Rome and Amalfi Coast Itinerary: The Perfect 10 Days
Italy is a fantastic place to visit! From fantastic food to gorgeous views, Italy has something for everyone. This Rome and Amalfi Coast itinerary will give you information on how to spend 10 perfect days enjoying all that Italy has to offer.
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Recommended Travel Resources
Travel Insurance: Insure My Trip
Accommodations: Expedia
Flights: Skyscanner
Highlights of this Rome and Amalfi Coast Itinerary
- Sistine Chapel
- Saint Peter’s Basilica
- Colosseum
- Pompeii
- Capri
- Amalfi Coast
- Sorrento
Map of the Rome and Amalfi Coast Itinerary
To enlarge the map, click on it for a more interactive version.
Brief Look at this Rome and Amalfi Coast Itinerary
Day 1-4: Rome
Days 5-7: Naples
Days 8-10: Sorrento
Rome and Amalfi Coast 10 Day Itinerary
This Rome and Amalfi Coast itinerary is designed to provide you with the highlights of Rome, Naples, and some of the towns along the coast. You will not see everything, but it will be a great introduction and you can plan to see many of the most popular attractions and things to do in each area.
I will also make notes about accessibility and the best ways to do each day if you have mobility problems or are in a wheelchair. I visited Italy with limited mobility and am now a wheelchair user, so I know how important it is to want to see all the sites and enjoy your travel experience.
Also, feel free to make this itinerary your own. If you need or want to mix up the order of things, or tailor it to meet your needs, feel free to do so. This itinerary is to give you an idea and my recommendations on how to spend 10 days in Rome and the Amalfi Coast.
Day 1: Arrive to Rome and Piazza Navona
Today you arrive in Italy! While excitement may keep you going for a little while, you may also be suffering from jet lag so today is meant to allow you to relax a little and prepare for your trip.
Getting to Rome from the Airport
Consider prebooking a car service to get you from the airport to your hotel. This will save you the hassle of lugging your baggage around and trying to navigate a new city. For people with mobility problems this is also a stress-free way to get to your hotel.
This service is affordable and has great reviews. Check out pricing.
Drop your bags off at the hotel and then head to Piazza Navona for a bite to eat and to people watch. Piazzas are the hub of social gatherings in Italy and this one is no different. You will find tourists and locals a like enjoying a meal in an outdoor restaurant while admiring the fountains which are a focal point in this square.
Make sure you save room for dessert and try some gelato! It is fantastic and a great way to cool off on a warm day. It is common to order several flavors to your order. I always get a scoop of chocolate and then occasionally mix it with another flavor (such as strawberry).
Make your way back to your hotel and rest up, you will need that energy for exploring Rome tomorrow!
Where to Stay in Rome
Hotel Indigo Rome – St. George
Centrally located and close to public transportation, this hotel is a fantastic option. Breakfast is available and offers both gluten free and dairy free options. Free Wi-Fi and access to the onsite spa are included in your room rate. Accessible rooms with a roll-in shower are also available.
Trevi Collection Hotel
Located near Trevi Fountain, this hotel has a great location in the heart of Rome. Free Wi-Fi is included, and the hotel offers other amenities such as an airport shuttle, breakfast, and parking.
Day 2: Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica
Today you will see two very iconic sites in Rome, the Vatican Museums and Saint Peter’s Basilica. These two attractions are located close together and make for a full day of admiring various famous works of art.
Vatican Museums
Reserve your Vatican tickets in advance so you can skip the long line. Your tour here will feature several works of art. The most notable will be the Raphael paintings and Michaelangelo’s Sistine Chapel.
While it is possible to explore on your own, a tour will provide you with additional information and insights you wouldn’t get by touring independently. Wheelchair accessible tours are also available with step free routes throughout the museum but may need to be booked through an accessible tour company (more on those below).
A stairlift allows people with mobility problems to ascend the steps required to access the Sistine Chapel. Staff will assist you in using this device.
People who are 75% or more disabled, can obtain free entry tickets and are entitled to skip the lines for entry. If you require assistance, then your carer can also obtain free entry.
