8 Days from Lake Como to Amalfi Coast (June) – Too ambitious or doable?

Exploring Northern and Southern Italy in 8 Days: Is it Feasible?

Planning an ambitious Italian itinerary can be both exciting and daunting. For travelers aiming to experience the scenic lakes of the North and the stunning coastlines of the South within just over a week, careful planning is essential to maximize time while enjoying the journey. Here’s a detailed overview of a proposed 8-day itinerary from Lake Como to the Amalfi Coast, along with insights to help determine its practicality and tips for a smooth trip.

An Overview of the 8-Day Itinerary

Start: Milan, Italy
End: Naples, Italy (return flight to India)

Day 1: Arrival and Lake Como

• Arrive in Milan from Spain.
• Travel directly by train to Varenna, a charming lakeside town on Lake Como.
• Spend the day exploring Varenna and enjoy a lakeside dinner.

Day 2: Scenic Train Journey

• Embark on the Bernina Express from Tirano to St. Moritz, returning via the panoramic route.
• Allocate approximately 10-12 hours for this round trip, experiencing one of Europe’s most breathtaking train routes.

Day 3: Lake Activities

• Begin with a morning hike of moderate difficulty.
• Rent a private boat for 4-6 hours to visit Bellagio and view Villa Balbianello from the water, offering a quintessential Lake Como experience.

Day 4: Travel to the Amalfi Coast

• Take a high-speed train from Milan to Naples, then transfer to Sorrento, your base on the coast.

Day 5: Path of the Gods & Positano

• Use a bus to reach Bomerano and hike the famous Path of the Gods, descending into Positano.
• Explore Positano in the afternoon, soaking in its picturesque scenery.
• Return to Sorrento via ferry, enjoying the coast from the water.

Day 6: Exploring Amalfi and Ravello

• A day trip to the Amalfi Coast with visits to the towns of Amalfi and Ravello, utilizing ferry and bus connections.

Day 7: Capri Excursion

• Head to Capri, intentionally skipping the Blue Grotto to avoid crowds and disappointment.
• Instead, visit Anacapri and ride the chairlift for panoramic views.

Day 8: Final Night in Naples

• Travel to Naples