Amalfi Coast

Upon arrival in Naples, transfer to the town of Sorrento and check in to our hotel. Meet fellow travelers at a welcome reception and dinner this evening.

After a walking tour of Sorrento, we venture into the hills above town, where orange and lemon groves fight for primacy with olive groves. Visit a farm where we tour the olive groves to learn about olive oil production and watch the making of Fior di Latte, the delicate, soft cow’s milk cheese that originated in the Amalfi Coast. After a tasting of locally made products, return to town for an afternoon at leisure.

Drive to the charming town of Positano today for a walking tour and free time to stroll the promenade. We then embark on a scenic cruise along the coast to picturesque Amalfi, where we visit the Duomo di Sant’Andrea and the plaza. Enjoy lunch on our own in Amalfi before returning to Sorrento.

Delve into Roman history with today’s visit to Herculaneum and Pompeii, which were destroyed in the catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE. Herculaneum was buried by mud flows which preserved the small, seaside town much as it was on that fateful day. Continue to Pompeii and marvel at its stunning frescos. Later, head to Torre del Greco at the foot of Mount Vesuvius to visit a storied coral and cameo workshop.

Drive to Naples this morning for a full day of exploration. Begin at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, which served as the home of the royal cavalry in the late 1500s and today houses one of the world’s most important archaeological museums. Then take in the other sights of the city, including Castel Nuovo, Piazza Plebiscito, Teatro San Carlo, and San Francesco di Paola before driving to the top of Posillipo hill for an aerial view of the city. Enjoy a Neapolitan pizza lunch before returning to Sorrento.

Travel today along the Sorrentine Peninsula to visit the splendidly preserved Greek temples at Paestum. Walk through the park and see the Temple of Hera, The Temple of Nepture, and the Temple of Ceres (Athena). Stop in the Paestum National Archaeological Museum to examine finds from the site as well as treasures from the archaeological site at Foce del Sele. Return to Sorrento after lunch.

Spend today on the Isle of Dreams. Take a hydrofoil to the Isle of Capri, majestically situated in crystal clear waters and studded with grottoes. Enjoy a private boat ride around the island to see several of the beautiful grottos, the iconic Faraglioni rocks, and Casa Malaparte, a stunning example of Italian rationalist architecture perched on a cliff high above the sea. Return to the island and spend some time at leisure exploring the main town of Capri. Back in Sorrento, toast our journey at farewell reception and dinner.

Transfer to Naples International Airport this morning for flights headed home.