8-Day Rome & Sorrento Escape: History, Coast & Italian Flavors

Welcome to Rome, a city where legend and history mix with modern life. According to tradition, Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus in 753 BC. Over the centuries, it became the heart of the Roman Republic, then the Roman Empire and later the center of the Christian world. For more than 2,500 years, emperors, popes, artists and everyday Romans have all left their mark here.

Today, you can find at Italy’s capital ancient archaeological remains, churches containing important artworks and the treasures of the Vatican. Some of your most valued memories may be from the simplest moments: calmly enjoying an excellent coffee in Campo de’ Fiori, casually exploring a sunlit piazza or becoming pleasantly disoriented within the historic pedestrian streets.

Initially, the massive size of Rome creates an overwhelming experience for visitors. The city reveals its hidden village-like nature to visitors who spend more time walking through its streets. Regular visits to the same café or square will help you identify local residents who will eventually notice your presence. The Roman experience combines its beautiful confusion with deep oppositions and enduring life force to create a unique sense of familiarity.

Today you experience the best of Rome in one full and carefully paced day, moving from the world of the emperors to the masterpieces of the Renaissance. In a small group, you’ll explore the Colosseum and Roman Forum in the morning before crossing the city to discover the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Your day starts at the Colosseum which stands as the biggest ancient amphitheater in history. Your expert guide will lead you through a historical journey that shows you the gladiatorial battles, public events and imperial authority of ancient Rome. Your guide will explain how the arena functioned as a public entertainment space for Roman crowds while demonstrating its enduring structural integrity which has survived for 2000 years.

The tour moves forward through the Roman Forum which used to function as the central hub of public activities. Your guide will recreate ancient Roman life through the Roman Forum as you explore its temples and basilicas and arches.

The historical morning ends with a peaceful Italian meal at a nearby restaurant which provides you with time to rest and experience local flavors. Your afternoon visit to the Vatican Museums will allow you to experience one of the world's most renowned art collections. Your guide will lead you through multiple galleries that display classical artworks and Renaissance masterpieces and ornate tapestries until you reach the Sistine Chapel. The Sistine Chapel concludes your tour with Michelangelo's ceiling artwork and Last Judgment masterpiece.

The experience extends to St. Peter's Basilica when visitors can access the space to see Bernini's baldachin, the Pietà and other masterpieces that represent the peak of artistic and spiritual achievement. The tour includes hotel pickup from central locations and pre-booked museum tickets to create a hassle-free experience throughout your entire day.

*Inclusions: Approx. 7-hour small-group guided experience (maximum 15 participants) with an English-speaking guide, Hotel pick-up from centrally located hotels (vehicle), Entrance fees*

**What to Bring: Passport in physical or digital form, Respectful attire (no shorts or skirts above the knee; shoulders covered), A scarf is highly recommended**

Today’s private tour takes you into two of Rome’s most atmospheric neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and history. You begin in Trastevere, a district known for its maze of cobbled alleyways, medieval buildings and lively local life. As you stroll past small piazzas, cafés and trattorias, your guide will help you feel the rhythm of a neighborhood where Roman traditions are still very much alive.

Crossing the Tiber, you continue into the Jewish Ghetto, home to one of the oldest Jewish communities in Europe. Although the Synagogue and Jewish Museum are not included in this visit, your guide will share the story of the area, from its origins as a walled ghetto to its role in modern Rome through its architecture, streets and landmarks.

By the end of the walk, you’ll have gained a deeper appreciation for these two quarters and the communities that have shaped them, as well as a better understanding of Rome beyond its most famous monuments.

*Inclusions: 3-hour private experience with a licensed guide, Hotel pick-up (vehicle)*

Today you depart Rome and arrive in Sorrento, a welcoming town based on the cliffs between Naples and the Amalfi Coast, establishing it as an excellent place for regional exploration. Sorrento is known for its extraordinary lemons many of which are utilized to produce the region’s globally celebrated limoncello liqueur. If you happen to enjoy this traditional after-dinner beverage, you are certainly in the ideal location.

The town itself balances the charm of a historic place with the amenities of a significant resort area. The main arteries, including Corso Italia and Via San Cesareo, are lined with a range of boutiques and shops, inviting you to explore clothing, leather goods, ceramics, local food items and artisanal souvenirs. The overall atmosphere is comfortably relaxed, featuring numerous cafés and gelaterie that are suited for a brief pause to observe the flow of local life.

