Discover Ancient History and Classic Scenery of Rome & Amalfi Coast Tour

What to expect on this itinerary
The Roman spirit lives within the splendid history and breathtaking landscapes of the Eternal City and the Amalfi Coast in this 8-day itinerary. Bask in the sea breeze as it sweeps across your boat on the way to see the Emerald Cave, and then linger in the blossoming flowers of a garden that once belonged to Emperor Tiberius before you wander through the vacant halls of the Vatican Museums for a unique perspective of treasured artworks. Your custom tour is tailored to your tastes to include secluded villages, ancient streets, and spectacular views that lead you from Rome to the Mediterranean Sea.
Customizable Itinerary
Rome – Arrive in the Eternal City with a Historical Introductory Tour
When arriving in Rome, it is easy to imagine Caesar’s welcome with crowds of citizens holding close to the cobblestone streets waving a friendly hello. Your private transfer will greet you at baggage claim after your flight lands at Fiumicino Airport. You will quickly enter the historical center of Rome, filled with ancient ruins, Baroque palaces, and rococo fixtures. The city welcomes you a different grandeur that once received the emperors, but Rome remains fascinating, grand, and eternal.
After checking-in to your hotel, your guide will meet you in the lobby eager to introduce you to the beauty of the streets and monuments. You will begin in the cobbled square crowned by the Pantheon, a relic of antiquity preserved for 2,000 years. A sense of harmony fills the former pagan temple and Christian chapel due to the elegant proportions; the diameter of the interior mirrors the height between the floor and the domed room. Your guide will point out the tomb of Renaissance painter Raphael, nestled between two niches. Artists and architects alike have found inspiration in the majesty of the Pantheon for two millennia. The structure continues to inspire visitors from around the world today, making it the perfect start to your tour of Rome.
What's Included:
Capri – Explore the Towns of the Island
Capri – Beauty of the Treasured Island
Positano – Ferry to Sorrento for a Walking Tour
Positano – Delight in the Villages of the Amalfi Coast
Rome – Visit Ancient Pompeii and the Vatican Museums
Rome – Discover Ancient Rome and St. Peter’s Basilica
Rome – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Witness the splendor of the Amalfi Coast with a panoramic view from the villas of Ravello
- Wander through the ancient grounds of preserved Pompeii to see the decadence of the former city in the remaining villas and artwork
- Explore the lavish ancient estates and captivating landscape on the island of Capri during a privately guided tour
- Discover the glowing interior of the Emerald Cave, radiant with refracted light, located in the town of Conca dei Marini
- Visit a third generation sandal maker in Positano who hand-makes the exquisite footwear
- Delight in the artwork of the Vatican Museums in quiet galleries and halls with an after-hours tour
- Walk through the ancient heart of Rome on a guided tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum, taking you into the secluded niches of the empire
- View the embracing trompe l’oeil artwork inside Sant’Ignazio church, whose frescoes nearly inspire you into the action
Detailed Description
Rome has been a beacon of civilization across the Western World for more than two millennia, a city to which all roads once led. Your 8-day tour will circle Rome and then lead you to the pleasures of Capri and the majesty of the Amalfi Coast, the beauty of which accentuates the wonders of the Eternal City. You will land at Fiumicino in Rome and begin your elaborate journey along the historical streets of Italy. Your private transfer will escort you into the center of the city for a walking tour of the palaces, fountains, and remaining temples that decorate the piazzas. On day two you have a private transfer to the harbor of Naples.
Next day, your private transfer will take you to the harbor of Naples where the ferry will take you across the Bay of Naples to Capri where your guide will collect you. From there, spend the remainder of your day enjoying the cobbled streets and charming piazzas of Capri Town and Anacapri. The following day, you will have a guided tour to explore the riches of island life, from the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea to the opulent villas in which Emperors Tiberius and Augustus lived. You will then board the ferry to Sorrento the next day to discover the elaborate past of the peninsula and the enchanting streets of a city in view of Mount Vesuvius.
Your guide will lead you through the mountain pass to reach the town of Positano, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. Travel along the roadway as it hugs the cliffs to visit the marvelous villages and towns found along the water and perched on the hillsides. Marvel at the views of Ravello, and then linger in the Emerald Cave of Conca dei Marini. Venture next to Pompeii for a guided tour of the preserved splendor of the former Roman city. The wealth of the port town remained intact in the villas and artwork, both in the city and exhibited in the National Archeological Museum in Naples.