However, these tickets cannot be reserved online, and you will need to obtain them in person on the day of your visit. People with disabilities can automatically skip the line. You can obtain an itinerary that shows accessible routes upon entrance to the museum.
For more information on getting free and accessible tickets, click here.
Saint Peter’s Basilica
For those of you who can descend stairs, take the staircase adjacent to the Sistine Chapel which leads directly into the Basilica. If you are unable to do the steps, you will need to exit the Vatican Museums near the entrance and then walk several blocks to enter Saint Peter’s Square. You will then need to wait in line and go through security before entering the Basilica.
Saint Peter’s Basilica is the main church within the Catholic faith and where the Pope holds services. It is also a beautiful place to visit. Filled with mosaics and sculptures everywhere you look, you are sure to be in awe as you explore.
It is also the home to Michaelangelo’s “La Pieta”, a sculpture that represents Mary holding Jesus after he is taken off the cross. It looks so lifelike that you expect it to move at any moment. Pictures do not do it justice!
Visitors can choose to climb the numerous steps to the top of the basilica to get a fantastic view of Rome as well as a closer look at the mosaics on the ceilings. For people with limited mobility, an elevator is also available to take you most of the way to the top. Then there are only three steps to climb to see the mosaics.
If you want to do the Dome climb and combine it with a tour of the Vatican Museums, I recommend this tour.
Where to Stay
You will stay in the same hotel as the previous night.
Day 3: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
Today is for history lovers. You will get a feel for how the ancient Romans once lived by visiting the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. While all these areas highlight ruins, each one offers a different glimpse of how life was lived.
Explore the Colosseum
First, head to the Colosseum for a look at where gladiators fought to entertain the public. I recommend you go early to avoid the crowds or choose to get a skip-the-line ticket. There are several options available, some including a tour.
Here are what are your options:
- Skip the Line Self-Guided Tour
- The VIP Colosseum Underground & Ancient Rome Small Group Tour
- Skip the Line: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Tour
The first tour listed is wheelchair accessible, but the others are not. Wheelchair users can access the various floors of the Colosseum by using the elevator. If you wish for a guided tour, you can purchase an audio guide (which was excellent) or do an accessible tour which combines the Roman Forum.
The underground area of the Colosseum needs special permission and access. If you want to see the dungeons, you should book the tour mentioned above. This tour also includes access to the other sites on today’s itinerary.
Pro Tip: You may see someone dressed up as a gladiator outside of the Colosseum. Be aware that if you want to get a picture with him, it will cost you.
Visiting the Roman Forum
Once the central gathering place for Roman citizens, the forum was once lined with shops and was an open-air market. The forum also housed law courts and public gatherings. Religious and Secular celebrations were also common, and the area houses the remains of temples and monuments. It is also where Julius Ceasar is buried.
When you visit, be prepared for uneven ground and some areas with large cobblestones. The Forum is accessible to people with mobility issues and wheelchair users, but is best visited on an accessible tour as these companies use specialized wheelchairs to navigate the terrain.
End the Day with Palatine Hill
Palatine Hill was the place where the rich once lived and was home to some imperial palaces. Now this open-air museum highlights artifacts that were recovered in the area as well as some of the remains of the homes that once stood here. Considered one of the oldest areas in Rome, you can expect to see remnants of rooms with ancient frescos still on the walls.
As the name suggests, this area is located on hills which make for uneven terrain that can be steep at times. As a result, this site is not recommended for people with mobility problems or wheelchair users.
Where to Stay:
Spend another night at your accommodation in Rome.
Day 4: Pantheon and Trevi Fountain
Trevi Fountain
For your last day in Rome, there’s no better time to visit Trevi Fountain. This gigantic work of art is truly something to behold and is best visited early in the day or in the evening to avoid massive crowds. While here, make sure to toss a coin in the fountain for a quick return to Rome (or Italy).
Legend has it if you through two coins means you’ll fall in love and three coins will ensure you will get married. During both my visits I threw in coins. I absolutely fell in love with Italy and always want to return.
The Pantheon
Next, head over to the Pantheon to visit this iconic building. In fact, it is considered to be the best preserved ancient Roman building. You will get a feel for just how old it is when you approach the building.
