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Southern Italy Road Trip: 7 Days by Car
7 Days
3 Stops
Self drive
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Trip curated by Roman Karin
ExpertSorrento rather than the Amalfi road as an accommodation base is the logistical decision that keeps the coastal chapter functional, and it's the call I make every time. Morning boats to Capri before the ferry crowds, the approach to Positano from the water, both achievable in a way they aren't from farther east. The walk from Anacapri through the terraced lemon groves toward the Belvedere di Migliara is what most day-trippers miss by staying at cable car level; the view over the Faraglioni stacks from that ridge is the image Capri holds back until you climb for it. Naples as the final night changes the city's register: arriving after the Amalfi chapter with a full day for the Spaccanapoli, the underground tour, and a proper Neapolitan pizza at source is the sequence that does the city justice.
Sorrento rather than the Amalfi road as an accommodation base is the logistical decision that keeps the coastal chapter functional, and it's the call I make every time. Morning boats to Capri before the ferry crowds, the approach to Positano from the water, both achievable in a way they aren't from farther east. The walk from Anacapri through the terraced lemon groves toward the Belvedere di Migliara is what most day-trippers miss by staying at cable car level; the view over the Faraglioni stacks from that ridge is the image Capri holds back until you climb for it. Naples as the final night changes the city's register: arriving after the Amalfi chapter with a full day for the Spaccanapoli, the underground tour, and a proper Neapolitan pizza at source is the sequence that does the city justice.
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Rome
Day 1 - 2
Experience Rome, the bustling capital of Italy. This city, rich with exciting history and culture, offers an unparalled mix of ancient explorations and modern living. Immerse yourself in the past and explore the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican. Wander through other must-see destinations like The Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon. Experiencing the culinary scene is a delight, from traditional pasta to world-renowned Italian gelati. You can explore daily markets such as Campo de' Fiori for local ingredients and fresh food. A stay in Rome promises great experiences all year round, but it is advisable to take seasonality into account. While spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer pleasant weather and less crowds, summer (June–August) has a lively, spirited atmosphere — but can also be hot. No matter when you go, visiting Rome promises an unforgettable journey through the centuries. The unique combination of a rich historical past mixed into a thriving and vibrant modern community makes Italy's Eternal City one of the world's most intriguing and inspiring tourist destinations.
Hotel Diana Roof Garden
Opening its doors in 1939, Hotel Diana Roof Garden is a historic hotel situated in the heart of Umbertine Rome, just meters from the Opera House, the historical center, important museums, and famous shopping streets. The hotel boasts a selection of rooms, suites, and family apartments, all featuring elegant interiors and modern amenities including Wi-Fi, a minibar, satellite TV, and air-conditioning. Delicious meals and spectacular views await at the Roof Top restaurant, with refreshing drinks available at the Lounge Bar and a Brasserie. Additional amenities include laundry services, baggage storage, and guided tours.
Sorrento
Day 3 - 4
Set on a hillside overlooking the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius, Sorrento is a tiny Italian resort town perfectly situated for exploring the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Pompeii, and the Naples area. However, the town itself offers plenty of attractions. Visitors can swim, snorkel, or dive in the sparkling turquoise waters, browse the maze of shops and stalls filled with local crafts, or wander along the unspoiled streets of the old town, discovering its wealth of Renaissance palazzi and Romanesque churches. At the heart of the town, Piazza Tasso perches over a magnificent gorge and is filled with bustling cafes and restaurants serving mouth-watering traditional dishes. The locals of Sorrento have mastered the art of living ‘la dolce vita,’ making it the ultimate destination for indulgence.
Hotel Del Corso Sorrento
Hotel Del Corso is located in the heart of Sorrento on the second floor of Palazzo De Gregorio, an old 18th-century mansion overlooking the main street Corso Italia and the historic alleys of Sorrento. The rooms are spacious and feature Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, air conditioning and a private bathroom. An authentic Italian breakfast buffet is served in the morning either in the dining room or on the garden terrace. You can relax in the bar. The hotel is able to organize activities for guests, such as a personalized or a group excursion for any destination in the Campania region, as well as cooking classes at the hotel.
Your activity
Full Day in Capri with Anacapri
No trip to Naples and its surrounding regions is complete without visiting the captivating island of Capri. This full-day tour from Sorrento promises a panoramic exploration of Capri's stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks. With seamless travel arrangements, expert guidance, and an included visit to Anacapri, you'll experience the best of Capri, including the breathtaking Blue Grotto.
Tour Highlights:
1. Convenient Transfers and Ferry Ride:
- Roundtrip Hotel Transfer: Begin your adventure with a comfortable transfer from your hotel in Sorrento to the Sorrento pier, setting the tone for a hassle-free day of exploration.
- Round-Trip Ferry Tickets: Enjoy the scenic ferry ride to Capri, where the views of the sparkling sea and rugged coastline prepare you for the wonders ahead.
2. Discover Capri with a Professional Guide:
- Expert Guided Tour: Upon arrival, meet your knowledgeable local guide, who will lead you through Capri's must-see sights and hidden gems. Gain insights into the island's history, culture, and natural beauty from someone passionate about sharing its charm.
- Island Exploration: Immerse yourself in Capri’s breathtaking scenery and attractions, including its beautiful beaches, lush landscapes, and historic monuments. Learn about Emperor Tiberius, who was so captivated by Capri that he chose to govern from a cliffside villa rather than return to Rome.
3. Visit to Anacapri:
- Roundtrip Transfer to Anacapri: Enjoy a comfortable transfer by private car to the picturesque village of Anacapri. Explore its quiet charm, unique character, and stunning views in a relaxing setting.
