Italy Trip Itinerary: Rome, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast
Written by Bonnie, with real-time commentary, strong opinions, and epic planning from her husband, Carson.
This was our Italy itinerary: Rome, Pompeii, Positano, Sorrento, Amalfi, and Ravello — all layered into one trip that felt equal parts beautiful and full.
If you were following along on Instagram, you saw a lot of this in real time.
The views, the food, the walking, the little in-between moments that don’t always make it into words.
This is the full version with context.
Italy in March: Weather, Crowds and What to Expect
We traveled March 17 through March 25, which ended up being that in-between season — not quite winter, not quite spring.
The weather was cooler than you might expect for late March. We were mostly in the 50s and 60s, sometimes dipping into the 40s, and I wore a coat almost the entire trip.
Looking back, it was probably the best-case scenario for how much walking we did — because had it been hot, it would have been brutal.
Also worth noting, we really considered Lake Como but decided to head south after the wedding in Rome due to expected weather and it was the right move. It would have been way less enjoyable weather-wise I am certain!
What I Packed for Italy in March (and what I actually wore)
Before we left, I tried to be intentional about what I packed and kept it fairly simple — a loose capsule wardrobe that I knew I could mix, match, and layer.
In reality, I ended up living in a few core pieces.
A lot of denim.
My Sam Edelman camel coat. (something like these but I can’t find the exact one)
My tall Penny Leather Sam Edelman Riding Boots, which turned out to be one of my best decisions — they’re actually comfortable, which matters when you’re walking miles a day.
And my Allbirds sneakers, which I rotated in when I needed a break from the boots.
I brought a pair of dressy flats for the wedding and a more casual pair of mules I’m living in until further notice, also from Circus by Sam Edelman… and I never wore the dressy ones even once. It was just too cold, so I defaulted back to the boots.
So apparently I unintentionally packed a Sam Edelman-heavy wardrobe. If anyone over there is listening, I’m open to a partnership 😄
What I will say, though — I think I over-corrected on color.
I had this idea in my head that I needed to stay more neutral and toned down for Europe, and looking back, that was completely unnecessary for the areas we visited.
Especially along the Amalfi Coast, everything is already so colorful — the buildings, the tiles, the flowers, the lemons — that I actually wish I had brought more color with me. A few brighter pieces, something with a little more personality.
So if you’re planning a trip like this, wear what you want.
You don’t need to tone yourself down.
Flying ITA Airways Business Class to Rome (Overnight Flight Experience)
We flew ITA Airways from Miami straight into Rome overnight.
And I will say — for a flight like that, being able to actually sleep made a huge difference. We had dinner, I slept, woke up, had breakfast, and we were just… there. It felt almost too easy for how far we traveled.
I’m sure I would survive economy just fine. But for a long overnight flight like that, I can now understand why people say it’s worth it to fly Business Class for a long flight.
Arriving in Rome: Airport, Transportation Issues & Travel Tips
Getting through customs was easy.
Our first hiccup was the driver.
We had arranged transportation through the hotel, and they weren’t there when we landed. After an overnight flight, that’s just not the moment you want uncertainty. It worked out, but if I were doing it again, I would confirm it again before landing.
Also — my Airalo didn’t work properly the entire trip. I was basically reliant on WiFi. Carson had an international plan and still had some spotty moments.
So just know: your phone situation might not be as seamless as you expect.
Where We Stayed in Rome: Melia Hotel Experience
We stayed at the Melia in Rome, and honestly, it ended up being such a solid choice for us.
After long days of walking and being out in the city, it felt like a place we could actually come back to and reset a bit.
The grounds were beautiful, the staff was really kind, and everything felt very well taken care of. It had a calmer, more relaxed feel compared to the constant movement of the city, which I really appreciated.
The food at the hotel was also genuinely good.
Their breakfast (and their pasta) in particular was excellent — not just the typical quick hotel setup, but a full spread with plenty of options, and everything we had was consistently good. It made it really easy to just stay there in the mornings instead of going out searching for something.
They also had a spa downstairs that we ended up using before the wedding, which was such a nice pause in the middle of everything. Steam room, sauna, hot tea — just a moment to slow down a little before everything picked up again.
