10 Day Rome To Naples: Days 1–3 The Ultimate Southern Italy Adventure
10 Day Rome To Naples – Our first days in Italy unfolded like a living postcard — from Rome’s ancient splendor to the timeless grace of Naples’ bay. This southern adventure blended history, coastal charm, and culinary delights into one unforgettable journey through Italy’s heart and soul.
Day 1: Landing in the Eternal City
After a long overnight flight, the thrill of finally touching down in Rome was instant. The hum of Italian voices, the faint aroma of coffee from the terminal café, and the golden morning light spilling through Fiumicino Airport signaled the start of something extraordinary. With our luggage in tow and spirits buzzing, we boarded the Leonardo Express train (€14 / ~AUD 23) to Termini Station — a smooth 32-minute ride that swept us straight into the heart of the Eternal City.
We checked into a charming guesthouse in Monti — cobblestone streets lined with ivy-clad façades and artisan shops. Despite the fatigue, curiosity overpowered sleep. Rome was waiting.
Morning: The Colosseum and Ancient Rome
Our first stop — fittingly — was the Colosseum. Standing before it, the air seemed charged with history. We purchased the combined ticket (€16 / ~AUD 27) covering the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. 10 Day Rome To Naples – The grandeur of Rome’s empire unfolded as we walked beneath the ancient arches, the ghostly echoes of gladiators and roaring crowds faintly alive in the stone.
We wandered the Roman Forum, where every ruin whispered stories of senators, gods, and triumphs. From Palatine Hill, the city stretched below us — domes glinting under the Italian sun, framed by cypress trees and bell towers. The heartbeat of Rome felt eternal.
Afternoon: Monti Moments
By early afternoon, we ducked into La Casetta for espresso (€2.50 each) and a warm cornetto. Surrounded by locals chatting in lilting Italian, we felt instantly at home. The rest of the day passed in slow, sunlit bliss — exploring boutiques, tiny piazzas, and vintage shops. Monti buzzed with energy but never felt rushed.
Evening: Trastevere Nights
As the sun sank, we crossed the Tiber River to Trastevere. Laughter spilled from trattorias and street musicians strummed guitars under strings of lights. Dinner at a local osteria was everything we dreamed of — creamy carbonara (€13 / ~AUD 22), a carafe of house wine (€6), and gelato (€3) eaten while strolling along the riverbank. Our Roman adventure had begun beautifully.
Day 2: Vatican City and the Art of Rome
The second day began early with cappuccinos and flaky pastries before heading to Vatican City — the world’s smallest state yet one of its grandest experiences. The metro whisked us to Ottaviano Station, where we joined an early tour of the Vatican Museums (€20 / ~AUD 34). Inside, corridors shimmered with frescoes and golden ceilings, leading to Michelangelo’s breathtaking masterpiece — the Sistine Chapel.
Stepping into St. Peter’s Basilica felt humbling. Sunlight streamed through stained glass, gilding marble saints and whispering centuries of devotion. We climbed the dome (€10 / ~AUD 17), and Rome unfolded below us — terracotta rooftops, winding streets, and the distant shimmer of the Tiber.
Afterward, we strolled toward Castel Sant’Angelo, pausing for lunch along Borgo Pio — a charming street lined with trattorias. A plate of cacio e pepe and a glass of white wine (€18 total) felt like perfection. The afternoon was spent at leisure, meandering through Piazza Navona and tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain to ensure our return to Rome.
As dusk fell, we dined in the Jewish Ghetto — crispy artichokes and fresh pasta under glowing lanterns. The evening ended at Campo de’ Fiori, the square alive with laughter, music, and the scent of pizza al taglio. Rome’s rhythm was infectious.
Day 3: Southward Bound – Journey to Naples
We began the day early, catching the high-speed Frecciarossa train from Roma Termini to Naples — a smooth 1 hour and 10-minute journey (€25 / ~AUD 42). As the cityscapes melted into rolling countryside, the anticipation grew. Mount Vesuvius appeared on the horizon, a silent guardian of the bay.
Arriving at Napoli Centrale, the energy shift was immediate — louder, warmer, more spontaneous. We checked into a seaside hotel near Santa Lucia, with views stretching across the sparkling Bay of Naples. Lunch was classic Neapolitan pizza at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele (€8 / ~AUD 14) — paper-thin crust, molten mozzarella, and basil so fragrant it perfumed the air.
In the afternoon, we explored Naples’ historic heart — Spaccanapoli. Narrow streets brimmed with life: scooters zipping past shrines, old men playing cards, and the sound of laughter spilling from balconies. We visited the Naples Cathedral, admired Caravaggio’s masterpieces, and indulged in sfogliatella pastry (€3) from a street vendor.
As twilight descended, we climbed Castel dell’Ovo for sweeping views of the city lights twinkling along the water. Dinner at a seaside trattoria capped the day — fresh seafood risotto (€18 / ~AUD 31) and local Falanghina wine. 10 Day Rome To Naples – The waves lapped softly against the shore, and Naples glowed with magic — vibrant, untamed, and full of promise for the days ahead.
Pro Traveler Tip – 10 Day Rome To Naples
Book major attractions like the Colosseum or Vatican in advance to avoid queues. For the Rome–Naples leg, opt for an early Frecciarossa train — comfortable, scenic, and time-efficient. Staying in Monti (Rome) and Santa Lucia (Naples) offers ideal access to attractions and dining.
Pro Traveler Warning
Avoid accepting “help” from unofficial porters or guides at train stations. Keep your belongings secure, especially on crowded metro lines. Naples’ streets can be lively — stay alert but embrace the chaos; it’s part of its charm.
Reflections: The Allure of Southern Italy
10 Day Rome To Naples – Our first three days set the tone for an extraordinary Italian journey — from Rome’s imperial grandeur to Naples’ sunlit vibrance. History whispered in every ruin, flavors told stories of generations, and each sunset felt like a love letter to Italy itself. The road ahead — Pompeii, Amalfi, Capri — promised even more beauty to come.
