Rome to Pompeii & Amalfi Coast: Small-Group Day Trip

Summary

Pompeii’s secrets and Amalfi’s sea breeze in one full day

You’ll walk ancient Pompeii’s streets with a local guide who brings its stories alive, then wind along coastal roads to Amalfi for lunch and free time by the sea. Expect laughter on the drive, real Roman ruins under your feet, and a salty breeze as you sip your complimentary drink looking out over bright water.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a tiny espresso at a highway café outside Rome—honestly, I’m not sure if it’s the caffeine or just the anticipation that wakes me up. By the time we’re rolling into Pompeii, our guide (Francesca, who grew up nearby) is already telling stories about her childhood field trips here. The air smells faintly dusty and sweet, like old stone warming in the sun. Walking those ancient streets—seeing the cart grooves still worn into the stones—I kept thinking how weird it is that people just lived regular lives here until everything stopped. Francesca pointed out some graffiti scratched into a wall (“Go away, pest!”), and I tried to imagine what kind of person wrote that. It’s hard to picture, but also not.

I lost track of time in the Forum—there’s something about standing where so much happened that makes you feel both tiny and lucky. The plaster casts of people caught mid-run are tough to look at for long. We had a few minutes on our own after the tour; I wandered off and found a little snack bar (ancient, not modern!) with counters still stained by centuries of hands. Then we piled back into the van for this winding drive down toward Amalfi. The road clings to cliffs and every turn gives you another shot of blue sea or lemon trees—at one point someone in our group gasped so loud we all laughed.

Lunch was whatever you wanted from this menu they passed around in the van (I picked pasta with anchovies—no regrets). They brought us a complimentary drink by the water when we arrived, which felt like exactly what my brain needed after all that history. Some people went swimming; I just sat on a sun-warmed rock watching boats bob around and listening to Italian kids shout at each other by the pier. There was this salty tang in the air and everything seemed brighter than usual—maybe it was just relief after so much walking, or maybe it’s something about Amalfi itself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rome to Pompeii and Amalfi Coast

• Depart Rome at 7:30 AM
• Morning coffee break at 9:00 AM
• Arrive Pompeii at 10:45 AM
• Guided Pompeii tour 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM
• Free time in Pompeii 12:30 PM - 12:45 PM
• Drive scenic route to Amalfi 12:45 PM - 2:45 PM
• Lunch and free time in Amalfi 2:45 PM - 5:30 PM
• Afternoon coffee stop at 6:30 PM
• Return to Rome arriving ~9:30 PM

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Rome to Pompeii and Amalfi?

The tour departs Rome around 7:30 AM and returns around 9:30 PM, making it roughly 14 hours including travel.

Is entry to Pompeii included in this small-group day trip?

Yes, admission tickets to Pompeii are included along with a guided tour led by a licensed expert.

Can I swim during free time on the Amalfi Coast?

Yes, you’ll have free time in Amalfi where swimming is possible if weather allows.

Is lunch included on this Rome to Pompeii & Amalfi tour?

No, lunch is not included—you pre-select from a menu during the drive and pay directly at the restaurant. A complimentary drink is provided.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is offered; departure is from Rome Termini station with assistance available at return.

How big is the group for this day trip?

This is a small-group tour using comfortable vans or minibuses for travel.

Are there restroom stops during the journey?

Yes, there are scheduled coffee/restroom breaks both morning and afternoon.

Who leads the guided tour in Pompeii?

A professional licensed guide leads you through main sites like the Forum, baths, Lupanar, House of Faun, and more.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from Rome Termini in an air-conditioned van or minibus with professional driver assistance throughout; entry tickets plus an expert-guided walking tour of Pompeii; free time to explore on your own; scenic coastal drive to Amalfi; pre-selected lunch options (not included); and a complimentary drink by the sea before heading back to Rome in the evening.