Epic 10 Days in Italy Itinerary: Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Rome & Florence

Italy is the ultimate European destination! Planning a trip to Italy can feel overwhelming with so many incredible places to choose from. This 10-day Italy itinerary takes you from the ancient ruins of Pompeii to the stunning Amalfi Coast, the island of Capri, the art and architecture of Florence, and the historic streets of Rome.

It is a fast-paced trip, but it lets you experience several of Italy’s highlights without spending your entire vacation moving from one hotel to the next. I’ve also included tips on transportation, what to book in advance, and where it’s worth spending a little extra, so you can spend less time on logistics and more time enjoying Italy.

I did this exact itinerary in August, and it was BUSY and HOT, but 100% worth it! The weather was perfect on the coast!

Things to Know Before Your Trip to Italy-Itinerary Overview and Flights

This itinerary starts in Naples and takes you to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast before heading north to Rome and Florence. It gives you a mix of ancient history, beautiful coastal scenery, incredible food, and some of Italy’s most famous sights.

I also recommend planning a few things before you arrive. Some of Italy’s most popular attractions and experiences can sell out, especially during the busiest travel months.

Itinerary Overview

Here is a quick look at how I would structure 10 days in Italy.

This itinerary does involve moving around quite a bit, but I think the variety makes it worthwhile. You’ll have opportunities to relax on the coast while also visiting some of Italy’s most iconic historical sites.

Arrival and Departure Cities

For this itinerary, I recommend flying into Naples and flying home from Rome if you can find reasonable airfare. An open-jaw flight can save you from having to backtrack to your original arrival city.

When searching for flights, look for an international flight that arrives in Naples (NAP) in the morning or early afternoon. Arriving earlier gives you more flexibility on Day 1 and could allow you to visit Pompeii the same day.

If your flight arrives later in the day, don’t try to squeeze Pompeii into an already long travel day. Instead, stay overnight in Pompeii and visit the archaeological site the following morning.

For your flight home, I recommend booking a departure from Rome (FCO) rather than returning to Naples. After 10 days of traveling, the last thing you want is to add another transfer simply to catch a flight.

Italy Activities: What to Book in Advance

One of the biggest mistakes you can make on a trip to Italy is assuming you’ll be able to show up and buy tickets when you get there.

Some attractions and experiences have limited availability, and the most popular time slots can disappear well in advance. I recommend booking your must-do activities before your trip, particularly if you’re traveling during the summer.

I would rather spend a few minutes planning these things at home than spend part of my vacation standing in a ticket line or discovering that the experience I wanted is sold out.

And don’t worry about planning every minute of your trip. Some of my favorite Italy memories are the unplanned moments between the major attractions, whether that’s stopping for gelato, wandering in a random church, or sitting somewhere with a glass of wine and people watching.

Detailed 10 Days in Italy Itinerary

This 10 day Italy itinerary starts in Naples and works its way south toward the Amalfi Coast before heading north to Rome. Along the way, you’ll visit Pompeii, Positano, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast, with a day trip to Florence before finishing your trip in Rome.

It is a busy itinerary, but I think it strikes a good balance between sightseeing and enjoying the destinations. The Amalfi Coast portion gives you some time to slow down, while the final days in Rome are packed with some of Italy’s most famous sights.

Here is how I would plan each day.

Day 1: Arrive in Naples and Visit Pompeii

Your first day depends heavily on what time your flight arrives in Naples. If you can get an early morning arrival, I recommend making Pompeii your first stop.

I would avoid scheduling anything too early because international flights can be unpredictable, and you’ll need to account for immigration, baggage claim, and transportation.

If everything goes according to plan and you arrive in Naples in the morning, schedule your Pompeii tour for the afternoon.

Where to Stay in Pompeii

If you have Marriott points to burn or want to earn some, check out the Moxy Pompeii. The location is not super close to the ruins, but it is budget-friendly! We only paid $100 for the night. Our tour company also picked us up, so getting to the Ruins was a breeze.

If you would rather be closer to the Ruins, I would look for somewhere near the Pompeii Scavi train station. This will make visiting the ruins much easier the next morning.

Morning: Naples International Airport to Pompeii

After landing at Naples International Airport, you will start to make your way toward Pompeii. You can book a private transfer to Pompeii, or you can take the train.

