KimsItaly.com Easy DIY Guides
ITINERARY GUIDE
2026
Sorrento | Pompeii | Capri | Amalfi Coast | Ischia
ULTIMATE AMALFI
Moderate Budget Edition
8-NIGHT
# NIGHTS IN
EACH LOCATION
ON THIS
ITINERARY
This ebook contains a well-planned,
comprehensive itinerary for a thorough and in-
depth experience. Everyone travels differently;
if you find this itinerary has too much going on,
don’t worry, simply take what you want from
this and create a plan that is more in line with
your travel style. If you’d rather, I also craft
custom itineraries. Check it out!
An Experiential
Itinerary
Sorrento
Depart
Day Tour to Positano,
Amalfi, and Ravello
Arrive
Pages 6-11
Self-Guided
Exploration of the
Historic Center
Capri
Pages 12-19
Day Tour with
Self-Guided Options
Pompeii
Pages 24-27
Tour the Ancient Ruins
Amalfi Coast
Pages 20-23
Beach Day
Pages 32-43
Beach Club Suggestions
Path of the
Gods
Pages 28-31
Path of the Gods
HikingTour with Self-
Guided Option
Ischia &
Procida
Pages 44-47
Day Tour to the Islands
of Ischia and Procida
DAY
Sorrento
Pages 48-54
A Day to Discover Local
Cuisine and Landscapes
Ciao! I’m Kim, an accredited Travel
and Tourism Professional with over
30 years of experience and I live in
Calabria, Italy with my husband and
our 2 little dogs, Sam and Sylvie.
Living here in Italy has afforded me
the opportunity to explore the entire
country in depth, without the
constraints of time.
Why trust my recommendations?
Personal experience. I've stayed at
or toured every hotel in this
itinerary guide, ensuring they meet
high standards of quality and
comfort. When it comes to tours,
I've experienced them firsthand,
allowing me to provide you with
details to help you choose what's
right for you.
My mission for this guide is to
assist you in crafting your Italian
vacation on your own with
confidence, ensuring you can DIY
your trip efficiently, within your
budget, and without missing
anything important.
Certified by
The Italian National Tourist Board
More Info
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Quick Links
Itinerary Dining Guide
Itinerary Tips / Basics / Language
/ Packing
Shopping for Your Trip
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Page
Topic
The best time to visit the region is in April,
May, and October when the weather is
pleasant and crowds are manageable.
Summer months can be very hot, crowded,
and expensive, while winter (November
through March) is off-season with cooler
temperatures, closed hotels and restaurants,
and no ferries. However, Sorrento remains
vibrant year-round with many open
restaurants and hotels and fewer crowds in
winter.
Timing
Moderate Budget Edition
The mid-range budget is the most popular choice for travelers.
I include recommendations for hotels that are typically 3 or 4-
star rated, offering decent amenities and convenient locations.
Local and day tours and excursions are usually with a group
of varying sizes, while some attractions are easily self-guided.
I will recommend lunch and dinner restaurants in Sorrento and
lunch recommendations in other locations visited on day
tours. Some restaurants can be a bit pricey, especially along
the Amalfi Coast. As hard as I try to stay on budget with my
own travels here, it all goes out the window when I see
cocktails or gelato in giant lemons!
I created itinerary guides that offer a day-by-day plan, making it effortless to plan
your dream vacation in Italy. You'll find recommendations for hotels, tours, and
transportation, complete with links to help you book these travel components
without overpaying. Whether you follow the itinerary as suggested or use it to
complement your existing plans, you'll find it incredibly useful. As you browse
through the pages, click on the icons to access additional photos, videos, links,
and audio, to enhance your experience. For customized itineraries, visit
KimsItaly.com, I’m happy to assist with that as well.
How to Use This Guide
DAY 1 SORRENTO
EXPLORE
CENTRO STORICO
sorrento Arrival Day
SORRENTO
Sorrento is located on the Sorrentine Peninsula, offering views over the Bay of
Naples and Mount Vesuvius. It's been a favorite spot since ancient Roman times,
and its history is evident in the narrow streets and historic buildings. Sorrento was
an important trading hub through the ages. Today, visitors can wander through the
town piazzas, explore historic churches, and appreciate its cultural heritage.
One of my favorite features is the Sorrento Lift, which links Marina Piccola to the
town center. This lift is a lifesaver when returning from days of heavy walking, and it
only costs €2 for a round trip ticket.
In Sorrento, you'll find a mix of shops, delicious food, and an upbeat vibe that
captures the essence of the Italy you’ve been dreaming of. And those lemons!
Using Sorrento as a base for exploring the Amalfi Coast is a practical choice. Its
location makes it easy to visit nearby places like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello by
ferry, car, or public transport. Sorrento provides a quieter and less expensive
alternative to the coastal towns and islands.
DAY 1 SORRENTO
Why I love this hotel!
I’ve stayed here multiple times due to the location
as well as the rooftop lounge. Just amazing!
HOTEL
CONTINENTAL
HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
Maison San Paolo is a cute bed & breakfast located in the heart of Sorrento, I love
it! It’s central position provides easy access to local attractions, shops, and
restaurants. Each room is uniquely decorated, providing a comfortable stay. Even
the bathrooms are fabulous, with the nicest tile work I’ve seen, inspiring the decor
in my own home here in Italy. There are only a few rooms available, so be sure to
book fast!
Why I love this hotel!
Too many reasons to list. A perfect location,
beautiful rooms and wonderful hosts!
