7-Day Itinerary for Southern Italy: Rome, Naples, the Amalfi Coast & Sardinia

Photo by Wyatt Simpson on Unsplash

Italy has been on my bucket list for years, and during my first trip, I quickly realized there was no way to see everything in one visit. Nevertheless, I tried!

During my trip to Italy in October, I stayed in Rome and took several tours to see different parts of the country. I ended my weeklong trip with a short stay in Sardinia, an island southwest of the mainland. The trip provided adventure, lots of opportunities to eat and shop, and tranquil beach vibes.

If that sounds like your kind of vacation, this 7-day Italy itinerary will be perfect for you:

Day 1: Travel Day

Depending on your arrival time, plan to get a quick lay of the land by taking the Hop on Hop off Bus around Rome. There are several pickup locations around the city, making it an easy and convenient option for your first day. During the ride, take note of the locations you want to see more of.

Grab dinner at one of the many scenic restaurants in the city before heading back to your hotel.

Day 2: Train to Naples

Get an early start on your second day and catch a train to Naples. The train ride is about an hour and costs about 85 euros, round-trip. Make sure to grab breakfast or bring snacks.

Once you arrive in Naples, head to Via dei Mille to visit some luxury stores or Via Toledo for local shopping options. Then, grab a slice of pizza from Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba, known as the world's first pizzeria.

The Hop on Hop Off Bus in Naples is a great way to see some quick views of the coast before catching the train back to Rome. The blue line goes along the coast and makes a stop near the train station, while the red line stays in the historic district.

TIP: Schedule a pasta and tiramisu-making class in Rome one evening around dinner time.

Day 3: The Vatican

After breakfast, spend the day exploring Rome and seeing some iconic landmarks, like the Trevi Fountain or the Colosseum. Book a flying dress photoshoot or plan to wear your favorite outfits and snap some photos around the city. I had my photos taken on the Spanish Steps, making for a gorgeous souvenir!

Grab a quick lunch after your photo session, then head to the Vatican for an afternoon tour. Make sure to buy a ticket in advance to skip the line. Take your time exploring the world’s smallest country and the several museums and holy sites in the area before heading back into Rome for dinner.

Day 4: Amalfi Coast

Take a daylong trip to the Amalfi Coast. The drive is about 4 hours from Rome, but there are several day-long tours that take you along the coast before stopping in Positano, where you can walk down to the beach and explore unique shops along the way. The tour then stops in Pompeii before taking you back to Rome.

Alternatively, you can take a bus to the Amalfi Coast and stay for several days.

Day 5: Travel to Sardinia

Catch an early flight to the island of Sardinia. Check into your hotel and spend the day relaxing by the beach or pool before dinner.

Day 6: Tour Cagliari

Grab breakfast before catching a ride to Sardinia’s capital, Cagliari. Take a tour of the city and learn about the history of the island before returning to your resort and heading back to the beach or to the spa before dinner.

Day 7: Travel to Rome

Fly back to Rome early so you can do some more shopping or visit more landmarks before one last dinner in the city.

Day 8: Fly Home

If you made large purchases during your trip, don’t forget to stop at the VAT with your necessary documents to get a tax refund.

Ready to make this itinerary your own? Whether you're dreaming of aperitivo at sunset or getting lost in cobblestone streets, Italy is waiting for you. Let me know in the comments which city you are most excited to explore first.