Italy vs. Amalfi Coast

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Between the two, which itinerary would be “worth" paying the ABD premium for? We have traveled extensively in Europe (with and without kids) so I’m not necessarily afraid of travel/logistics or the language barrier. There is a certain appeal to not having to wait in the giant Vatican line (Italy), but I have heard really good things about the Amalfi tour as well. My husband is willing to drive in Italy.

What were the highlights that really put one or the other of these trips over the top for you? Or would it be better to just take the money and build our own 2ish week itinerary with private tours instead?

Pre-kids my husband and I did Rome/Naples/Pompeii/Capri/Florence/Siena/San Gimigiano (sp?)/Pisa/Venice in about a week and loved it, but the pace would probably be too fast for the kids. We have also done the Italian lakes but have yet to visit Cinque Terre or Amalfi.

We are looking at a summer 2026 trip (yes, we plan this far in advance because our family’s schedule is really complicated).

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Also in case it makes a difference, 2 of the 3 adults in our party don’t drink wine. I am reading @Jess_S ’s trip report, and she mentions a lot of wine tastings. That is not something that we would enjoy.

 

[Donalyn]

I hear you on the early planning - I do that too! And around here, that really isn't so early, as the 2026 land adventure dates should drop in May.

Since you have been to pretty much every place covered by both trips, just a little curious as to why these are the two options that you are considering.

I haven't done the Amalfi coast trip, but reviewing the itineraries today, and based on your statements about being comfortable driving in Italy, I'd say that the Italy trip would be a better value for the money, as there are more private experiences. It isn't just skip the line at the Vatican museum - it is more like being the only group there. And the 45 minutes that our group of 30 spent in the Sistine Chapel, with our tour guide explaining the art and the history, and the ability to take pictures (not guaranteed, but provided to our group) - worth the price of the trip alone, when compared to the normal experience (wall to wall people, 5 minutes in the room, no talking, no pictures, no explanation of the art, etc.).

We also loved the access at the Colosseum, to see David, etc.

The downside of the Italy trip, in my opinion, is not enough time in Florence.

Whether it is worth it to you, versus a private trip with your own tour guides - that is up to you. We didn't go that route because of some medical issue, and it being my kids' first trip to Europe. I also just wanted to be able to also be on vacation and not always be worried about the next logistic thing. (I'm perfectly capable of doing that, but sometimes it is nice to not have to always be on/in charge.) But I did consider it. We ultimately decided to split it - did the tour and also did a day early in Rome and a number of days at the end in Paris.

Good luck with your planning.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

While my husband and I have traveled around Italy quite a bit, my mom and my kids have never been. That’s why I’m thinking about the 2 itineraries. In an ideal world we’d do both, but seeing as how my “just win the lottery” plan still hasn’t come through that’s just not an option. The idea of the private experience at the Vatican/Sistine Chapel does sound amazing.

I totally hear you about the advantages of not having to be in charge, because I’m always the one in charge.

In thinking about this, maybe the right thing to do would be to somehow start in Amalfi on our own, then tour, then extend to the Italian lakes at the end of the trip from Venice on our own. Though after that last trip report maybe we take less time but go over Christmas instead? My daughter hates the heat, but she also refuses to be away from home over the holidays.

Lots to consider while I’m avoiding other work.

 

[Jodo98]

I love italy and i do love Rome/Florence/Siena basically the places you went. However, the beauty of the Amalfi coast is just amazing. Our 16 year old loved it and me and by husband are dying to go back. Many little towns to walk in, places to see. I do suggest to see more do w/ a guide so it may be easier to do w/ ABD. You do need to driver around to get to all the little towns in Amalfi. It gets full of buses so you driving is not great. Its easier with someone dropping you off and waiting for you etc. It was so beautiful.

 

[pjacobi]

You can avoid the lines at most museums and tourist sites in Europe by purchasing tickets on-line in advance for a specific time and date. It just takes a little time and effort to plan in advance.


-Paul

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

You can avoid the lines at most museums and tourist sites in Europe by purchasing tickets on-line in advance for a specific time and date. It just takes a little time and effort to plan in advance.