Once inside, you’ll get a chance to admire the dome (which is said to be bigger than the one in Saint Peter’s Basilica) and gaze into the sky through the oculus. A few notable people are buried here as well, and include the painter Raphael, Vittorio Emanuele II, and Umberto I (the first kings of unified Italy).
To get the most out of your visit, use this audio guide while you explore.
Cooking Class Optional Add On
If you would like another fun and authentic Italian experience, consider adding a cooking class to your itinerary! This class will teach you how to make homemade pasta and tiramisu. Afterwards, you’ll get to taste your creations for a delightful meal.
For more information on things to do in Rome and accessibility information, check out this post!
Where to Stay:
Spend one final night in your Rome hotel. Pack your bags, as you will be heading to a new location tomorrow.
Day 5: Rome to Naples with a Cooking Class
Today you will head to the city of Naples. Known for its pizza and for being the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, you will get a chance to experience what this city has to offer.
Getting from Rome to Naples
You have two options to make your way from Rome to Naples. First, you can take the train. Board the train at Rome Termini Station. You will have several train ticketing options, with some making more stops and taking longer than others.
The trains are accessible for people with mobility problems and wheelchair users. However, you will need to notify staff of your needs in advance. Head to the Blue Hall or “Sala Blu” for assistance. For more information on services available, click here.
The second, and more expensive, option is to hire a driver to get to Naples. The benefit of this is that the driver can drop you off directly at your new hotel.
Once in Naples
Drop off your luggage at the hotel and then get ready to have some fun! After leaving the hotel, make your way to your pizza making class. This class will show you the secrets needed to make authentic Napoli pizza. If you have a gluten allergy, this class is for you! Both classes are wheelchair accessible.
Where to Stay in Naples Italy
La Casa Sul Nilo
This gorgeous property is centrally located and will make you feel like you’re staying in a palace. During your stay, you can choose from a standard room or an apartment. Your accommodation includes free Wi-Fi. This may not be suitable for wheelchair users and people with mobility problems.
SuperOtium
This cute bed and breakfast offers an airport shuttle (for a fee), free Wi-Fi, and is conveniently located in Naples. There is a room available that may work for disabled guests. It is suggested you contact the property in advance to make sure they can meet your needs.
Day 6: Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
Visit the famous volcano (Mount Vesuvius) that decimated and hid the ancient city of Pompeii for hundreds of years. Then tour the ruins of Pompeii to see how its people once lived and how quickly it was destroyed.
Tour Pompeii
Step back in time as you wonder the streets of this once thriving town. Look into houses to see the remaining frescos and tiled floors and admire the pottery and other artifacts that were recovered. The most emotional part of your tour will come when you see the casts of the bodies of the people who perished when Mount Vesuvius erupted.
As you can see in the above picture, the walkways have large cobblestones that may pose challenging for people with limited mobility. At the main entrance, there is also a steep hill to climb to enter Pompeii. Accessible tours are available to find the pathways with the least barriers and offer assistance to wheelchair users.
If your mobility is fine, then remember to wear comfortable shoes, as there will be a lot of walking.
Climb Mount Vesuvius
You will likely see Mount Vesuvius looming in the background as you tour Pompeii. Now, it’s time to get a closer look at this still active volcano. Visitors can climb to the crater and appreciate the power of Vesuvius.
Make sure to watch your step and wear good shoes for your journey. Be mindful as you are hiking as it is easy to slip and fall. If you are disabled, you can still ascend to the top through the use of a specialized wheelchair (which is available when you book an accessible tour).
For able bodied people, this tour combines a tour of Pompeii with visiting the mighty Vesuvius.
Where to Stay
Stay at the same accommodation as the previous night.
Day 7: Capri
Today you will get out of Naples and go to the nearby island of Capri. Famous for its blue grotto and scenic vistas, this island is not to be missed. You will see limestone sea stacks and houses perched on the cliffs of the island. Try some limoncello while you are here for a unique treat.
For a guided group tour showing you the main highlights of the island as well as access to the Blue Grotto, this tour is great. People with disabilities can also visit Capri, but it’s best done on an accessible tour (accessible tour providers listed further on in this post).