And then the little detail that I loved — they would leave these Italian chocolates on our bed during turndown service every night.
We definitely brought some of those home with us.
It’s small, but those kinds of details stay with you.
What It’s Really Like Walking Around Rome (Cobblestones, Distance & Shoes)
We dropped our bags and immediately went out.
Straight to gelato. Which was worth the walk.
And then more walking.
And more walking.
I knew we’d be walking, but I didn’t realize how much. We were doing many miles every day on cobblestones, uneven streets, stairs, inclines — all of it.
My ankle muscles were not prepared. My husband had calf cramps.
If you’re going, wear real shoes. Not cute shoes. Real shoes. Unless of course, in a perfect world, your cute shoes are also extremely comfy.
Food in Rome: What We Loved (and What Surprised Us)
That first night somewhere near the Pantheon, I had my first proper Roman pizza — super thin crust, fresh organic ingredients, simple and really quite tasty.
Food overall was consistently good.
But I’ll say this honestly — coming from Palm Beach County where we already have incredible food, it didn’t feel wildly above and beyond what we’re used to. It was fresh, it was yummy, but it wasn’t shocking.
Also, every pasta dish is definitely al dente. Like… very.
And the whole “no cappuccino, only espresso after noon” thing?
Thankfully, that was not our experience at all.
Colosseum vs Roman Forum: What’s Worth Seeing and Why Hiring a Guide is the way to go
We had a tour planned for both the Colosseum and the Forum, and it was packed.
Way more crowded than we (and our tour guide) expected.
We ended up spending more time in the Forum, and honestly, I think I preferred it.
With a guide, it actually comes to life. Without that context, it would have just felt like wandering through ruins. Cool for sure, but less memorable.
Destination Wedding in Rome: Our Experience & Favorite Moments
The welcome dinner was one of my favorite parts of the entire trip.
This was my husband’s brother’s wedding, so it felt especially meaningful being there.
They split us into small groups, each with a guide, and walked us through Rome, stopping at different local food spots along the way. It felt like moving through the city with intention, not just sitting at one table all night.
Then the next day, the wedding itself was incredibly thoughtful too.
There were rose petals laid in a half circle, and then the family completed the circle during the ceremony. A candlelighting ceremony too. Beautiful florals, rich tones, everything felt very cozy, romantic, and intimate.
Later that night, every guest had a personalized note waiting at their seat.
The flowers from the ceremony didn’t just disappear — they traveled with us. They became centerpieces at dinner, and then those same blooms were turned into flower crowns for the women (and greenery only versions for a few brave men!). Watching the flowers move through the day like that — from ceremony to table to something wearable — it felt so artful. So considered.
After dinner, they even decorated their own cake which was really fun to watch.
Also, completely unplanned, I ended up doing a quick set of getting-ready photos for my brother-in-law at our hotel before the ceremony. I had my camera with me and just grabbed what I could in about 15 minutes.
It wasn’t planned at all, but I’m really glad I went for it and loved that he was up for it!
Travel Day: Rome to Pompeii to Positano (Train, Drivers & Logistics)
This was a full day.
Train from Rome to Napoli, driver to Pompeii, walking tour, then another drive to Positano. I actually quite enjoyed the train adventure once we were on board. Seeing a little of the countryside was lovely and different.
Pompeii was incredible — but I will say, without a guide, I don’t think I would have appreciated it nearly as much.
Also… more walking.
Visiting Pompeii: Is It Worth It? What You Need to Know
I didn’t really research Old Pompeii before we went.
I knew of it, obviously, but I didn’t fully understand what we were walking into. I kind of went in blind — Carson had planned that part of the trip after a client of mine suggested it, and we all just trusted the process.
And I’m actually really glad we had a guide, because without one, I don’t think we would have appreciated it nearly as much.
There’s just so much you wouldn’t understand on your own.
We weren’t just walking through ruins — we were hearing how people lived, what the spaces were used for, what daily life looked like before everything stopped.
At one point, we even saw an active excavation happening with donkey bones being uncovered, which is something I’ll never forget.
If you’re even slightly interested in history, it’s worth it.
But I would not do it without a guide.
Also, more photos because I can’t help myself…
Staying in Positano: Hotel Experience, Views & What to Expect
By the time we arrived in Positano, we were completely spent.
