Rome and Pompeii Exploration 5 Days Itinerary

Begin your second day with an early visit to Vatican City. Join the Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel Tour & Basilica Entry for an in-depth exploration of these iconic sites. Marvel at Michelangelo's masterpiece on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and explore St. Peter's Basilica. For breakfast or brunch, try Caffè Sant'Eustachio, known for its rich coffee.

After your Vatican tour, head to Castel Sant'Angelo for some more historical insights. Take advantage of the Castel Sant'Angelo Skip-the-Line Entry & Optional Audioguide to avoid long queues. Have lunch at Ristorante Arlù, which offers delicious Italian dishes in close proximity to Vatican City.

Spend your evening exploring more of Rome's historical sites by visiting Piazza del Popolo. This grand square is surrounded by beautiful churches and fountains. Dine at Canova Tadolini nearby for an exquisite Italian meal before heading back to your accommodation.

On your third day in Rome, start with a visit to the lesser-known but equally fascinating site of Circo de Maxentius (Circo di Massenzio). This ancient chariot racing stadium offers insight into Rome's sporting history. Enjoy breakfast at Bar Farnese, located near Palazzo Farnese.

In the afternoon, explore more hidden gems with a trip to Parco degli Acquedotti where you can see ancient Roman aqueducts still standing amidst beautiful greenery (Parque del Acueducto (Parco degli Acquedotti)). For lunch, try out traditional Roman dishes at Trattoria Da Cesare al Casaletto. Afterwards join in on an engaging cooking class:  Rome: Traditional Pasta with Cocktails Drunken Cooking Class

End your day by visiting another off-the-beaten-path attraction: The Protestant Cemetery (Cemitério Protestante de Roma (Cimitero Acottolico di Roma)), where famous poets like Keats are buried. Have dinner at nearby restaurant La Fata Ignorante known for its creative cuisine.

Start your day with a visit to the iconic ruins of Pompeii. Join the Pompeii: Entry Ticket and Guided Tour with an Archaeologist to gain deep insights into the history and daily life of this ancient city. This tour will take you through the well-preserved streets, homes, and public buildings that were buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. For breakfast, stop by Café Vittoria, known for its delightful pastries and coffee.

After exploring Pompeii, take a short break for lunch at Ristorante President, which offers a variety of traditional Italian dishes. In the afternoon, continue your exploration with a visit to the nearby Herculaneum ruins. The Ercolano: Herculaneum Entry Ticket w/ Optional Audio Guide provides an excellent opportunity to compare these two ancient cities and understand their unique histories.

Conclude your day with a relaxing evening in Pompeii. Visit the local Amphitheater of Pompeii, one of the oldest surviving Roman amphitheaters. Enjoy dinner at La Bettola del Gusto, a highly-rated restaurant offering delicious Italian cuisine. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of modern-day Pompeii.

Begin your day with an adventurous hike up Mount Vesuvius. Join the From Pompeii: Mt. Vesuvius Hike & Tour by Bus for a guided tour that takes you to the summit of this famous volcano. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples and learn about the geological history of Vesuvius from your guide. For breakfast, grab some quick bites at Bar Amato, located near the starting point.

After descending from Mount Vesuvius, head back to Pompeii for lunch at Osteria Da Peppino. In the afternoon, explore more archaeological wonders with a visit to Villa dei Misteri (Villa dei Misteri), known for its well-preserved frescoes depicting mysterious rituals.

Spend your evening unwinding in Sorrento after traveling from Pompeii (approximately 30 minutes by train). Once in Sorrento, enjoy dinner at Ristorante Tasso, which offers exquisite seafood dishes and stunning views over Marina Grande. Take an evening stroll along Piazza Tasso (Piazza Tasso) before retiring for the night.