Fly From Miami To Rome. Visit Puglia, Matera, Rome, And Amalfi Coast (stay In Sorrento And Do Day Trips To Positano, Capri, Naples, Pompeii, And Others)

That sounds like an incredible trip! Here’s a 21-day itinerary that balances exploration with relaxation, allowing you to soak in the beauty of Italy while keeping it budget-friendly and slow-paced. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Arrival in Rome

• Morning: Fly from Miami to Rome. Arrive at Fiumicino Airport.
• Afternoon: Check into your accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll around your neighborhood to get your bearings.
• Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at a local trattoria. Try some classic Roman dishes like Cacio e Pepe.

Day 2: Explore Rome

• Morning: Visit the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. Make sure to book tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
• Afternoon: Explore Castel Sant'Angelo. Enjoy the views from the top.
• Evening: Walk along the Tiber River and have dinner in the Trastevere neighborhood.

Day 3: More of Rome

• Morning: Visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Again, pre-book your tickets.
• Afternoon: Head to the Pantheon and then to Piazza Navona. Grab a gelato!
• Evening: Visit Santa Maria in Trastevere, a beautiful church with stunning mosaics.

Day 4: Day Trip to Tivoli

• Morning: Take a train to Tivoli (about 30 minutes). Visit Villa d’Este, famous for its gardens and fountains.
• Afternoon: Explore Hadrian’s Villa, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Evening: Return to Rome and enjoy a quiet dinner.

Day 5: Travel to Puglia

• Morning: Take a train from Rome to Bari (about 4 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your accommodation in Bari. Explore the old town and visit the Basilica di San Nicola.
• Evening: Enjoy a local seafood dinner.

Day 6: Explore Bari and Polignano a Mare

• Morning: Visit the Castello Normanno-Svevo and the Cathedral of San Sabino.
• Afternoon: Take a train to Polignano a Mare (about 30 minutes). Enjoy the stunning cliffs and beaches.
• Evening: Have dinner overlooking the sea.

Day 7: Matera Day Trip

• Morning: Take a bus to Matera (about 1.5 hours). Explore the Sassi di Matera, ancient cave dwellings.
• Afternoon: Visit the Church of Santa Maria di Idris and the MUSMA (Museum of Contemporary Sculpture).
• Evening: Return to Bari for dinner.

Day 8: Travel to Alberobello

• Morning: Take a train to Alberobello (about 1 hour). Explore the famous trulli houses.
• Afternoon: Visit the Trullo Sovrano and the Church of Saint Anthony.
• Evening: Enjoy a local dinner and stay overnight in Alberobello.

Day 9: Ostuni and Lecce

• Morning: Travel to Ostuni (about 30 minutes by bus). Explore the "White City."
• Afternoon: Continue to Lecce (about 1 hour by bus). Visit the Basilica di Santa Croce and the Roman Amphitheater.
• Evening: Stay overnight in Lecce and enjoy a local dinner.

Day 10: Return to Bari and Travel to Sorrento

• Morning: Return to Bari by bus (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Take a train from Bari to Naples (about 2 hours), then transfer to the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento (about 1 hour).
• Evening: Check into your accommodation in Sorrento and relax.

Day 11: Explore Sorrento

• Morning: Stroll through the charming streets of Sorrento. Visit the Cathedral of Sorrento.
• Afternoon: Relax at a café and enjoy the views of the Bay of Naples.
• Evening: Dinner at a local pizzeria.

Day 12: Day Trip to Positano

• Morning: Take a ferry or bus to Positano. Enjoy the scenic views along the coast.
• Afternoon: Explore the town, visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, and relax on the beach.
• Evening: Return to Sorrento for dinner.

Day 13: Day Trip to Capri

• Morning: Take a ferry to Capri. Visit the Blue Grotto (if weather permits).
• Afternoon: Explore Anacapri and take the chairlift to Monte Solaro for breathtaking views.
• Evening: Return to Sorrento and enjoy dinner.

Day 14: Day Trip to Pompeii

• Morning: Take the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii (about 30 minutes). Explore the ruins.
• Afternoon: Visit the Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Rosary of Pompei.
• Evening: Return to Sorrento for dinner.

Day 15: Day Trip to Naples

• Morning: Take the Circumvesuviana train to Naples (about 1 hour). Visit the Naples Cathedral.
• Afternoon: Explore the National Archaeological Museum.
• Evening: Try authentic Neapolitan pizza before returning to Sorrento.

Day 16: Relax in Sorrento

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and relax at a local beach or park.
• Afternoon: Visit the Museo Correale di Terranova.
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 17: Travel to Rome

• Morning: Take the Circumvesuviana train to Naples, then a train to Rome (about 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and relax.
• Evening: Visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.

Day 18: Explore Rome

• Morning: Visit the Borghese Gallery (book in advance).
• Afternoon: Stroll through the Villa Borghese gardens.
• Evening: Dinner in the Spanish Steps area.

Day 19: Day Trip to Orvieto

• Morning: Take a train to Orvieto (about 1 hour). Visit the stunning Duomo.
• Afternoon: Explore the underground caves and the Etruscan Museum.
• Evening: Return to Rome for dinner.

Day 20: Last Day in Rome

• Morning: Visit the Basilica di San Clemente and the nearby Colosseum area.
• Afternoon: Explore the Jewish Ghetto and visit the Great Synagogue.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Rome.

Day 21: Departure

• Morning: Last-minute shopping or a final stroll through your favorite spots.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your flight back to Miami.

Tips for Public Transportation:

• Trains: Use Trenitalia or Italo for intercity travel. Book tickets in advance for better prices.
• Buses: Local buses are a great way to explore towns. Check schedules as they can vary.
• Ferries: For coastal trips, check ferry schedules in advance, especially for Capri and Positano.

Budget-Friendly Tips:

• Accommodations: Look for hostels, guesthouses, or budget hotels. Airbnb can also be a good option.
• Meals: Enjoy local bakeries and markets for affordable meals. Try to eat where locals do!
• Attractions: Many churches are free to enter, and some museums have discounted days.

This itinerary allows you to experience the rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine of Italy at a leisurely pace. Enjoy your trip! If you have any questions or need adjustments, feel free to ask!