The Perfect 7 Day Rome and Amalfi Coast Itinerary

Trying to plan an Italy trip that includes both Rome and the Amalfi Coast? If you have about a week, you can see a lot without feeling like you’re living out of a suitcase the whole time.

This 7 day Rome and Amalfi Coast itinerary follows a simple, realistic route. You’ll spend your first few days wandering around Rome’s historic center, visiting the big ancient landmarks, and exploring Vatican City, then head south to Sorrento as your base for the coast. From there, it’s easy to visit places like Capri, Positano, and Amalfi.

Spending one week in Rome and the Amalfi Coast gives you a really nice mix of city sightseeing, coastal scenery, and some very good food. This Rome and Amalfi Coast trip is built to keep travel days manageable and leave you with enough flexibility so the trip still feels fun, not rushed.

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Overview of Your Rome and Amalfi Coast Itinerary

This itinerary is designed to follow a simple north to south route, starting in Rome and ending on the coast, which helps keep travel days manageable and avoids unnecessary backtracking.

Day 1 is designed as your arrival day, so it’s intentionally a little lighter and focused on Rome’s historic center. If you arrive in the afternoon, you’ll still be able to see quite a bit. If your flight only gets in during the evening, it’s worth arriving the day before so you can fully enjoy your first day in Rome.

For this trip, you don’t need a car. Public transport works really well between Rome, Naples, and Sorrento, and ferries and buses make it easy to get around the Amalfi Coast. In most cases, having a car would actually make things more stressful, especially along the coast.

The rest of the trip is split between sightseeing-heavy days in Rome and more relaxed coastal days based in Sorrento, with easy day trips to places like Capri, Positano, and Amalfi.

Breakdown of your 7 day Rome & Amalfi Coast trip

• Day 1: Rome Historic Center
• Day 2: Ancient Rome
• Day 3: Vatican & Trastevere
• Day 4: Travel from Rome to Sorrento
• Day 5: Capri Day Trip
• Day 6: Ravello & Amalfi
• Day 7: Positano & Sorrento

Map for your Rome and Amalfi Coast itinerary

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

Where to Stay in Rome and the Amalfi Coast

For this trip, you’ll stay in two main bases: Rome and Sorrento. This keeps the itinerary simple and avoids packing and unpacking every day, which makes a big difference on a one week trip.

In Rome, it’s best to stay somewhere central so you can walk to most major sights or easily access public transport.

On the coast, Sorrento works really well as a base because it’s well connected by train, ferry, and bus, and it’s usually easier and more affordable than staying directly in places like Positano.

Where to Stay in Rome

For a short stay, I’d recommend staying in or near the historic center. Areas like Centro Storico, Trastevere, or near the Pantheon and Piazza Navona work really well for first-time visits since you’re close to most of the main sights.

If it’s your first time in Rome, staying central will save you a lot of time getting around, especially since your itinerary includes early morning sightseeing days. For more info, check out my in-depth guide about the best areas to stay in Rome.

If you’re short on time, here are my top hotel picks for different budgets:

• Luxury: The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel | Hotel Palazzo Manfredi | Grand Hotel Gianicolo
• Mid-range: Hotel Ponte Sisto | FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino | Donna Camilla Savelli
• Budget: Hotel Barrett | Hotel Virgilio | Hotel San Francesco

Where to Stay in Sorrento

If you’re researching where to stay on the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is one of the easiest and most practical bases, especially if you’re relying on public transport. Although it’s technically not a part of the Amalfi Coast, it’s very well connected by ferries and buses to places like Capri, Positano, and Amalfi.

Sorrento also has a wide range of accommodation options, from boutique hotels to apartments, and it’s generally easier to get to from Rome compared to many towns directly on the Amalfi Coast.