Naples airport and Napoli Centrale train station are not close, so it’s a pretty far walk. You will need to take the Alibus from the airport. This bus runs several times per hour, and only goes to the train station and back to the airport. You can buy tickets when boarding the bus for 5 euros.

Once you get to Napoli train station, look for the Trenitalia ticket booths and buy your ticket to the station closest to your hotel. Google Maps can help you with this!

Afternoon: Visiting Pompeii

You hear all the stories of Pompeii, but it’s one of those places that is difficult to appreciate until you’re standing there fully. Walking along the ancient streets and seeing the remains of homes, shops, and public buildings makes the history feel much more real.

I recommend taking a guided tour with an archaeologist. There is a lot to see, and having someone explain what you’re looking at makes the ruins much more interesting than simply wandering around on your own.

We had a 2-hour tour of the site, and it wasn’t enough to see everything. Pompeii is huge, and you could easily spend a whole day there. I recommend doing some research before you go so you know what you want to see and how much time you will need.

The 2-hour tour was perfect for us, and then we did a wine tasting beneath Mt Vesuvius. It was enough to see the main sites of Pompeii and try some local wine. I would highly recommend this tour.

If your flight arrives too late for an afternoon tour or you just want a day to relax and catch up on sleep, don’t force it. Stay overnight in Pompeii, and visit the archaeological site the following morning. This is what we did.

Day 2: Travel to Amalfi Coast

Today you officially leave Pompeii and head to the Amalfi Coast, my favorite part of this itinerary!

For this part of the trip, I recommend a private transfer if it fits your budget.

With a private driver, you can sit back and enjoy the scenery instead of worrying about ferries, navigating roads, and hauling your luggage up hundreds of steps.

Where to Stay in Positano

If your budget allows, stay in Positano. It is more expensive than some of the other towns along the coast, but I think it’s worth the splurge.

If Positano hotel prices are not in your budget, stay in Sorrento instead. Sorrento is a great base for exploring the region and can be considerably more affordable. Keep in mind, Sorrento is not on the Amalfi Coast. Praiano, an Amalfi Coast town, is another popular spot to stay.

We stayed at Villa Anfitrite in Positano, and I would recommend it over and over. It is a very small boutique hotel with only 4 rooms. A few things to note: it is really high up! You will be walking about 180 steps from the main road to the hotel. When we arrived, they had someone meet us and carry our luggage! If you are not able to walk these steps every day, I would not recommend staying here.

Another perk I loved is made-to-order breakfast every morning! You will fill out a card every night and request what you would like. They serve it to you on your private balcony, or you can go up to their rooftop and eat in the community area. Breakfast was my favorite part of the day!

Morning: Arriving in Positano/Hotel Check-in

When driving into Positano, don’t be surprised when your driver can’t take you directly to your hotel. The town is built into the cliffs, and many accommodations require some walking or a porter to get your luggage where it needs to go. Contact your hotel ahead of time and let them know what time you will be arriving so they can help.

There is something special about waking up in Positano instead of simply visiting for a few hours. Once the day trippers leave, the town feels much more relaxed, and you’ll have more time to enjoy the restaurants, shops, and beautiful coastal views.

Afternoon/Evening: Positano

Once you arrive, keep the rest of the day relatively relaxed.

This is your chance to settle into the Amalfi Coast. Find a restaurant with a view, enjoy an aperitivo, and enjoy your first evening overlooking the sea. We loved Ristorante Bruno in Positano. Great views and amazing food!

Day 3: Spend the Day at a Positano Beach Club

After two travel-heavy days, I recommend slowing down today.

One of my favorite ways to experience Positano is by spending the day at a beach club. The beaches in this part of Italy aren’t necessarily the soft sandy beaches you might picture when you hear the word “beach.”

Much of the Amalfi Coast is rocky, and the beach clubs make it much easier to enjoy with a lounger, umbrella, food, and drinks!

Morning/Afternoon: Da Ferdinando

For our beach day, we went to Da Ferdinando.

It’s located at Fornillo Beach, which is not the main beach in Positano. That makes it a nice escape from some of the bigger crowds. If you stay at Villa Anfitrite, this beach is a little closer than the main one, Spiaggia Grande.

