Discover the best of southwest Italy on this eight-day guided holiday visiting Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast and Capri.
Starting in Sorrento, discover the historical, cultural and culinary treasures of this picturesque coastal town. A guided tour to one of the world’s most fascinating archaeological sites – Pompeii – is also included as well as a short hike on Mt. Vesuvius and wine tasting at the crater. Take a day trip to the spectacular Amalfi Coast, which conjures up images of pastel houses, rolling vineyards and lemon groves clinging to cliffsides overlooking the emerald waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Finish the holiday on the isle of Capri, one of Italy’s most beautiful and exclusive islands. Take a boat trip to the Blue Grotto, explore Roman ruins and relax on the island’s picturesque beaches.
Sorrento – Pompeii – Amalfi Coast – Capri
Trip Highlights
- Explore the Amalfi Coast visiting the beautiful villages of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello
- Pompeii, arguably Europe’s finest archaeological site, is UNESCO protected
- Marvel at the Blue Grotto in Capri where dark water turns electric blue in the cavern
- Sorrento is blessed with spectacular views, bustling piazzas and delightful trattorias
- Hike the precipitous trails of Vesuvius National Park to the volcano’s famous crater
- Travel by private yacht to Capri, an island renowned for its coast and pristine seas
Itinerary
Day 1
UK to Naples / Naples to Sorrento
Begin your journey this morning by boarding your international flight to Naples. On arrival, take a private transfer to Sorrento and check in to your hotel where you will spend the next five nights. A coastal town perched atop dramatic cliffs overlooking the Sorrentine Peninsula, Sorrento boasts stunning views, bustling piazzas and a traditional cafe culture. End the day in a traditional trattoria overlooking the bay and feast on gnocchi alla sorrentina washed down with ice-cold limoncello.
Hotel Capri
Hotel Bellevue Syrene
Day 2
Sorrento
Surrounded by mountains and sea, Sorrento is a beautiful base location for exploring the region. After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a private guided tour of the old town with its palaces, Durazzo portals, churches, and a maze of narrow alleys. The afternoon is at leisure for you to further explore this picturesque town. Having inspired the poet Byron and other literary geniuses including Tolstoy and Dickens, Sorrento has a longstanding popularity due to its spectacular location and romantic ambience. Meander through the bustling markets and twisting alleys that lead to Piazza Tasso, a café-lined square in the heart of town. A visit to Chiostro di San Francisco is also a must. This 14th century monastery offers a tranquil respite from Sorrento where the greenery twists round the medieval arches.
- Breakfast
Hotel Capri
Hotel Bellevue Syrene
Day 3
Sorrento - visit Mt. Vesuvius & Pompeii
After breakfast travel to Vesuvius National Park where you will meet your guide and set out on a hike along the park’s trails. Upon reaching the crater enjoy the majesty of the volcano as well as the amazing views over the whole Gulf of Naples. Continue on to a winery at the base of Mount Vesuvius for lunch and a wine tasting and discover how volcanic soils give way to some fabulous wines. In the afternoon head to the UNESCO World Heritage designated Archaeological Area of Pompeii and meet your guide expert in archaeology. After the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, the ancient city of Pompeii was completely buried by ash and stone for hundreds of years until it was excavated in 1748. Today Pompeii is one of the world’s most fascinating archaeological experiences. Discover the ruins of baths, forums and villas and get an insight to daily life during your guided tour.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Hotel Capri
Hotel Bellevue Syrene
Day 4
Sorrento
Today you have a day of leisure to further explore Sorrento and the surrounding area as you wish. There are also a number of optional experiences available including a private pizza cooking class, a visit to a local mozzarella farm or take a four-hour hike to colouful Positano down the ‘Path of Gods’.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Hotel Capri
Hotel Bellevue Syrene
Day 5
Sorrento
Today visit the picture-perfect Amalfi Coast on a private full-day tour. One of Italy’s most iconic images, the Amalfi Coast is where pastel-coloured homes cling to the cliffside, boats bob in the sapphire sea and lemon groves shimmer in the sun. Take a leisurely stroll in Positano, a pleasant gathering of cafés, stores, terraced gardens, and historic houses, before visiting Amalfi, once one of Italy’s four great maritime republics. Meet your local guide and embark on a walking tour of the historical centre with its stunning 13th century Cathedral and Cloister. Enjoy a special tour and tasting at a traditional limoncello farm where you will learn about the process as well as enjoying a lemon based local lunch with wine pairing. Cap off the day with a walk in the medieval village of Ravello. Explore centuries of history, art, and folklore, before heading back to your accommodation in Sorrento.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Hotel Capri
Hotel Bellevue Syrene
Day 6
Sorrento to Capri
This morning after breakfast take a private yacht transfer to the island of Capri. Famed for its rugged coastline, turquoise water and Roman villas, the island of Capri is one of Italy’s most exclusive destinations. With a free day of leisure, enjoy a seafood lunch and stroll to the harbour and admire the colourful fishing boats and super yachts bobbing in the water.