Here are my hotel recommendations in Sorrento for different budgets:

• Luxury: Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria | Grand Hotel Ambasciatori | Grand Hotel Royal
• Mid-range: Hotel Continental | Hotel Antiche Mura | Grand Hotel Aminta
• Budget: Hotel Il Faro | Hotel Crawford

Day 1: Rome Historic Center

Your first day in Rome is designed to be fairly relaxed, especially since this is likely your arrival day. Instead of packing in timed entry attractions, this day focuses on places you can visit at your own pace while getting a feel for the city.

If you arrive earlier in the day, you can easily spend several hours wandering through Rome’s historic center. Start around the Trevi Fountain, then make your way toward the Spanish Steps and continue up to Terrazza del Pincio for your first panoramic view over the city.

From there, you can walk through Villa Borghese, which is one of Rome’s largest parks and a really nice break from the busy streets. You’ll find walking paths, viewpoints, small cafes, and plenty of shaded spots if you want to slow down for a bit.

If you’re interested in art, this is also where the Borghese Gallery is located, but you’ll need to book tickets in advance if you want to go inside.

Later in the day, head toward the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. This is one of my favorite parts of Rome to just walk around without a strict plan. There are small streets, cafes, gelato shops, and plenty of places to stop and take a break.

If you have the energy, this is also a great night to join a food tour or have a long dinner somewhere in the historic center.

If you land later in the afternoon, don’t stress about seeing everything. Even just visiting a couple of the main squares, grabbing dinner, and walking around in the evening is a great way to start your Rome and Amalfi Coast trip!

Day 2: Ancient Rome

Your second day in Rome is all about the city’s ancient history, so I recommend starting early, especially if you’re visiting during peak season. This is one of the busiest parts of Rome, and earlier mornings are usually much more enjoyable.

Start your day at the Colosseum, one of Rome’s most famous landmarks. I highly recommend booking your tickets in advance, ideally for one of the first time slots of the day.

The standard Colosseum ticket already includes entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, so you’ll be able to visit all three sites with the same ticket.

It’s definitely worth joining a guided tour here if it fits your budget. There’s so much history in this area, and having someone explain what you’re looking at makes a huge difference compared to just walking through the ruins on your own!

After visiting the Colosseum, continue to the Roman Forum, which was the political, social, and commercial center of ancient Rome.

Today, you can walk through the remains of temples, government buildings, and ancient streets. It’s one of the most impressive places in the city, but it can feel overwhelming without a bit of context, which is another reason tours can be really helpful here.

From the Forum, you can make your way up to Palatine Hill. This is one of the oldest parts of Rome and where many Roman emperors built their palaces. It’s also one of the best places for views over the Forum and the city.

Since your morning will likely be pretty full, I recommend taking the afternoon a bit slower. This is a good time to grab a long lunch, sit down for a coffee, or just wander without a strict plan.

If you still feel like sightseeing, you can head toward Piazza Venezia and the Altare della Patria. You can go up to the terrace here if you want another great view over Rome. From there, it’s an easy walk up to Campidoglio, which is a beautiful square designed by Michelangelo.

In the evening, Giardino degli Aranci is a really nice spot for sunset. It’s quieter than many viewpoints and has a beautiful view over the city and the Tiber River.

Day 3: Vatican, Trastevere

Your last day in Rome focuses on Vatican City and one of the city’s most atmospheric neighborhoods. Like Day 2, this is another day where starting early really helps, especially for the Vatican Museums.

I recommend booking your Vatican Museums tickets in advance and aiming for one of the first time slots of the day if possible. The museums are huge and can get very crowded later in the morning.

Inside, you’ll walk through a series of galleries filled with art, sculptures, and historical artifacts, ending in the Sistine Chapel.

After the museums, head into St Peter’s Basilica. Even if you’re not usually someone who visits churches, this one is really worth it! The scale alone is impressive, and you can also go up to the dome for views over St Peter’s Square and across Rome if you’re up for the climb.

