If you’re looking for an Italy 10 day itinerary covering Naples, Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, and Rome — this guide is for you. Italy is one of those countries that never stops giving. The food, the history, the coastline — everything feels alive, timeless, and unforgettable. A 10-day Italy itinerary is the perfect way to soak up some of the country’s most iconic experiences without rushing. With a mix of coastal beauty, ancient history, and delicious food, you’ll come home already planning your next visit.
Our southern Italy itinerary takes you from Naples to the Amalfi Coast and ends in Rome. We didn’t include Sicily on this route, instead finishing in Rome. This 10 day Italy itinerary balances slow seaside days in Amalfi, town-hopping, exploring ancient ruins in Pompeii, and diving into the epic Roman history of the capital city. If you are looking to explore the northen cities and costal regions such as Milan, Lake Como, Cinque Terre, Florence and Bologna make sure to check out our northen Italy itinerary.
Naples gave us pizza, chaotic charm, and a day trip to Pompeii. The Amalfi Coast gave us beauty and relaxation. And Rome gave us a history that felt alive in every single street. Here’s how we recommend spending your 10 days in Italy.
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Italy 10 Day Itinerary 10: Naples, Amalfi Coast & Rome
Days 1–2: Naples & Pompeii
Start your journey in Naples, the birthplace of pizza and a city with more soul than polish. Naples can feel hectic, but it’s a great base for budget travelers wanting to explore the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii without staying in pricier towns.
Begin with a stroll through Spaccanapoli, the historic center’s main artery, where laundry sways between buildings and scooters zip through narrow alleys. Stop at the Naples Cathedral and explore Napoli Sotterranea, the underground tunnels that reveal the city’s layered history.
Dedicate a half-day trip to Pompeii or Herculaneum, both easily accessible by train. Walking through these ancient ruins, with Mount Vesuvius looming in the distance, is surreal.
Pompeii deserves more than a quick stop. This Roman city was frozen in time when Vesuvius erupted in AD 79, covering it in volcanic ash. Today, you can wander ancient streets lined with taverns, bathhouses, and villas still painted with frescoes. The amphitheater, one of the oldest in the world, once held 20,000 spectators. The Forum and the House of the Faun showcase the grandeur of the city before its tragic end. Hiring a guide or downloading an audio tour makes a huge difference in understanding the details that make Pompeii one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the world.
Back in Naples, don’t miss authentic Neapolitan pizza. The simple combination of dough, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil hits differently here.
Days 3–6: Amalfi Coast — Iconic Cliffside Villages
Day 3: Arrival in Sorrento
Take the train or ferry to Sorrento, your gateway to the Amalfi Coast. The train line can be crowded, so be prepared to stand for part of the ride. We based ourselves in Sorrento for four nights in a guesthouse with a shared garden and kitchen — perfect for relaxing after long days exploring.
Sorrento has charm of its own, with colorful piazzas, lemon groves, and cliffside views over the Bay of Naples. In the evening, stroll Corso Italia or watch the sunset from Villa Comunale Park overlooking the sea.
Day 4: Positano
Spend your first full day in Positano, the Amalfi Coast’s most photographed town. You can take the bus directly from Sorrento. The buses fill up quickly. You can find the bus schedule here. It’s best to get out early; we recommend 8:30 am, as it gets much busier around 10 am.
Positano is built vertically into the cliffs; its pastel-colored houses tumble toward the beach. Wander the steep alleys lined with boutiques selling linen clothes, handmade sandals, and ceramics. Down at Spiaggia Grande, rent a sunbed or cool off with a swim. There is a small free beach so make sure to bring a thin towel as the pebbles are hot.
For lunch, try seafood pasta or a wood-fired pizza with a sea view. Stay into the evening if you can — watching the sun set behind the cliffs as the town lights up is one of the most iconic moments of the Amalfi Coast.