You will then continue north to Rome in time for a quiet private tour of the Vatican Museums after hours, to allow you more time with the art and fewer people to maneuver around. Ancient Rome is yours the next day to experience with a guide alongside. Stroll through the Roman Forum and wander along the labyrinths formerly beneath the platform stage of the Colosseum. Witness the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica and view the largest interior church in the Christian world. Your private transfer will meet you to conclude and escort you to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$3,800 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Verified Traveler Reviews
Based on 1227 reviews
My husband and I were thrilled with our recent trip to Italy that Zicasso’s travel designer put together. We began by attending a family friend’s wedding, held in Ravello, on the Amalfi Coast. Due to my husband’s mobility issues, we were met by a driver and headed to the Amalfi Coast. The driver was first class and the trip was very comfortable.
After the wedding festivities, we were able to have the most wonderful experiences visiting the towns of Amalfi and Positano, and our base for one week was in beautiful Sorrento. We attended a cooking class and enjoyed eating what we prepared. We had in-depth learning opportunities in Naples and Sorrento. Every guide we had spoke excellent English and was so knowledgeable. We especially enjoyed Pompeii! A super-fun day was had on the small group tour of Capri. The crew was fantastic and very accommodating in consideration of my husband’s mobility issues.
From beginning to end everything went well. The use of a messaging app was great for making sure everyone was on the same page.
The only thing that was a disappointment was the pizza in Naples. It wasn’t the best.
The hotel in Sorrento was phenomenal - it couldn’t have been better. The view of Mt. Vesuvius from our balcony helped create memories we will have forever. The hotel in Rome was also very nice. It was right in the middle of the main attractions.
We are very happy with our experience with this travel company and would not hesitate to recommend it!
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We had the pleasure of working with Zicasso’s travel agents to create the perfect Italian adventure. I had quite a few specific requests, from travel logistics to hotel preferences, and they were incredibly patient and collaborative, offering multiple variations of the itinerary until it matched exactly what we envisioned.
Our journey began in Venice, where we were seamlessly picked up by a private driver, transferred to a water taxi, and dropped directly at our hotel. After a wonderful stay, we were taken by private driver to the train station for our ride from Venice to Florence, our one and only train trip, as we opted (based on their smart recommendation) for private transportation for the rest of our travels to avoid potential delays and enjoy added convenience.
From Florence, we were driven into the Tuscan hills, where we experienced magical wine tastings, vineyard tours, olive oil tastings, and unforgettable meals with wine pairings.
Next, our private driver brought us to Pompeii, where we enjoyed a fascinating tour with our private guide, and then continued on to Rome. In Rome, we loved the private golf cart tour of the city’s major landmarks, as well as a delightful cooking class that was arranged for us; it was a real highlight!
Finally, we traveled by private driver to Sorrento. From there, we had a breathtaking driving tour of the Amalfi Coast, a lemon farm tour, and an amazing day trip to Capri. Every detail was thoughtfully planned and executed.
Summary:
Planning and Itinerary Creation: Zicasso’s consultants made the entire process easy and stress-free. They worked closely with us to perfect the itinerary and were always receptive to changes and feedback.
Hotels: My sister and I requested adjoining rooms and were provided with beautiful family suites throughout the trip. Each hotel was ideally located, comfortable, and well-appointed, with all the amenities we needed.
Transportation: Every transfer was smooth and punctual. The private drivers were professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. (A special shoutout to our driver in Florence/Tuscany – he was the best!)
Communication: Throughout our trip, the travel company’s team was always accessible. Whether we needed to make adjustments or had a question, they handled everything promptly, allowing us to relax and fully enjoy our vacation.
We spent just over two unforgettable weeks in Italy and it was absolutely perfect, all thanks to the hard work, attention to detail, and excellent communication from Zicasso’s travel company! I highly recommend them and would not hesitate to use them again for future adventures.
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We had a wonderful trip. We started off dealing with a canceled train on the arrival day due to a strike, but you had back-up train tickets even before we arrived in Rome. The drivers were all on time and very courteous. The drivers in Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast were exceptional. The driver from Naples to Sorrento was very nice and helpful; however, his car smelled of smoke and was not very clean. The hotels in Florence and Rome were great, but the Sorrento hotel was not as nice. You spoiled us with the standards in Florence and Rome.
Our one suggestion for Capri involves time management. While no one can predict the crowds, I would suggest notifying your travelers that getting to Anacapri will take a long time, either by taxi or bus. Our group from the boat took an hour and 20 minutes to get to Anacapri by bus. The trip back to Marina Grande was an hour. There are no direct buses to and from Anacapri and Marina Piccola. My wife and I then walked to Marina Piccola since waiting for a bus would have made us late for the boat. The others in the group waited for taxis in Anacapri and we still beat them back to the boat, even though we walked from Marina Grande to Marina Piccola. Four hours is just not enough time to go up to Anacapri to ride the chair lift and get back. This was the only time we felt rushed during our trip.
