Italy is on top of my list of favourite destination to visit. In fact, I have been to Italy five times and it is definitely not going to be my last. I can never have enough of Italy. There are so many places to visit and explore. What I like most of about Italy is its efficient railway transportation, adequate tourist information and of course, its yummy-licious food. Language wasn’t much of a barrier here as most local Italians speak English. People are generally warm and friendly.
Coming to the 3 most amazing places to visit in Italy would be Amalfi, Sorrento and Florence. If you are planning for a 1-week plus vacation, I would recommend you spend more time in the south of Italy and just enjoy the surrounding places. I would say at least 5 days and then head back to Florence or Rome for a day or two before flying off. Of course, it would be great if you could stay longer as there are lots of places to explore and see.
Salerno 
Amalfi coast 
Amalfi marina 
Amalfi town 
Amalfi 
Positano 
Amalfi Coast is truly a beautiful place. Its long and winding road along the coast is one that will leave you breathless. You will also be amazed by how skillful the Italian drivers are on this coastal ride and so courteous. As the long is narrow and sharp on every turn, drivers honked prior to approaching these corners and some even stopped to let other cars from the opposite road to go first.
The journey began from Rome Fiumicino Intermational Airport where I landed. I then took a bus from the bus terminal located outside the arrival hall of the airport to the Central Railway Station. The ride took about 30 minutes. When I arrived, I had some time to kill while waiting for the train to Salerno. A local guy approached me while I was boarding the train. He appeared helpful and carried my luggage onto the train before I could even say a word. I thanked him for being so helpful thinking to myself maybe he is employed by the train company. Well, truth be told he is not! He spoke in Italian and asked me to pay him. As I could not understand a word he said but could only make out he was asking me for money, I just said “No”. I ignored him though he went on asking. As more passengers got onto the train, it gave him a signal that it was time for him to leave. Thank God, he did. Honestly I would have paid him some money if he was nice enough to ask for my permission in the first place.
The train ride to Salerno was pleasant and there were not many people. The ride took about 3 hours. When I arrived Salerno, I had to look for the local tobacco store called tabacchi to buy my bus ticket to Amalfi. As there was no signage, I asked around and soon found a small line waiting for the Amalfi bus. The bus ride to Amalfi took about 1 hour plus. By the time I arrived in Amalfi I was pretty tired. I was happy that I found the bus to Praiano where my hotel is. A word of advice here: please try to travel light as it is not easy to walk with your big luggage and taking the bus or train.
Staying in Praiano about 10 minutes away from Amalfi town is not a bad idea if you want to hike the mountains or just stay away from the crowd. The bus to Positano passes by every half an hour (do check with the hotel staff for the bus schedule). The bus ride to Positano is about half an hour and costs 2 Euro each way. You should plan the trips in ahead and purchased the bus tickets in advance. Doing so will minimise your time going to and fro the tabacchi store. Note: The bus driver does not take cash and if you don’t have a ticket, you won’t be allowed to board the bus.
Positano is probably the most popular tourist destination on the Amalfi coast. It is also the busiest town with a lot more shops and restaurants, cafes and bars. There is also a tourist information centre located here where you can get access to maps and information on places to visit or activities. As it was at the tail end of winter when I visited, there were not many activities and it was a lot quieter than summer. The weather was a bit wet and cold with rain on one or two days. So, do bring along an umbrella or rain coat to avoid catching a cold.
From Amalfi coast it is just another 20 minutes or so to Sorrento. It is the same bus that takes you from Amalfi to Positano and ends in Sorrento. I love the vibrant town of Sorrento. It has a mix of new and old buildings here. An interesting place as you walk through the alleys and explore the many shops located here. There are many souvenir shops here and shops that sell limoncello and herbs filled this place besides restaurants and cafes.
Next stop is Florence before heading back to Rome. Florence is rich in its arts, history and culture. Not to mention the many famous Italian designer branded stores are located here such as Prada, Fendi, Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci and Giorgio Armani. This shopping haven adds to the vibrant and bustle each day along side some street performances you will get to see as you stroll through this city.