Here We Come Italy – September 2026
🗺️ 14-Day Trip Itinerary Overview (Group A) 🧭
Sat. 9/12/26 to Fri. 9/26/26
Before You Go
- Trip Insurance: Allianz Manage a Policy
- Trip Email Address
- European Union Entry/Exit System Requirements
Itinerary
- Day 1 — Departure Flights ✈️ 9/12/26
- Day 2 — Arrive in Venice 🛬 (3 nights) 9/13/26
- Transfers
- 🏨 Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo (booked)
- Day 3 — Venice 🚤 9/14/26
- Day 4 — Venice 🌉 9/15/26
- Day 5 — Venice to Florence 🚄 (3 nights) 9/16/26
- Day 6 — Florence (Tuscany Day Trip) 🍷 9/17/26
- Day 7 — Florence (Free Day) 🖼️ 9/18/26
- Day 8 — Florence to Sorrento 🚐 (4 nights) 9/19/26
- OPTIONS: Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast
- 🏨 Hotel Il Faro (booked)
- Day 9 — Sorrento 🌊 9/20/26
- Day 10 — Sorrento 9/21/26
- Day 11 — Sorrento 🚆 9/22/26
- Day 12 — Sorrento to Rome 9/23/26
- 🏨 Best Western Hotel Artdeco (booked)
- Option: Hotel Artemide
- Day 13 — Rome 🏛️ 9/24/26
- Day 14 — Rome 9/25/26
- Day 15 — Depart Rome Airport (FCO) ✈️ 9/26/26
- Tax Refund – The VAT
- Airport Lounges at FCO
- Return Flights ✈️
What is needed to plan your trip?
Please complete this form after your initial no-cost consultation if you wish to proceed with planning your unforgettable trip.
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When you book your activities through me, there’s no additional fee for planning, booking, or managing your experiences—just personalized support every step of the way.
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Italy Itinerary – Days 1 to 15
Baltimore → Venice → Florence → Amalfi Coast → Rome
Curated by Cerchio Travel
Day 1 – Depart for Italy ✈
Date: Sat. 9/12/26
Group 1 – 🛫 Depart Philadelphia on AA714 at 7:45 pm | 🛬 Venice (VCE) at 9:55 am
Venice – Three Nights
Lagoon city, canals, Murano glass, and soft landings in Italy.
Click here for a comparison of the neighborhoods of Venice.
Airport to Hotel
There are several choices for transfer from the airport to your Venice hotel: private transfer or shared transfer (advance booking) or book on arrival, and public water bus.
There is a limit of six passengers for the private transfer for ~$326. I am working on a private transfer for eight. Trip is approximately 30 minutes.
The shared private transfer for eight people is currently $377.44 for 8 adults or $47.18/person.
Alilaguna Water Bus → Hotel Cavalletto
- From baggage claim, a ten-minute walk to the dock (Darsena).
- Look for the pier, take the Blue line and stop at Rialto.
- Buy your ticket at the booth or the machine right at the dock.
- Tickets 18€ per person (eight passengers approx. $171).
- You can also buy online, but it’s not required.
- From the Rialto boat stop (10 minutes on foot, roughly 400–550 meters).
- Head toward the Rialto Bridge and follow the flow of people into the shopping streets leading toward San Marco.
- Follow signs for “San Marco”: Venice has yellow directional signs high on the walls—follow those.
- Stay on this main route; don’t worry about tiny side alleys.
- Approach Piazza San Marco: As you get close, the streets open up into St. Mark’s Square.
- With the basilica in front of you, walk to the right-hand side of the square (Museo Correr side).
- Into Calle del Cavalletto: Under the arcades, look for a passage labeled “Sotoportego del Cavalletto.”
- Go through it, cross the small bridge, and you’re on Calle del Cavalletto.
- The entrance to Hotel Cavalletto & Doge Orseolo will be just ahead on your left.
🏨 Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo (booked) 3 Nights
Piazza San Marco 1107
Buffet Breakfast included.
$1509 Classic, 1 Double or 2 Twin Beds
$1623 Double or Twin Room, Canal View
Hotel Cavalletto & Doge Orseolo is a historic 4-star hotel in the heart of Venice, located just 50 meters from St. Mark’s Square and overlooking the iconic Orseolo Basin. This central Venice hotel offers 107 Venetian-style rooms, many with romantic gondola-filled basin views, making it an ideal choice if you are seeking convenience and authentic charm.
Day 2 – Arrive in Venice ✈
Date: Sun. 9/13/26
Hotel: Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo, Venice (Night 1/3)
Day 3 – Venice
Date: Mon. 9/14/26
Hotel: Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo, Venice (Night 2/3)
Murano Glass experience and time to explore Venice at your own pace.
Day 4 – Venice
Date: Tue. 9/15/26
Hotel: Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo, Venice (Night 3/3)
Free day in Venice for canals, museums, and hidden neighborhoods.
