amalfi coast then rome

Now, you're probably here to visit Rome as well. My suggestion is do Amalfi first then head back to Rome. You can ditch your rental and explore Rome by foot and conveniently get to the airport by rail.

The drive is super easy from the airport area and mostly freeway until you get to the hills. Right before the hills you can make a stop to view Pompei. I took this back route through the hills but you could extend the trip by driving along the coast if you wanted. The road gets a little tight but the little hilly towns and views along the way are fantastic.

After several hours on the freeway and up and around through the hills you've made it: The Gates Ravello. This is why I took this route. Everyone takes pictures and talks about the coast but this place is just as spacial. Maybe more. A centuries old resort town in the hills with all you could imagine in a storybook. Settle in, get comfortably dressed and enjoy an unforgettable dinner. Do-not-overlook-staying-here.

Then after that wonderful hillside experience it was time for the coast. You've seen, heard, watched all there is so I'll just say enjoy. Its one of the most, enchanting... I guess explains it correctly, places you will ever visit. I will suggest however Pizzeria Donna Stella. Simple perfection both food and setting.

After all that, if that was fantastic enough, it was time to head to Rome. So much beauty in a single trip. I start early to head back through the hills. Entering upon Rome I chose to stay at Radisson Blues Hotel for a couple reasons. First is its location. Its really convenient to arrive into Rome to, it has a rental drop right there and its steps from your airport rail ride. Second its reasonable, well kept and has a great rooftop pool key for warm days. And lastly, its a great area to enjoy neighborhood walks away from just the tourist area.



It was a warm day on my arrival so I immediately enjoyed the pool for sun down. That evening I just took a walk and chose the first little dinner spot that drew me in. Early night after the day of driving and needed rest for your walk in the morning. Early rise for your bucket list walk through Rome.

Back to the location, from the hotel I'd be doing a large oval circle back. I started first thing with a cup of coffee on my way to the Colosseum. Then on toward the
Pantheon, across the Tiber to the Vatican area and back across the Tiber through shopping and many many possibilities. Your leather slip ons prove themselves on this one. Its a good walk but every inch is heartfelt.

Back at the hotel, after relaxing at the pool for sunset, a got ready for my last evening in Rome. I took a nice walk to Madre for dinner. A fantastic setting and a great contemporary take on plates. On the walk back to the hotel I grabbed a bottle of Champagne. Then an easy early morning rise just steps to the airport train. Italy I'll miss you.

ProTip: I suggest spending a full day doing your wander and packing in everything you can on foot. Get back to your hotel relax at the pool for sundown and have another neighborhood dinner. Then spend another day using transportation to get to specific sights and or choice restaurants that are out of the area.

Please let us know your thoughts below.

-buoyed