Here We Come! | Italy | August 26, 2025 | Cruise and Land

Activities (🎟️Booked)

• Day 1- 08/26/26 Depart Newark for Naples, Italy
  • 🚅Amtrak 94 Baltimore (BWI) to Newark (EWR)
• Day 2- 08/27/25 Arrive Naples, Italy
• Day 2- Ferry from Naples to Amalfi or Private Transportation
  • 🎟️ Private Driver Arranged by Hotel
  • 🎟️🏨Hotel La Bussola Amalfi
• Day 3– 08/28/25 Amalfi
  • Amalfi Coast- Things to Do
• Day 4– 08/29/25 Amalfi
  • 🎟️ Amalfi Lemon Experience Tour 🍋10 am
    • Option: Paper Museum Tour
• Day 5– 08/30/25 Depart Amalfi for Rome
  • 🎟️ Private Driver by Hotel to Salerno Train Station
  • 🎟️🚅Trenitalia – Booked through ItaliaRail🚅
  • Taxi to your hotel
  • 🎟️🏨 Baglioni Regina Hotel
  • 🎟️ Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Tour
• Day 6- 08/31/25 Rome
  • 🎟️ Rome: Pantheon Skip the Line Tickets with Audio Guide 09:30
  • 🎟️ Rome: VIP Colosseum Underground Tour
  • Option: Rome Foodie Activities
• 🌅 Rome Weather Forecast 🌇
• Day 7- 09/01/25 Transfer from Rome to Civitavecchia Cruise Port
  • Option 1: Private Driver €190
  • Option 2: Taxis and Train
• Day 7-17 Cruise through BJ Travel – Cruise Only Trip Insurance
  • Viator Worry-Free Shore Excursions
• Day 9- 09/03/25 🎟️4 Hour Day Party at Beach Club in Mykonos
• Day 15- 09/09/25 🎟️Sorrento & Pompeii Skip the Line
• Day 17- 09/11/25 Train from Civitavecchia to Florence
• Day 17 to 21- 🎟️🏨 Hotel Loggiato de Serviti Brunelleschi Suite
  • Option: Activities for Florence
  • 🌅 Florence Weather Forecast 🌇
• Day 19- 09/13/25 🎟️ Horseback Ride in S. Gimignano with Tuscan Lunch Chianti Tasting
• Day 20- 09/14/25 🎟️ Florence Cooking Class, Gelato and Pizza
• Day 21- 09/15/25 🎟️ Italo Train from Florence to Venice
• Day 21 to 23- 🎟️ 🏨Hotel Cavaletto e Doge Orseolo
• Day 21- Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal and Museum
• 🌅 Venice Weather Forecast 🌇
• Day 23- 09/17/25 United Airlines Venice to Newark
  • 🚅Amtrak 193 Newark (EWR) to Baltimore (BWI)

Other Information

• Transportation to Rome Hotels from Train Station
• Using the Rome Metro (subway) | Tap & Go Payments
• Wine Windows of Florence
• Claiming your VAT refund prior to departure

Day 1 | Tue 8/26/25

🚅 Depart Baltimore (BWI) on Amtrak 94 at 2:28 pm.
Arrive at Baltimore (BWI) at 4:57 pm.

---

Depart Newark (EWR) Airport | Tue 8/26/25

---

---

Day 2 | Arrive in Naples, Italy | Wed. 08/27/25

---

Private Driver

A private driver or taxi has been arranged for travel from NAP to your Amalfi Hotel for a cost of €160, paid to the driver. It can take 1h to 1h 30m depending on traffic.
The driver will meet you at the airport exit, holding a sign with your name on it.

---

Day 2-4 | Amalfi Coast | Wed. – Fri. 08/27 to 8/30/25

---

Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast

Salerno	Vietri Sul Mare (ceramics)
Amalfi	Click here for maps of my Things to Do
Amalfi	Paper Museum
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.

---

Amalfi Weather and Forecast

---

Day 3 | Amalfi

Stroll to Atrani

An afternoon trip to Atrani from Amalfi is like stepping into a postcard-perfect Italian dream. Just a short walk through a hidden pedestrian tunnel, Atrani welcomes you with its quiet charm, colorful houses, and a beach tucked between towering cliffs.

You can begin your walk by stopping for a light lunch or aperivo (try a Limoncello Spritz 😊) at the Bar Gran Cafe, making sure to say hello to my cousins who own the cafe. Soak in the sun and enjoy the view of the sea!

You can watch Equalizer 3 before your trip. The film, set against the stunning backdrop of Southern Italy, follows Robert McCall as he takes on the mafia to protect his newfound friends. The movie features stunning shots of Santuario Santa Maria del Bando, Atrani’s main square, and the beach, capturing the town’s picturesque charm

For details on a visit to the sights and film locations in Atrani, check out my post.

---

Enjoy an Italian Passeggiata: An Evening Tradition

In Italy, the passeggiata is more than just a walk—it’s a cherished social ritual that brings communities together in the soft glow of twilight. As the evening approaches, locals of all ages take to the streets, dressed elegantly, to stroll through town, exchange greetings, and simply enjoy the moment.

This leisurely walk is often accompanied by conversation, laughter, and a stop for a gelato or aperitivo. In coastal towns like Atrani, the passeggiata follows scenic paths overlooking the sea, where the golden hues of sunset create the perfect backdrop for a tranquil evening. The passeggiata is a lifestyle, reminding us to slow down, appreciate beauty, and connect with others.