We would like to thank you for a wonderful trip and would recommend your agency to others.
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I can confidently say that Zicasso's travel specialist is truly dedicated to providing her clients a luxury experience. From the outset, we had a 20-minute call where she wanted to learn about our dream vacation and get to know us. She was attentive to every request we made and organized our itinerary accordingly. During the trip, she texted us daily to inform us about our drivers and guides for the next day. Additionally, she checked to ensure our trip was progressing smoothly.
Here are some highlights:
Rome: We were greeted at the airport by our agent, who expedited our passage through passport control. The following day, we started our exploration at the Vatican. Our agent had purchased our tickets in advance, allowing us to skip the line. She also planned the remainder of our self-guided tours of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and other ancient sights. We accomplished so much in just two days!
Florence: We took part in a pasta-making class with a chef who was fantastic! Her husband was also quite charming. Our experience there was truly wonderful. Special thanks to our driver, who was incredibly helpful and informative.
Sorrento (Amalfi Coast): We began with a visit to Pompeii, where our guide, also arranged by our agent, was spectacular! His passion and extensive knowledge made the experience enjoyable. Next, we had a fun blind wine tasting. When we arrived at our amazing hotel, we were greeted with a surprise.
While in Rome, we encountered a minor issue, which our agent resolved quickly. She even went above and beyond by ordering us a bottle of prosecco to celebrate. We also took a car tour of Positano and Ravello, guided by a local from Ravello who was informative, knowledgeable, and delightful. We loved her! Our day ended with a lovely sunset cruise off the coast! Both days had excellent drivers.
This trip was a dream come true for my husband and me. Without a doubt, our agent made it the luxurious experience we desired. I highly recommend her and her team!
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Overall, the trip was great. We loved the Amalfi Coast trip with our driver and our guide. Our guide was great. I highly recommend her! The boat ride to Capri was in just the right-sized boat, with 12 people. We liked our hotel location, which was right by the town. But note that a third of the hotel was closed, so the dining area is now just a small alley on the side of the hotel. We loved the proximity to the beach area.
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Hello there.
This was our fourth trip with Zicasso. We would consider this trip more of a tour not a curated travel experience. Felt more like tourists than travelers.
Not sure if we received great value working with an extra layer of operators.
Although we would rate logistics and client interaction 10/10 (staff of the travel company were very lovely and professional) not sure there were any great special "treasures" other tourists wouldn't have seen.
Additionally, the descriptions of expectations were way off on a few occasions and totally touristy when local staff suggested alternatives that were what we expected in the first place.
Examples of this were firstly in Bled, Slovenia.
No guide was necessary and we spent a lot of money unnecessarily. It was touristy and should have been a suggested quick stop. The much better choice was a lovely 20-minute drive away (we had our own car at this point) to Lake Bohinj.
Our very sweet bellman in Ljubljana suggested we visit here. It wasn't crowded and spectacular. We would have had a picnic packed for the day and enjoyed the hike here.
Another example is Capri. It was described by the travel company as beginning with an easy motorboat ride with a group (which was fine) a leisurely half-day on the island with shopping and lunch in a romantic cafe.
This was life in Capri maybe 30 years ago. Today it is a shoulder-to-shoulder nightmare.
We were greeted by a guide who informed us that this day was like Formula One. Every second counts! Don't be late for anything!
What anything we thought? Isn't today about just a romantic lunch and leisurely shopping?
We were loaded onto a ferry with 400 people (everyone seemingly much more informed about what lay ahead), then shown cue cards for where to meet and when.
Confused, we were then loaded onto a bus and off to the Grotto. What is the Grotto?
Thankfully my husband and I are good sports and went with the flow. We were ushered into yet another line and lay down flat in a rowboat and ventured through the cave. Although an adventure, the point is we were not informed of this. Next was the chairlift up the mountain. Beautiful. Yes, but more unexpected lines and waiting.
Group lunch next.
Crowded funicular ride down and another 398 people on the ferry home.
No romantic lunch and leisurely shopping for us.
It was all fine in the end. Our guide was excellent. But, you see my point. The travel company needed to explain this. I do believe I suggested Capri as part of our itinerary, but the expectation was as to how it was presented by the travel company. We would have either skipped this and chosen a different way to spend a beautiful day on the Amalfi Coast or been better prepared.
Our hotel in the in Vienna was lovely in an excellent location. The restaurant however was only open for breakfast. Very disappointing. When traveling we like to have the option of having dinner in the hotel and a nice drink in the bar after a day of discovering or a nightcap before bed. All said, in Vienna it felt like we had only a partial home base. Not a great beginning to the trip.
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