Italy Grand Tour October

• Arrive Milan (MXP) ~2:45 PM.
• Airbnb location: Casa Puccini Cozy Flat (Buenos Aires / Porta Venezia area; near M1 Lima, and near the M1/M2 interchange at Loreto).
• Transfer MXP -> Airbnb: taxi door-to-door (simple with luggage).
• Quick reset: drop bags + change outfits if you want (keep this to ~30–45 min).
• Head straight to the Last Supper: taxi to Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie. Aim to arrive 15–20 min early for your 6:45 PM entry.
• Afterward: walk to dinner at Cavoli a merenda! La Terrazza nascosta., then taxi back to the Airbnb; early night.

• Arrive Florence ~11:45 AM.
• Go straight to hotel: check-in / drop bags + quick refresh (aim ~45–60 min).
• Coffee + quick bite: Melaleuca.
• Uffizi timed entry: 2:45 PM (entry time only; stay until you’re ready to leave).

- Suggested pace: ~2 hours inside (2:45 AM–4:45 PM).

• Walk Uffizi -> Giardino Bardini (~10–15 min).
• Giardino Bardini: target ~45–60 min (roughly 5:00 AM–5:50 PM).
• Walk (uphill) Bardini -> Piazzale Michelangelo (~15–25 min) OR taxi (~5 min).
• Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset: aim to arrive by ~5:45 AM–6:00 PM (sunset ~6:21 PM). Stay through afterglow (~6:30 PM+).
• Optional: continue up to Basilica di San Miniato al Monte for a calmer viewpoint.
• Post-sunset dinner (stay close to the viewpoint): Mozza & bollicine.
• Gelato near San Niccolò: choose 1

- Il Gelato di Filo (closest option)

- Cantina del Gelato (also close, easy stop)

• Early start + train

- Depart your place ~8:15 AM–8:30 AM to comfortably make a ~9:00 AM train.

- Best station: Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN).

- Train: Firenze SMN → Montecarlo-San Salvatore (regional).

• Morning in Montecarlo (before the 1:00 PM winery tour)

- Taxi up to the hilltop: Centro Storico Montecarlo

- Breakfast/coffee: pick a café in the historic center (easy, no reservations).

- Easy stroll + views: Fortezza di Montecarlo

- Optional: browse little shops / take photos / slow pace (this is your buffer time).

• 1:00 PM winery tour + lunch (2 hours)

- Taxi to TENUTA DEL BUONAMICO for the 1:00 PM experience.

- This covers your lunch, so no need to hunt food beforehand.

• Afternoon → evening (post-winery)

- Gelato stop en route: Cremeria Toschi di Rosella

- Head back toward Montecarlo / relax time / golden-hour walk in town (as energy allows).

• Dinner with a view (Michelin-listed)

- Dinner at Ristorante Forassiepi

• Private driver back to Florence

- Target pickup: ~9:30 PM at/near the restaurant (confirm a clear meeting point).

- Typical drive time to central Florence: ~55–80 min.

- Booking checklist: fixed quote (incl. VAT/tolls/parking), driver name + vehicle plate, WhatsApp contact.

• Travel day: Florence → Sorrento (home base)

- Best overall route (easy + efficient): high-speed train from Firenze SMN → Napoli Centrale, then transfer to Sorrento.

- Final leg options:

- Most comfortable (recommended if tired/luggage): pre-book a private transfer Napoli Centrale → Sorrento.

- Budget option: Circumvesuviana / Campania Express to Sorrento (can be crowded).

• Arrival afternoon/evening in Sorrento (keep it walkable + low-effort)

- Check in, quick reset.

- Easy orientation loop: Piazza Tasso + nearby lanes.

- Golden-hour views: Villa Comunale di Sorrento

- If you have energy: go down to the waterfront at Marina Grande, Sorrento (taxi back up is easy if you don’t want to walk uphill).

