Hi, I’m Karen, Tea Collection’s Senior Director of Production & Supply Chain. At Tea, we’re encouraged to explore the world and fully embrace different cultures. One country I find myself returning to time and time again is Italy.
Italy’s enchanting combination of ancient history, breathtaking coastlines, and amazing cuisine makes it a dream destination. For our family, Rome and the Amalfi Coast represent the pinnacle of Italian allure, blending vibrant urban life with serene coastal beauty. If you are considering a trip that combines these two iconic destinations, here is a perfect itinerary that captures the best of Rome and the Amalfi Coast.
Arrival in Rome and Evening Stroll- Stay awake to adjust to the time change.
Upon our arrival in Rome, we settled into our boutique hotel- a brief walk to the heart of the city. We spent the afternoon getting our bearings. Once refreshed, we took an evening stroll to the Spanish Steps, where one can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Then, we headed to the nearby Trevi Fountain where there was an impressive light show going on that highlighted the Italian Open Tennis tournament. One must toss a coin for good luck and enjoy a traditional Italian gelato as you soak in the beauty of Rome at night and people watch. A local musician played wonderful songs, making this large city feel so intimate.
Highlights: Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Gelato!
Ancient Rome – Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
We dedicate our first full day to exploring Ancient Rome’s most famous landmarks. Starting at the Colosseum, we took a wonderful, guided walking tour, where local Romans shared out all the history of the emperors, as well as stories of Gladiators who once entertained roaring crowds. The history of the Roman Empire is captivating. The next stop was the Roman Forum, a sprawling ruin of temples and government buildings. At the end of the day, we walked through Palatine Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome, and had sweeping views over the Forum and the Circus Maximus. Since we were steps away from our hotel we enjoyed another Italian gelato.
Highlights: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and Gelato!
The Vatican City – St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel
We spent our third day discovering the splendor of Vatican City. The Vatican Museums house some of the world’s most celebrated artwork, including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling. Be sure to spend time in St. Peter’s Basilica, a true architectural wonder with stunning interiors. In the afternoon, enjoy some leisurely time exploring the neighborhoods of Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto, both charming areas filled with narrow cobbled streets and delightful trattorias. We walked and walked and walked, ending the day with another Italian gelato.
Highlights: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Trastevere, and Gelato!
Donna Camilla Savelli and Trastevere
Nestled in Rome’s vibrant Trastevere neighborhood lies a historic treasure: Donna Camilla Savelli. This magnificent hotel, housed within a 17th-century convent, is steeped in elegance and history, offering a unique stay that celebrates both the grandeur of Rome’s past and the charm of Trastevere’s lively present. From its stunning Baroque architecture to the cobblestone streets of its neighborhood, Donna Camilla Savelli embodies the magic of an old-world Rome, making it a dream destination for travelers looking to experience the Eternal City’s authenticity.
Donna Camilla Savelli Hotel occupies a Baroque convent designed by Francesco Borromini, one of Rome’s most iconic architects. Built in the 1640s for the noble person Camilla Virginia Savelli, a powerful and devout aristocrat who eventually became a nun, the convent served as a place for the Poor to live and pray in seclusion.
The convent has since been transformed into a boutique hotel, but much of its original charm remains. Rooms feature classic furnishings, arched ceilings, and windows with views of the Roman skyline or the tranquil courtyard gardens. The hotel’s peaceful ambiance allows guests to soak in the atmosphere of another era, while still enjoying modern comforts. It is worth indulging and staying over for at least one night. We enjoyed the interior courtyard full of olive trees, sipped on prosecco and nibbled on olives and classic potato chips.
Trastevere is a Neighborhood Rich in Character
Trastevere is a neighborhood known for its eclectic character, winding streets, and vibrant energy. Trastevere, meaning “across the Tiber,” is often considered one of Rome’s most authentic districts. It is a quaint pocket amidst the hustle and bustle of Rome adjacent to the Tiber River. Unlike the more tourist-heavy areas of Rome, Trastevere’s beauty feels unfiltered. It is a place where locals gather in bustling piazzas, traditional trattorias offer authentic Italian fare, and street performers add rhythm to every corner.
Highlights: Culture, Cobblestones, and Prosecco!
Rome to the Amalfi Coast
We left the bustling city life behind and headed south to the Amalfi Coast. We took the train from Rome to Naples, then transferred to the picturesque coastal town of Sorrento. Upon arrival we headed to the bus stop and boarded the bus that took us to our destination. Upon arrival, we settled into our cliff side hotel in the city of Maiori and enjoyed the scenic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea from the rooftop bar of our hotel. We spent the evening strolling along the waterfront, exploring artisan shops and sampling limoncello, a famous Sorrento specialty.
Highlights: Waterfront views, limoncello tasting, and Gelato!
Maiori to Ravello– Exploring the Coastline
An Italian “hike” from the charming town of Maiori through the lemon-covered hillsides to Ravello is a dreamlike journey offering stunning views, fragrant air, and a true immersion in the Amalfi Coast’s natural beauty. I have never seen so many lemons in my life and little walkways along the hillside, with homeowners peeking through lace curtains.
Small chapels and ancient shrines appear along the route, adding a spiritual and historical touch.
Highlights: Lemons, lemons, and more lemons!
Reaching Ravello– A Hilltop Paradise
After approximately 3 hours of hiking we reached Ravello, perched high above the Amalfi Coast. We explored Villa Rufolo with its enchanting gardens and Villa Cimbrone for its “Terrace of Infinity,” and Ravello’s Duomo. We popped into several of the town’s local shops, many displaying the special Veitri pottery.
We celebrated our journey with a plate of fresh pasta and caprese salad at the end of our hike back in the coastal town of Minori- known for its trattorias and we had the famous Limone Dessert!
This hike captures the essence of the Amalfi Coast—its natural beauty, timeless charm, and culinary delights.
Highlights: tired feet, good food and anything with Lemons!
Return to San Francisco from Roma
On our final day, we took the train back to Rome. We had two hours to pick up a few Italian delicious goodies to share with family and friends back home. We left with unforgettable memories of Italy’s vibrant history, stunning coastlines, and culinary delights.
Ciao Ciao Bella Italia xoxo
Highlights: Farewell to Bella Italia and Gelato!
