Destination: Rome Day Trips

Amalfi Coast

There's so much to see and do in Rome, but if you are able to add a day or two to your trip here are three destinations not to be missed. All are an easy train, car, and/or boat ride from Rome.

AMALFI COAST 

This gorgeous stretch of coastline on the south side of Italy is filled with breathtaking views, rocky beaches, and bright-colored hillside villages.

To make the very most of your visit on the Amalfi Coast, hire a driver/guide to pick you up at the Naples train station to start your day. We had great success with Alberto at AP Tours. We were able to design the trip to our specifications. Below is a map of our itinerary, all of which can be packed into one in a day. Expect to pay 280-360 Euros for two for the day depending upon the number of passengers and destinations chosen.

SAVVY TIP: Make sure to request a vehicle that allows you to sit up higher (a van instead of a sedan) so you can take in the beautiful views above the road's guide rail. And whatever you do, don't drive! The roads are much too narrow and should be left only to the pros.


View Larger Map

Take the earliest train from Rome to Naples (shown on the map above as "A"). We drove past Pompeii and on to the Amalfi Coast first. From East to West, we stopped and visited Ravello ("B"), Amalfi ("C"), and our favorite Positano ("D").  On our way back to Naples to catch our return train to Rome we stopped in Pompeii ("E").

Ravello town square

Ravello 

The best views of the Amalfi Coast are here. Make sure to visit the beautiful gardens at Villa Rufolo just off the town square. Ceramic plates are the souvenir specialty. Don't miss the small, but well respected Ravello-brand wines all grown, aged, and bottled in the area. 

Amalfi's Duomo

Amalfi

The coast's largest town and popular resort destination was once one of the world's greatest naval powers. Taste the good life with an after-dinner limoncello drink.  Make sure to check out the Duomo (The Cathedral) off the main square.  

Positano's waterfront

Positano

The Amalfi Coast's beauty is personified here. Gorgeous beaches, fragrant citrus groves and beautiful white buildings built right into the cliffs make this my favorite destination on the Amalfi Coast. To enjoy, just mosey through the shops and down the beaches to dip your toes in the Mediterranean. Ask your guide to take you high up in the hillside to taste the best homemade meal in all of Italy (and the views aren't too shabby either!) at Trattoria La Tagliata.

Pompeii's ruins

POMPEII

In AD 79  Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying the city of Pompeii in 20 feet of pumice and ash. 20 FEET! Excavation did not begin until 1748 revealing a city petrified in time. Many impressive and intact ruins are located here including sculpture, buildings, and paintings giving you a sneak peek as to what was life in a once-thriving commercial port of 20,000 residents.

Located midway between Naples and Sorrento (about 30 minutes from each),  you could easily spend an entire day in Pompeii.  We just had time for a quick visit after spending most of our day in Positano on the Amalfi Coast. Armed with a great Rick Steves' map and audio guide we flew through Pompeii in less than two hours. I wouldn't suggest it because we didn't get to see everything, but know it is doable.

A cast of Pompeii citizen on that fateful day

Pompeii can be very confusing without a guidebook or guide. Have a game plan to make this trip a success.

Replica of the Dancing Faun

Here are a few must-sees:

• The House of Faun - Pompeii's largest home covering an entire city block complete with a small bronze statue of the Dancing Faun, 40 rooms, and 27,000 square feet. 
• The House of Vetti - the best-preserved home with many frescoes and mosaics
• The Brothel - Just as popular today as it probably was then, this stop was a simple place with stone beds and pillows. Look up for what was probably a sort of "menu" of options for purchase.
• The Baths - After working out in the nearby gym, men would relax here in a cold, warm, or hot bath.

Note: The Archaeological Museum in Naples contains an enormous amount of treasures from Pompeii. (9 AM - 7:30 PM, Closed Tuesday)

CAPRI 

Rome's Emperors chose this beautiful, small island paradise of Capri (pronounced Cap-ry) as their favorite vacationing spot. The bright blue waters have earned it a reputation as a Garden of Eden.  However these days that reputation is nearly eclipsed by its stigma as a tourist trap. There's barely an off season here, but Capri is particularly one to avoid in July and August.

The cheapest way to get there is to take a ferry ride from Naples, Amalfi, Positano, or Sorrento for 14 Euro. If you are looking to arrive in style, try Capri Time Boats.

The must-do in Capri is the Blue Grotto, and it's no secret. Motorboats line up outside this grotto waiting for available row boats (the only vessels allowed inside the grotto), tourists shuffle from one boat to another, and lie back to squeeze under the grotto's narrow opening. The long lines force your visit to be only a few minutes, but the magical water and once-in-a-lifetime experience may make it all worthwhile.