Where to Stay
Stay at the same hotel in Naples. However, pack your bags as tomorrow you are headed to Sorrento!
Day 8: Naples to Sorrento with a Stop in Positano
Say “ciao” to Naples and make your way to Sorrento today. Take in the breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast during the trip. Break up the day by making a stop in the incredible town of Positano to admire the colorful houses, mountain scenery and its peaceful beach.
How to Get from Naples to Sorrento
There is an affordable bus that will take you from Naples to Sorrento (and that stops in Positano). Just remember that you will have your luggage with you and will have to take it with you as you investigate Positano. This can be a real hassle due to the many inclines in the town.
Alternatively, you could hire a driver to transport you and who could stay with your luggage while you explore Positano on your own. They could also drop you off directly at your hotel. Some coordinating in advance will be needed to discuss your plans.
Where to Stay in Sorrento
Maison Bon Bon
This relaxing property offers incredible views of the coast and a warm and inviting atmosphere. Free parking and Wi-Fi are available as well as an airport shuttle (for a fee). Breakfast is also served on site with Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free options. Some disabled access may be available.
Check Pricing and Availability
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
Located in the heart of Sorrento, this beautiful resort offers all you need to relax during your visit. You will have access to free Wi-Fi, an onsite spa (extra fee), live music, a breakfast buffet, and the onsite gardens. Disabled access is limited.
Check Pricing and Availability
Day 9: Sorrento
Spend a relaxing day in Sorrento. Wander the lanes and check out a local market to shop, relax by the shoreline or take a walking tour of the city.
If you’d like to have a guided walking tour, this one will be a fantastic option. However, if you would prefer to do a self-guided tour, this audio guide will help you accomplish this goal.
Where to Stay
Stay at the same hotel as the previous night.
Day 10: Fly Home
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. I know I didn’t want to leave Italy when I visited, and you probably won’t be ready to leave either.
It’s that time, however, when you need to pack your bags and head to the airport. Fly home (or to your next destination) out of Naples International Airport (NAP) as there are no airports in Sorrento itself. Alternatively, you could also travel back to Rome to fly out of Fiumicino Airport (FCO).
Getting to the Airport
To get to the airport, you can take a shuttle bus from Sorrento to Naples. This is the most economical way to get there. However, the bus is not wheelchair accessible.
You could take the ferry. However, this requires a steep descent along the road or about one hundred steps to access. The ferry also does not run on weekends from November to March and may be cancelled due to rough seas.
The final option to get to the airport is to hire a private transfer, such as this one. If you plan to fly out of Rome, this would be the best option.
If You Have More Time for Your Rome and Amalfi Coast Itinerary
When you plan to have a two-week vacation vs just 10 days, here are some ideas of activities you can add to your trip.
Spend a day in Positano
If you want to add a relaxing day to your itinerary, consider adding a beach day in Positano to your itinerary. While this option is best for people with some mobility due to the inclines and hills within the town, the beaches in Positano are accessible.
During the summer, there are beach wheelchairs available to rent and mats are put out to allow easy access to the beach.
Add an Extra Day in Sorrento
Want an extra day to relax? Spend another day in Sorrento to enjoy the sea views. If you stay at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, you can also enjoy some time in the spa. Additionally, you could take another cooking class or enjoy a food tour.
Take a Day Trip to Ravello
If you want to explore another town along the Amalfi Coast, consider a day trip to Ravello. This can easily be done from either Naples or Sorrento. This tour is a great option.
Explore More from Rome on a Day Trip
Rome makes a great base to easily explore surrounding areas. Depending on how long of a day you are prepared for, there are several day trip options to let you see more of Italy. Here are a few options.
- Tuscany Day Trip
- Small-Group Tour: Florence and Pisa Day Trip
- Orvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio Tour
- Small-Group Tour: Assisi and Orvieto Full Day Tour
Some shorter day trip options are:
- Hadrian’s Villa and Tivoli
- Ostia
10 Rome and Amalfi Coast Travel Tips
1. Prebook Tickets
Many popular sites will have long lines to enter. To avoid waiting in line and wasting time, prepurchase tickets in advance. There are also options to “skip the line” so you can make the most out of each day of exploring. Viator.com is a wonderful place to look for such tickets.