Day 5: Amalfi
On day five, make your way to Amalfi, once a powerful maritime republic. Visit the Amalfi Cathedral with its striped façade, then relax with a coffee in Piazza del Duomo. Amalfi is lively but more compact than Positano, making it easy to explore. This was our favourite spot, we had refreshing lemon spritz and pastries at Andrea Panna. Plus a great spot shaded in the square.
From Amalfi, you can also take the bus or taxi up to Ravello, a quieter town with some of the best views on the coast.
Day 6: Sorrento & The Path of the Gods
We spent the last day on the Amalfi Coast, closer to Sorrento. Start with a morning dip or explore the local shops selling lemon products and olive oils. Then set out on the Path of the Gods, the coast’s most famous hike. Beginning in Bomerano, the trail winds high above the sea with breathtaking views of cliffs, villages, and islands. End in Nocelle before heading back down by bus.
We also visited Bagni Regina Giovanna, a swimming cove tucked away in the hills a few kilometres to the west of Sorrento’s bustling town centre. It is one of the best wild swimming spots found in the whole Sorrentine Peninsula and a great place to have a picnic with views of Sorrento.
In the evening, enjoy a final seafood dinner in Sorrento and toast with a glass of limoncello, the local specialty.
Days 7–9: Rome — The Ancient City
Your final stop is Rome, Italy’s capital and one of the most fascinating cities in the world. It’s busy, yes, but so inspiring. Start at the Colosseum and Roman Forum, where ruins whisper stories of emperors, gladiators, and everyday Roman life. Continue to the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and the Trevi Fountain — don’t forget to toss a coin.
If you can dedicate a day to Vatican City. St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums (home to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling) are beautiful, though often crowded. Booking tickets in advance will save hours of waiting. We did not have time for this, however we did a free walking tour which is an excellent way to get tips and learn the history and cultural spots of the city.
Food is part of Rome’s identity. Try carbonara, cacio e pepe, and amatriciana — the pasta trinity of the city.
Rome comes alive at night. Wander through Trastevere for an aperitivo, cross bridges lit by golden streetlamps, and end your evenings with gelato or tiramisu. Our last meal in Italy was reccomended by our guide. We had Oxtail at Tonnarello Scala Restaurant, which was delcious and a welcome break from pasta and pizza.
Food & Drink Suggestions in Rome
- Tonnarello Scala: try the Polpette alla Vaccinara (meatballs with oxtail sauce), these were incredibly tasteful.
- Trapizzino – casual street food with pizza-pocket hybrids
- Giolitti – one of Rome’s oldest and most famous gelaterias
Tips for a 10 Day Italy Itinerary
- Best time to visit: May–June and September–October for warm weather and lighter crowds.
- Getting around: Trains are the easiest way to move between Naples and Rome. Buses and ferries are best for the Amalfi Coast.
- Budget tip: Small trattorias and bakeries are affordable and authentic. Aperitivo hours can serve as a budget-friendly dinner.
- Packing: Bring comfortable walking shoes, light layers, and something modest for visiting churches.
FAQ: Planning a 10 Day Italy Itinerary
What is a good itinerary for Italy in 10 days?
Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and Rome make an ideal 10-day Italy itinerary. It balances coastlines, history, and culture without feeling rushed.
How do I plan an itinerary for Italy?
Decide how many days you have, then choose two to four destinations. Use trains and ferries to get around, and book big attractions (like the Vatican or Pompeii) ahead of time.
Is 10 days enough to see Italy?
Yes, if you focus on one region. This 10-day southern Italy itinerary is perfect for a first trip. For your next, try northern Italy or Sicily.
What is the best Italy 10 day itinerary?
It depends on your interests, but many travelers love combining a coast (Amalfi), a cultural stop (Naples with Pompeii), and a major city (Rome).
With 10 days in Italy, you’ll experience it all: Naples’ grit and pizza, the Amalfi Coast’s beauty, and Rome’s eternal energy. This journey lingers long after you leave — in flavors, memories, and the rhythm of la dolce vita.
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