This itinerary balances the famous cities, the Amalfi Coast, Ischia, the vineyards of Mount Etna, the Aeolian gateway at Milazzo and the historic streets of Ortigia — while keeping travel days efficient.
| Days | Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Rome | Colosseum, Vatican, Trastevere |
| 4 | Naples | Historic centre, pizza, pick up car |
| 5 | Ischia | Thermal spas, beaches, sunset |
| 6 | Sorrento | Marina Grande, limoncello |
| 7 | Tramonti | Amalfi wineries, mountain views |
| 8–9 | Positano | Beaches, boutiques, Capri boat |
| 10–12 | Catania | Fly to Sicily; baroque city & street food |
| 13 | Mount Etna | Volcano excursion & wine, farm stay |
| 14–15 | Milazzo | Castle & Aeolian Islands boat trip |
| 16–17 | Ortigia | Baroque Syracuse, Greek theatre |
No car in Rome. Pick up a rental in Naples for the mainland; return it before flying to Catania, then rent a second car for the Sicily road trip. Avoid ZTL zones and reserve hotel parking.
The best of this trip happens between the towns. These are the drives worth slowing down for — each mapped so you can follow the route.
The trip’s signature drive — hairpin cliffs, pastel villages and endless sea views from Sorrento to Ravello.
Open this drive in Google Maps →Loop the volcano’s flank through vineyard villages on black volcanic soil, tasting Etna DOC as you go.
Open this drive in Google Maps →A gentle seaside run past the Cyclops rocks down to golden Ortigia.
Open this drive in Google Maps →| Category | Range |
|---|---|
| Flights (int'l + Naples–Catania) | $1,200 – $1,700 |
| Accommodation | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Car rentals, fuel & ferries | $900 – $1,500 |
| Food & wine | $900 – $1,500 |
| Activities & tours | $700 – $1,200 |
| Estimated total | $6,200 – $10,900 |
Print these pages to plan and track your trip by hand. Use the blank grid to fill in your own dates and bookings, tick off your packing, and keep the budget on target.
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| Category | Budget | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (int'l + Naples–Catania) | $1,200–$1,700 | |
| Accommodation | $2,500–$5,000 | |
| Car rentals, fuel & ferries | $900–$1,500 | |
| Food & wine | $900–$1,500 | |
| Activities & tours | $700–$1,200 | |
| Estimated total | $6,200–$10,900 |
Point your phone camera at any code to jump straight to maps, drives and tours.
This itinerary blends history, coastal scenery, island life, food, wine and scenic road trips into a balanced 17-day journey through Southern Italy and Sicily.
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