Plan to spend several hours here rather than treating it as a quick stop. You’ll probably want to stay here for a while after all the steps you have to walk down to get there!

We did not reserve our chairs in advance in August; however, if you want a front-row chair, you may want to book it in advance!

This is one of those days where I wouldn’t overplan your day. Enjoy the water, order lunch and a few spritzes, soak up the views, and let yourself settle into the slower pace of the Amalfi Coast.

You can also check out other beach clubs in Positano such as Pupetto Beach Club, which is right next door, Arienzo, more upscale, or La Scogliera on the main beach.

Evening: Dinner

This would be a great night to make a later reservation so you have some downtime after the beach, maybe squeeze in a nap before heading out again.

We ate at Da Vincenzo, and it was really good! This is a Michelin-recommended restaurant without the Michelin prices. Reservations are hard to get, so I would try to get one as soon as you have your dates finalized.

Day 4: Capri or another Amalfi Coast Town

Today, it’s time to get out on the water and visit another Amalfi Town!

Morning: Ferry to Capri

We chose to visit Capri! You can take a direct ferry from Positano to Capri, although schedules vary depending on the season and departure town. Check Omio to see what’s available.

During the summer season, I recommend checking schedules about a week or two in advance and booking your ferry, as they can sell out. You can also purchase tickets right on the pier the day of departure. We picked the first ferry of the day to try and beat the crowds, and I would highly recommend doing the same.

Afternoon: Chairlift in Anacapri

If you decide to go to Capri, you can’t miss the chairlift! I’m sure you’ve seen photos of the famous chairlift in Anacapri and wondered whether it’s actually worth doing; I’m here to tell you it is worth the hype!

The ferry will drop you off at Marina Grande in Capri. You will want to take a taxi to Anacapri to get to the chairlift. Capri doesn’t have just normal taxis; they are convertible taxis and are a fun experience! We paid 30 euros to get from Capri to Anacapri. The taxi will hold up to 4 people.

Once you get dropped off in Anacapri, the chairlift is right around the corner. We got there around noon, and there was a line. If you can get here earlier in the morning, that would be best. You buy the tickets in line; they were 15 euros round trip, and my taxi driver even gave me a 2-euro discount!

The chairlift takes you from Anacapri up to Monte Solaro. The ride gives you incredible views over Capri, the Mediterranean, and the surrounding coastline.

The chairlift ride up the mountain is one person per chair, so you can’t talk to anybody. It’s really peaceful to just take in all the views.

Once you get to the top, there isn’t much to do other than take a few photos and grab a drink or lunch at the restaurant. There is also a path behind the restaurant you can walk down to get a better view and more photos!

Restrooms at the top cost around 2 euros, but if you buy something at the restaurant, they will give you a token so you can use them for free.

After you finish up top, you will need to ride the chairlift back down to Anacapri. There was a line when we left, but it goes pretty quickly. Make sure you keep your ticket to scan on the way back.

Once you get back to the bottom, give yourself enough time to explore Anacapri or take the bus to Capri town to do some shopping.

Evening: Ferry back to Positano/Dinner

I recommend taking a later ferry back to Positano so you can spend more time in Capri and not feel rushed. I would book this in advance, as this is a popular time everybody else wants to leave the island as well.

Once you get back to Positano, you will have some downtime to either shop around or go back to your hotel and relax before dinner.

Day 5: Take a Boat Tour of the Amalfi Coast

You can and will see plenty of beautiful views while driving along the coast, but it should be a non-negotiable to also see it from the water.

The coastline from the sea is an entirely different viewpoint with towering cliffs, caves, and hidden grottos. It’s the kind of scenery that makes you understand why people come back to the Amalfi Coast over and over.

This was one of my favorite experiences on the trip, which is why I strongly recommend booking your boat tour before your trip.

Boat tours are popular, especially during the summer months, and availability can be limited. Look for an option that fits the type of day you want to have. Some tours are shared, private, half-day, or full-day.

If your budget allows, a private boat tour is an incredible way to experience the coast. You’ll have more flexibility with the itinerary and can spend more time swimming, taking photos, or stopping in small coastal towns.

This private boat tour allows you make your own itinerary! Pick where you want to visit on the Amalfi Coast and stop whenever you want.

If a private tour is not in your budget, there are a lot of good small group tours that you can book. I will put a few I recommend below; just make sure the starting point works for you!