---

Day 4 | Amalfi

🎟️ Amalfi Lemon Experience Tour 🍋10 am

No advanced payment required. Please pay onsite after the tour (€110)

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

---

OPTION: Paper Museum Tour

The Paper Museum is on the road on your walk to the Lemon Experience (map)

---

Day 5 | Depart Amalfi Coast for Rome | Sat. 8/30/25

Private Driver by Hotel La Bussola

The hotel is coordinating a private driver to take you to the train station in Salerno. Departure time from the hotel is 8:30 am. The cost is €140, paid to the driver.

---

---

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.

Day 5-7 | Rome | Sat. – Mon. 08/30 – 9/1/25

When you stay at Baglioni Hotel Regina – The Leading Hotels of the World, you’ll be in a great location, within just a 10-minute walk of Via Veneto and Spanish Steps. Guests can grab a bite to eat at the coffee shop/cafe and visit the spa to be pampered with deep-tissue massages, aromatherapy, or Ayurvedic treatments. This luxurious hotel also features a bar/lounge, a 24-hour fitness center, and a fitness center.

Public transportation is just a short walk: Barberini Station is 6 minutes and Repubblica – Opera House Station is 9 minutes.

---

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

---

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.

---

Day 6 | Rome | Sun. 08/31

Read more about – Rome: Pantheon Skip The Line Tickets With Audio Guide

---

Join a small group of up to 6 participants and experience the Colosseum from a unique perspective. Skip the long queues and enjoy exclusive access directly to the Colosseum an area off-limits to regular ticket holders. With a licensed professional guide, journey back to the Roman Empire and uncover the arena’s history as the stage for gladiatorial battles, wild animal hunts, and grand spectacles.

Explore the Palatine Hill, where Rome’s legendary origins began with Romulus and Remus. Walk through the ruins of ancient temples and marvel at the engineering brilliance that built the Colosseum. Learn about the political and social motives behind its construction and the brutal games that entertained Roman citizens. Soak in breathtaking views over the Colosseum and Circus Maximus while immersing yourself in the grandeur of Rome’s imperial past. Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are self-guided.

Read more about – Rome: VIP Colosseum Underground Guided Tour

---

Transportation to Hotel

There is a taxi stand just outside the Roma Termini station. Make sure to go to the stand at the end of the station and enter the queue for an official taxi. Make sure that they use the meter and confirm before getting in that they will accept a credit card. If someone approaches you and asks if you need a taxi, it is likely a scam! Wait at the actual stands.

Taxi Stands in Rome

VIATOR ACTIVITIES FOR ROME

---

Rome Foodie Activities

---

Day 7 | Depart Rome for Port of Civitavecchia | Mon. 9/1/25

Train or bus. Part of Cruise Transfers?

The Port of Civitavecchia (video guide)

• There are several ways to travel from Rome Fiumicino Airport to Civitavecchia:
  • Train: Take a train from Fiumicino Aeroporto to Civitavecchia via Roma Trastevere. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. (Trenitalia video guide)
  • Bus: Alternatively, you can take a bus or a combination of bus and train. The total travel time varies but is generally around 1 hour and 27 minutes.
  • Taxi or Private Transfer: If you prefer a more direct option, consider taking a taxi or arranging a private transfer.

---

Cruise Days 7-17

Viator Worry Free Shore Excursions

Day 9 | Santorini (Thira), Greece | 9/3/25 View Excursions

Οn Wednesday September 3, 2025, at 3:45 pm, you will be greeted at the disembarkation point, by a guide holding a sign with your name.
Read more about – 4 Hour Day Party at Beach Clubs in Mykonos

---

Day 10 | Piraeus (Athens), Greece | 9/4/25 View Excursions

Day 11 | Mykonos, Greece | 9/5/25 View Excursions

Day 12 | Corfu (Kerkyra), Greece | 9/6/25 View Excursions

Day 13 | Valletta, Malta | 9/7/24 View Excursions

Day 14 | Messina, Sicily, Italy | 9/8/24 View Excursions

---

Day 15 | Naples (Pompeii), Italy | 9/9/25 View Excursions

---

---

Day 16 | Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy | 9/10/25 View Excursions

Day 17 | Disembark at Civitavecchia | 9/11/25 View Excursions

---

Day 17 | Train from Civitavecchia to Florence

Depart: Civitavecchia 9:16 am | Coach 2
Arrive: Roma Termini 10:03 am
Depart: Roma Termini 10:25 am | Coach 8
Arrive: Florence S.M.Novella 12:01 pm

You will be travelling in First Class on Frecciabianca Train 8601 to Roma Termini. There you will transfer to Frecciarossa Train 9310 for your arrival in Florence.

Please visit my page on Trenitalia for information on the types of tickets you can book, and sample pricing. Don’t forget to watch the Partenze board for your Binario!

---

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.

Days 17-21 | Florence | Thur. – Mon. 9/11 to 9/15/25

The elegant rooms offer period furniture, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and desks. They also come with minibars.

Breakfast is served in a casual dining room. Other amenities include a low-key bar, a TV room and a lobby lounge.

---

---

---

Day 19 | Florence | Sat. 9/13/25

Explore the Tuscan countryside during a full-day tour from Florence. Your guide will provide a gentle horse and riding gear, then lead you through the vineyards, olive groves, and rolling hills of the Chianti region. Afterward, visit the medieval town of San Gimignano, and enjoy a typical Tuscan light lunch with a wine pairing. Small-group tour limited to eight people.
Read more about the tour.

---

Day 20 | Florence | Sun. 9/14/25

---

Florence Activities

---

---

Day 21 | Depart Florence🚅Venice | Mon. 9/15/25

Back to Table of Contents

Day 21-23 | Venice | Mon. 9/15 to 9/17/25

---

---

Day 21 | Venice | Mon. 9/15

---

Return to Itinerary