The Amalfi Coast & Rome

The Amalfi Coast is a mesmerizing blend of breathtaking scenery, charming cliffside towns like Positano and Ravello, and exquisite Italian cuisine. With its rich history, cultural sites, and relaxing beaches, it’s a paradise for both adventurers and those seeking tranquility. The dramatic landscapes of turquoise waters against pastel-colored villages create a dreamy setting, while local flavors like Limoncello and delectable seafood add a gourmet touch to your travel experience. Whether you’re hiking the Path of the Gods or lounging by the sea, the Amalfi Coast promises a captivating escape. Explore the elegance and luxury with us at Explore More!

Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri & Amalfi Coast

After a couple of rainy days and cooler temps in Tuscany, we were happy to be in southern Italy.  Upon arrival in Naples, we were greeted by a private driver who took us directly to Pompeii en route to Sorrento.  I love combining transfers with tours and do it as often as possible for clients.  I feel like it not only helps with time management but also with getting the most value out of your trip since you need a ride to your next destination – might as well make it a tour!  Our driver coordinated with our tour guide who met us at our van and promptly started our tour.

Rob and I visited Pompeii 15 years ago but we missed so much!  Having a private tour guide in Pompeii is super important because they offer personalized insights and stories that bring the ancient ruins to life. We were given the inside scoop on hidden gems and historical context that you might miss with a self-guided tour. Plus, a private guide can tailor the experience to your interests and pace, making it both enriching and enjoyable … especially with kids!  
 
After Pompeii, we made our way to Sorrento which was our base for the next three nights (which was not nearly long enough, but we did our best). We stayed at La Cocumella which is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.  Explore More is part of the SLH withIN program which means we are able to extend perks such as complimentary breakfast, hotel and resort credits, and potential upgrades – even for ourselves!  

La Cocumella in Sorrento is all about that classic Italian elegance mixed with serene coastal charm! Nestled by the stunning Amalfi Coast, this place oozes timeless luxury and offers a peaceful retreat.

Somehow, I did not take any photos of our expansive balcony, but I do have this fun video of room service bringing Rob and me a bottle of wine on our balcony so we can sip and enjoy sunset.  The waiter was so emphatic about the olives being “the best”, and he was not lying.  They were from Mount Vesuvius and delicious – I am not really even into olives, but I loved them!  Our wine was also accompanied by potato chips because you can’t order a cocktail, wine, or beer in Italy without receiving a little bowl of potato chips, a charming Italian aperitivo tradition!  It’s all about enhancing the social drinking experience by providing a little snack that complements a variety of beverages. The saltiness of the chips pairs perfectly with many Italian aperitifs, balancing flavors and ensuring you savor each sip. Plus, it’s a simple, tasty nibble that encourages conversation and leisurely enjoyment – all about that quintessential Italian lifestyle!
 
Our first day in the area was dedicated to Capri.  We made our way there by ferry, took a trip up the very windy roads to Anacapri for lunch, then back down for an afternoon boat trip on a gozzo, a traditional wooden boat.  Unfortunately, the weather did not agree with our plans to do a 3 hour tour around the island so we had to settle for an hour, but at least we got a shortened version of the experience.

The next day, we were supposed to have a full day boat tour from Sorrento along the Amalfi Coast.  Again, sea conditions were not on our side so our boat was canceled (as were all ferries), and we ended up seeing Amalfi Coast by private driver instead.  He first took us to Positano, a place that Rob and I thoroughly enjoyed during our trip 15 years ago.  After Positano, we stopped for lunch near Praiano under a lemon grove overlooking the Mediterranean.

After lunch, we headed to Ravello – which everyone seems to agree is the prettiest Amalfi village.  It has a calmer vibe as well.  I definitely enjoyed my lemon delight at a cafe near the main square of Ravello!

We returned to the hotel early evening and decided to have dinner on the terrace of the hotel that overlooks the sea.  It was a delightful restaurant with the friendliest service we experienced in Italy.  Without a doubt, Sorrento and the surrounding area was a highlight of our trip, even though the days did not go as planned!

Rome

Food was definitely a highlight of our time in Rome.  Our first tour was a golf cart food tour so I guess that food being a highlight goes without saying!  Here is a quick glimpse of that tour and a few photos of us enjoying all the treats in Rome!

Of course, we saw the historical monuments at touristy stops as well, even though many of them were covered in scaffolding due to the renovation work prior to the 2025 Roman Jubilee.  We still saw plenty and enjoyed our private tour of the Colosseum which included floor tickets – allowing us to experience a more exclusive vantage point of this impressive structure that has existed for 1,943 years!  Our guide told the stories of the events that once took place in this structure and how they added pageantry, but also the why behind the events. Again, I can not reiterate enough how having a private guide who answers questions really enhances your experience when traveling.

Alas, it was time to head home and catch up on life, work, school, and sports.  I am so grateful for another opportunity to share Italy with my family, but also learn how to make trips for my clients.  I learn so much every time I travel!