Italy in 7 Days
From Coast to Hilltops
A journey curated by the ItalyTrade.org team through sea, villages, wine and art: the Amalfi Coast, Matera, Alberobello, Val d’Orcia and Florence. Accessible luxury, authentic experiences, hand-picked hotels.
Introduction: The Beauty and Culture of Italy’s Best Destinations
Imagine arriving where the sea curves into cliffs of vivid colour and the scent of lemon groves follows every turn โ then, days later, standing silent before stone cities carved into the earth ten thousand years ago. Italy in 7 Days: From Coast to Hilltops is not simply a route; it is a choreography of sensations, places and human stories that will stay with you long after you return home.
This itinerary was designed following the philosophy that the best travel experiences are those that move through all the senses โ taste, sight, touch, sound and memory. From the Amalfi Coast to the Sassi di Matera, from the trulli of Alberobello to the cypress-lined white roads of Val d’Orcia, and finally to the Renaissance grandeur of Florence: each stage is chosen to offer something irreplaceable and deeply Italian.
Italy consistently ranks among the world’s top travel destinations, attracting over 57 million international visitors per year. In 2026, the trend has shifted decisively toward slow travel, hidden gems and authentic regional experiences โ exactly what this itinerary delivers.
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๐ Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Naples โ Amalfi Coast
โ๏ธ Arrival at Naples Capodichino Airport
Private transfer to Sorrento (~1h). Book your transfer in advance with a private driver for a stress-free start.
๐ Lunch in Sorrento โ Campanian Cuisine
Gnocchi alla sorrentina, bruschetta with San Marzano tomatoes, welcome limoncello. Traditional restaurants in the historic centre.
๐ Transfer to Positano
Drive along the SS163 โ one of the world’s most scenic roads. Mandatory photo stops at the panoramic viewpoints.
๐จ Check-in โ Boutique Hotel Positano
Sea-view terrace overlooking the faraglioni. Sunset aperitivo with Spritz and the coast stretching to the horizon.
๐ Dinner on the Positano Seafront
Spaghetti alle vongole, fresh catch of the day, DOP buffalo mozzarella. An unmistakably romantic atmosphere.
Amalfi ยท Ravello ยท Cetara
โต Boat Excursion Positano โ Amalfi
Scenic water taxi along the coast (30 min). One of Italy’s most iconic transfers.
โช Amalfi Cathedral & Historic Centre
Visit the Cathedral of Sant’Andrea (entry ~โฌ3), the Cloister of Paradise, and the traditional handmade paper craft centre.
๐ Bus to Ravello (+600m elevation)
Scenic ascent to Ravello. Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone: among the most beautiful gardens in the world.
๐ Lunch with a View in Ravello
Spaghetti all’acqua pazza, scapece-style fish, Costa d’Amalfi DOC white wine. A 270ยฐ sea view.
๐ Cetara โ The Anchovy Colatura Village
Tasting of IGP anchovy colatura, visit to artisan workshops, direct purchase from local producers.
๐จ Return to Positano ยท Sunset Aperitivo
Campari Spritz on the terraces of Positano as the sun sets over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Free evening.
Matera โ The City of Stones
๐ Departure from Positano to Matera (~3h)
Route via the A3 motorway and SS7. The landscape changes dramatically: from the blue sea to the Lucanian ravines.
๐ฟ First Glimpse of the Sassi di Matera
Belvedere Piazzetta Pascoli: the most iconic view over Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano. Not-to-be-missed photographs.
๐ท Lunch in a Cave โ Lucanian Cuisine
Lagane e ceci, cruschi peppers, Podolica caciocavallo cheese, Aglianico del Vulture DOC wine. Restaurants inside ancient caves.
๐ญ Guided Tour of the Sassi + Rock Churches
Local guide: Casa Grotta, Madonna de Idris, Crypt of Original Sin. Booking strongly recommended.
๐จ Check-in โ Cave Hotel in Sasso Caveoso
Sleep in an ancient cave dwelling transformed into a luxury suite: a one-of-a-kind experience anywhere in the world.
๐ Matera by Night โ Dinner & Stroll
The illuminated Sassi at night are breathtaking living heritage. Dinner in a restored historic palazzo.
Alberobello ยท Valle d’Itria
๐ Matera โ Alberobello (1h15)
Route through the Apulian Murgia plateau. Ancient olive trees, masserie farmhouses and open Puglian skies.
๐ Alberobello โ The UNESCO Trulli
Visit Rione Monti and Rione Aia Piccola. The Trullo Sovrano, artisan workshops, local ceramics: a fairy-tale village.
๐ท Locorotondo โ Lunch & DOC Wine
Locorotondo DOC tasting (fresh, floral white), orecchiette with Bari-style ragรน, Apulian cheeses and cured meats.
๐ฟ Ostuni โ The White City
Stroll through the all-white historic centre. Views over centuries-old olive groves stretching toward the Adriatic.
