There is nothing like an Italian summer! We spent 10 full days in Italy in August 2023 right before I returned to work from maternity leave. I know, crazy to go on a trip without your baby during maternity leave, but I 100% recommend it. It helped me feel like myself again and recharge before transitioning into a working mom. Ten days was the perfect amount of time to visit three locations and not feel rushed. The trip did not feel too long or too short, and allowed us to enjoy each location. We missed Sydney so much but she had no idea we were gone and acted completely normal when we returned. She literally acted the same way she does when I leave her at home for a quick Target run. Safe to say, mom and dad will be taking at least one solo trip a year.
Before I dive into the itinerary, I want you to know there are so many things to do in Rome, Positano, and Capri. There are also so many other locations in Italy to visit that are just as gorgeous. I chose these locations because Alex had never been, they're easy to get to, and they're a perfect combination of everything we love: culture, history, mountains, beaches, food, and adventure. I planned this trip in less than a month and happened to go on the busiest week of the entire year because it was during an Italian holiday called Ferragosto. So, many restaurants, activities, and hotels were completely booked. You'll have a lot more options if you plan in advance. I'll add additional things to do at the end that we could not get.
DAY 1: Fly to Rome
You're likely taking an overnight flight to Rome regardless of whether you have a layover. We departed Miami International Airport at 6:25 p.m. and had a short layover in New York.
Day 2: Rome
We arrived in the afternoon. Took a taxi from the airport to our hotel to check in.
We stayed at U-Visionary Roma. The hotel was great and very central. It was in the heart of Rome. Very close walking distance to the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, which is where all the designer stores, great restaurants, and cute shops are located. I've stayed near the Vatican and Colosseum on previous trips, but definitely prefer staying near in this area.
After checking in we explored the Spanish Steps and Trevi fountain. We did some shopping. Then stumbled upon and ate at the best restaurant called Tartufi & Friends. We loved it so much that we went back the last day of our trip.
Day 3: Rome
The first half of the day we visited the Colosseum, Palentine Hill, and the Roman Forum. We usually prefer private guided tours at historical locations, but this time we went with a small group tour because these places are so crowded that it would never ever feel private unless you're famous and book the entire place to yourself lol. Our small group tour was perfect--less than 10 people, quick and to the point without missing important information.
Spent the second half of the day exploring Pizza Navona and the Pantheon.
Day 4: Rome
Spent the first half of the day visiting the Vatican and Sistine Chapel. Did another small group tour. There is literally no other way to skip the line. If you want to go in on your own without a guide, you'll need to wait in the longest line ever!! Longer than any Disney ride line I've ever seen!
Spent the second half of the day exploring the town of Trastevere and shopping. Shopping is amazing in Italy--designer items are usually cheaper and tax free for foreigners. You can also do a cooking class. But we decided to do that in Amalfi (discussed below).
Day 5: Rome to Positano
Getting to Positano from Rome is super easy! You have a few options. First, you can fly or take the train from Rome to Naples. Then you can drive or take a ferry from Naples to Positano. I've flown and taken the train from Rome to Naples, and I think the train is so much easier and faster. The actual commute is slightly longer by train (maybe 20 minutes longer), but it is so much faster by train because you do not need to get to the train station early, go through security, or drop off your luggage anywhere. You can literally arrive to the train station 5-10 minutes before departure without missing your ride. Once we arrived to the train station in Naples, a driver (that I coordinated with the hotel) was there to pick us up and drive us 90 minutes to Positano. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
We stayed at the Poseidon Hotel Positano. It has the most amazing views, terrace, and pool. The author of One Italian Summer actually stayed there while writing and even mentions the hotel in the book. The hotel is in the heart of Positano, on the cliff overlooking the ocean, and walking distance (up and downhill) to the entire town.
We ventured out into town after check in. We walked through the narrow streets, down to the beach, and visited the cute shops along the way. We had dinner at Il Tridente--the hotel restaurant on the terrace during sunset. 'Twas a great night.
Day 6: Positano
Today we did a cooking class in Amalfi. Amalfi is one of many gorgeous beachside towns on the Amalfi coast. It is about 30-45 minutes away from Positano depending on traffic. We coordinated a driver with the hotel. The cooking class was the most amazing experience. It wasn't a regular, boring cooking class. It took place outdoors in an uphill farm that the owner built himself with his best friend during COVID. We cooked a bunch of appetizers and gnocchi. We made everything from scratch with ingredients that we picked from the garden.
Day 7: Positano
We spent most of day 7 on a private Vespa tour of the Amalfi Coast. This one of the best and funnest ways to explore the Amalfi Coast. You ride along the coast through the winding roads with phenomenal ocean views to all of the coastal towns you see on television. This was one of the funnest days of our trip. We visited Ravello, Amalfi, and Praiano. We also stopped at several private beaches along the way for a dip. And, we had lunch at the most amazing restaurant called Il Pirate Beach Club and went (mini) cliff diving after lunch. I wish we had more time to spend the entire day there.
Day 8: Positano to Capri
Getting from Positano to Capri is super easy. We booked a ferry here. We walked to the marina from the hotel. The walk is downhill, so we coordinated with the hotel to take our luggages to the marina. The luggages were at the marina before we arrived. The ferry to Capri is just 40 minutes.
As soon as we arrived to Capri's Marina Grande, a porter from our hotel was waiting for us to collect our luggages and take them up the mountain to the hotel. We took an open air taxi to the hotel from the marina when we arrived in Capri. You do not need to pre-book the taxi. There are a bunch at the marina entrance. You can also get to Capri's main square near all the hotels by Funicular. You can buy the funicular tickets right next to the marina.
We stayed at La Residenza Capri. The hotel is amazing and has a gorgeous lobby and pool. The rooms are spacious and airy. The hotel is in Capri's pedestrian zone where all the designer stores, restaurants, shops, and main square are located.
After checking in, we did some shopping before having lunch at Il Riccio, which is where there is a Dior pop up. The restaurant also has a bar and beach club. Everything was decorated in Dior. The beach club is next to the Blue Grotto. So, you can jump in the water and swim into the Blue Grotto after 5 p.m. when all the tour boats are gone.
Day 9: Capri
We did an amazing private boat tour with Gianni's Boat Tours. They are amazing!! I use them every time I am in Capri. Everyone I've recommended them to always says this boat tour was the highlight of their trip. We did the 4 hour tour around the Island. We stopped at different Grottos (Blue Grotto is optional, but we skipped it). We swam, jumped off cliffs, and snorkeled. It was amazing!!
The boat tour ended at La Fontelina. This is the picturesque beach club that pops up when you Google Capri. We had lunch there before heading back to the hotel.
We went to Zuma for dinner. It is brand new--opened summer 2023. The views were epic and the food was spectacular! Much better than the one in Miami.
Day 10: Capri to Rome
We did a little shopping this morning before taking the ferry back to Naples and train back to Rome.
Another option is to go to Ana Capri and take the Funicular to the gorgeous Villa San Michele.
Day 11: Fly home
So sad to end our trip :(
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