After a busy morning, this is a good time to slow things down a bit. You could grab lunch nearby or start walking toward Castel Sant’Angelo. The castle sits right along the river and is connected to the Vatican by a historic passageway that was once used by the pope.

From here, you can slowly make your way toward Trastevere. It’s a great area to end your time in Rome. The streets are full of restaurants, small bars, and lively squares, and it’s one of the best places in the city for dinner and a relaxed final evening.

If you want more details for your time in Rome, check out my 3 day Rome itinerary, where I break down these same sights with more detailed tips and planning info!

Day 4: Travel from Rome to Sorrento

Today you’ll leave Rome and head south toward the coast. This is one of the longest travel days of this Rome and Amalfi Coast itinerary, so I recommend leaving Rome after breakfast to make the most of your day.

Depending on connections and the option you choose, travel time is usually around 4 to 6 hours. But trust me, it’s worth it!

The first part of the journey is simple. Take a high-speed train from Rome to Naples. This usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, and trains run frequently throughout the day. This part of your Rome and Amalfi Coast trip is very easy to plan, and you can book tickets in advance online.

From Naples to Sorrento, you have a few different options.

• Option 1: The cheapest option is the Circumvesuviana train. You can buy tickets directly at the station, or use the Tap and Go contactless system with your credit card. This train is used mostly by locals and commuters, and it does not usually show up on booking platforms like Omio.
• Option 2: The Campania Express is a more tourist-friendly train with air conditioning, reserved seating, and luggage space. You can book tickets online in advance on Omio.
• Option 3: The easiest (but also most expensive) option is to book a private transfer. You can book it just for the Naples-Sorrento leg of the trip, but if your budget allows, you can book directly from Rome to Sorrento.

There is also a direct Flixbus route between Rome and Sorrento, which can be a good option if you want a single, simple connection without transfers.

Once you arrive in Sorrento, I recommend keeping the evening relaxed. Check into your hotel, take a walk through the historic center, and head down toward the marina or waterfront areas. This is a great place for your first dinner on the coast and your first views over the Bay of Naples.

Day 5: Capri Day Trip

Today is all about Capri, which is one of the most popular day trips in this Rome and Amalfi Coast itinerary. It’s a busy destination, but it’s absolutely worth it if you plan your day well!

From Sorrento, you have two main options for visiting Capri.

The first option is to join an organized Capri day trip. This includes round trip transportation, a boat tour around the island, optional Blue Grotto visits, and some free time in Capri Town. It’s a great choice if you want everything handled for you and don’t want to worry about ferry schedules or logistics.

The second option is to go independently. You can book ferry tickets on FerryScanner, and I highly recommend booking round-trip tickets in advance, especially during peak season, since they can sell out.

The ferry ride from Sorrento to Capri only takes about 30 minutes, so if you go early enough, you can easily have almost a full day on the island.

Once you arrive, one of the most popular things to do is a boat tour around Capri. This is the best way to see the coastline, the famous Faraglioni rock formations, and the sea caves around the island.

After that, you can head up to Capri Town using the funicular, bus, or taxi. While you’re there, you can walk along Via Camerelle for shopping, then continue to the Gardens of Augustus for one of the most famous viewpoints on the island.

If you have more time, you can also walk to places like the Natural Arch or Villa Lysis. Another great option is heading to Anacapri, which is quieter and feels more local. From there, you can take the chairlift up to Monte Solaro for incredible views over the island and coastline.

In the late afternoon or early evening, head back to Sorrento and enjoy a relaxed dinner after a full day of exploring.

If you want a more detailed breakdown of how to plan your day, you can check out my one day in Capri itinerary, where I go into much more detail about routes, timing, and what to prioritize.

Day 6: Ravello & Amalfi

Today is all about experiencing more of the Amalfi Coast beyond just the most famous photo spots. I recommend visiting two of my favorite towns on the Amalfi Coast: Ravello and Amalfi.

From Sorrento, you can reach Amalfi either by ferry or by bus, and both options work well depending on your schedule.