It had been a long day of trains, drivers, Pompeii, more walking, more movement, and by the time we got to Eden Roc Positano it felt like we had hit that point where you’re too tired to even process where you are.
And then we opened the balcony doors.
That view was one of those moments that just stops you for a second. Room 212 if you need this view!
The coastline, the layers of buildings, the Mediterranean right there, the whole dramatic cliffside of it all. It was one of those views that makes you understand why people are so obsessed with that part of Italy.
We were there right at the start of the season, which mattered more than I expected. The hotel had only just reopened maybe a week before we got there, and a lot of places nearby were still closed. That shaped the experience more than I realized it would.
Still, the hotel itself was lovely. The staff was warm and clearly happy to have people there again. Everyone was kind, helpful, and between the view, the room, and the food, Eden Roc really did a lot of heavy lifting for us during that stretch of the trip.
Exploring Positano: Walking, Shops, Food & Real Experience
Positano is beautiful.
It is also very vertical.
Walking down feels easy enough when you’re fresh and taking in the views and popping into little shops along the way. Walking back up is a completely different experience. That part is not for the weak. We were tired already, and the walk back up humbled us quickly.
Still, it was charming. The colorful buildings, the little streets, the shops tucked into the hillsides, the wisteria starting to bloom. Even though it wasn’t fully in season yet, it was still beautiful, and I could tell it would be even more lush a month or two later once everything had really filled in.
We did some very minimal damage shopping there and mostly just took it in. Carson had a frozen lemon drink served inside an actual lemon, which felt very Amalfi Coast. Carson put his feet in the Mediterranean, which was freezing, and I’m sure everyone thought he was crazy.
But the part I don’t want to leave out is how much the hotel shaped our Positano experience.
Because so much nearby was still closed, we ended up eating at Eden Roc more than once, and honestly, that worked out in our favor.
The first night we ate downstairs at their more casual restaurant, Roc – Pizza & Steak by the way it presented itself felt more like pizza, steak, and comfort after a long day, but it was surprisingly excellent. Carson had a steak that he is still talking about. They brought the cut out to show him before cooking it, and apparently the Jasper oven was a whole thing and a point of pride for them.
And the desserts.
That first night we had Eve’s Original Sin, which looked like this perfect glossy apple and felt almost too pretty to eat. White chocolate shell, creamy filling, beautifully done, very theatrical in the best way. We shared it once and immediately realized that sharing it had been a mistake.
The second time, we corrected that. Yes, we ate at the hotel multiple times. That probably tells you everything…
Then there was the upstairs restaurant, Adamo ed Eva, the more fine dining side of the hotel, which we also really enjoyed. Again, beautiful presentation, really good food, and that same feeling that they were taking the full experience seriously.
And I really need to mention the breakfast, because their breakfast deserves its own paragraph.
Breakfast at Eden Roc was on the rooftop with gorgeous views, and it was one of my favorite recurring parts of staying there. Lots of espresso, fresh fruit, croissants, eggs, avocado toast, banana bread, all beautifully presented, and it just felt like such a lovely way to start the day. We ate there every morning and never got tired of it.
That view with breakfast, especially after all the constant movement of the trip, gave the whole stay this softer rhythm that I really appreciated.
So while I can say Positano itself may have been more of a one-and-done for me, the hotel experience was genuinely lovely. The view, the rooftop breakfasts, the food, the kindness of the staff, all of that made a real impression.
And then, because I know these little details matter, I’ll say this too: the lemon dessert ended up beating Eve’s Original Sin for me by the end. The apple was beautiful and worth trying, but the lemon dessert was so light and fluffy and just felt right there.
Flowers and Gardens Along the Amalfi Coast (and the Details I Didn’t Expect)
There were flowers, lemons, and lush greenery everywhere.
Even being there just at the start of the season, you could already see everything beginning to wake up, and some freshly planted. Wisteria starting to bloom, soft purples weaving through the buildings, little pockets of greenery climbing walls and framing doorways.
And you could tell it wasn’t even at its peak yet.
There were planters, terraces, balconies, edges of staircases — everything felt touched by something growing.
Some of it felt intentional, curated. Some of it felt like it had just always been there.
