I highly recommend NOT doing Venice in June. It’s so overcrowded, I believe you now have to pay an extra tax in Venice to travel during the summer. The locals are begging people to go on the off-season instead of summer. Plus you got plenty of other things to see!
Where to Stay:
Rome:
My recommendation: Stay near the Piazza Navona.
You’ll be right in the center of all the great spots to visit in Rome as well as within walking distance of so many great restaurants!
(Note: I have NOT stayed at any of these hotels. I usually stay near the Vatican but these hotels are way more central)
- Budget Option: Locanda Parlamento
(No star rating available)
8.4 Hotels.com Rating
Approximately $84 per night during the summer (and winter)- 2 minute walk to Ciao Checca
- 10 minute walk to Pizza in Trevi
- 12 minute walk to Risotteria Melotti Roma
- Moderate Option: Navona Gallery Suites
(No star rating available)
9.6 Hotels.com Rating
Approximately $180 per night during the summer ($148 during the winter)- 4 minute walk to Risotteria Melotti Roma
- 8 minute walk to Voglia di Pizza – Gluten free
- 11 minute walk to New Food Gluten Free
- Luxury Option: Domaso Hotel
★★★
9.8 Hotels.com Rating
Approximately $490 per night during the summer ($150 during the winter)
- 5 minute walk to Voglia di Pizza – Gluten free
- 7 minute walk to Risotteria Melotti Roma
- 8 minute walk to New Food Gluten Free
Florence:
- Hotel: Hotel Degli Orafi
I LOVED this hotel when I went solo 2 years ago. Their rooftop bar is amazing and I met a lot of American couples there. It can get very pricey during the weekends and in certain seasons. If it’s expensive when you guys are going I recommend booking a hotel near there. It’s in such a great area of town.
Sorrento/Positano:
I havent stayed in Sorrento or Positano but both are the hottest destinations on the Amalfi Coast. Friends of mine have stayed here at Hotel Puppeto in Positano and they loved it.
- Capri:
- I’ve never stayed in Sorrento, but I’ve stayed on Capri twice and it’s INCREDIBLE. Capri is divided into two parts, Capri and Anacapri (upper Capri). There’s so much to explore there and easy to get from the upper and lower parts. The nicer hotels are in Ana like this one I stayed at.
You can get to Capri from Sorrento via the Hydrafoil (fast boat). It runs like every hour. Info here - There is also a Hydrafoil from Naples. That’s the one I usually take. I take a Frecci train from Rome to Naples, then taxi to the ferry terminal.
- I’ve never stayed in Sorrento, but I’ve stayed on Capri twice and it’s INCREDIBLE. Capri is divided into two parts, Capri and Anacapri (upper Capri). There’s so much to explore there and easy to get from the upper and lower parts. The nicer hotels are in Ana like this one I stayed at.
- If you are going to take a train from Rome ALWAYS take a Frecciarossa, ALWAYS book ahead of time, and ALWAYS book a business class ticket that ensures you get a seat, and have space for your luggage. Trust me it’s necessary and worth the extra 15 euro
- https://www.trenitalia.com/en/frecce/frecciarossa.html
Tour Recommendations:
Avoid tours between 11 am – 2 pm. It will be HOT in June!!
Rome:
This is my favorite museum in Rome. Its way less overwhelming and overcrowded than the Vatican Museum. You’ll see some incredible masterpieces there!
- Morning Tour: Colosseum VIP Access with Arena and Ancient Rome Tour (2.5 hours)
I recommend booking this tour as early as you will be able to manage to handle it. Remember, tours will ALWAYS leave without you. So if you can’t manage 8:30 AM, book a little later time - Evening Tour: Walking Tour in the Heart of Rome (1-2 hours)
Florence:
This is one of my favorite tours of all time! It cost me $5 and I tipped the guy a $20 because he was so great. It gives you a great overview of the history of Florence, the influence of the Medici on the Renaissance, and art.
Speaking of the Medici, watch the Medici special on Netflix before you go! It
gives you a greater appreciation of the city of Florence and all the Renaissance!
- Uffizi Gallery
I did this tour with Marco on Airbnb Experiences and he was fantastic! The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most famous art museums in the world and home to incredible Renaissance art.
Sorrento/Positano:
I’ve never stayed in Sorrento or Positano, but I’ve stayed on Capri twice and it’s INCREDIBLE. Capri is divided into two parts, Capri and Anacapri (upper Capri). There’s so much to explore there. You can get to Capri from Sorrento via the Hydrafoil (fast boat). It runs like every hour. Info here
This sounds incredibly bougie but TRUST ME, it’s worth every penny. If you can, do a private boat tour around Capri. I got lucky when I went solo my Airbnb arranged one for a few guests to split so I did a private boat tour with 3 others from the Airbnb and it was an incredible experience. Dylan and I also did one on Lake Como for our Honeymoon. It was the most expensive part of our honeymoon but SOOO worth it!
I found this one on Viator that leaves from Sorrento
Transportation:
- If you’ve never traveled to Europe before take caution. There are many scammers and pickpocketers you need to watch out for in Rome. One of the biggest scams in Rome are the fake taxis. This is what official Rome Taxis look like.
All Roman taxis will have this logo on the door. DO NOT get into any taxi that does not have this logo. There are many scammers outside the airport who would love to rip you off with a fake “taxi.” (All taxis wait in a long line directly in front of the airport)
My Advice: Book a Private Transfer ($12 more than a cab!!)
If it’s your first trip to Europe, book yourself a private car transfer and save yourself the stress of getting a cab.
I used Sergio with Rome Fiumicino Transfer Company last time I went to Rome and I loved his service! I booked everything online, the communication was fantastic, and it was so easy!
The cost of the private transfer was $60 (in 2021). A taxi was $48. It was only $12 more to book a private transfer!
The best $12 you could spend in Rome! It will ensure your safety and save you so much stress!
My flight even came in 2 hours late and Sergio was not able to pick me up because he had another pick up scheduled. However, he had another driver pick me up and he was great.
I highly recommend the Rome Fiumicino Transfer Company and will continue to use them whenever I travel to Rome!
Trains:
The high-speed trains around Italy are incredible.
- Rome -> Amalfi Coast
Take high-speed train from Rome to Naples. Then switch to local train or water taxi to coast. This website outlines how to get from Rome to Sorrento! - Amalfi Coast -> Florence
Take local transportation back to Naples. Then high speed train from Naples to Florence - Florence -> Rome
High speed train from Florence to Rome.
Day 1:
Fly out of EWR (Overnight flight into Rome)
Day 2:
Land in Rome
(you’ll be exhausted this day so take it slow)
Day 3:
Rome
Day 4:
Rome -> Amalfi Coast (Sorrento or Positano)
This website outlines how to get from Rome to Sorrento!
Day 5:
Sorrento/Positano
Day 6:
Sorrento/Positano
Day 7:
Naples -> Florence
Day 8:
Florence
Day 9:
Florence -> Rome
Day 10:
Fly home
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