Day 6: Travel From the Amalfi Coast to Rome

Morning/Afternoon: Transfer from Amalfi Coast to Naples

Today it’s time to say goodbye to the Amalfi Coast; try not to cry. Thanks to Italy’s high-speed trains, getting from southern Italy to Rome is relatively easy.

I recommend arranging another private transfer to Naples train station. This eliminates the headache of figuring out the various transportation connections with your luggage from the Amalfi Coast.

At Naples train station, you’ll find the high-speed train tracks and board the train to Rome.

Where to Stay in Rome

In terms of where to stay, I personally stayed at CitizenM Rome Isola Tiberina and loved it! The location was great, the hotel was clean and modern, and the rooms were thoughtfully designed.

Everything in the room, including the lights, temperature, TV, and blinds, can be controlled with an iPad. It is also a Marriott Bonvoy hotel, so you can book with Marriott points.

CitizenM is more budget-friendly, but for a more upscale option, consider The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel, Autograph Collection. It’s near the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, a great spot for exploring Rome’s historic center.

Evening: Dinner in Rome & Trevi Fountain

Once you arrive in Rome, check into your hotel and spend the afternoon or evening getting acquainted with the neighborhood.

Once you get settled into your hotel, take a walk and grab dinner! We went to Osteria Da Fortunata, and it was really good! They have several locations around Rome.

If you’re up for it after dinner and you’re close by, find the Trevi Fountain. There really isn’t a good time to see this without a crowd unless you go at 2 am, but it might be a little less crowded at night than during the day.

Piazza Navona is another popular spot that has a couple of cool water fountains and lots of restaurants. Grab some gelato and stroll through to check it out!

Day 7: Explore Rome/Food Tour

Today is the day to properly explore Rome and see some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Colosseum, Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps.

Morning: Colosseum

Start your day at the Colosseum if you can. I will warn you, these were the hardest tickets to purchase. This year (2026), they really cracked down on third-party tickets and tours. There is a list of accredited companies you can book through, but I would recommend booking directly on their official site.

After several hours and refreshes, I was lucky to snag us 2 tickets for the underground experience. This is the most popular tour because you get to go underneath, plus get arena access.

We really enjoyed this tour, and it was really neat to see the spaces where gladiators prepared for their fights.

Afternoon: Spanish Steps & Pantheon

The Spanish Steps are another iconic Rome landmark. There are 135 steps that connect the Piazza di Spagna to the church of Trinità dei Monti at the top. This is a popular gathering spot, but it is illegal to sit on the steps.

There isn’t a whole lot to do here other than look at the steps and, if you’re up for it, climb to the top. We went up to the top and saw the church, and you get a nice view of Rome.

From there, continue toward the Pantheon. The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings.

If you want to go inside, you will need tickets. Tickets are only $8 (August 2026) and include a multilingual digital audio guide. On-site queues can take hours, so I would recommend prebooking your tickets to avoid waiting in line.

Also keep in mind, the Pantheon is a consecrated active church, so you will need to dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees.

Evening: Twilight Food Tour

This Trastevere Twilight Food Tour was one of my favorite things we did in Rome. Our tour guide was very friendly, and all the food and wine were fabulous! We had a small group of about 8 people, which was also nice.

We went to 6 different restaurants in the Trastevere neighborhood, including visiting an old wine cellar that predates the Colosseum! The tour was easily walkable, with some stops allowing you to sit and eat, while other places were standing to eat street food.

Day 8: Florence Day Trip

Yes, I’m telling you to leave Rome for a day.

I know it sounds slightly ridiculous when you only have 4 days in Rome, but Florence is close enough that it makes a great day trip!

Book an early Italo high-speed train from Rome to Florence in advance so you can maximize your time in the city.

One of my favorite things about Florence is how walkable the historic city is. You can see a lot without constantly jumping on public transportation.

Late Morning: Accademia Museum/Duomo

Accademia

The Accademia houses the famous David statue, and also five others by Michelangelo, and several other paintings from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. You can even see the first piano built!

I recommend spending at least half an hour in this museum, although you could spend several hours here.

The Duomo

The piazza includes the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Baptistery, and Giotto’s Bell Tower.