🚤 Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat
Meeting Time: 9:30 AM – Arrive 15 minutes early
Murano & Burano Islands (booked) (video) – Cost: $72.77/person, max 15.
Explore two famed Italian handicrafts on a fully guided day trip. Watch centuries-old glassblowing techniques in Murano and marvel at exquisite Burano lace.
Arrive at the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, Riva degli Schiavoni. Tour ends at Hotel Gabrielli Riva, near San Marco.
Day 5 – Venice to Florence 🚄
Date: Wed. 9/16/26
Hotel: Loggiato dei Serviti, Florence (Night 1/3) – Check in 2:00 pm
High-speed train from Venice to Florence.
Florence – Three Nights
Renaissance art, Chianti day trips, and easy rail connections.
Venezia Santa Lucia Station Guide
Taxi to Your Florence Hotel
The main taxi stand for Santa Maria Novella (SMN) station in Florence is located outside the main entrance, near the Piazza Adua side. As you exit the main entrance of the train station, you’ll find the official taxi stand right outside in Piazza della Stazione. Look for the line of white taxis with official markings. Avoid accepting rides from individuals inside the station offering taxi services, as they may not be licensed.
How to Get a Taxi
- Walk to the taxi stand—taxis operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Hop into the next available taxi—no need to negotiate fares, as taxis in Florence use meters.
- Provide your destination—if needed, show the driver the address in Italian for clarity.
- Confirm payment options—most taxis accept cash and credit cards, but it’s good to check before starting your ride.
- Long taxi queue? You can call a taxi service like Taxi Merci Firenze (website) or 4390 Taxi Firenze (website). Alternatively, apps like Uber, ItTaxi or FreeNow allow you to book a taxi in advance. Florence Taxis Stands (map and list).
- A short ride within Florence’s historic center typically costs €10–€20.
- There may be extra charges for luggage, late-night rides, or trips outside the city.
- Tipping isn’t required, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.
Loggiato dei Serviti (booked)
16th-century hotel, 3-min walk from Accademia Gallery, 7-min walk from the Duomo. Breakfast included.
Laundry Services in Florence
Day 6 – Florence (Tuscany Day Trip) 🍷
Date: Thu. 9/17/26
Hotel: Loggiato dei Serviti, Florence (Night 2/3)
Day trip to Tuscany countryside (Chianti, San Gimignano, or custom routing).
The Duomo Complex
The Gallery entirely occupies the first and second floors of the large building constructed between 1560 and 1580 and designed by Giorgio Vasari. It is famous worldwide for its outstanding collections of ancient sculptures and paintings (from the Middle Ages to the Modern period). Visit my Audio Tours page to download maps and an audio tour.
Rick Steve’s has an audio guide to tour on your own, print his map.
Arrive 30 minutes early to pick up your tickets at Ticket Office (map).
Before your tour, present your voucher at the redemption point to receive your entry ticket.
Redemption Point: Via Ricasoli, 68, 50122 Firenze (map). Located between the Duomo and Piazza San Marco, on block closest to San Marco.
🍷 Rosso Crudo: A Florence Favorite
Ristorante Rosso Crudo
Bistecca Florentina, with all of the trimmings and wine, at a very reasonable cost. Delizioso!
Via dei Servi, 85 rosso, (map)
Day 7 – Florence (Free Day) 🖼️
Date: Fri. 9/18/26
Hotel: Loggiato dei Serviti, Florence (Night 3/3)
Free day for museums, markets, and independent exploration.
Amalfi Coast
Cliffside villages, sea views, and time to unwind.
Day 8 – Florence to Sorrento 🚄
Date: Sat. 9/19/26
Travel from Florence to the Amalfi Coast via train to Naples and onward coastal transfer.
Hotel: Hotel Il Faro (Night 1/4)
🏨 Hotel Il Faro – Sorrento (booked) 4 Nights
Various Room Types with Sea View. Panoramic position overlooking Vesuvius, the Gulf of Naples and the tourist port of Sorrento. Includes breakfast and WiFi.
Via Marina Piccola 5, Sorrento, NA • T. +39 0818781390 • Get directions
Day 9 – Sorrento 🌊
Date: Sun. 9/20/26
Hotel: Hotel Il Faro (Night 2/4)
Free day along the Amalfi Coast for exploring, beaches, or optional boat excursions.
Day 10 – Sorrento
Date: Mon. 9/21/26
Hotel: Hotel Il Faro (Night 3/4)
Full day on the coast; custom activities (Capri, Ravello, coastal touring).
Day 11 – Sorrento
Date: Tue. 9/22/26
Hotel: Hotel Il Faro (Night 4/4)
Day 12 – Sorrento to Rome 🚐
Date: Wed. 9/23/26
T.B.D. Private Driver by van from Sorrento to Rome.
Hotel: Best Western Hotel Artdeco (Night 1/3)
Rome – Three Nights
🏨 Best Western Hotel Artdeco
Short walk from Termini Station, Colosseum (1.2 mi) and Palatine Hill (1.3 mi). Breakfast included. (Info) (Map)
Classic Room $800 | Deluxe $1010
Via Palestro 19, Roma, 00185
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Day 13 – Rome 🏛️
Date: Thu. 9/24/26
Hotel: Best Western Hotel Artdeco (Night 2/3)
Full day in Rome for sightseeing and final Italian experiences.
Day 14 – Rome
Date: Fri. 9/25/26
Hotel: Best Western Hotel Artdeco (Night 3/3)
Rome | Links for More Information
Rome with Kids – Fun things to do, what’s free, what to expect (romewise.com)
Rome Taxi- Guide to Taxi to/from airport and city center.
GetYourGuide – please book through this link.
Day 15 – Depart Rome ✈
Date: Sat. 9/26/26
Preparing to Return – The VAT
Purchases of many articles in European Union countries are subject to a value added tax. In Italy you may see the tax on your receipt as “IVA”.
You may claim a refund of the tax on articles that will be taken home without being used in the E.U. Here is a guide for the process.
Please review this page about claiming a VAT refund at the airport in Naples.
Groups 1, 2 – 🛫 Return on AA719 at 12:15 | 🛬 Philadelphia at 3:55 pm
Things to Do – Options
From Sorrento
🎟️ Pompeii Express Tour by Train
Meeting Time: 9:30 am
Meeting point: Sorrento Train Station (CIRCUMVESUVIANA) at the newsstand Edicola on the ground floor (map). You will be met there.
Avoid the hassle of navigating the local train by yourself and zip past the crowds at Pompeii’s entrance with this fast-track tour. Meet your assistant at the Sorrento train station to board and get off just outside Pompeii, where you’ll skip the long line and head directly inside the ruins with your guide.
Read more – Pompeii Express Tour by Train from Sorrento
Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast
💎 Emerald Grotto vs. Blue Grotto
| Feature | Emerald Grotto | Blue Grotto |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Conca dei Marini | Capri, near Anacapri |
| Color | Deep emerald-green | Electric blue |
| Duration | ~30 min | ~30 min + waits |
| Access | Boat or land | Boat only |
| Crowds | Lighter | Very crowded in season |
| Cost | ~€6 | ~€18 + transport |
| Best For | Amalfi Coast stays | Capri day trips |
✨ Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Emerald Grotto if…
- You’re touring the coast with a private driver or boat
- You’re staying in Amalfi, Praiano, or Positano
- You want a quick, scenic stop without major detours
- You prefer a calmer, less crowded experience
Choose Blue Grotto if…
- Sea conditions are ideal
- You’re already planning a full day on Capri
- You don’t mind waiting for the iconic “blue light” moment
- You want the classic, world-famous grotto experience
🧭 Cerchio Travel Tip: For most Amalfi Coast itineraries, the Emerald Grotto is the more reliable and accessible choice. For Capri days, the Blue Grotto is a spectacular add-on — but only if the seas cooperate.
Things to Do in Rome
Rome Foodie Activities
🎟️ Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Tour (Viator)
View major works by Raphael, Michelangelo, and other masters, and marvel at the Sistine Chapel.
Skip the line: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peters Tour .
Meeting Point: Crown Tours
Via Mocenigo, 15 +393891747646
End Point: St. Peter’s Basilica
Tickets have a strict entrance time. It is mandatory to be there at least 30 minutes before activity time. Late arrivals cannot be guaranteed entrance as this could mean the group has already left. Under those circumstances as per standard policy no refund will be issued.
The office is located about 200 meters northwest from the entrance of the Vatican Museums, going down the steps, take first left onto Via Sebastiano Veniero, keep walking straight until the end of the street and then turn right, you will find yourself on Via Mocenigo. The office is located in front of the “Cucaracha” restaurant. The activity coordinators will be easy to spot wearing a purple shirt with the company logo.
Pompeii from Rome: A Perfect Full-Day Trip
A day trip from Rome to Pompeii is absolutely worth it — and far easier than most travelers expect. With high-speed trains and excellent guided options, you can explore one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites and still be back in Rome by evening.
🚄 How to Get from Rome to Pompeii
1. High-Speed Train + Local Train (DIY)
- Rome → Naples on Frecciarossa (~1 hr 10 min)
- Naples → Pompei Scavi on the Circumvesuviana (~35 min)
- Total: ~2 hours each way | ~€50–€90 round-trip
2. Direct Rome → Pompeii Train (Sundays Only)
- Newer direct service, cuts out the Naples transfer
3. Guided Day Tours (Most Popular)
- Easiest and most time-efficient option
- Includes transport, skip-the-line entry, and a licensed guide
- Many tours add Vesuvius or Amalfi Coast
- Prices start around €129/person
- Pompeii, Sorrento & Amalfi Coast Day Trip from Rome