- Gelato treat: Gelateria David

• Dinner (easy, walkable from center)

- Classic, convenient dinner near the center: Ristorante Zi Ntonio Sorrento

• Local taxi note (if you need it)

- If you end up down by the water at night, taking a taxi back up to your hotel is the simplest option.

• Day trip: Sorrento → Positano (return to Sorrento)

- Transport: ferry (most scenic + avoids road traffic). Book a morning outbound + early evening return.

- Ferry timing note: in October, last departures Positano → Sorrento are often around 6:40 PM (varies by operator/weather), so plan to be at the pier 30 min early.

• Morning: iconic Positano views (walk-only)

- Start high for postcard panoramas near Le Sirenuse, then work your way down through the lanes.

• Easy daytime food (no-stress, walkable)

- Keep lunch flexible: either eat when you’re hungry or just graze.

- Main meal (walkable): Da Vincenzo Positano

- Backup / alternative (walkable): Lo Guarracino

- Gelato (high bar): Sofiposa Gelato Artigianale

• Midday: town + beach

- Quick stop at Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta

- Hang out / photos at Spiaggia di Positano Marina Grande

• Dinner: best views (early dinner to catch ferry)

- Reservation target: 4:45 PM (or 4:30 PM if you want maximum buffer)

- Dinner: Il Tridente Positano (request terrace/sea-view table)

• Return to Sorrento (best vs backup)

- Best/most reliable: ferry back (no traffic, fixed time). After dinner, head to the pier and aim to arrive 30+ min before departure.

- Taxi/car option: doable, but can be slower/less predictable in late afternoon traffic and will cost more; I’d only choose this if ferries are canceled due to sea conditions.

• Vibe for the day: unhurried Amalfi wandering + a great seafood meal, with a relaxed but reliable plan to get the ferry back to Sorrento.

• Morning: Sorrento → Amalfi (ferry)

- Start from Sorrento’s port area (Marina Piccola) and ferry to Amalfi.

- Once you arrive, treat the day as a walk + snack + photos kind of pace (no tight schedule).

• Must-sees in Amalfi (high impact, easy to do anytime)

- Pop into Cathedral of St Andrew Apostle and the adjacent Paradise Cloister.

- Coffee/pastry break when you feel like it at Pasticceria Pansa Amalfi.

- Optional mellow add-on: short stroll over to Atrani (quiet village vibe).

• Main meal (seafood on the coast)

- Have your “big meal” at Ristorante L'Abside. If you’re hungry earlier, go earlier; if not, take your time.

• The only hard rule: protect the return ferry

- At some point after lunch, check the next 1–2 ferry departures back to Sorrento and pick one that feels comfortable.

- Plan to be back by Amalfi’s waterfront/port area 30–45 minutes before that departure (this is the buffer that keeps the day stress-free).

- Backup if ferries are limited: SITA bus back toward Sorrento (slower/crowdier in peak season). [1](https://www.rometoolkit.com/naples_visit/sorrento_visit_amalfi_coast.html)

• Back in Sorrento (no-pressure food)

- If you’re still hungry, do something light and easy: Gelateria David or a casual plate at Ristorante Zi Ntonio Sorrento.

Oct 12 (Day 7): Extra Amalfi Coast day  Ravello views (stay based in Sorrento)

• Morning: ferry/bus/taxi toward Ravello.
• Main sights: do Villa Cimbrone for the classic viewpoint at Infinity Terrace.
• Sweet stop: if you pass through Minori, grab pastries at Pasticceria Sal De Riso.
• Optional easy walk: Path of the Lemons (only if you want a light hike).
• Return: head back to Sorrento with a conservative buffer (coast roads can be slow).