MAISON
SAN PAOLO
Hotel Continental is a 4-star hotel in the heart of Sorrento with panoramic views of
the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. The hotel features an outdoor pool, free
Wi-Fi, and air-conditioned rooms with satellite flat-screen TVs and ensuite
bathrooms, with many rooms having balconies. Private lifts provide access to a
well-equipped beach. The hotel is conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from
Piazza Tasso and Sorrento Train Station.
DAY 1 SORRENTO
afternoon explorations
Via San Cesareo
Piazza Tasso
I Giardini di Cataldo
Corso Italia
This historic street is lined with shops and lunch
opportunities. You can browse through stores
offering handmade ceramics, leather goods,
delicious Limoncello and unique gifts and local
delicacies to take home.
Piazza Tasso is the central square known for its
vibrant atmosphere. It's a hub of activity with
numerous cafés, shops, and historic buildings.
This is where you’ll find Fauno Bar, a great
place to relax, have a drink and people-watch.
This beautiful citrus orchard filled with fragrant
lemon trees. It's dedicated to producing goods
like limoncello and marmalades providing an
aromatic spot for a leisurely stroll.
This is Sorrento's main street, partly
pedestrianized, ideal for strolling. It features
shops, cafés, restaurants with local cuisine, and
a few of my favorite bars!
Exploring the historic center of Sorrento is best done on foot, as the area is
compact and pedestrian-friendly. There's no need for a car or formal tour—
simply wander through the narrow streets and take in the sights. Click on the
map to see the locations listed.
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Piazza Tasso
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DAY 2 CAPRI
Capri’s history dates back to ancient Roman times. It was a favored resort for
Roman emperors, most notably Emperor Tiberius, who built several villas on
the island, including the famous Villa Jovis. In the Middle Ages, Capri was a
target for pirate raids, but it gradually developed into a thriving fishing and
agricultural community. By the 19th century, the island became a popular
destination for artists, writers, and travelers seeking its natural beauty.
Capri is known for its vibrant local culture, which includes traditional cuisine
featuring fresh seafood and locally grown lemons. The island is famous for its
handmade sandals and perfumes. Festivals and events celebrating local
traditions are held throughout the year.
The island is accessible by ferry or hydrofoil from Naples and Sorrento. If you
want to come back and stay overnight, the island has a variety of
accommodation options, ranging from luxury hotels to bed and breakfasts.
They are a bit outside of a moderate budget but may be worth a splurge!
Getting around is easy with local buses, taxis, and the funicular that connects
Marina Grande to the town center. Please review the options provided for a
self guided tour as well as an organized tour option in the coming pages.
While it’s not terribly difficult to explore Capri on your own, I love the guided
tours that provide more information and take care of the transportation.
CAPRI IS A MUST SEE!
Day trip to capri
DAY 2 CAPRI
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Blue Grotto
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DAY 2 CAPRI
CAPRi Sights & landmarks
Iconic rock formations creating one
of the island's most recognizable
landscapes. Legend says couples
who kiss as they pass through the
arch will stay together forever.
FARAGLIONI ROCKS
Villa San Michele, built by Axel
Munthe in Anacapri, offers
panoramic views and is adorned
with relics and art from ancient
Egypt and Rome.
VILLA SAN MICHELE
The most famous high-end shopping
street is Via Camerelle, where you'll
find luxury brands like Gucci, Prada,
and Valentino among its prestigious
stores and designer boutiques.
VIA CAMERELLE
The Anacapri Chairlift offers a
scenic ride to the summit of Monte
Solaro, providing breathtaking views
of the island of Capri, the Gulf of
Naples, and the surrounding sea.
MONTE SOLARO CHAIRLIFT
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DAY 2 CAPRI
This popular sea cave is famous for
its brilliant blue light, created by
sunlight entering through an
underwater cavity. Visitors can only
enter by rowboat and stay inside for
a few minutes to admire the glow.
BLUE GROTTO
Also known as Piazza Umberto I,
the Piazzetta is the heart of the
island. Visitors and locals gather at
outdoor cafés, restaurants, and
shops, creating a vibe that
epitomizes Capri’s social scene.
PIAZZETTA OF CAPRI
Beautiful landscaped terraces
offering a stunning panoramic view
of the Faraglioni rocks, the Bay of
Marina Piccola, and the serpentine
Via Krupp. This is a picturesque
spot for visitors to relax and enjoy
the island's natural beauty.
GARDENS OF AUGUSTUS
Anacapri, situated above the town of
Capri, is renowned for its tranquil
charm, offering visitors narrow
streets full of shops and restaurants,
traditional whitewashed buildings,
historical treasures, and amazing
viewpoints.
ANACAPRI
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DAY 2 CAPRI
Capri On-Your-Own OPTION
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5
Start your day by catching an early
ferry from Sorrento to Capri around
07:15 AM, enjoying a 30-minute ride
with beautiful views. You can
purchase tickets in advance.
Upon arrival, take a boat tour to the
Blue Grotto then return to the maria.
Entrance to the grotto is dependent
on the sea conditions.
From Marina Grande, take the
funicular (€2.40) to Capri Town,
starting at the Piazzetta and visiting
Giardini di Augusto for stunning views
of the Faraglioni.
Take a bus or taxi from Capri Town to
Anacapri, explore Villa San Michele,
and ride the chairlift to Monte Solaro
for panoramic views from the highest
point on the island.
Return to Capri Town, relax at
Buonocore Gelateria, then head back
down for your return ferry to Sorrento,
departing around 05:00 PM.
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Capri Day Tour Options
DAY 2 CAPRI
Opting for a guided tour of Capri ensures a stress-free, enriching experience that
maximizes your time on the island. For those who prefer a deep, informative, and
seamless adventure, a guided tour offers a superior way to explore.
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