The ferry is the most scenic option, but the first ferry usually leaves only around 9 am. If you want to start your day earlier, the bus is usually the better option. Buses run much earlier in the morning and are also cheaper than the ferry. Travel time between Sorrento and Amalfi is usually around 1.5 hours each way.

Once you arrive in Amalfi, I recommend heading straight up to Ravello by bus. The ride between Amalfi and Ravello is about 30 minutes. It’s much easier to visit Ravello first, then come back down to Amalfi later.

Buses between Amalfi and Ravello run regularly, but wait times can vary, so doing Ravello first gives you more flexibility and avoids the stress of trying to catch a specific ferry later in the day.

Ravello sits high above the coast rather than directly on the water, but that’s exactly what makes it special! The town is known for its gardens, villas, and panoramic views over the coastline.

If it’s your first time visiting, I highly recommend visiting Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone. Villa Rufolo is right in the center of town and easy to visit, while Villa Cimbrone is known for the Terrace of Infinity viewpoint.

After Ravello, head back down to Amalfi and spend the rest of your afternoon there. Amalfi is located directly on the coast and is one of the main transport hubs along the coastline.

While you’re here, it’s worth visiting the Duomo di Amalfi, walking through the historic center, and spending some time along the waterfront. It’s also a great place to stop for lunch or a drink before heading back, and don’t miss the iconic lemon sorbet served in a lemon!

If you’re taking the ferry back to Sorrento, the last one is usually around 5 pm, so keep that in mind when planning your afternoon. If you want more flexibility and don’t want to watch the clock, the bus is usually a better option for getting back to Sorrento later in the evening.

Altogether, you’re looking at roughly 4 hours of transport during the day, sometimes more if you hit waiting times. It’s definitely a long day, but it’s worth it for the experience!

If you want to reduce travel time, another option is to stay in Amalfi or Positano for your last 2 to 3 nights instead of Sorrento. This makes it much easier to explore towns along the coast, but it does make your transfer from Rome a little more complicated earlier in the trip.

If you prefer a simpler option, you can also join a guided day tour from Sorrento that visits Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello in one day.

Day 7: Positano, Sorrento

I saved the best for last, and today it’s finally time to visit the famous Positano! It’s one of the most iconic towns on the Amalfi Coast, and it’s a place that has to be included in every Rome and Amalfi Coast itinerary.

Similar to Amalfi, you have the option to reach Positano by bus or by ferry. The bus is usually the earliest option and runs throughout the day, while the ferry is more scenic and usually runs from late morning through the afternoon.

Travel time is usually around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on which option you choose. I recommend catching a bus early in the morning and booking a ferry back to Sorrento for later.

Once you arrive in Positano, spend some time walking through the town and down toward Spiaggia Grande. Positano is known for its colorful buildings stacked along the cliffs, boutique shops, and cafes with coastal views.

While you’re here, it’s worth stopping by the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, which sits right near the beach and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in town. The stairs are brutal in Positano, so make sure to have comfortable shoes!

If you want to add something extra to your day, you could also join a 4-hour boat tour along the coast. This is a great way to see the coastline from the water and visit places that are harder to reach by land.

You can easily spend half a day in Positano and then head back to Sorrento, or stay most of the day and return later in the afternoon or evening.

It really depends on how relaxed you want your last day to be. If you want a full breakdown of how to plan your time, you can check out my one day in Positano guide.

Back in Sorrento, spend your final evening enjoying the town. There are plenty of things to do in Sorrento, even if you just want a relaxed final night.

You can walk through Piazza Tasso, stroll along Corso Italia, or head down to Marina Grande, which is a great spot to see the small fishing boats and have dinner by the water.

If you’re around for sunset, Villa Comunale is one of the best places in town to end your trip, with views out over the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius in the distance.

Do you have more days and want to see more of the Amalfi Coast? Then check out my ultimate 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary!