Palermo (3) →🛫 Amalfi (3) →🚅 Florence (2) →
🚗 Venice (3) and Day Trip Dolomites →🚅 Rome (3)

Day 1 ~ ✈️ Sun, May 31 — Depart CVG

• Day 2 ~ 🏛️ Mon, Jun 1 — Rome ➡️ Palermo
  • Layover
  • 🛫 Rome to Palermo
    • 🛫 ITA flight AZ1779 departing FCO at 2:20 pm
    • Arrives in Palermo (PMO) at 3:25 pm
  • Transfer to Hotel from Palermo Airport
  • 🏨 Hotel Alma Palermo (1/3) (booked)
• Day 3 ~ 🏛️ Tue, Jun 2 — Palermo
  • 🏨 Hotel Alma Palermo (2/3)
    • 🏖️Palermo Beaches 🩴
  • 🍽️ Dinner Reservation La Galleria at 7:30 pm
• Day 4 ~ 🏛️ Wed, Jun 3 — Palermo
  • 🏨Hotel Alma Palermo (3/3)
• Day 5 ~ 🍋Thu, Jun 4 — Palermo ➡️ Naples ➡️ Amalfi
  • 🛫 Easy Jet Flight EJU4104 Departs Palermo 11:35 am
    • Arrives Naples (NAP) at 12:35 pm
  • 🚗 Naples to Amalfi
    • Transfer arranged by Hotel La Bussola – Pay at Hotel €160
      • 💶Tip to driver in cash (€)
  • Recommended: Tour of the Paper Museum
  • 🏨 Amalfi Hotel La Bussola (booked) (1/3)
• Day 6 ~ 🍋 Fri, Jun 5 — Amalfi
  • 🏨 Amalfi Hotel La Bussola (2/3) (booked)
  • 🎟️ Amalfi Heaven Gardens Cooking Class 3:30 pm
  • Option: Amalfi to Pompeii Tour
    • Option 2, Pompeii Tour from Rome
  • Option: Paper Museum
• Day 7 ~ 🍋 Sat, Jun 6 — Amalfi
  • 🏨 Amalfi Hotel La Bussola (3/3)
  • Option: Visit to Ravello
• Day 8 ~ ⛴️ Sun, Jun 7 — Amalfi ➡️Naples ➡️Florence
  • Car or Ferry to Salerno
  • 🚅 Depart Salerno on Trenitalia 9584 at 10:51 pm
    • Arrival in Florence at 2:46 pm
  • 🏨 Florence Hotel Davanzati (more info) (booked) (1/2)
  • OPTION: Activities for Florence
• Day 9 ~ 🏺 Mon, Jun 8 — Florence
  • 🏨 Florence Hotel Davanzati (2/2)
  • Brunelleschi Pass
• Day 10 ~ 🏺 Tue, Jun 9 — Florence ➡️ Venice
  • Depart Florence on Trenitalia 8418 at 10:29 pm
  • Arrive in Venice S. Lucia at 1:38 pm
  • 🏨 Venice Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo (1/3) (booked)
  • OPTIONS: Venice Activities
• Day 11 ~ Wed, Jun 10
  • 🏨 Venice Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo (2/3)
  • 🎟️ Day Trip to the Dolomites (booked) 8 am
• Day 12 ~ Thu, Jun 11 — Venice
  • 🏨 Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo (3/3)
• Day 13 ~ Fri, Jun 12 — Venice ➡️ Rome
  • 🚅 Depart Venice S. Lucia at 11:05 am
    • Arrive in Rome at 3:10 pm
    • 🏨 Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Rome Colosseum (1/3) (booked)
      • Previously the BW Hotel President.
    • OPTION: Rome Activities
    • Suggested: Timed Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica/Vatican
    • OPTION: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Tour
• Day 14 ~ Sat, Jun 13 — Rome
  • 🏨 Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Rome Colosseum (2/3)
  • 🎟️ Small Group Tour: Colosseum & Roman Forum with Arena Floor Access
    • 3:30 pm (booked)
• Day 15 ~ Sun, Jun 14 — Rome
  • 🏨 Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Rome Colosseum (3/3)
• Day 16 ~ Mon, Jun 15 — Rome ➡️ Cincinnati
  • Return Home

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Before You Go — What to Know

🇮🇹 Entering Italy and the E.U.
UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
🇺🇸 Mobile Passport Control (MPC)

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TAXI APPS

🚕 ITTaxia (Italy) (📱app)
🚕 Freenow by Lyft (📱app)
🚕 Uber (📱app)

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🌤️ Weather

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Day 1 · Sun. 05/31 · Cincinnati – Atlanta – Rome
Depart from CVG for Rome
Layover in Atlanta

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Days 2· Mon. 6/1/26 Palermo

Arrive in Rome at 10:50am
3h 30m Layover

ITA Flight AZ 1779 Rome to Palermo
Departs Rome 2:20 pm ✈️ Arrival in Palermo at 3:25 pm

📖 Cerchio Travel Guide to Palermo, Italy

Day 2 🌅 Mon. 06/01/26

🏨 Hotel Alma – Palermo, Sicily- 3 nights (Booked) (1/3)

Transfer from Airport to Hotel

One of the most stylish and modern hotels in Palermo while maintaining classical Sicilian character. Exceptional service, wonderful Sicilian breakfast buffet, and steps from Teatro Massimo. One of the best value-for-quality options in the city. (Reviews)

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Day 3 🌅 Tue. 06/02/26 Palermo (2/3)

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Day 4 🌅 Wed. 06/03/26 Palermo (3/3)

🍾 Happy Anniversary! 🍰

La Galleria 🍽️ Dinner Reservations at 7:30 pm

You have a reservation at La Galleria in Palermo at 7:30 pm, a warmly regarded Sicilian restaurant known for its intimate atmosphere, attentive service, and beautifully prepared regional dishes. With its small dining room and strong local following, having a confirmed reservation ensures you can settle in without waiting and fully enjoy their fresh seafood, handmade pastas, and curated wine selection. It’s the perfect setting for a relaxed, authentic Palermo dinner experience. (Reviews)

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Day 5 🍋 Thur. 06/04/26 Amalfi (1/3)

✈️ Easy Jet Departs Palermo 11:35 am

Arrives Naples at 12:35 pm

Transfer from Naples to Amalfi – Arranged by Hotel La Bussola

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The hotel is situated on Lungomare dei Cavalieri, 16 on the seafront. Saint Andrew’s Cathedral, the bus station and the port are walking distance from the hotel. A three-night stay in a partial sea view room with breakfast included is $1,264.

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Recommended During Your Stay

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Tell Biago that Vincent sent you and enjoy the food and atmosphere.

An outstanding view and the freshest seafood, pastas and pizzas.

Biagio can also rent you a boat or arrange a charter at Marina Lo Smeraldino.

Click here for directions.

Bus and Ferry Schedule

The bus drivers announce the main stops; you can ask the driver to announce your stop when you board the bus. Buses stop running at 10 pm.

There are two main routes: Sorrento – Positano – Amalfi and Amalfi – Salerno. If you would like to ride between Positano and Salerno, you will need to change buses in Amalfi.

Bus Passes

COSTIERASITA € 10.00
The ticket is valid 24 hours from the moment of first validation. It allows an unlimited number of trips on SITA SUD means of transport in the following municipalities: Agerola, Amalfi, Atrani, Cetara, Conca dei Marini, Furore, Maiori, Massa Lubrense, Meta di Sorrento, Minori, Positano, Piano di Sorrento, Praiano, Ravello, Salerno, Sant’Agnello, Scala, Sorrento, Tramonti, Vietri sul Mare. It is mandatory to validate it on first use. For lack or failure of the stamping machines validate by hand. The holder is required to indicate in pen name and date of birth in the appropriate spaces.

COAST LAND & SEA € 15.00
The new Costiera Terra & Mare ticket provides an unlimited number of trips on the SITA SUD buses between the municipalities of the Amalfi coast and Sorrento Peninsula, and one maritime passage with Travelmar. The ticket is valid from the moment of validation until midnight of the same day.

It allows, subject to availability of boarding for each race, a single sea passage and an unlimited number of trips on SITA SUD means of transport in the following municipalities: Agerola, Amalfi, Atrani, Cetara, Conca dei Marini, Furore, Maiori, Massa Lubrense, Meta di Sorrento, Minori, Positano, Piano di Sorrento, Praiano, Ravello, Salerno, Sant’Agnello, Scala, Sorrento, Tramonti, Vietri sul Mare.

It is mandatory to validate it on first use. For lack or failure of the stamping machines validate by hand. The ticket is personal, nominative and non-transferable. The holder is required to indicate in pen name and date of birth in the appropriate spaces.

Things to Do

Salerno	Vietri Sul Mare (ceramics)
Amalfi	Click here for maps of my Things to Do
Amalfi	Visting the Cathedral of St. Andrew the Apostle
Amalfi	Lunch at the Bar Gran Cafe
Amalfi	Dinner at Lo Smeraldino
Amalfi	Shop at VLDA Leather Shop (directions)
Amalfi	Shop at Il Ninfeo Ceramic Shop
Amalfi	Visit S. Croce Beach – free boat from Amalfi Pier
Minori	Visit Sal de Riso, Italy’s premier pastry shop for lunch or dinner.
2 day trip	Salerno to Messina, Sicily by Car
2 day trip	Salerno to Messina, Sicily by Ferry (9 hours)

Option: Visit the Lemon Groves

Who does Vince know who does tours of the lemon groves? Georgia does tours! Interested? Jane Pauley and the CBS Sunday Morning show have the story “Growing lemons on the Amalfi Coast” here.

• Walk among the lemon groves.
• Visit the farm and a enjoy a refreshing break with typical products such as lemonade and lemon pie.
• Visit the Museum of rural culture, arts and crafts.
• TripAdvisor Reviews
• Contact me for booking.

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📜Museo Della Carte (map)

It is possible to 🔗purchase entrance tickets at the ticket office of the Paper Museum even on the day of the visit. Online purchase is only possible up to 48 hours before the visit.

Purchased tickets are non-refundable.

It is however possible to use the ticket to access the Museum on another date, no later than 31 December of the year of issue.

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OPTION: Tour of Pompeii from Amalfi 8am or 11 am $352.86

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Day 6🍋 Fri. 06/05/26 Amalfi (2/3)

🎟️ Cooking Class Booked for 3:30 pm

Arriving from Amalfi

• ​​​On foot: Take a nice walk of about 20 minutes in the direction of Positano and up the stairs from the road. Gardens entrance is on the right, in front of G.A.S. Bar.
• By bus: Take a bus in the direction of Sorrento, Agerola or Pogerola and ask the driver to be dropped off at G.A.S. Bar. The journey takes just 3 minutes. We are just up the stairs in front of G.A.S. Bar. Tickets CANNOT be bought on board; you need to buy them before to get on the bus. Bus schedules can be checked on sitasudtrasporti.it/orari (select Campania).

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Day 7🍋 Sat. 06/06/26 Amalfi (3/3)

Option: Visit to Ravello

 Ravello — Above the World

Perched 350 meters above the sea, Ravello is the coast’s most tranquil and refined destination — a hilltop village of villas, gardens, and extraordinary views that have inspired writers and composers for centuries. Richard Wagner, D.H. Lawrence, and Gore Vidal all called it home at various points.

What to do:

• Visit Villa Rufolo — a medieval villa with terraced gardens that drop dramatically toward the sea. Wagner was so moved by the view that he set part of Parsifal here. The gardens host the famous Ravello Festival each summer.
• Walk to Villa Cimbrone and its Terrazza dell’Infinito (Terrace of Infinity) — a belvedere lined with marble busts offering what is arguably the finest view on the entire Amalfi Coast
• Explore the Duomo di Ravello and its remarkable bronze doors and mosaic pulpit
• Wander the quiet lanes and enjoy the calm — Ravello feels a world away from the busier towns below
• Dinner in Ravello before descending — Rossellinis (fine dining), Cumpa Cosimo (beloved local trattoria), or Il Flauto di Pan at Villa Cimbrone

Allow 2 to 3 hours in Ravello — more if you linger for dinner.

Ravello

A visit can be incorporated into a daytrip along the Amalfi Coast, with a private driver. Or a ferry trip from Sorrento can bring you to Amalfi for a visit, a cooking class, and a visit to Ravello. Click here for my detailed page on visiting Ravello.

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Days 8 🏰 Sun. 6/7/26 Florence (Firenze) (1/2)

Ferry from Amalfi to Salerno Station (Directions)

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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.

🏨 Hotel Davanzati (map)

Hotel Davanzati is a warm, family‑run boutique hotel in the heart of Florence, just steps from Piazza della Repubblica, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio. Its unbeatable location and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal base for exploring the city on foot.

Guests enjoy comfortable, stylish rooms, friendly service, and thoughtful touches that make every stay feel special — including the hotel’s complimentary Daily Aperitivo, a beloved tradition where guests can relax with a drink before heading out for dinner.

FLORENCE OPTIONS FOR ACTIVITIES

The Duomo Complex

Brunelleschi Pass includes access to all monuments of Piazza del Duomo allowing visitors a complete experience with a single ticket: the Baptistery, Giotto’s Bell Tower, Brunelleschi’s Dome, the Opera del Duomo Museum and the crypt of Santa Reparata with one access per monument.

MEETING POINT: On the square in front of the gallery- Piazza delle Belle Arti. The exact address is Via Ricasoli 39. There is a big flowerpot where you can find a white-blue flag ItalyPass and a host who will assist you. Arrive at least 15 minutes in advance.

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Day 9🏰 Mon. 06/08/26 Florence (2/2)

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Days 10 🛶 Tue. 6/9/26 Venice (Venezia) (1/3)

🚅 Trenitalia FRECCIAROSSA – 9584 Premium – Coach 4
Depart Florence at 10:29 pm
Arrive in Venice at 1:38 pm

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How to Buy Vaporetto Tickets in Venice

Venice, the enchanting city of canals, is best explored by hopping aboard a vaporetto (water bus). Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, here’s how you can purchase your Vaporetto tickets hassle-free. Click here for more info.

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VENICE ACTIVITIES

OPTION: Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour

Private Boat tour with 22 people or fewer $163.24

Semi-private tour of 8 people or fewer $317

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Day 11 🛶 Wed. 06/10/26 Venice (2/3)

🎟️ Best of the Dolomites Mountains Day Trip 8:00 am

The meeting point is EDDY FAST FOOD (coordinates C8R5+WC Venezia) You can reach the meeting point by People Mover or Water bus line 2. PLEASE BE AT THE MEETING POINT NOT LATER THAN 7:45am AND SHOW UP TO THE GUIDE. THE BUS LEAVES AT 8:00 AND CAN’T WAIT FOR LATE CUSTOMERS.

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Days 13 · Fri. 6/12/26 Rome (Roma) (1/4)

🚅 Italo 8911 Prima Business Class – Coach 3
Depart Venice S. Lucia at 11:05 am
Arrive in Roma Termini at 3:10 pm

🏨 Hilton Garden Inn Rome Colosseum (booked) $2,197.16
Fri. 6/12/26 – Mon. 6/15/26

A 4-star hotel in the historic center of Rome: 4 Nights

Hilton Garden Inn Rome Colosseum—formerly the Best Western Hotel President—combines class, comfort, and modern functionality in a prime location near Termini Station and the heart of Rome’s historic center. Set in an elegant contemporary building close to the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Colosseum, and the Domus Aurea, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s top landmarks.

A few yards from the hotel, you will find Metro A subway line and several public transportations stops to ensure you a fast and functional link with the rest of the city, for a comfortable permanence in complete freedom and independence.

Line A (Orange)

Line A runs from the northwest to southeast, from Battistini to Anagnina. The most important stops are the following:

• Cipro – Musei Vaticani: The closest stop to the Vatican Museums and to the Sistine Chapel.
• Ottaviano – San Pietro: This station is a few minutes’ walk from St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica.
• Spagna: Very convenient for visiting Piazza di Spagna and Villa Borghese.
• Barberini – Fontana di Trevi: This station is five minutes away from Trevi Fountain It is also the closest station to Piazza Navona and the Pantheon.
• Termini: Stops at Roma Termini railway station. Here, visitors can take the Leonardo Express to get to Fiumicino Airport.

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ROME ACTIVITY OPTIONS

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Recommended: New in 2026, the Vatican now sells timed-entry, audio-guided tour tickets which include a separate line for entering St. Peter’s Basilica. Buy them 🔗here.

OPTION: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Tour (Viator)

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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.

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OPTION: Cooking Class in the Heart of Rome

Pizza and Tiramisu Making

Learn how to make two classic Italian dishes—pizza and tiramisu—during this short workshop with a local Italian chef as your guide. After the learning and the baking, with all ingredients and equipment provided, comes the eating and the drinking alongside your new friends.

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Day 14 🌅 Sat. 06/13/26 Rome (2/4)

🎟️ 3:30 pm Tour | Meeting Point: Via dei SS. Quattro, 81 (map) $247.06

Meet at the Roman Vacations office on Via dei Santi Quattro, 81. Look for the white Roman Vacations flag with the lion head on it.

Passport Required for Entry

This small‑group Colosseum tour gives travelers exclusive access to the Arena Floor through the Gladiator’s Gate and continues through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, offering a clear and engaging overview of Ancient Rome’s most important archaeological sites. Led by an expert certified guide and limited to a maximum of nine adults, the experience feels intimate, well‑paced, and highly informative, with reviewers consistently praising the guides’ knowledge, storytelling, and organization.

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OPTION: Brastours Small Group ✨$180 (Web Price $245)

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Day 15 🌅 Sun. 06/14/26 Rome (3/4)

✨Recommended Option

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Day 16🌅 Mon. 06/15/26 Rome (4/4)

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Days 17 · Return Home
Tue. 6/16/26 2:45 pm

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Useful Information

TIPPING IN ITALY 🪙

Tipping in Italy is appreciated but never obligatory — it’s quite different from the US culture of 15–20%. Italians themselves tip modestly if at all, so visitors are never expected to match American norms. In restaurants, a coperto (cover charge) is already baked into the bill, so if you tip at all, rounding up or leaving a few euros is perfectly generous. For private drivers and tour guides, a small tip is a nice acknowledgment of good service, especially for longer engagements.

Service	Tip Expected?	Suggested Amount
Restaurant — Casual	No	Round up or leave €1–2 in cash
Restaurant — Upscale	Optional	5–10% if no servizio included
Café / Bar	No	Leave small coins on the counter
Pizza / Takeaway	No	Round up
Taxi	No	Round up to nearest euro
Hotel Porter	Optional	€1–2 per bag
Housekeeping	Optional	€1–2 per night, left at checkout
Tour Guide — Half Day	Yes	€5–10 per person
Tour Guide — Full Day	Yes	€10–20 per person
Spa / Massage	Optional	5–10% for exceptional service
Coat Check / Restroom	Yes	€0.50–1 (often a posted fee)

A few notes on the ranges:

Drivers — tip per ride, not per person. For a half-day or longer, €20–30 is genuinely appreciated and above local norms. Hand it directly at the end.

Tour guides — tip per person if it’s a group tour. For a private guide, the chart reflects the total. Great guides who go above and beyond warrant the generous end.

Restaurants — if a coperto (cover charge, usually €2–4/person) is already on the bill, you’ve essentially tipped. Any additional cash left on the table is a bonus. Never tip on a credit card in Italy — cash only, left on the table as you leave.