For panoramic city views, you can climb the Duomo or the Bell Tower. You will have to go up 463 steps, and there is no elevator.

I personally didn’t climb the dome due to the hot temperatures. I have heard it is one of the best views in Florence. I recommend booking this in the morning if going during the summer months.

Afternoon: Lunch & Ponte Vecchio Bridge

Lunch

After the museum, you are probably going to be hungry, and it’s a good thing you are in a foodie city with lots of options!

• Go to the Mercato Centrale and walk the upper-floor food court! There are several vendors up there with lots of food options. We grabbed some Iberico ham that was delicious!
• All’Antico Vinaio is a famous sandwich shop with multiple locations in Florence. It has over 47,000 Google reviews and a 4.5-star rating!
• Pasta Cooking Class– With over 16,000 reviews, this cooking class is highly rated and would be a great option if you’re not climbing the Duomo.

Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge in Florence that was spared from destruction during World War II. There are several shops built along it selling jewelry and souvenir items. You will also see the statue of Benvenuto Cellini, who was a master goldsmith.

Evening: Wine Window/Train back to Rome

We tried to make the most of our 1 day in Florence, so we booked the 7:40pm train back to Rome.

Before heading back, Florence is famous for their wine windows. If you’re a wine drinker, I would highly recommend trying one before you leave! It’s a cool experience!

Some of the popular wine windows are Buchetta del Vino, Babae, and Osteria Belle Donne.

Day 9: Vatican & Sistine Chapel

Morning: Vatican Museum

Today you’ll visit Vatican City, including the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Give yourself plenty of time for this visit. Between the museums, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica, this can easily take several hours.

The Vatican Museums are one of the city’s most popular attractions, and timed entry tickets can sell out, so make sure you book in advance. If you just want tickets inside without a guide, book them on their official website.

The Vatican Museums are enormous! You walk into one room, then another, then another, and doing this alone could very easily turn into two hours of saying ‘wow’ without actually knowing what you’re looking at.

This is why I would recommend booking a tour guide so you don’t feel overwhelmed, spend longer here than needed, and get skip-the-line access.

Afternoon: Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica

The Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica are right next to the Vatican.

When going through the museum, follow the route toward the Sistine Chapel and take some time to appreciate the artwork along the way.

Eventually, you’ll reach the Sistine Chapel, where you’ll see Michelangelo’s famous ceiling and The Last Judgment. Beware, photography isn’t allowed inside the Sistine Chapel, so you’ll have to put your phone away.

After the Sistine Chapel, make your way to St. Peter’s Basilica. One of the best parts is that entry to the basilica itself is free, although you’ll still need to go through security. The security line was very long when we went in August, so make sure you plan for that.

You can also purchase additional experiences, such as climbing the dome, a guided tour, or underground access.

Evening: Dinner

Enjoy dinner in Rome and spend the evening exploring the streets.

This is a great night to slow down and enjoy the city without a specific destination in mind. We loved the Trastevere area after the food tour, so we went back to that neighborhood and ate at Tonarello. They had the best lasagna!

Day 10: Shopping/Travel Home

Today is the last day of this epic 10 days in Italy itinerary. If your flight doesn’t leave until the evening, I recommend making the most of your last day by going back to your favorite spots in Rome, or trying a new restaurant. You can also use this time to go shopping and buy your souvenir gifts!

We took an Uber over to Eataly just outside of the city center of Rome. This store is massive, with 3 stories of food and drinks! It’s a great place to buy some authentic Italian souvenirs.

If you have an early flight out, make sure you prebook the Leonardo Express train from Rome Termini to the airport. This is the fastest and easiest way to get to FCO airport from Rome.

Final Thoughts

Ten days isn’t nearly enough time to see everything Italy has to offer, but I think this itinerary gives you an incredible introduction to the country.

You’ll experience several very different sides of Italy, from the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Rome to the dramatic coastline of Positano and the art and architecture of Florence.

The biggest thing I would emphasize is don’t try to add more. This itinerary already has quite a bit of moving around, and the Amalfi Coast deserves some time to simply slow down and enjoy it.

If I were doing this trip again, I would keep the same basic route. I would splurge on staying in Positano, absolutely do the Amalfi Coast boat tour, and leave enough time for long lunches, wandering, and plenty of Italian wine. 🍷