Southern Italy – Ancient Ruins, Islands and the Amalfi Coast

10 days from £1349 per person

Discover the best of South West Italy on this 10-day self-drive adventure visiting Naples, Sorrento, Capri and the Amalfi Coast. Starting in Naples, discover the historical, cultural and culinary treasures of this eclectic city. A guided tour to one of the world’s most fascinating archaeological sites – Pompeii – is also included. Continue to Sorrento where you will spend two nights in this pretty coastal town home to winding back streets and traditional cafés. Next, take a short drive to the 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 in 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 before returning to Naples for the flight home.

Route: Naples – Sorrento – Amalfi Coast – Capri

Itinerary Highlights

Known for its eclectic culture and history, cosmopolitan Naples is also known for its gastronomy. Home to the pizza, sample slices from street vendors or take a pizza cookery class.

Paestum is one of Europe’s finest archaeological sites. Discover the three ancient Greek temples at this UNESCO World Heritage site that are still in excellent condition.

Take a rowing boat to the iconic Blue Grotto in Capri. Explore the cave whilst admiring the dark water turn electric blue as the sun shines through the underwater cavern.

Itinerary: Southern Italy – Ancient Ruins, Islands and the Amalfi Coast

Day 1 UK to Naples

Begin your journey this morning by boarding your international flight to Naples. On arrival collect your hire car from the airport and make your way to your hotel in Naples. Settled by the Greeks and conquered by the Romans, cosmopolitan Naples is a melting pot of cultures, gastronomy and architecture. With an afternoon at leisure you may wish to visit the Naples Archaeological Museum which houses the world’s finest collection of Pompeiian mosaics, frescoes and relics. Another great way to spend the afternoon is discovering the city’s excellent street food scene; sample Napoli pizza, garlicky spaghetti alle vongole and parmigiana di melanzane from Naples’ best vendors. (B)

Accommodation in Naples: Palazzo Caracciolo Napoli (or similar)

Day 2 Naples

After breakfast you will be picked up from your hotel for an included guided tour of Pompeii and Vesuvius. 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. After lunch travel to Mount Vesuvius where you can admire the spectacular views across the Bay of Naples. On arrival back into the city you may wish to visit Museo di Capodimonte, a palace which is home to countless Caravaggio masterpieces. (B)

Accommodation in Naples: Palazzo Caracciolo Napoli (or similar)

Day 3 Naples to Sorrento – 49 km

This morning continue your journey south to Sorrento. En route you may wish to take the ferry to Ischia, a volcanic island known for its thermal baths and a medieval castle. Alternatively, if you would like to spend a couple of days exploring the beaches and architecture of Ischia, we would be happy to arrange a stay here. On arrival in Sorrento check in to your hotel where you will spend the next two nights. A coastal town perched atop dramatic cliffs overlooking the Sorrentine Peninsula, Sorrento boasts stunning views, bustling piazzas and a traditional cafe culture. (B)

Accommodation in Sorrento: Grand Hotel Vesuvius (or similar)

Day 4 Sorrento

Today you have a day of leisure to explore Sorrento as you wish. 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. Another option is to drive to the nearby coastal villages and beaches and get an insight into local Southern Italian life. End the day in a traditional trattoria overlooking the bay and feast on gnocchi alla sorrentina washed down with ice-cold limoncello. (B)

Accommodation in Sorrento: Grand Hotel Vesuvius (or similar)

Day 5 Sorrento to the Amalfi Coast – 39 km

After breakfast continue your journey to the picture-perfect Amalfi Coast where you will stay near the beautiful town of Ravello for the next three nights. 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. Spend the rest of your day relaxing at the hotel pool or drive to one of the local beaches. (B)

Accommodation in the Amalfi Coast: Hotel Botanico San Lazzaro (or similar)

Day 6 - 7 The Amalfi Coast

Spend the next two days at leisure on the stunning Amalfi Coast. Why not spend a day exploring the coastal towns and surrounding countryside by car. Travel to the famous cliffside town of Positano home to a pebble beach and café-lined streets or Ravello which sits 365 metres above the sea and known for its beautiful terraced gardens and Moorish style villas. It is also recommended to visit one of the regions vineyards or lemon groves where you can take part in wine or limoncello tasting. You may also wish to explore Paestum, one of Europe’s most glorious archaeological sites. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Paestum dates back to 600 BC where today the three ancient Greek temples here are in excellent condition. (B)

Accommodation in the Amalfi Coast: Hotel Botanico San Lazzaro (or similar)

Day 8 The Amalfi Coast to Capri – 39km & ferry

This morning after breakfast drive back to Sorrento where you will connect to Capri by boat. After a quick ferry ride, drive to your beautifully located hotel where you have the afternoon at leisure. Famed for its rugged coastline, turquoise water and Roman villas, the island of Capri is one of Italy’s most exclusive destinations. After a seafood lunch you may wish to stroll to the harbour and admire the colourful fishing boats and super yachts bobbing in the water. (B)

Accommodation in Capri: Hotel Syrene (or similar)

Day 9 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. (B)

Accommodation in Capri: Hotel Syrene (or similar)

Day 10 Capri to the UK

After breakfast you may wish to relax by the hotel pool until it is time to drive to the port for your ferry back to Naples. On arrival back in Naples, drop your hire car off at the airport before boarding your international flight back to the UK. (B)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Hotel accommodation and taxes
Car hire as specified
Guided tour of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature
Meals unless specified

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.