- Breakfast
Albergo la Minerva
Capri Tiberio Palace
Day 7
Capri
Today is at leisure to explore the many things to do on Capri. One highlight is the Blue Grotto, a natural cavern where the water glows electric blue when the sunlight passes through. Take a rowboat out to this famous spot where you can also swim in the warm waters and admire the cove-studded coastline. Other points of interest include Mount Solaro which offers an old fortress and spectacular views, the Roman palace ruins at Villa Jovis and an impressive art collection at Villa San Michele. Alternatively, if you would like a day of relaxing head to one of Capri’s picturesque beaches and feast on seafood and spritzes along one of the bustling seaside promenade.
- Breakfast
Albergo la Minerva
Capri Tiberio Palace
Day 8
Capri to Naples / Naples to the UK
After breakfast and a leisurely morning at the hotel, take the public ferry to Naples where you will then be privately transferred to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
Include Rome, a short journey north of Naples by train. One of the world’s great cities, a place of profound historical significance which has dominated Europe’s cultural life since Roman times, explore celebrated ancient ruins including the Colosseum and Pantheon or visit Vatican City.
Florence, the Tuscan capital, is a city of unparalleled beauty, synonymous with fine art and grand architecture. See masterpieces by Michelangelo and Botticelli at the Uffizi and Accademia galleries, explore the iconic Duomo and browse shops on medieval Ponte Vecchio.
Sicily is reached by direct flight from Naples. The largest island in the Mediterranean, located off the southwestern coast of Italy, Sicily's heritage is a blend of Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Arab, influencing not only the island’s unique culture but also its architecture and cuisine.
Discover Puglia, situated in Italy’s southern ‘heel’. Lesser known and largely rural, Puglia is defined by its long coastline, distinct cuisine and historic towns. Highlights include bustling Bari, baroque Lecce, the cave homes of Matera and the distinctive trulli houses of Alberobello.
Guide to Price
8 days from £3000 per person
What's Included
- International flights
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
- Private car and driver
- Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £3000
Travel Information
Getting There
British Airways fly direct from London to many Italian cities including Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice, Pisa and Verona. They also offer flights to the Italian islands Sardinia and Sicily. Regional flights with British Airways are available with a connection at Heathrow. Budget airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet also have a wide range of flights available between the UK and Italy. Alternatively take the luxurious Venice Simplon-Orient Express between London and Venice, or self-drive is also an option.
Flying Times From UK
Flight times take between 2-4 hours depending on where you are flying into in Italy. It takes two and a half hours to fly between the UK and Rome.
Time Zone
Italy is +1 hour ahead of GMT.
Visa Requirements
British Citizens do not require a visa for travel to Italy. You should ensure that your passport has at least 6 months validity, that you have appropriate travel insurance and correct documentation if planning to drive. Travellers will not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. For more information please visit the UK Government website.
Do’s & Don’ts
When taking photographs, permission should always be asked before taking someone’s picture.