Look for Skip the Line Tickets
2. Beware of Gypsies
Yes, gypsies are real and they can be problematic. In Rome, you may see them begging for money or one may distract you while the other picks your pocket. Always be aware of your surroundings and do not carry your wallet in your back pocket.
The most common places you will find Gypsie’s are at train and subway stations. They will hang out by the ticket machines and offer to “help” you. Afterwards, they will demand payment for their services. Ticket kiosks are not hard to use and there is an English language option. Kindly but forcefully tell them “No thank you” or to go away.
3. Learn a Few Italian Phrases
In many of the common tourist places, such as Rome, English is spoken to some extent. However, it is always appreciated and a sign of respect to try to learn a few Italian phrases. These phrases can also come in handy if you are traveling to smaller towns where English isn’t necessarily spoken.
Here are a few phrases that are helpful to know:
- Buongiorno (bwohn-johr-noh) – Hello/Good morning
- Buonosera (bwoh-nah-seh-rah)- Good Evening
- Per favore (pehr fah-voh-reh) – Please
- Grazie (grah-tsee-eh)- Thank you
- Prego (preh-goh) – You’re welcome
- Scusa (skooh-zah) – I’m sorry/Excuse me
- Parla inglese? (pahr-lah een-gleh-zeh) – Do you speak English?
- Aiuto me! (ah-yooh-toh me) – Help me!
4. Cover Shoulders and Knees During Church Visits
As with many churches in Europe, a dress code is enforced for anyone wishing to visit. Both women and men should have shorts that fall below the knee. In addition, shoulders should be covered. If you are wearing a tank top, make sure to bring a scarf or shawl that you can wrap around your shoulders during your visit.
If you do not follow this etiquette, you may be denied entry into the church or place of worship. In addition, it is also recommended that you avoid low cut tops.
5. Validate Your Train Ticket
You will need to validate your train ticket at the station before you board the train. Some types of tickets already come pre-validated, and others require you to see a clerk or use a machine to validate them. Rules can be confusing and tricky, for more information on tickets requiring validation check here.
6. Renting a Wheelchair May Help You See More
If you or someone you are traveling with has limited mobility, consider renting a wheelchair or mobility scooter. There can be a lot of walking in the places you visit and renting mobility equipment will help conserve energy so you (or they) can do more on the trip. Many of the accessible tour companies I list below in the travel resource section can arrange this rental for you.
7. Consider Using Accessible Tours if You Have Mobility Problems
Likewise, if you use a mobility device or plan to rent one, there may be some areas where you should consider doing an accessible tour to best meet your needs. These tours will provide accessible transportation and know the best routes for mobility devices. While these tours may cost more, they will ensure you get to see some of the attractions that would be difficult to navigate and offer an amazing experience.
Places where I recommend accessible tours for people with mobility problems include:
- The Roman Forum
- Pompeii
- Capri
- Ravello
8. Plan to Eat Dinner Late
Italians don’t eat on the same schedule as the United States. Usually, dinner is served starting at around 8 pm. Restaurants may not be open earlier, so check times and plan your meals accordingly.
9. Get the Best Exchange Rate by Using ATM’s
You will find exchange offices both at the airport and in the cities in Italy. However, these places don’t always offer the best rates. Let your bank negotiate the best exchange rate by using the ATM’s to withdraw cash. Just make sure you are aware of any service fees that may apply.
Similarly, if you plan to use a credit card for most of your purchases, make sure they charge your card in the local currency as your credit card company will negotiate for the best rates. Always use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, like this one. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted.
10. Watch for Train Strikes
Train strikes can be common in Italy but are typically announced in advance. Keep an eye out for any announcements and be prepared to be flexible in your travel plans. You can find out information on strikes by talking to your hotel, asking locals, and looking for signs at stations.
Strikes may also affect other forms of transportation as well. These are also announced in advance.
When to Take Your Rome and Amalfi Coast Trip
If you are looking to save some money on your trip, consider traveling in the shoulder season. Travel during this time will have less crowds with pleasant temperatures and you may save on airfare and hotel costs. Shoulder season months are May, early June, late September, October, and November.
