Best of Italy: Rome, the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii

Explore Italy’s cultural heart and scenic soul with our guide to Rome, the Amalfi Coast, and Pompeii. From the Eternal City’s ancient wonders to the cliffs of Amalfi and the archaeological marvel of Pompeii, this is Italy at its most iconic. 

Italy is synonymous with art, history, and natural beauty. Among its countless treasures, Rome and the Amalfi Coast stand out as two of the most captivating regions, offering a combination of cultural depth and scenic splendor.  

Rome: The Eternal City 

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Ancient ruins and timeless charm capture the essence of Rome in the heart of Italy.

Rome remains one of the world’s great cultural capitals, a place where ancient ruins coexist with Renaissance masterpieces and modern Italian life. At its core stands the Colosseum, the most iconic structure of Imperial Rome, where gladiators once fought for spectacle. Nearby, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill tell the story of the city’s political, social, and religious life in an archaeological landscape that continues to captivate visitors. 

The Vatican City is another essential destination, housing the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, home to the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s celebrated ceiling fresco. These spaces are not only religious landmarks but also repositories of some of the most influential artworks in human history. 

Elsewhere in the city, the Pantheon remains a triumph of engineering and elegance, its coffered dome and oculus inspiring architects for centuries. Public spaces such as Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain showcase Rome’s baroque splendor, while the Spanish Steps lead to sweeping city views. For art enthusiasts, the Galleria Borghese within the Villa Borghese gardens offers a curated collection of Bernini sculptures, Caravaggio paintings, and Renaissance masterpieces. The surrounding parkland provides a welcome retreat from the city streets, ideal for strolling or cycling. 

Rome is foodie heaven. Markets like Campo de’ Fiori and neighborhoods such as Trastevere present opportunities to sample regional dishes, including classic pastas like spaghetti all carbonara and its dressed down cousin cacio e pepe (literally “cheese and pepper”) and regional dishes like saltimbocca alla Romana (thinly sliced veal topped with prosciutto and sage, sautéed in white wine and butter) and Carciofi alla Giudia (deep fried artichokes). 

The Amalfi Coast: A Mediterranean icon 

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Sun-drenched cliffs and turquoise waters showcase the irresistible allure of the Amalfi Coast.

The Amalfi Coast is one of Europe’s most dramatic coastal landscapes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stretches along cliffs that plunge into turquoise waters, dotted with pastel-hued villages and terraced hillsides lined with citrus groves. 

Positano, with its steep streets, pebble beaches, and chic boutiques, epitomizes the Amalfi aesthetic. Amalfi itself blends history and charm, centered around its striking cathedral and lively piazzas. Ravello, perched high above the coast, is renowned for its panoramic vistas, manicured gardens, and summer music festivals set against a backdrop of historic villas. 

Exploring the Amalfi Coast involves a combination of scenic drives, ferry connections, and private boat excursions to reach hidden coves and the legendary island of Capri. The Path of the Gods offers one of the region’s most celebrated hiking experiences, leading walkers along dramatic clifftop trails with sweeping sea views. 

Mealtimes are all about fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and dishes flavored with Amalfi lemons, which are also used to produce the region’s signature limoncello liqueur. 

Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius: A journey into the past 

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Frozen in time, Pompeii offers a vivid glimpse into ancient Roman life.

Pompeii provides a vivid window into the ancient world. Destroyed and preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, this archaeological site offers an extraordinary snapshot of Roman urban life nearly two thousand years ago. 

Walking through Pompeii, you’ll encounter remarkably preserved streets, homes, and public buildings. Villas decorated with colorful frescoes reveal the artistry of the time, while spaces such as the Forum, theaters, and bathhouses illustrate the social and political structures of the city. Everyday objects – pottery, tools, even loaves of bread carbonized by volcanic heat – are displayed in situ, offering a tangible connection to history. The site’s aqueducts, roads, and sophisticated drainage systems, meanwhile, highlight the ingenuity of Roman engineers. This is one of those places where you’ll really benefit from SA Expeditions’ expert guides as they’ll help you to interpret details that might otherwise go unnoticed, such as electoral graffiti or household shrines. 

Mount Vesuvius, still an active volcano, looms over the site and can be visited as part of a combined excursion. Reaching the crater involves a moderate hike, that’s rewarded by panoramic views over the Bay of Naples and the Campanian countryside. Standing at the edge of this geological force provides a striking perspective on the natural event that sealed Pompeii’s fate.