๐จ Check-in โ Luxury Masseria, Valle d’Itria
Historic farmhouse with pool, spa and centuries-old olive trees. The finest Apulian rural hospitality.
๐ Dinner at the Masseria โ Zero-km Produce
Burrata, broad beans and chicory, grilled lamb, friselle with tomato, Primitivo di Manduria wine.
Val d’Orcia โ Tuscany UNESCO
๐ Transfer to Tuscany (~4h)
Route via A14 โ A1 โ Valdichiana exit. Optional coffee stop in Arezzo or Siena.
๐ท Montalcino โ Brunello DOCG Tasting
Visit a historic winery: tasting of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG. The undisputed king of Italian red wines.
๐ง Pienza โ Lunch & DOP Pecorino
The Renaissance “ideal city”. Barrel-aged DOP Pienza pecorino, pici pasta with wild boar ragรน.
๐ท Scenic Photography โ Val d’Orcia White Roads
The cypress-lined strade bianche between Pienza and San Quirico d’Orcia: Tuscany’s most photographed landscape.
โจ๏ธ Terme di Bagno Vignoni
Medieval thermal pool at the heart of the village. Free open-air baths or resort with private pool option.
๐จ Check-in โ Tuscan Relais, Val d’Orcia
Luxury agriturismo or relais among the vineyards. Sunset over the Sienese hills: an irreplaceable sight.
Florence โ Cradle of the Renaissance
๐ Val d’Orcia โ Florence (1h30)
Scenic route via Siena. Arrive in Florence and park on the outskirts (ZTL restricted traffic zone in centre).
๐ผ๏ธ Uffizi Gallery โ Advance Booking Required
Botticelli, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael. Allow minimum 3 hours. Book online at least 2 weeks ahead.
๐ฅฉ Bistecca alla Fiorentina โ Lunch in Oltrarno
IGP Chianina beef cooked rare over wood fire, cannellini beans, Chianti Classico DOCG. The definitive Florentine experience.
โช Florence Cathedral + Baptistery
Brunelleschi’s Dome (separate booking, โฌ30), the Baptistery Gates of Paradise, Giotto’s Bell Tower.
๐ Artisan Shopping in Oltrarno
Handmade leather goods, goldsmiths on Ponte Vecchio, high-fashion boutiques on Via Tornabuoni. True Made in Italy.
๐จ Check-in Historic Palazzo Hotel + Dinner
16th-century palazzo as boutique hotel. Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant or a celebrated Oltrarno trattoria.
Florence โ Departure
โ Breakfast at a Florentine Bar
Cappuccino and a flaky cornetto standing at the counter: the authentic Italian morning ritual. ~โฌ2.50 per person.
๐๏ธ San Lorenzo Market + Final Shopping
Local food products, leather goods, ceramics, rare books. Last Made in Italy treasures to take home.
๐๏ธ Optional: Galleria dell’Accademia
Michelangelo’s David: 8 metres of Renaissance perfection. Advance booking required (โฌ16/person).
๐ Farewell Lunch at a Historic Trattoria
Tuscan ribollita, tagliatelle with ragรน, Prato biscotti with Vin Santo. The perfect Italian send-off.
โ๏ธ Transfer to Airport (FLR or Pisa)
Florence Airport (10 min) or Pisa (1h). Private transfer recommended when travelling with luggage.
๐ฐ Estimated Total Budget โ 7 Days for 2 People
๐ฅ Customer Personas
Who Travels Italy’s Coast to Hilltops Route?
๐ Italy Tourism Statistics 2025โ2026
Key Numbers โ Italy as a Travel Destination
โ Frequently Asked Questions
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๐ Useful Resources on ItalyTrade.org
Who wrote this article?
On what basis?
๐ Transparency & Verifiability
Who wrote it: This itinerary was curated by the ItalyTrade.org editorial team, coordinated by Giuseppe Baldassarri โ Sales & Account Manager, Destination & Export Digital Marketing Manager, and Travel Designer with over 20 years of experience in Italian tourism and Made in Italy promotion.
What evidence it is based on: Market research on accommodation and transport prices (2025โ2026 reference data), direct knowledge of destinations through on-the-ground visits, collaboration with local operators, and analysis of Google Trends and travel booking platforms (Google Hotels, Booking.com, Airbnb).
Are there other points of view: Yes. Prices, availability and experiences can vary significantly depending on season, year and personal preferences. This itinerary represents one possible route โ not the only one. There are countless equally valid variations for exploring Italy.
Possible hidden interest: ItalyTrade.org offers personalised Travel Design services. Some links on this page lead to our service pages. We always clearly distinguish editorial content from commercial offers. Prices are indicative and do not constitute a contractual offer.
Giuseppe Baldassarri
Sales & Account Manager ยท Destination & Export Digital Marketing Manager ยท Travel Designer ยท TTO
Website: ItalyTrade.org โ Travel & Business | Italy: Made in Italy
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