If you plan to travel during the months of July and August, expect hot temperatures and peak crowds. August is also the month when many Italians take vacation, so local shops and restaurants may close during this time.
Also know that if you plan to travel around a major Christian holiday (such as Easter or Christmas) that there will be more crowds in Rome. There also may be closures to attractions, shops, and restaurants during this time.
Average Temperatures Along the Coast
These are average temperatures for the Amalfi Coast for each month. They are listed as average highs and lows and are in the measurement of Fahrenheit degrees.
| Month | Temperature |
| January | 55/38 |
| February | 56/38 |
| March | 60/42 |
| April | 65/45 |
| May | 74/53 |
| June | 81/60 |
| July | 86/65 |
| August | 87/65 |
| September | 80/60 |
| October | 72/54 |
| November | 63/46 |
| December | 56/40 |
Rome and Amalfi Coast Packing List
- Sunglasses
- Bathing Suit
- Sunscreen
- Good Shoes
- Scarf or Shawl
Rome and Amalfi Coast Travel Resources
In this section, I wanted to give you some helpful resources for booking your trip. Remember to keep all your trip details organized so it will be easy to find your reservations numbers and information. One way to do this is with a trip planner.
Flights
There are two tools I use to book my flights. I will mention both below and the benefits that each offer.
Expedia
Expedia is one tool and offers easy booking as well as a rewards program if you use the site consistently for your travels. You also have the option to combine flights and hotel stays for a package price.
Check Flights and Prices to Rome
Skyscanner
Skyscanner is a fantastic tool if you are flexible in your travel dates as it allows you to search for the cheapest month to travel to your desired destination. It can also find good deals if you have fixed dates as well.
Hotels
Expedia
As I mentioned before, you can combine hotel stays and flights with Expedia to get a package deal. The other thing I like about using Expedia for hotel stays is it allows you to book an accessible room through their site. This is great when you want to ensure you get the room you need.
Check Hotel Availability for Your Trip
Booking.com
Booking.com is another great resource. It also allows you to book a specific type of room, such as an accessible one. It also does a nice job at highlighting what each property has to offer and what others who’ve stayed there have liked the most.
Italy Accessible Tour Operators
If you have mobility problems or are a wheelchair user and want to get the most out of your trip to Italy, you may want to consider using an accessible tour operator. Below is a list of companies that offer accessible tours in Italy. Click on the name of the company for a link to their websites for more information.
Disabled Accessible Travel
I have personally used this company when traveling to Europe and have been very pleased with my trips. They are quick to respond and are willing to work with you based on your needs and budget to plan a fantastic trip. There is even an emergency number you can call in the rare event you run into any problems during your travels.
Rome and Italy Accessible Travel
Specializing in accessible Italian travel, this company offers it all. Explore the major cities in Italy, even some that you wouldn’t think are accessible, with a variety of fun experiences. They also offer equipment rental, and services to book accessible hotel accommodations.
Sage Travel
Specializing in accessible travel in Europe, this company was started by a wheelchair user who wanted to make European travel more accessible to all. They offer private tours in several countries as well as hotel booking services and travel packages.
Admittedly, Sage Travel has mixed reviews from people who have tried booking tours. Primarily that there was a slow response time, or no response at all. However, I wanted to provide multiple options for you to choose from when it comes to accessible tour providers.
I have used Sage Travel for accessible shore excursions when I cruised to Europe and did find that I really had to stay on top of things and be proactive in contacting the person I was working with. The tours themselves were wonderful though and I had no complaints.
When I was planning a land tour, I had a different experience and the person I worked with was very responsive to all my emails and inquiries.
I will leave the decision up to you as to which company you would like to use and am merely providing information.
Rome and Amalfi Coast 10 Day Itinerary Final Thoughts
Although this itinerary gives you just a taste of what Italy has to offer, it is a great way to spend ten days in Italy. It offers the opportunity to explore ancient sites, works of art and enjoy beautiful coastal scenery. I know that by following this Rome and Amalfi Coast itinerary will ensure you have a fantastic trip.