Make sure you pack suitable clothing so that you can dress respectfully for visits to religious venues.
Knees and shoulders should be covered when entering Catholic Churches such as St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City or St Mark’s Basilica in Venice.
If you manage to learn a few words in Italian it will be greatly appreciated.
Money
The local currency is the Euro which is easily exchanged before you leave the UK or once in Italy. ATMs are reliable and commonplace throughout the country and nearly all major credit cards are accepted. Some restaurants may include an extra service fee for payments made with a credit or debit card so this is always worth checking first. Changing foreign currency is an easy process in Italy which is possible at banks, hotels and post offices.
Tipping
There is no set rule for tipping in Italy, but 10% for good service is appreciated. In some restaurants service charge is added to your bill automatically so ensure you check this. Tips in cash are preferred.
Food & Drink
Italian food is one of the world’s most loved and accessible cuisines and is very much focused on simplicity, flavours and local produce. Like many destinations, food is very regional in Italy, and each area has its own speciality, many boasting recipes that have been passed from generation to generation. Renowned for its incredible pizza and pasta, Italy also offers dishes which use some of the continent’s best ingredients including Tuscan truffles, fresh seafood from Liguria, cured meat from Parma, Sicilian lemons, buffalo mozzarella from Campania and Modena’s famous balsamic vinegar. Italy is also known for its excellent coffee, and the culture surrounding this, which is ingrained into daily life. Other popular drinks include limoncello, a lemon-based liqueur, the strong spirit of grappa and, of course, wine.
Accommodation
There is an excellent variety of accommodation in Italy ranging from luxurious heritage properties and modern international resorts to boutique city hotels and secluded villas. Throughout all Italian cities there is a huge range of international chain or boutique hotels as well as apartments available, all of which follow European standards. Tuscany and Umbria offer villas with pools in the stunning countryside perfect for family or group holidays. There an abundance of lakeside hotels and apartments in the Italian Lakes whereas Sardinia and Sicily have a wonderful range of beach resorts. There is also specialist accommodation available throughout the country including mountain monasteries, rural farmhouses, ski lodges and local campsites.
Shopping
The Italians are renowned for their fashion and high-end clothes, shoes and bags. Florence, Milan and Rome are excellent places to shop for both Italian and international designers. Traditional craft items such as pottery, jewellery, ornaments and leatherwork can be found at local markets and craft shops throughout the country in both the big cities and more rural villages.Food markets are an excellent way to sample Italian street food and also buy produce including olive oil, truffles, fresh seafood and meat, cheese and vegetables, whereas local wine or spirts can be shipped back to the UK.
Suggested Reading
Rough Guides, Lonely Planet and DK Eyewitness have excellent guide books on Italy and also offer regional or city variations. For books on the history of Italy try ‘The Pursuit of Italy: A History of a Land, Its Regions, and Their Peoples’ by Sir David Gilmore, ‘House of Medici’ by Christopher Hibbert and ‘Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire’ by Edward Gibbon. ‘The Italians’ by Luigi Barzini deeply explores the Italian character and psyche and for a brilliantly comprehensive A-Z guide on Italian food, try ‘The Oxford Companion to Italian Food’ by Gillian Riley. There are also a number of excellent biographies and fictional reads set in Italy that include:
‘The Merchant of Prato’ by Iris Origo
'Christ Stopped At Eboli' by Carlo Levi
‘The Borgias: Power and Fortune’ by Paul Strathern
‘The Leopard’ by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa
‘Death in Venice’ by Thomas Mann
‘A Farewell to Arms’ by Ernest Hemmingway
‘The Land Where Lemons Grow’ by Helena Atlee
‘A Room With a View’ by E. M. Forster
‘Pompei’ by Rober Lustrum
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Yellow Fever is compulsory, but only if you have visited an affected Yellow Fever area within 5 days prior to your arrival. In some instances anti-malarial tablets may also be needed. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on Italy the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice)which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly.We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (https://safertourism.org.uk/) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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