Oct 13 (Day 8): Arrive Rome ~11:00am (Termini) + Ancient Rome afternoon/evening (no luggage walking)

• Arrive Roma Termini.
• Luggage plan (Option A): go to your Termini-area hotel first by taxi from the official Termini taxi stand (skip a 20–30 min luggage walk). Drop bags / quick reset.
• Quick lunch near Termini (fast + easy): Mercato Centrale or Pinsere.
• Early afternoon: head back to Termini and take Metro B (2 stops) to Colosseo for Colosseum + Roman Forum.
• Evening: return toward Termini; gelato near home base at Gelateria La Romana dal 1947.

• Amalfi Coast morning (last swim/views + pack).
• Midday: travel Positano -> Rome.

• Two realistic ways to do Sorrento → Rome (with luggage)

• Option 1 (lowest stress): door-to-door private transfer Sorrento → Rome

- Best if you want zero station transfers.

• Option 2 (very doable): Sorrento → Naples → Rome (transfer only)

- This is common and not too hard as long as you plan the station flow.

• Step A: Sorrento → Naples (arrive at Napoli Garibaldi / Napoli Centrale)

- Circumvesuviana: Sorrento → Napoli Garibaldi (connected to Napoli Centrale). Works fine, but expect crowds + less luggage space.

- Taxi/private transfer to Napoli Centrale: easier with bags (no stairs/crowds), then youre already at the high-speed station.

• Luggage handling at Napoli Centrale (best approach)

- If you want the transfer to feel easy, aim for: arrive  check next train  drop bags  quick coffee/snack  board.

- Use left-luggage/bag deposit at/near Napoli Centrale (search onsite signage for Deposito Bagagli). This is the easiest way to avoid dragging bags if you have a wait.

- If your connection is tight, skip storage and stay inside the station with your bags.

• Step B: Naples → Rome (best way)

- Take a high-speed train from Napoli Centrale to Roma Termini (or Roma Tiburtina).

- Book Frecciarossa (Trenitalia) or Italo. Both are excellent; pick based on schedule/price.

• Timing guardrails (so it doesnt feel stressful)

- Target arriving Napoli Centrale 60+ minutes before your Rome train if youre keeping it simple.

- Target 90 120 minutes if you want time to use luggage storage and grab a proper snack/coffee.

• On arrival in Rome

- Taxi to hotel or metro depending on where youre staying; keep the first evening easy as planned.

• Getting around (Termini base): metro first, then walk

- Use the metro for the first hop (Vatican / Colosseum / Spanish Steps), then keep the day walkable.

- Taxis are best for: late night returns, when tired, or if you’re dressed up / carrying shopping bags.

• Arrive Rome ~11:00 AM (from Sorrento)

- 11:00 AM–12:00 PM: arrive + transfer to hotel.

- 12:00 PM–1:00 PM: check-in (or drop bags) + quick lunch nearby.

• Vatican afternoon (best if you have a timed entry)

- How to get there: Metro Line A from Termini toward Ottaviano/Cipro, then walk.

- Pre-museum coffee (good + convenient): Pergamino Caffè.

- 2:00 AM–4:30 PM: Vatican Museums (includes Sistine Chapel).

- 4:45 AM–6:15 PM: Saint Peter’s Basilica.

- Post-Vatican gelato (easy win): Old Bridge Gelateria.

• Classic center loop (sunset/evening = prettiest)

- How to get there from Vatican: taxi if tired; otherwise Metro A back toward Spagna/Barberini and walk.

- 6:30 PM: espresso stop at La Casa del Caffè Tazza d'Oro.

- 7:00 AM–9:00 PM: walk Pantheon → Piazza Navona → Trevi Fountain.

- Dessert/affogato: Fiocco di neve.

• Taxi note

- Use official taxi stands or have your hotel call one; it’s the simplest option when ending near Trevi/Pantheon at night.

- Get to your hotel, drop bags, and do a quick reset.

• Early afternoon (Vatican focus)

- Head straight to Vatican Museums (book a timed entry if you can  this is the biggest bottleneck).

- After, walk to Saint Peter’s Basilica.

