Hello, I am taking my family to Italy in Dec 2026. We land & depart from Rome, and have 16 nights total. 7 of those nights in the middle will be on a western Mediterranean cruise starting & ending in Naples. Currently I am thinking:
4 nights Rome
7 nights Cruise
3 nights Sorrento (as a base to go to Pompeii & explore Amalfi Coast) - rent a car
2 nights Rome (Dec 25 & 26)
We are a family of 8 with 4 adults + 2 elderlies in their 70s (including one who cannot walk fast or far & gets tired easily) + 2 kids aged 8 & 10. We do not want to overtax ourselves and just want to hit the highlights. Actually 3 days in Rome is probably enough for what we want to see (some of us have been to Rome multiple times). Looking for suggestions if there are any other destinations in the vicinity worth visiting in place of Rome at the end? (taking into account it will be 25 & 26 Dec). Considering a 1-night stay in Naples as well before the cruise but still weighing if logistics make it worthwhile (moving 8 people with luggage). Thank you!
Posted by
Frisco, Texas, US
343 posts
You'll need to get from Rome to the Naples terminal after 4 nights in Rome so you won't see Naples or get pizza there before the cruise. I would give Naples a day or two when you get off the ship. You might go to the Archeological Museum, where all the artifacts from Pompeii are. You can also go to Pompeii from there.
Spend the remaining days in Sorrento and visit the Amalfi Coast. Then train to the Rome airport. If your flight home is early, there are nice hotels by the airport.
I would not rent a car for any part of this trip, especially not for Amalfi Coast.