Search

No longer offered

Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. Live alternatives are under Similar journeys below.

Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Explore Italy: Pompeii, Capri & the Amalfi Coast

Eight-day independent Italian journey from Rome to the Amalfi Coast and Capri

Illustration of Explore Italy: Pompeii, Capri & the Amalfi Coast

Vacations By Rail's eight-day independent rail vacation through Italy opens with two nights exploring Rome's grand sights, from the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain seen on an evening small group tour, to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel on a guided afternoon. On Day 3, travelers ride first-class on Italy's rail network from Rome to Naples, then transfer by private car to Sorrento on the Gulf of Naples. Five nights based in Sorrento offer a mix of private and small-group experiences: a guided tour through the excavated ruins of Pompeii followed by wine tasting and lunch at a Mount Vesuvius winery, a small group drive along the Amalfi Coast with a walk through the villages of Positano and Amalfi plus time in clifftop Ravello, a full leisure day to explore Sorrento at your own pace, and a boat excursion to Capri with a minibus tour of Anacapri and time to visit the town independently. This package suits first-time rail travelers seeking a structured mix of guided cultural access and independent exploration, couples looking for romantic coastal scenery and wine experiences, and history lovers keen to tour Vatican City and Pompeii.

What to know before you look closer

  • The final hotel location is Sorrento, not the original arrival city of Rome; Day 3 involves an afternoon train journey and private transfers totaling the rail component.
  • Return airport transfer on Day 8 is private to Naples International Airport; a Rome flight-out option exists but requires speaking to a rail specialist and may incur additional hotel night and supplement charges.
  • Several days include optional paid activities not listed in the base price, such as a Colosseum and Roman Forum walking tour, Herculaneum visit, and cooking class in Sorrento.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Rome

    Arrive in Rome

    Included private transfer to a centrally located four-star hotel, followed by an evening small group panoramic tour of Rome by night taking in the piazzas, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and Pantheon Square, concluding with a view over Rome from Gianicolo Hill.

  2. Day 2overnight: Rome

    Vatican City

    Leisurely morning in Rome, then an afternoon guided tour of Vatican City including skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums and admission to the Sistine Chapel.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Sorrento

    Optional Roman Forum and Colosseum Tour / Travel to Sorrento

    Morning at leisure, with an optional private walking tour of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Afternoon private transfer to the station for a first-class train from Rome to Naples (just over an hour), then a private car to Sorrento on the Gulf of Naples.

  4. Day 4overnight: Sorrento

    Pompeii & Wine Tasting

    Driver transfer from Sorrento to Pompeii to meet a local guide and explore the ruins, including the Basilica and the Forum, homes, stores and thermal baths. Continues to a local winery at the foot of Mount Vesuvius for a tasting of four wines and a lunch of local dishes.

  5. Day 5overnight: Sorrento

    Amalfi Coast

    A drive along the Amalfi Coast stopping in Positano, then a small group walk through Amalfi to St. Andrew's Cathedral and a group lunch, continuing to Ravello, perched about 1,200 feet above the water. Return to Sorrento in the afternoon.

  6. Day 6overnight: Sorrento

    Sorrento at Leisure

    Free day in Sorrento to explore the harbor, Piazza Tasso and Marina Grande, with an optional half-day trip to Herculaneum with a local guide.

  7. Day 7overnight: Sorrento

    Capri

    Transfer to Sorrento's harbor and a fast boat to Capri, then a minibus up to Anacapri with time to wander, plus time to lunch locally and to visit the town of Capri independently before returning to Sorrento by boat and car.

  8. Day 8rail

    Return Home

    Check out from the hotel. Private transfers available from Sorrento to Naples International Airport (a Rome flight-out option requires speaking to a rail specialist and may require an additional Rome hotel night; a supplement may apply if the transfer time required is before 6:00am).

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Evening small group panoramic tour of Rome by night takes in the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon Square, and concludes with a view over the city from Gianicolo Hill.
  • Day 2Afternoon guided tour of Vatican City includes skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums and admission to the Sistine Chapel.
  • Day 4Visit the ruins of Pompeii with a local guide, then travel to a winery at the foot of Mount Vesuvius for a tasting of four wines and lunch.
  • Day 5Small group walk through the Amalfi Coast villages of Positano and Amalfi, visiting St. Andrew's Cathedral, then visit Ravello perched 1,200 feet above the water.
  • Day 7Fast boat from Sorrento to Capri, then minibus to Anacapri with opportunity to explore independently and visit the Blue Grotto sea cave.

Included

  • Hotel accommodations for 7 nights
  • Rail travel on Italy's rail network
  • Private transfers throughout
  • 9 meals, including lunch in a local Amalfi restaurant
  • Small group tour of Rome by night
  • Small group tour of the Vatican Museums
  • Small group tour of the Amalfi Coast
  • Private tour of Pompeii
  • Small group tour to Capri

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance
  • Flights and Airport transfers

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes, the first-class train from Rome to Naples is included in the package price of $4,195 USD. Flights and airport transfers are not included unless you arrange them separately.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation with a mix of private and small-group touring. Some activities such as the Vatican City tour and Amalfi Coast walk are small group; other elements like transfers and the Pompeii tour are private.
Where do you stay, and for how many nights?
You stay seven nights: two nights in a centrally located four-star hotel in Rome, then five nights in a four-star hotel in Sorrento.
What meals are included?
Nine meals are included: lunch with local dishes at a Mount Vesuvius winery, lunch in a local Amalfi restaurant, and several other meals throughout the eight days.
How much free time is there?
Day 2 offers a leisurely morning in Rome. Day 6 is a full free day in Sorrento to explore the harbor, Piazza Tasso, and Marina Grande, with an optional half-day trip to Herculaneum.
What is the physical activity level?
The tour includes a small group walk through Amalfi and a visit to Ravello at about 1,200 feet elevation, plus general city walking in Rome and Sorrento. No strenuous hikes are required.

Similar journeys