4. Blue Grotto Experience:
- Visit the Blue Grotto: A highlight of the tour, enjoy included entrance to the Blue Grotto, weather permitting. Experience the magic as small rowboats carry you into this former Roman marine temple, where sunlight creates a mesmerizing blue-to-emerald glow in the waters.
5. Free Time for Personal Exploration:
- Artisan Shops and Boutiques: Spend some leisure time wandering through Capri's artisan shops and luxury boutiques, known for their unique crafts and high-end fashion.
Important Information:
- Weather Conditions: Please note that access to the Blue Grotto is subject to weather conditions. If the grotto is inaccessible, it will not affect your enjoyment of the island's other attractions.
Experience the enchanting allure of Capri on this comprehensive full-day tour from Sorrento. With travel arrangements and guided exploration handled for you, indulge in the island's beauty and cultural richness, including the added excursion to Anacapri. This tour offers a perfect opportunity to embrace the splendors of one of Italy's most beloved island destinations, making for a truly memorable day.
Starting Time: approx 7:30AM (check confirmation)
Naples
Day 5 - 7
Presided over by the mighty Mount Vesuvius and with the extraordinary archaeological site of Pompeii on its doorstep, the historic Mediterranean city of Naples is steeped in centuries of fascinating history. Founded long before the Italian state—or even the Roman Republic—Naples holds an unparalleled collection of Greek and Roman artifacts. There’s truly no place like it: vast, gritty, and chaotic, yet this modern-day energy plays out against a dramatic backdrop of grand historical piazzas, world-class museums, and stunning Baroque architecture. As the birthplace of pizza and a contender for the richest food scene in a country celebrated for its cuisine, Naples is a paradise for food lovers, offering a dazzling array of local dishes and gourmet experiences.
Palazzo Turchini
Palazzo Turchini is located in the heart of Naples' historic centre, close to the main harbours, Molo Beverello and Calata Porta di Massa. Nearby attractions include Castel Nuovo, Palazzo Reale, and the San Carlo opera house. The rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, satellite TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet, with many typical regional products. Leisure facilities include a roof terrace for relaxation.
From$1,200
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Transportation
24/7 support
Activities
Tourlane App
Travel plan
Flights
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Excellent
Why plan with an expert?
200+
Plan with professionals who are explorers themselves.
16+ hours of time saved
Our experts plan and book for you.
7+ Bookings managed
Everything is bundled in one place and perfectly planned.
6+ Transfers coordinated
For optimal transport and comfort.
Excellent
Itinerary inspiration
Two nights in Rome, two in Sorrento, and two in Naples — a southern Italy road trip that picks up the rental car in Rome and drops it in Naples, moving south along the Tyrrhenian coast in a sequence that follows the logic of the landscape. The Capri full-day excursion from Sorrento is the highlight of the middle section, and the ferry from the Sorrento port — arriving at the Marina Grande with the Faraglioni visible beyond — is the right approach to the island rather than going from Naples.
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The Naples underground sites deserve a mention alongside the pizza and the street food. The tunnels beneath the city — Greek cisterns, Roman aqueducts, and World War II shelters carved through the tuff rock below the Spaccanapoli — give a completely different reading of how the city has been inhabited across two and a half thousand years. The guided tour there is one of the stronger things Naples offers and is consistently overlooked by visitors focused on the surface.
Day 1–2: Rome
Hotel: Hotel Diana Roof Garden
Two nights with the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Vatican, and time in the neighborhoods. The rental car is collected at Fiumicino Airport on arrival — useful to have from the beginning so the drive south to Sorrento on the third day is straightforward. Trastevere in the evening of the second night — one of the few parts of Rome that operates as a genuine neighborhood — is the right close before the coastal section begins.
Day 3–4: Sorrento
Hotel: Hotel Del Corso Sorrento
Two nights above the Bay of Naples with the Capri and Anacapri full-day excursion and time in Sorrento's old town and marina. The Anacapri section — the Monte Solaro chairlift above the island, with the Faraglioni rocks and the open sea in every direction — is the strongest argument for giving Capri the full day rather than half.
Day 5–6: Naples
Hotel: Palazzo Turchini
Two nights with the historic center, the underground sites, and the authentic Neapolitan pizza. The Spaccanapoli cuts through the old city from east to west — the markets, the churches, the street food vendors, and the particular energy of a southern Italian city that has been continuously inhabited longer than almost anywhere in Europe — and an afternoon walking its full length gives you Naples more honestly than any organized tour.
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Tips for your Southern Italy road trip
The best time for a road trip through Southern Italy is during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. These seasons offer pleasant weather for exploring ancient ruins in Rome and Pompeii, without the intense heat and heavy crowds of the summer months.
The average cost for a week-long trip to Italy, excluding flights, is about $1,700 per person. A mid-range budget of around $240 per day covers a 4-star hotel, meals at mid-range restaurants, and a rental car, while a budget trip starts at about $115 per person per day.
This road trip is a journey through ancient history and coastal beauty. Highlights include the Roman Forum and Colosseum, the ruins of Pompeii, the island of Capri, and the scenic Amalfi Coast. Popular activities include a pizza-making class in Naples and exploring the fascinating underground ruins beneath the city.
A rental car is the best way to explore Southern Italy at your own pace. While the north's train system is efficient, a car offers the flexibility to see coastal villages and scenic drives. Be sure to try local specialties like authentic pizza in Naples, and consider visiting traditional markets to experience the local culture.
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