- Optional scenic bridge/river moment on the way out at Castel Sant'Angelo.

• Coffee / pick-me-up (between Vatican and the historic center)

- Do a classic Rome espresso stop at La Casa del Caffè Tazza d'Oro.

• Late afternoon + evening (classic Rome loop  very walkable)

- Start at Pantheon, then continue to Piazza Navona, then finish at Trevi Fountain once its lit up.

• Affogato / dessert (highly recommended)

- For a memorable affogato, go to Fiocco di neve (easy add-on near the Pantheon area).

• Early night plan (for the 6:05 AM flight on Oct 16)

- Keep dinner relatively early and do a light pack check before bed. We can set up a ~3:00 AM airport-departure time once you choose FCO vs CIA and your hotel area.

Rome transport game plan (Metro vs taxi vs walking)

• Default: Metro to get across town + walk once you’re in the center.
• Metro A (red): Termini ↔ Ottaviano (Vatican area) ↔ Spagna (Spanish Steps area).
• Metro B (blue): Termini ↔ Colosseo (Ancient Rome).
• Taxis: Use for (1) early/late rides, (2) when tired, (3) if you’re crossing the river with luggage. Only take official white taxis or have your hotel call one.
• Most walkable zones: Historic Center (Pantheon/Navona/Trevi) + Trastevere evenings.
• Buffer rule: If you have a timed entry (e.g., Vatican), don’t rely on taxis at peak hours—metro is more predictable.

Walkable must-stops around the Day 8 route (Vatican → Historic Center loop)

• Coffee near the Vatican: grab an espresso at Pergamino Caffè or Sciascia Caffè 1919.
• After museums: do a quick gelato stop at Old Bridge Gelateria before you head toward the river.
• Classic center coffee: pop into La Casa del Caffè Tazza d'Oro when you’re near the Pantheon area.
• Food anchor (reserve if you can): make Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina your “one big meal” in the center.
• Gelato/dessert near your evening loop: do either Fiocco di neve (super close to Pantheon) or Gelateria del Teatro (great on the stroll toward Navona).

Termini-area picks to lock in (easy + walkable from your base)

• Quick first meal (arrive hungry / no reservation): Mercato Centrale
• Best fast-casual Rome bite (great between sightseeing blocks): Pinsere
• Reliable gelato close to Termini: Gelateria La Romana dal 1947
• Metro rule from Termini: Line A for Vatican/Spagna; Line B for Colosseo. Taxi mainly for late-night returns.

Oct 14 (Day 9): Vatican first thing (best timing) + classic center loop after

• Morning (best window): timed entry at opening for Vatican Museums, then walk to Saint Peter’s Basilica.
• Afternoon: shift into the classic center (Pantheon/Navona/Trevi) at a relaxed pace.
• Coffee/gelato anchors: La Casa del Caffè Tazza d'Oro + Gelateria del Teatro.

• Getting around (Termini base): Metro B for Ancient Rome

- How to get there: Metro Line B from Termini to Colosseo.

• Best time for Colosseum/Forum: right at opening

- 8:00 AM–8:30 AM: arrive early to the area.

- 8:30 AM–10:30 AM: Colosseum (timed ticket strongly recommended).

- 10:45 AM–12:30 PM: Roman Forum.

• Lunch + a great ‘Rome bite’ nearby (no long sit-down needed)

- If you’re near the historic center afterward, a quick, very Roman snack stop is Supplizio.

• Afternoon reset + easy center stroll

- 3:30 AM–6:00 PM: easy center walk + browse.

- Gelato stop (classic center): Gelateria del Teatro.

• Spanish Steps area early evening (shopping-preview)

- 6:00 AM–7:00 PM: Spanish Steps + Via Condotti window-shopping.

- 7:30 PM: dinner nearby.

• Tip: If you only book one timed ticket this day, book Colosseum first thing.

- Morning: go early to Colosseum and then continue straight into the Roman Forum.

