Travel Like Your Agent: Southern Italy

Italy is often called "the land of saints, poets, and sailors" because of it's rich history. From the Vatican to the Renaissance, this gorgeous European country is packed with more history, architecture, and sightseeing than anyone could ever do in one trip. That's why we've broken it down for y'all a bit. You might remember a few months ago when we gave you the low-down on northern Italy and now I'm back to do it again for southern Italy.

Most famous, perhaps, in the southern region of this beautiful country is, of course, Rome. Home of world-famous art museums, a very popular fountain, and the Vatican, we'll take a deep dive into what Rebecca recommends Smiley Travelers do, eat, and see during their visit. We'll also explore Naples and some of Rebecca's favorite towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Italy is Smiley Travel's number one destination for 2026, and Rebecca is a pro at making sure Smiley Travelers have the best experience possible every time. So buckle up, y'all and let's take a peek.

Rome

Rome has a lot of nicknames. The Eternal City, the City of Seven Hills, the Capital of the World... these are just a few. No matter what you call it, though, this city should be on everyone's bucket list. Rebecca actually brought her husband, Ryan, for the first time last year, so she has some first-hand tips and tricks that she shared with me.

First of all, Rome can get crowded. It's something travelers can expect with any popular travel destination, but in Rome the crowds can be on a whole other level. To avoid the worst of it, Rebecca recommends booking things in advance whenever possible, including dinner reservations. For dinner, she recommends either Meridionale Restaurant or Da Francesco. Both of these restaurants were originally recommended to Rebecca by her friend who was born and raised in Rome, so you know they're going to be good. Da Franceso's pizza looks like heaven on a crust! For those of you (like me) who are desperate to try real Italian pizza, keep in mind, people don't order a single slice of pizza in Rome. You've gotta get the whole pie! For travelers looking for a more hands-on dining experience, Rebecca really loves this class, which features pasta making, tiramisu, and (of course) fine wine. I really like that they advertise small class sizes, so you get the personal touch and one-on-one experience with the instructors.

If you're planning a trip to Rome anytime soon, I highly recommend you check out Rebecca's list of her favorite attractions and excursions on Viator. Booking in advance will save you so much hassle and heartache so that when you're on vacation, you can just enjoy yourself!

For activities you can't book in advance, such as throwing a coin in the Trevi Fountain, consider waking up early and getting out before the rest of the crowds. You will still probably have to stand in line, but it will be much quicker than their midday rush.

Just a quick note on scheduling Vatican tours: the Vatican often prioritizes private tours. So sometimes bigger groups get cancelled in favor of private ones. If you want to tour the Vatican, Rebecca encourages you to splurge on a private tour, or have a backup plan in case yours gets cancelled.

For hotel stays in Rome, Rebecca has a plethora of options. For Smiley Travelers looking for romance, for example, she suggests Hotel Isa. For those who like to be right in the middle of the action, but not overpay for it, Hotel Trevi 41 is one of her go-to recommendations as well. Reach out to Smiley Travel today to discuss the best options for you.

Naples

On a southern Italy trip, Naples is most likely where you'll fly home from. Plus its location makes taking a day trip to Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast easy as pie. Speaking of pie, Naples is a great place to explore the Italian cuisine. Street food is common here, and visitors have mentioned dishes as unique as fried cacio e pepe balls. Cacio e pepe is one of Rebecca's favorites, so she says this alone might be worth the trip.

When in Naples, make sure and visit the Hotel San Francisco Al Monte, and consider staying here, too! It's a hotel that has art galleries throughout it's space.

Southern Coast

Amalfi

You've probably heard people say they visited the Amalfi Coast before, right? I know I have and I thought that they were referring to the entire southern coast of Italy. Imagine my surprise when Rebecca explained that Amalfi is not just a region, but also one specific town on the southwestern coastline.

You have a few different options for visiting Amalfi, depending on your budget. If you are working within budget or time constraints, consider taking a day trip to Amalfi from Rome or Naples. There are so many good options for day tours, but Rebecca especially likes this one for folks staying in Naples. It's a small group boat tour and includes a light lunch. I personally much prefer small groups tours because I love asking the tour guide all the questions. For Smiley Travelers seeking a day trip from Rome, Rebecca likes this one, which also visits Pompeii!

Amalfi hotels can get expensive and they sell out fast! For travelers looking to lay on the beach for more than just a day trip, Rebecca loves booking trips to some of the smaller, lesser known towns along the coast. Consider seaside towns such as Praiano, Sorrento, and Positano. These destinations can be a bit more affordable for the Smiley Traveler working within a budget or wanting to avoid the crowds.

Praiano

This charming seaside town was featured in Forbes as their favorite Amalfi alternative. Rebecca loves the Hotel Margherita for Smiley Travelers who visit Praiano, especially honeymooners. Three words for you: poolside limoncello spritz. This place is perfect for anyone who wants to relax in a pool their entire vacation. With it's breathtaking seaside views, Hotel Margherita just feels so authentically Italian with it's gorgeous architecture and tilework, you'll feel like you've stepped into another time. Most hotels here are a 10-20 minute walk to a beach club or local attractions like the Church of San Gennaro.

While in Praiano, you have to check out Il Giardino del Direttore. This is a small, family run restaurant where and Italian mama will cook you dinner and her husband and kids run the front of house. They use ingredients from their own garden! It doesn't get any more local than this. You'll want to make a reservation, though. They only have seven tables, and you don't want to miss this one.

Sorrento

The southern coast of Italy is perfect for travelers who just want to lay on a beach or by a pool all day and chiiill. However, if you're more of an active traveler, like me, consider this amazing blue grotto boat tour from Sorrento. Seriously, the views on this tour look amazing. It is a bucket lister for me! There's also snorkeling, day trips to Pompeii and other historical sites, and this quaint little olive oil farm tour.

So far, several clients have reccomended A'Marrena Bakery & Bistro in Sorrento. It's owned and operated by two sisters who sing while they work. The spot is overall great vibes, and the sandwiches are delish too.

Positano

If you're familiar with the Netflix show Sense8, you might recognize this iconic Italian town. You may have also seen the colorful houses clinging to rocky coasts on puzzles or calendars. The views here are spectacular (Who am I kidding? They're spectacular no matter where you are on the coast). Consider this sunset cruise with complimentary prosecco to end your evening.

Some Smiley Travelers like to include Florence in their Southern Italy trip. Check out this blog I wrote for Northern Italy for more information on Florence. Due to it's central location, it can be included in either trip.

Whether your travelling for romance or for adventure, Italy has something for everyone. Reach out to Rebecca today to start planning your Italian getaway.

Until next time, Smiley travelers,

Keep Exploring,

Rachael Magruder