And then layered into that, the lemon trees. So many lemon trees! And orange trees.. but the lemons were winning, for sure.
Even without fully experiencing the gardens of Ravello, you could feel that it was a place where the landscape mattered in a different way. More intentional. More expansive.
If I went back, I would time it for when everything is fully in bloom and spend a full day just moving through those spaces slowly.
Unexpected Things About Italy Travel (Smoking, Bathrooms, Driving)
A few things caught us off guard.
The smoking — it’s everywhere. Walking into hotels, outside restaurants, just constantly in the air.
The driving — tight roads, scooters weaving through traffic, cars somehow fitting where they shouldn’t.
And the bathrooms.
No toilet seats in many places. Sometimes no toilet paper. And it wasn’t a one-time thing — it was consistent. Still boggled! So just, yeah.. mentally prepare. lol
Churches in Rome & Along the Amalfi Coast (and the Art Inside Them)
One thing I didn’t expect to notice as much as I did — the churches.
That large cathedral in Amalfi, the one with the dramatic staircase and all of the pattern and detail layered into the facade — it pulls you in immediately from the outside. It feels bold, almost graphic in a way, with the contrast and repetition.
But stepping inside is a completely different experience.
And then there were the smaller churches.
We stepped into one (I honestly couldn’t even tell you exactly where we were at that point — somewhere along the coast, maybe Sorrento), and it stopped me in my tracks.
Soft pink tones, ornate white detailing, gold accents — everything felt sculpted, not just decorated. It wasn’t just a place of worship, it felt like a piece of art you could stand inside.
That was something I kept noticing throughout the trip.
The art isn’t just in museums. It’s built into the architecture. Into the spaces people move through every day.
And I think that’s part of what makes Italy feel the way it does — like history and art aren’t separate things there.
They’re just… part of the environment.
Sorrento vs Positano: Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast
Sorrento felt different.
More local. More open. Better shopping, more variety.
We found a bakery that smelled so good I still wish I could bottle it. And the cutest little shop with lots of italian favorites I really regret not stashing more of.
The leather goods were PLENTY in Sorrento.. and while there were some nice shops in Rome, I felt like this was the better option and things seemed to be slightly better priced than in Positano. More competition maybe!
If we were to go back, I would strongly consider staying in Sorrento instead.
Amalfi vs Ravello: Which Is Worth Visiting?
Amalfi was pretty, but it felt very tourist-heavy.
It didn’t stand out in a way that made me feel like I needed to go back.
Ravello, though, is the one I keep thinking about.
Ravello Travel Experience: Why I Would Go Back
We didn’t get to experience Ravello the way I wish we had.
It was cold, things weren’t fully open, and we were at the very end of the trip, already tired.
But you could feel it had more to offer — especially the gardens, which I would absolutely prioritize next time.
Everyone consistently assured us Ravello was the spot if we wanted ceramics, so we stopped at a ceramic factory along the way, and my mother in law and I couldn’t resist a few treasures. And FYI, all of these ceramic places will ship things back for you with a certain value purchase.
There was something about Ravello I just really loved even with just our short visit.
The pottery we couldn’t pass up:
Amalfi Coast Transportation Tips (Drivers, Cost & What to Expect)
Transportation along the coast is expensive.
We paid around €160 one way through the hotel, and €120 going direct.
If I were doing it again, I would find a driver ahead of time instead of relying on the hotel. Claudio was amazing!
And driving yourself?
Forget it. Not something I would ever attempt.
Travel Day Home: Italy to USA Flight Experience
3:30am wake up.
Long drive back to Rome.
About 21 hours door to door.
The flight back felt longer, probably because it was. lol The tailwinds? I don’t know.. and it being during the day instead of overnight.
We’re still adjusting a few days later, for reference and it was a 5 hour time difference for us.
Is Italy Worth It? and What I Would Do Differently
I would absolutely do this trip again.
But I would do it a little differently.
I would slow it down.
Spend more time in fewer places.
Plan transportation more carefully.
And give myself more space to actually be in each place.
I don’t know that I’m in any hurry to return to the Amalfi Coast, honestly. There are plenty of other places I’d like to see someday before I’d do a repeat.
But Ravello… I think I would go back for Ravello.