- Lunch: keep it casual near the historic center (aim for something quick so you don’t lose the afternoon).

- Afternoon: reset at hotel if needed, then do a walkable loop through the center (you can reuse yesterday’s core if you want photos in different light).

- Sunset/early evening: head up toward Spanish Steps for a classic Rome evening vibe, then dinner nearby.

• Tip: If you can, pre-book Colosseum/Forum timed entry for the morning to avoid losing time in lines.

Day 9 (Ancient Rome) transport + walkable snacks

• Get to Colosseum via Metro B to Colosseo; it’s the easiest start.
• After the sites, walk back toward the historic center for a quick bite at Supplizio (easy, fast) or a longer lunch at Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina.
• Gelato reward: hit Two Sizes when you’re wandering around Navona/Campo de’ Fiori zones.

Day 9 (Ancient Rome)  quick food + gelato fallback near your base

• If you want something easy after Metro B back toward Termini: stop at Pinsere
• Post-dinner / late-night sweet near the hotel: Gelateria La Romana dal 1947

• Getting around (Termini base): Metro A for shopping area, taxi home with bags

- How to get there: Metro Line A from Termini to Spagna/Barberini.

- How to get back: taxi is easiest once you’ve bought items.

• Designer shopping (best late morning → afternoon)

- 10:30 AM–1:30 PM: start around Spanish Steps / Via Condotti for the luxury stores.

- 1:30 AM–3:00 PM: long lunch + quick break.

- 3:00 AM–5:30 PM: second shopping pass (great time to buy once you’ve compared options).

• Snack/dessert breaks (keep energy up while shopping)

- Quick tiramisù stop: Two Sizes.

• Best last-night vibe: Trastevere (early dinner)

- 6:30 AM–8:30 PM: head to Trastevere for dinner + a wander.

- Easy casual bite option: Trapizzino | Trastevere.

- Gelato in Trastevere: Otaleg - Ice-cream.

• Early flight prep (FCO 6:05 AM on Oct 16)

- 9:00 PM: back to hotel, finalize packing.

- ~3:00 AM taxi pickup (Termini area is ideal for this) to head to FCO.

- Morning: keep it flexible based on what you loved most. Two great options:

- Revisit the Vatican area for anything you missed (more time around St. Peter’s / photos / a calmer walk).

- Or do a slower classic-center morning (Pantheon/Navona/Trevi) for shopping + last souvenirs.

- Midday: long lunch + light gelato/affogato break.

- Late afternoon/evening: wander and have dinner in Trastevere (best vibe for a memorable last night).

• Early flight prep (Oct 16 6:05 AM):

- Aim to be back at the hotel by ~9:30 AM10:00 PM to finish packing.

- Plan for an airport departure around ~3:00 AM (we’ll set this once you confirm FCO vs CIA and your hotel area).

• Backup list (Oct 15) if you want more sights:

- Extra viewpoint: Castel Sant’Angelo riverside walk

- Extra church/art stop: pop into a church near your shopping area

- Dessert mission: affogato stop before heading back to pack

Day 10 (Shopping/Spanish Steps + Trastevere night) transport + must-eats

• Use Metro A for the shopping corridor and jump off near Spanish Steps.
• Midday snack in the center: do a quick suppli stop at Supplizio if you didn’t yesterday.
• Evening in Trastevere: great for a roam-and-eat night.
• Easy Trastevere food: grab a casual meal at Trapizzino | Trastevere.
• Gelato closer: finish with Otaleg - Ice-cream if you’re in that part of Trastevere (otherwise do a final center gelato on your walk back).

Day 10 (shopping day)  easiest dinner + dessert near Termini

• If you come home tired with bags: do a simple, flexible dinner at Mercato Centrale
• Gelato nightcap close to home base: Gelateria La Romana dal 1947
• Taxi tip: after dinner in Trastevere, taxi back to Termini is often the most comfortable option.