Sorrento’s natural environment is equally captivating: sapphire-blue waters meet the pale cliffs, pastel-toned buildings in pinks and yellows define the coastline and a lot of greenery frames nearly every panoramic view. This synthesis defines Sorrento! It serves as a vibrant gateway to the Amalfi Coast and offers a lovely introduction to authentic southern Italian living.

Today you set off by sea to discover Capri, one of the Mediterranean’s most glamorous and storied islands. Your journey starts with a quick jetfoil ride from Sorrento to Marina Grande which serves as Capri's primary harbor. The minibus journey from Marina Grande leads you through gardens and Mediterranean plants to reach Anacapri which sits atop Mount Solaro.

Your guide will provide recommendations which will allow you to explore Anacapri independently while you visit a villa or take in the views or walk through its streets. The Blue Grotto becomes accessible for visitation when sea conditions and weather allow. A small rowing boat will transport you through a narrow entrance into the cave where the water displays an extraordinary blue color.

Your guide will lead you to the Piazzetta in Capri town which stands as the island's central gathering spot. You will have free time to browse shops and drink something while experiencing the local ambiance before heading back to Sorrento. The tour sequence might adjust based on operational needs but it will provide complete exposure to Capri's scenic attractions and its enchanting character.

*Inclusions: 8-hour small-group experience (maximum 15 participants) with an English-speaking local guide, Hotel pick-up and drop-off within town center limits (vehicle), Public fast boat ticket, Entrance fees, Lunch and soft drinks*

Today you step into the warm, welcoming world of a true Italian family kitchen. Anna’s cooking school is dedicated to her grandmother, Flora! Her Sunday lunches at her home became such large gatherings with seven children and numerous grandchildren that they resembled community gatherings instead of traditional family dining. The experience brings back the authentic spirit of Neapolitan cuisine through its storytelling approach to introduce you to this traditional Italian food.

The main objective of this class teaches students to create three fresh pasta varieties which receive their perfect sauce matches. Anna will demonstrate traditional pasta-making techniques while sharing family secrets about dough preparation and pasta shaping to show how different pasta forms match their corresponding sauces.

After finishing your cooking tasks you will join the group to taste your homemade creations while enjoying local wine or craft beer. The combination of laughter and conversation during lunch creates an authentic experience of southern Italian hospitality. The experience provides more than cooking techniques because it creates lasting memories and practical skills which you can use in your own kitchen. 

Please advise any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so they can be accommodated where possible.

*Inclusions: 3-hour semi-private experience (maximum 6 participants) with a local escort, Pick-up from a designated meeting point, All ingredients and cooking equipment, Welcome aperitif, Lunch, Water, wine or beer, coffee and limoncello, Nonna Flora apron and notebook*

Meet your local guide at your centrally located hotel or in Piazza Tasso and set off on a walking tour designed to reveal the real Sorrento. Rather than focusing only on dates and monuments, this experience introduces you to the places where locals shop, meet and live their daily lives.

You will discover the residential areas which maintain their traditional shopping habits by visiting independent stores instead of supermarkets: the fishmonger, the butcher, the bakery and the greengrocer. The vibrant stores which display local goods and fresh ingredients provide visitors with a chance to experience Sorrento's authentic food culture.

Sorrento is also known for its artisans and your guide will take you to see craftspeople at work. Watch as handmade sandals are created, ceramics are painted by hand and delicate woodwork is patiently assembled piece by piece. This tour is more than a simple stroll. It’s an invitation to experience the town’s rhythm!

*Inclusions: 2-hour private guided experience with a local licensed guide, Hotel pick-up on foot (where applicable)*

Your itinerary covering Rome and Sorrento comes to an end today. However, we are sure that the memories of the historical sites you’ve explored and the regional flavors you’ve savored are certain to remain impactful. From the ancient forums and world-class painted ceilings to the stunning coastal panoramas, island excursions and shared meals, this focused Italian journey has successfully delivered authentic daily moments.

As you review your photographs or recall a specific favorite experience you will likely find yourself already formulating plans for a future visit. Upon arriving at the airport, you will complete the necessary check-in procedures for your international flight and start your travel back home.

Although this particular Italian adventure is coming to an end, the essential spirit of la dolce vita and the motivation to explore further facets of Italy with Tailored by Locals, will always be ready to inspire your next experience.