-Paul

If you find a tour that replicates the Vatican access specifically please include the link.

 

[JRM815]

If you are were planning a trip for 2025, note that this is a Catholic Church Jubilee year, a special year of grace and pilgrimage, with Rome as a central pilgrimage destination. Some locales, such as St. Peter Basilica, are not on this year's ABD Italy tour (not sure about the Vatican museum tour). And there is a good chance that pent up demand will make 2026 tours more crowded. That said, we have not done the Amalfi Coast adventure but we did do an adult exclusive Italy trip last year. We enjoyed it immensely, but as this trip has more of an art and history component than other trips we have taken, I am not sure how much younger kids would enjoy it versus a trip with more running around and outdoor activities. Only you can decide what is best for your family.

 

[MeDisney]

What about the Italy/Switzerland or Sicily tour?

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

What about the Italy/Switzerland or Sicily tour?

I wasn’t that excited about the italy/Switzerland itinerary and while Sicily looked interesting I figure the first time my kids go to Italy they should probably see the “major” sites.

I’m actually going to visit Sicily on my own in a month or two.

 

[MeDisney]

I wasn’t that excited about the italy/Switzerland itinerary and while Sicily looked interesting I figure the first time my kids go to Italy they should probably see the “major” sites.

I’m actually going to visit Sicily on my own in a month or two.

I wasn’t that excited about the italy/Switzerland itinerary and while Sicily looked interesting I figure the first time my kids go to Italy they should probably see the “major” sites.

I’m actually going to visit Sicily on my own in a month or two.

I agree with you. Since you’ve traveled to Italy before you could do Vatican and Coliseum on your own then go to Milan to start the other trip. There are several tours out there that get you early/exclusive entry. The Italy trip is focused on monuments/museums while the Italy/Switzerland is more active like zipline, trains, etc. Not sure how old your kids are or what type of activities they enjoy. I tend to value ABD for more complicated itineraries. You can’t go wrong with any trip to Italy. I would just make sure you don’t go when it is too hot, as most concerns are about the heat.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

I don’t know. The whole reason to pay the ABD premium is that Disney seems to have better access to the Vatican than other private guides. If there’s a different way to replicate that I’d be very curious.

I don’t see any reason whatsoever to pay the ABD premium for Italy/Switzerland personally. It’s very easy to travel there (I’m not afraid of traveling in Europe) and I can arrange outdoor activities on my own. Plus I’d rather focus on things that I can’t do in the US vs something that might be cool to do there like zip lining but not necessarily a unique experience.

 

[pjacobi]

I don’t know. The whole reason to pay the ABD premium is that Disney seems to have better access to the Vatican than other private guides. If there’s a different way to replicate that I’d be very curious.

You won't see anything on a Disney tour of the Vatican that is not open to the general public.

Disney will get your tickets for you, provide a guide and walk you through at an exclusive time without out the crowds.

You can duplicate most of this experience by getting your own tickets, visiting at a less busy time/date and using a guidebook or audio guide. It takes time and effort to do this on your own. Disney provides this as a service. It's your choice to do it your own or pay Disney for the service.

Special access to the Vatican *is* possible but that requires you to be a practicing Catholic and your visit specifically approved and sponsored by your local Priest and Bishop. This requires lots of Vatican paperwork and invitation would be at a specific time date of their choosing, not yours!


-Paul

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

You won't see anything on a Disney tour of the Vatican that is not open to the general public.

Disney will get your tickets for you, provide a guide and walk you through at an exclusive time without out the crowds.

You can duplicate most of this experience by getting your own tickets, visiting at a less busy time/date and using a guidebook or audio guide. It takes time and effort to do this on your own. Disney provides this as a service. It's your choice to do it your own or pay Disney for the service.

Special access to the Vatican *is* possible but that requires you to be a practicing Catholic and your visit specifically approved and sponsored by your local Priest and Bishop. This requires lots of Vatican paperwork and invitation would be at a specific time date of their choosing, not yours!


-Paul

Im not Catholic so option 2 is out. We don’t really have a choice of when we visit, so picking a less busy time is out.

