello, perched high above the sea and a perennial favorite of artists, poets, and musicians. Visit the ornate Villa Rufolo for its fascinating cultural history and panoramic views before returning to Sorrento for the evening—just in time for a leisurely aperitivo before dinner.
Day 3: Capri Private Boat Tour
Today you'll board your private yacht for a full-day tour around the island of Capri. Enjoy the sunshine, summer villas, and clear blue waters of this fabled isle, known locally as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean." Capri sits on the south side of the Gulf of Naples and has been a popular destination for centuries. Ancient Romans used the island for summer villas for the Empire's rich and famous, while the Greeks called Capri the "Isle of Sirens."
Stroll down to Sorrento's harbor in the morning to meet your captain and set sail. As you circle the island, you'll visit picturesque inlets perfect for swimming, with the opportunity to explore the Grotta Azzurra, Capri's famous "Blue Grotto," which is located inside a hollowed sea cave. Stop at the main harbors (Marina Grande and Marina Piccola) to walk along the Belvedere of Tragara (a villa-lined promenade with panoramic views), and explore the ruins of ancient Roman villas, then head up the hill to see Anacapri, the Piazzetta, and Augustus' Garden, as well as the best views of the Faraglioni Rocks.
After some afternoon shopping in Anacapri or perhaps a lazy swim from the boat, you'll cruise back to Sorrento in time for dinner.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Sorrento to Rome
After a relaxing breakfast, it's time to bid Sorrento farewell. This morning your private driver will transfer you to the Naples train station, where you'll catch a high-speed train back to Rome. Get settled in at your hotel, then head out on foot to explore your new surroundings.
According to legend, Rome was founded by brothers Romulus and Remus in 753 BCE, atop what is now Palatine Hill. The long-time center of the mighty Roman Empire, Rome boasts nearly 3,000 years of architecture, history, and culture. These days, Italy's capital is considered one of Europe's top cities thanks to its ancient monuments, incredible art masterpieces, and cosmopolitan vibe. It's a center for fashion, with a buzzing food culture and a growing nightlife scene.
Visitors and locals wanting to soak in the sunshine flock to the beautiful Giardino degli Aranci, the city's vibrant orange tree gardens on Aventine Hill, or relax in the lush greenery of the Villa Borghese Gardens. Head to the Trastevere neighborhood for some of the city's best trattorias for dinner.
Day 5: Vatican City Tour
This morning you'll be met by your expert guide for a tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel via private car. The Vatican is not only rich in history but also in art, housing some of the most important Renaissance masterpieces in the world. You'll start by visiting the Pio Clementio Museum, the Gallery of the Candelabra, the Gallery of Tapestries, and the Gallery of the Geographical Maps.
Continue to see the magnificent Raphael Rooms, ending in the breathtaking Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo's Genesis ceiling frescoes and his Last Judgement altar fresco. Continue to St. Peter's Basilica and Square and experience the magic of Renaissance art as you learn about the masterpieces' secret details and untold stories.
Your afternoon is free to explore the city. If you haven't already, it's worth seeing the world-famous Galleria Borghese, which houses works by Bernini, Caravaggio, Canova, and Rafaello. The gallery's highlights include sculptures and paintings from Cardinal Scipione Borghese’s collection (1579 - 1633). Rafaello's Entombment of Christ is also a must-see.
End your afternoon with a peaceful stroll around the Villa Borghese gardens, enjoying the beauty and calm just steps away from the chaos of the city.
Day 6: Imperial Rome Tour
Today you'll dive into the history of the Roman Empire with a private guided tour of the Colosseum, the world's largest amphitheater. Learn about the lives of some of ancient Rome's most famous and illustrious citizens, such as Julius Caesar, Emperor Augustus, Nero, and the Flavian Emperors who built the Colosseum.
Continue to the Roman Forum, where you'll see excavations dating back 2,000 years, revealing the ruins of temples, squares, religious sites, and other buildings. These were the venues for public speeches, processions, elections, and gladiator matches. Historians and archaeologists refer to the Roman Forum as one of the most celebrated places in world history, and you'll see why as you explore the grounds.
Cut through the Roman Forum along Via Sacra, where you'll pass by the Temples of Vesta, Antonino, and Faustina. The Basilica Julia and Aemilia, a public meeting house that Julius Caesar commissioned, is also here.
Your tour of ancient Rome ends 131 feet (40 m) above the city at Palatine Hill. You'll have incredible city views, with the Forum on one side, Circus Maximus on the other, and the Vatican in the distance. In between, the River Tiber snakes through Rome's historic neighborhoods.
In the evening, you'll have free time to continue exploring Rome. Grab dinner in one of the city's other neighborhoods, such as bohemian Monti, and enjoy the quiet hum of city life as the day comes to a close.
Day 7: Free Day in Rome
Today is a free day to explore the city. Select from the following suggestions to make the most of your time in Rome:
- Visit the Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant'Angelo history museum.
- Tour the Renaissance Villa Farnesina in the Trastevere district.
- See art in the Palazzo Colonna and Palazzo Doria Pamphilj.
- Go for a stroll in the buzzing Monti neighborhood, an eclectic area full of hip wine bars and trendy boutiques.
- Head out of the city for a day at the Ostia beach for miles of sand and warm sea.
- Spend an afternoon at the Musei Capitolini, the oldest and one of the best museums in Italy.
In the evening, head to the Trastevere neighborhood for dinner at an osteria or a trattoria, followed by drinks at a trendy wine bar.
Day 8: Depart Rome
Time to say goodbye to Rome—for now! After one last Roman breakfast, you'll be privately transferred to the airport for your flight home. Arrividerci!
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