3-Day Italy Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Italy tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaItaly travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Day Southern Italy Itinerary, incl. Rome and Sorrento

  Four remarkable destinations - Rome, Pompeii's UNESCO ruins, Sorrento's Grand Hotel Vesuvio, and Capri's Blue Grotto - create an unforgettable 3-day adventure. Two nights' accommodation, meals, and expert-guided tours cost approx. $300 per day.

  

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  • Day 1

    Rome to Sorrento

    Your day starts early with 6:30 AM hotel pickup for the 7:30 AM departure. The coach ride south takes about 4 hours including breaks. "The hotel in Sorrento had a lovely pool - perfect after the long drive down from Rome." Stay at a central Rome hotel to make the morning pickup easier. In Sorrento you'll have the afternoon free to explore. Visit Via San Cesareo to browse limoncello shops and watch local woodworkers craft their pieces.

    
  • Day 2

    Capri Day Trip (April-October only)

    The Capri trip depends on good weather for boat travel. One visitor noted: "Know that seeing the Blue Grotto isn't guaranteed - sea conditions often prevent access. The coastal boat ride is still wonderful though." Take the minibus up to Anacapri at 918 feet for incredible views over the Bay of Naples. Bring motion sickness medicine if you get queasy on boats. In winter (November-March) you get a free day in Sorrento instead.

    
  • Day 3

    Sorrento to Pompeii to Rome

    Spend your morning in Sorrento before leaving at 1:15 PM for Pompeii. Bring water and sun protection as the archaeological site gets very hot. You'll get skip-the-line entry and radio headsets. A recent visitor shared: "The archaeology professor who guided us through Pompeii was truly outstanding!" The drive back to Rome takes about 3 hours with a 9 PM arrival. Book a Rome hotel since you'll get in late.

    

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• 3 Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary, incl. Capri and Positano

  Sailing adventures await across 6 destinations from Marina di Stabia. Capri's Blue Grotto, Positano's vertical town, and Amalfi's cathedral create lasting memories. Professional crew guides visits to Faraglioni Rocks, Li Galli islands, and Nerano Bay.

  

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  • Day 1

    Sorrento & Capri

    Leave Marina di Stabia early to avoid boat traffic. After an hour of sailing along the Sorrento Coast, explore Sorrento's historic center before 10 AM, when most tourists arrive. A previous visitor shared: "The boat was nice and clean, and the itinerary was well planned so we weren't rushing between spots or spending too long in one place." In the afternoon, sail to Capri as day tourists start leaving. Stop by the Faraglioni rocks for swimming and drinks. Take a quick bus ride up to Capri town and walk to Punta Tragara for incredible views. Remember to bring good walking shoes since Capri's steep cobblestone streets can be tricky to navigate.

    
  • Day 2

    Blue Grotto & Amalfi

    Get to the Blue Grotto early before tour boats fill the area. Morning light creates the most vivid blue colors inside the cave. You'll need to lie flat in small rowboats to enter through the narrow entrance. Next, stop at Nerano Bay for lunch and swimming. The surrounding mountains block afternoon winds, making it a perfect spot to relax. Head to Amalfi in mid-afternoon after most day visitors leave. The town's small streets are more pleasant to explore in the cooler evening. Visit the impressive Duomo but save the 62-step climb for morning when it's cooler.

    
  • Day 3

    Positano

    Spend your last day in Positano, where pastel buildings seem to spill down the cliffside. Take photos in the morning light before the sun gets too bright. Stop at Li Galli islands for a final swim and snorkel in their crystal-clear waters. Keep your camera ready while sailing between stops to catch the many caves and hidden spots along the coast. As one sailor noted: "Be prepared for some engine use if the winds aren't favorable – it's more about the coastal views than pure sailing."

    

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• 3 Days in Southern Italy, incl. Sorrento and Pompeii

  Five remarkable destinations - Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, and Capri - unite in this 3-day tour. Grand Hotel Vesuvio provides luxury accommodation, with daily meals and English-guided tours for around $900 total.

  

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  • Day 1

    Rome to Sorrento

    Your journey begins with a 6:30 AM pickup from central Rome hotels. The 3-hour drive to Sorrento takes you through scenic countryside. "The drives between Rome and Sorrento could have used more guide commentary, but the views were spectacular," noted one traveler. Want the best views? Choose a seat on the right side of the bus. Once you arrive and check in, take some time to walk through the historic center. The narrow streets are quieter and more enjoyable in late afternoon after most tourists have left.

    
  • Day 2

    Capri or Sorrento (seasonal)

    April-October: Take an early morning ferry to Capri (20 minutes). The Blue Grotto visit depends on weather conditions. If the seas are rough, your guide will suggest other spots like the Faraglioni rocks. "The guides in Capri were very informative, offering much detail about what we were seeing," a recent visitor said. November-March: Spend a peaceful day exploring Sorrento without the summer crowds. Walk through Via San Cesareo to see local woodwork shops or take an optional trip to the Amalfi Coast. One traveler shared: "visiting Positano, Amalfi and Ravello was quite a surprise and very enjoyable."

    
  • Day 3

    Pompeii and Return to Rome

    Use your free morning in Sorrento for shopping or taking photos of the Bay of Naples. At 1:15 PM, head to Pompeii. Your archaeologist guide will lead a skip-the-line tour. Wear good walking shoes the ancient streets are uneven and get hot in summer. "The tour of Pompeii was incredible! The guide was excellent," one guest remarked. The return trip to Rome takes about 3 hours. Planning to stay longer? Consider the Grand Hotel Vesuvio in Sorrento. Travelers like its "first-class accommodations with very good breakfast and dinner meals."

    

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