When we were at the Louvre the line to get in - even with a private guide - was over an hour. When I visited the Vatican years ago, we waited outside for a long time even with tickets in advance, and watched tour groups try to cut the line. It was unpleasant and I have no interest in repeating that, either waiting in a long line in late June heat or as part of a group trying to “cheat” to get in.

So if you claim that other tours can get us in an hour in advance in a very small group I’d love to know which ones. Otherwise that is what I’d be paying Disney for. The right to enter easily and visit in a relatively uncrowded time.

Is it worth it? I’m not sure yet. But I’m trying to figure out my options.

 

[MeDisney]

Im not Catholic so option 2 is out. We don’t really have a choice of when we visit, so picking a less busy time is out.

When we were at the Louvre the line to get in - even with a private guide - was over an hour. When I visited the Vatican years ago, we waited outside for a long time even with tickets in advance, and watched tour groups try to cut the line. It was unpleasant and I have no interest in repeating that, either waiting in a long line in late June heat or as part of a group trying to “cheat” to get in.

So if you claim that other tours can get us in an hour in advance in a very small group I’d love to know which ones. Otherwise that is what I’d be paying Disney for. The right to enter easily and visit in a relatively uncrowded time.

Is it worth it? I’m not sure yet. But I’m trying to figure out my options.

I’ve done the ABD Italy tour. It has changed a bit over the years. I did not think our access was unique as the other commenters have mentioned.

I’ve since returned to Italy numerous times and several times to Rome. I’ve done so many other tours that were more interesting than the ABD tours. Such as the early entry Breakfast at the Vatican before opening and then you walk through the entire place by yourself. You can book tours with guides too. We booked directly with the Vatican. I’ve also hear of a Master Key that offers exclusive access to things. But I have not done that yet. Maybe next trip. For the Colosseum, we booked an amazing underground access tour that also brought us to areas you can’t see with ABD. On another trip we took a bike tour and went past the Colosseum and other areas. I’ve found my kids loved the more active tours of the places versus just listening to a guide talk about a monument. Plus there are so many other things to do in Rome as food tours, catacombs, or even the evening light shows at the Forum.
Although I did like the Italy tour it does not make our top 5 of all the trips we ever did with ABD.

 

[OKW Lover]

I'd go with the Rome/Florence/Venice ABD. There this so much to see/do on this adventure that the ABD advantage of pre-booked, guided tours is a real benefit.

I also saw another question about Northern Italy/Switzerland, which we have done and loved. But I still put the Rome/Florence/Venice trip above that for first timers.

 

[Eastridge]

I haven't done the Amalfi trip. But the ABD Rome/Florence/Venice trip was the first ABD my family did, about 9 years ago. It's still my family's favorite out of the 6 ABD trips we have done, although New Zealand is #1 for me.

I think it was the combo of being the first experience with ABD so all the little surprises and concierge service were new to us, combined with special access. I particularly appreciated the after-hours tour of the Vatican and Sistine Chapel, rather than trying to do those on our own and being in a mosh pit with other tourists.

Also, my pre-teen son had no interest in going to Italy before the trip, but ABD made it fun for the kids so he loved it. Some were little touches, such as the guides overdosing the kids with Italian soda, gelato, and snacks, but ABD arranged things so there were elements for both the kids and adults.

 

[holden]

We did the Amalfi trip many years ago with our kids (around ages 8 and 12 at the time) and our parents. I just looked at the itinerary, and it looks the same as what we did. We loved this trip!

I felt like we got to see parts of Italy that were a little less "touristy." Of course there were tourists there, but nothing ever felt crowded. Maybe that's because Disney can arrange visits that are more private? I'm not really sure. We never waited for anything, not even a bathroom.

I really can't choose one experience that was better than another. They were all wonderful. The whole experience was first class and worth every penny.

 

[Lesverts]

I just looked at both and my Italian interests are not reflected in either trip.

I would say the Italy trip is the more traditional first-time to Italy trip. Only 8 days you could easily add a few days pre and post to make it a 14 day trip. Get some more affordable self-directed touring before and the Disney Difference for those 8 days.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Out of curiosity what are your Italian interests?