Sample 9 Day Italian Itinerary

Day 1-3: Rome (3 Days)

Lodging:

  • Hotel Artemide – A 4-star hotel centrally located near the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. It offers modern amenities and a rooftop bar with views of the city.
  • Alternative: The Rome Style Hotel – A smaller, boutique hotel in a prime location with great views and personalized service.

Transportation:

  • Arrival in Rome: Fly into Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). From there, take a taxi or the Leonardo Express (train) to the city center.
  • Getting Around Rome: Use the Metro (Line A and B) or walking to explore the central area.

Day 1: Exploring Rome

  • Morning: Arrive in Rome, check-in at your hotel, and take a leisurely stroll around the Piazza di Spagna and Spanish Steps.
  • Lunch: Try Piazza Navona for an outdoor cafe experience and enjoy Caffè della Pace for a traditional Italian meal.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Book a skip-the-line tour for the best experience.
  • Dinner: Head to Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 in Trastevere for authentic Roman cuisine.

Day 2: Vatican & Hidden Gems

  • Morning: Start early with a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a bite at Pizzarium Bonci near the Vatican for fantastic pizza.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Borghese Gallery and Gardens for an art-filled afternoon.
  • Dinner: Try Roscioli for amazing Italian meats, cheeses, and wine.

Day 3: Ancient Rome & Hidden Gems

  • Morning: Visit Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Piazza Navona.
  • Lunch: Have a relaxing lunch at Taverna Trilussa in Trastevere.
  • Afternoon: Walk through the Villa Doria Pamphili park for a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience.
  • Dinner: Head to Da Felice for delicious Roman-style cacio e pepe.

Day 4-6: Sorrento (3 Days)

Lodging:

  • Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria – A luxurious 5-star hotel overlooking the Bay of Naples.
  • Alternative: Hotel Antiche Mura – A charming 4-star hotel with great views and close proximity to the center.

Transportation:

  • Rome to Sorrento: Take the train (Termini to Naples Centrale), then transfer to the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento.
  • Getting Around Sorrento: Use local buses or walk around the charming town.

Day 4: Arrival & Relax in Sorrento

  • Morning: Arrive in Sorrento and check-in. Take a stroll around the town center, stopping by the Piazza Tasso and the Marina Grande for breathtaking coastal views.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a seafood lunch at Ristorante O’Parrucchiano with views of the sea.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Museum Correale di Terranova for art and history. Wander through the narrow streets and quaint shops.
  • Dinner: Try Trattoria da Emilia for traditional seafood dishes on the water.

Day 5: Amalfi Coast Excursion

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the Amalfi Coast. Visit Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello by private boat or guided tour.
  • Lunch: Dine at Ristorante Il Capitano in Positano for stunning views and local seafood.
  • Afternoon: Explore Villa Rufolo in Ravello for panoramic views of the coastline.
  • Dinner: Return to Sorrento for a cozy dinner at Ristorante Zi’Ntonio for delicious traditional Neapolitan pizza.

Day 6: Pompeii & Vesuvius

  • Morning: Take a guided tour of the Pompeii Archaeological Site, one of the most significant ancient Roman ruins.
  • Lunch: Stop for lunch in Vico Equense at Ristorante La Tradizione for authentic pizza and local dishes.
  • Afternoon: Take a guided hike up Mount Vesuvius for amazing views of the volcano and the Bay of Naples.
  • Dinner: Head back to Sorrento and enjoy dinner at Ristorante Tasso for a fine dining experience.

Day 7-9: Florence (3 Days)

Lodging:

  • Hotel Spadai – A centrally located 4-star hotel with modern amenities and close to major attractions like the Duomo.
  • Alternative: NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa – A historic and luxurious 4-star hotel near Ponte Vecchio.

Transportation:

  • Sorrento to Florence: Take the train from Sorrento to Naples Centrale, then board a high-speed train to Florence (roughly 3 hours).
  • Getting Around Florence: The city is walkable, but you can also use public transport if needed.

Day 7: Arrival & Explore Florence

  • Morning: Arrive in Florence and check in. Explore the Piazza del Duomo and visit the Florence Cathedral and Baptistery.
  • Lunch: Dine at Osteria All’Antico Vinaio for famous Tuscan sandwiches and local wine.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most important art museums in Italy. Take a walk across the Ponte Vecchio.
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at La Giostra, known for its authentic Tuscan cuisine and great atmosphere.

Day 8: Florence Art & Hidden Gems

  • Morning: Visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David. Afterward, head to the Piazzale Michelangelo for the best views of the city.
  • Lunch: Grab a bite at Trattoria Sostanza for Tuscan specialties.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace, or visit Bargello Museum for Renaissance art.
  • Dinner: Try Cibrèo for an upscale Tuscan dining experience.

Day 9: Day Trip to Pisa or Chianti

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower, or explore the Chianti region for a wine-tasting experience.
  • Lunch: If in Pisa, have lunch at Osteria dei Cavalieri. If in Chianti, enjoy a winery tour and meal at Castello di Ama.
  • Afternoon: Continue exploring or relax at the vineyards.
  • Evening: Return to Florence and enjoy a final farewell dinner at Enoteca Pinchiorri for an exquisite Michelin-star experience.

Itemized Cost Estimate Per Person (Average)

Airfare (Roundtrip to Italy):

  • Approx. $600 - $1,200 (depending on departure city and booking time)

Accommodation (9 nights):

  • Rome (3 nights) – $150 - $300 per night: $450 - $900
  • Sorrento (3 nights) – $200 - $400 per night: $600 - $1,200
  • Florence (3 nights) – $150 - $300 per night: $450 - $900

Total Accommodation Estimate: $1,500 - $3,000

Transportation (Trains & Local Transport):

  • Train from Rome to Sorrento: $40 - $100
  • Train from Sorrento to Florence: $40 - $100
  • Local transport (metro, taxis, buses): Approx. $50 - $100

Total Transportation Estimate: $130 - $300

Meals (9 days):

  • Average meal cost: $15 - $30 per person per meal (x 3 meals per day) = $45 - $90 per day

Total Meals Estimate: $405 - $810

Excursions & Activities:

  • Colosseum & Roman Forum: $25 - $50
  • Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: $30 - $50
  • Pompeii and Vesuvius Tour: $70 - $100
  • Amalfi Coast Day Trip: $100 - $150
  • Florence Museum Tickets (Uffizi, Accademia): $30 - $40
  • Tuscan Winery Tour: $60 - $120

Total Excursions Estimate: $315 - $510

Total Estimated Cost Per Person:

  • Low Budget: $2,850
  • High Budget: $4,620