The Perfect 10-Day Italy Itinerary: Rome & Amalfi Coast

10-Day Italy Itinerary: Rome & Amalfi Coast

Day 1: Arrival in Rome

After arriving at Fiumicino Airport, you have a few options to reach your accommodation, depending on your budget. You can either arrange a taxi in advance or take the train.

Train tickets – If you’re staying in Trastevere, you should take the route from Fiumicino to Trastevere (book tickets with this route here). If you’re staying anywhere else, you’ll want to go to Termini with this route.

Taxis can be hailed upon arrival for a fixed cost of €55, with Comune di Fiumicino taxis available at the Arrivals level in front of Terminals 1 and 3, as well as near the train station. If any one of these drivers tries to charge you more than €55, saying the credit card machine doesn’t work, they could be trying to scam you.

If you prefer a smoother arrival, you can pre-book a service like WelcomePickups for added convenience.

Check into your accommodation and spend the rest of the day settling in. If you arrive before check-in, you’ll want to be able to leave your bags at least. Contact the property to see if they’ll let you. Since you’ll likely be jetlagged, take it easy. Wander through your neighborhood, grab an espresso, and have a casual dinner at a local trattoria.

Depending on where you’re staying, you can explore Trastevere’s lively streets or Monti’s cozy cafes and restaurants. Both neighborhoods offer great local dining options like Rione 13 in Trastevere or Ai Tre Scalini in Monti.

Day 2: Exploring Ancient Rome

Kick off your first full day by diving into the heart of ancient Rome. Visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.

To get the most out of this experience (and to ensure you have Colosseum entry tickets, which sell out months in advance), I suggest you get a guided tour here. These historical sites are all close together, making it easy to explore them in one go. 

For lunch, stop at Trattoria Luzzi, a local favorite (and one of mine) near the Colosseum, serving delicious Roman classics. This was the first place I had cacio e pepe in Italy, pictured below to remember the perfect moment.

In the afternoon, take a walk through Piazza Venezia, and if you have time, visit Largo di Torre Argentina, home to an ancient ruin site and a cat sanctuary.

For some of the best gelato of your life, check out Gelateria la Romana. If you’re in Monti, check out Fatamorgana.

Wrap up the day with dinner back in your neighborhood. Trastevere offers vibrant nightlife, while Monti is perfect for a more intimate, cozy evening. For another recommendation in Monti, check out Trattoria Valentino.

Day 3: Vatican City & Hidden Gems

Head to Vatican City first thing in the morning to beat the crowds. Start with St. Peter’s Basilica (free entry, but get there before 8am to avoid a long security line) and then visit the Vatican Museums (which includes the Sistine Chapel). Be sure to book your museum tickets in advance, which I suggest you do here. If you want to include the Basilica with the museum visit and avoid the line to get into the basilica alone, get this ticket.

A note about Vatican City: it’s my least favorite part of Rome (I know it’s a separate country, but it’s basically Rome). It’s mostly tourists, people trying to sell you things you don’t want, and pickpockets. The basilica is absolutely stunning on the inside, and if you’re into art, then yes the Vatican Museum is great – otherwise just get in and get out.

For lunch, I recommend Cresci or Ristorante da Romolo alla Mole Adriana, both offering authentic Italian dishes close to the Vatican.

Afterward, head back to central Rome to visit the iconic Trevi Fountain, followed by the Pantheon—a marvel of ancient architecture. For €5, you can go inside the Pantheon and witness its incredible design firsthand. Even if you’re not a history buff, it’s hard not to be impressed by the 16 massive exterior columns, which were shipped from Egypt nearly 2,000 years ago. For what it’s worth, I’ve been to Rome more times than I can count and have never been in the Pantheon.

By the way, if you are trying to get up early and beat the crowd to get the Trevi Fountain all to yourself, I already did it for you. A few days before writing this. Below is the Trevi Fountain on a Monday in September at 6:45am. Definitely not as bad as peak tourist load, but not exactly vacant. Manage your expectations.

After exploring the Pantheon, take a leisurely stroll around Piazza Navona, a beautiful square filled with history and charm.

If you’re seeking a truly unique experience in Rome, a friend of mine raved about a dinner party hosted in a local couple’s home in Trastevere. In her words, the hosts were so fun, kept the wine flowing and the amazing food coming. Plus, it was a great way to meet other travelers from around the world.

Here are some more unique experiences in Rome that you should check out:

Days 4-7: The Amalfi Coast

Rather than reinvent the wheel here, I’ll just refer you to my 4 day Amalfi Coast itinerary here.

Day 8: Return to Rome for One Last Night

After your time on the Amalfi Coast, return to Rome for your final night. This time, stay near Villa Borghese, a beautiful park and famous art gallery. Once you’ve checked in, take a stroll through the Villa Borghese Gardens—a peaceful retreat from the city hustle.

If you’re an art lover, visit the Galleria Borghese, home to incredible Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces. For your last dinner in Rome, head to a nearby restaurant like Fellini-Tradizione in Cucina. If you’re looking for some different regional cuisine, you can go for Tuscan food (i.e. steak) at Girarrosto Fiorentino, or Sardinian food (i.e. seafood) at Sapori Sardi. 

Day 9: Departure from Rome

On your last day, head to Fiumicino Airport for your flight home. Thanks to your stay near Termini Station, getting to the airport will be a breeze (train tickets for this route here). Or feel free to take a taxi via ItTaxi or Uber.