Recommendations for extending Best of Italy tour

Posted by jtrenfros (Massachusetts) on 07/23/25 01:34 AM

Hi. We are taking the 17 day best of Italy tour in May 2026 and would like some suggestions for extending the tour for another week or so. I’m already thinking of arriving in Venice a couple days early to recover from jet lag and start out the tour fresh. On the back end I’m thinking maybe adding two more days in rome and then maybe heading south to Sorrento, Pompei and the Amalfi coast for another 4 or 5 days before flying back from either Rome or Naples. We are definitely interested in seeing Pompei but also hope to relax in some nice town(s) after so much touring. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Posted by CindyP

Northern New York

07/23/25 01:58 AM

129 posts

We stayed in Sorrento six days after completing the Best of Italy tour and found it to be perfect. We visited Pompeii, the Amalfi coast and Capri. All very easy via public transportation from Sorrento. We also loved spending time in Sorrento. The tour keeps you quite busy and it was nice to just slow down afterwards. We did not spend extra days in Rome and wished we had. So much to see there.

Posted by Maureen

Vancouver BC

08/12/25 07:07 PM

68 posts

FYI, as of May 2026 the art Biennale begins in Venice and I have noticed that hotels have almost tripled their rates starting in May, maybe in Mestre on the mainland they will be cheaper. With each Biennale there are more crowds.

You may wish to spend additional time in Rome as there is so much more to see and do. The BOI doesn't include Vatican City, Coliseum inside tour, catacombs, wonderful museums. Just a thought.

Posted by Pam

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA

08/12/25 08:58 PM

15880 posts

I definitely vote for extra days on the front end. Venice if you can perhaps get the tour rate for the hotel for 2 nights and at least 2-3 nights added to Rome at the end. There is so much to see in Rome!

I’ve not done Pompeii or Herculaneum but definitely add it and areas south!

Posted by Sandancisco

Bay Area SF & Uppsala Sweden 🇸🇪

08/13/25 01:15 AM

1460 posts

Absolutely, that sounds delightful! One thing I would check is what exactly the RS B of Italy visits in Rome. Is 2 days extra enough for you in terms of what's on your wish list? I recall they no longer visit the Vatican Museums (not that I'm personally recommending it, but what's important to you.) And then there's the Galleria Borghese, which is just about the finest museum in Rome, you need advanced tickets.... you get the drift.

And yes, I would absolutely add Sorrento as a base to visit the AC & Pompeii, OR stay at the ruins themselves, which is what we're doing after Christmas. Here's the original thread that convinced us - https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/staying-in-pompei. Good luck, sounds like a fantastic trip!