The Solo Traveler's Guide to Italy: Sorrento, Rome & Venice

Start your Italian adventure in the coastal town of Sorrento, just under a 1.5 hour ferry or train ride from Naples International Airport. Stay near the Piazzo Tasso, where you’ll be in walking distance to the city’s famous alley ways and delicious seafood on the Marina Grande. In the evening, try a small group guided walking tour to get familiar with the town and meet other travelers! After the tour, enjoy the taste of the sea at La Lanterna, a restaurant housed in the ruins of ancient Roman baths.

If you traveled from across the pond, sleep in today before lunch on the terrace of Bellevue Syrene. Here, you’ll enjoy delicious Mediterranean food along with stunning views of the sea and Mt. Vesuvius. Today is perfect for relaxing at the pool or spa, or checking out some recommendations from last night's tour guide.

Locally hosted tours are a great way to interact with locals, socialize with other tourists and learn more about the region. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Cooking Class at Quanto Basta Sorrento Cooking School. Enjoy a glass of prosecco to heighten the senses before preparing family recipes with fresh ingredients from the garden and the wharf.

• Lemon Tour: Explore a family-owned lemon grove to discover the various types, the harvesting process and how they're transformed into delicious limoncello! Stay for a tasting.

It’s time to sail the open seas with a small group tour of the beautiful Amalfi coast! Wake up early for a full-day tour (8 to 10 hours) that includes lunch and stops in towns like Amalfi and Positano. En route, you can swim, snorkel and sip limoncello. You'll be in awe of the deep crystal-blue water and the lively colorful buildings that seem to hang from the coastal cliffs.

Once the boat docks, make your way into the respective town centers filled with shops and restaurants. In Amalfi, shop with local artisans and taste pastries in the alley ways. In Positano, visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and spend what time you have left at the bustling Positano Spiaggia beach.

Back in Sorrento, taste authentic Neapolitan pizza and cocktails at Frankie's Bar, a snug and upbeat family-owned pizzeria.

Travel like a true Italian this morning by high speed train! Opt for Business Class and experience a welcome drink, reclining seats, luggage storage and a Bistro.

For your stay in Rome, the beautifully designed Solo Pad at the Chapter Roma hotel lives up to its namesake. This hotel is in the heart of the city and within walking distance to all of the sites!

Even if you're not Catholic, seeing the architecture and famed art works in-person at Vatican City is worthwhile! While there are many tours offered, my favorite (and most unique) is the night tour. In the summer, the Vatican offers these after-hour tours of the Museums and the Sistine Chapel. With limited tickets sold, it's easier to see more of the museum with less of the crowds. Be sure to dress conservatively!

Finish your evening at Chapter Roma's hotel bar, Hey Baby, which specializes in mixology and international light bites.

Time to see Rome!

Start with a stroll to the Pantheon, a Roman temple built in the second century. Head to the world famous Trevi Fountain. Throwing in a coin promises a future trip to Rome! Continue towards the Piazza Di Spagna by way of Via Condotti, Rome’s premiere shopping district featuring all of the major fashion houses like Gucci and Ferragamo. Finally, refuel with a stop at a trattoria or gelato bar before making your way up the Spanish Steps to get a panoramic picture from the Trinità dei Monti.

Rest your feet before a treating yourself to a Michelin-starred tasting menu at the fashionable Antico Arco. Fall into a cozy leather chair and ready your tastebuds for some serious Roma food. Walk off those courses with a passeggiata through the narrow alleyways of Trastevere. This district is buzzing with locals and tourists alike, featuring lively bars and trattorias.

You’ll spend the final leg of your adventure in the majestic city of Venice, just 4 hours away by train (finally, a nap.)

Since there are no cars allowed in Venice, the water-bus will be your best friend!
Stay just steps from the bustling San Marco station at the beautiful Monaco and Grand Canal Hotel. Explore Venetian cuisine on a walking food tour, sampling spritzes, crostinis, cicchetti (Venetian small plates) and gelato!

No trip to Venice is complete without a ride in a gondola! There’s a gondola for all occasions; public, private, with wine, with musicians, you name it.

Just a few hours away is the Veneto region, known most importantly as the birthplace of prosecco! Join a small group guided tour to visit local wineries and see what all the bubbly hype is about.