Itineraries
10 days in Italy: Rome, Florence and the Amalfi Coast
A first-timer's route with the big sights, a taste of Tuscany and three days on the coast, all by train and ferry.
By Traveljin Editorial Team · Updated · 2 min read
Quick answer
- Spend three nights in Rome, three in Florence and three or four on the Amalfi Coast, traveling between them by high-speed train.
- Book timed tickets for the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums and Florence's Uffizi Gallery well before you go.
- The Amalfi Coast is at its best from May to early October, when ferries run between the towns.
| Route | Rome → Florence → Amalfi Coast |
|---|---|
| Rome–Florence by train | About 1.5 hours |
| Florence–Naples by train | About 3 hours |
| Best months | May–June, September–early October |
| Fly into / out of | Rome (FCO) / Naples (NAP) or Rome |
Days 1–3: Rome
Start with ancient Rome: the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill on one ticket. On day two, visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel early, then St. Peter's Basilica. Use day three for the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and an evening in Trastevere.
The Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays, except the last Sunday of the month, when entry is free and very crowded, so plan your Vatican day for a weekday.
Days 4–6: Florence and Tuscany
The high-speed train reaches Florence in about an hour and a half. See Michelangelo's David at the Accademia, the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo, then watch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo.
Use one day for Tuscany: Siena is about an hour and a half away by bus, or join a tour to the vineyards and hill towns of Chianti and San Gimignano.
Days 7–10: Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast
Take the train south to Naples, about three hours from Florence. Stop at Pompeii on the way to the coast: the Circumvesuviana local train links Naples, Pompeii and Sorrento.
Base yourself in Sorrento for easy transport and better value, or in Positano or Amalfi for the views. From roughly April to October, ferries connect Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and the island of Capri, which avoids the traffic on the narrow coast road.
Walk the Path of the Gods above Positano, visit hillside Ravello and spend a day on Capri. Fly home from Naples, or take the train back to Rome in about an hour and ten minutes.
Tips for the trip
- Book high-speed trains (Trenitalia Frecciarossa or Italo) in advance for the best fares; regional trains have fixed prices and don't need advance booking.
- Churches, including St. Peter's, require covered shoulders and knees.
- Many restaurants add a small cover charge (coperto) per person; it is normal and not a scam.
- July and August are very hot and crowded in Rome and Florence, and the coast is busiest in August.
Frequently asked questions
Is 10 days enough for Italy?
Ten days is enough for three regions without rushing, such as Rome, Florence and the Amalfi Coast, or Rome, Florence and Venice.
What is the best way to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast?
Take the high-speed train to Naples (about an hour and ten minutes), then a ferry, bus, private transfer or the local train to Sorrento.
When is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast?
May, June and September: warm sea, ferries running and fewer crowds than in July and August. Many hotels close from November to March.
