Naples

Enjoy a leisurely drive along the Amalfi Coast, the most famous drive in all of Italy, described by John Steinbeck as ‘a dream place that isn’t quite real’.

With luxuriant vegetation and a sun-drenched climate, Sorrento became a favourite retreat of wealthy Romans and has been a popular resort ever since. A cliff-top setting, imposing ‘Duomo’ and charming streets with bustling boutiques, make the little town of Sorrento a delight to discover.

Whilst in Sorrento, you’ll enjoy an Italian style lunch accompanied by wine.

Further along the coast, you’ll find the romantic coastal town of Amalfi. Take a guided walk to learn of the history and architecture of this quaint town. See the exterior of the Cathedral of St Andrea and admire the Moorish and Gothic architecture.

During your stop in Amalfi, you’ll have free time to wander the narrow streets, or perhaps relax with a coffee or ice-cream in the ‘piazza’ and absorb the wonderful atmosphere.

Your return journey will be along the mountain road before taking the motorway to Naples.

Take a guided walk through the rocky ruins of the excavated city of Pompeii. The baths and the theatres, the wrestling ground and the luxurious villas stand empty, yet there are many echoes of Pompeii's daily life; the wine jars are still set on the counter of the wine shop, the stepping stones are there to help you cross the street in the rainy season, and the mosaic floors and brilliant frescoes are a wonder to this very day. The plaster casts of the volcano's victims are particularly poignant and one can never forget the horrible events that brought life in Pompeii to an end.

Your guide will recount the fascinating story of Pompeii, its demise and how it has been miraculously excavated and restored over hundreds of years.

During your drive to Pompeii, you’ll have views of Vesuvius, the still-active volcano located about 15 miles south east of Naples.

Take this unique opportunity to visit a local farm in the beautiful countryside near Sorrento and sample some wonderful Italian delicacies. The owner will accompany you on a tour of the farm and explain the processes that go into the production of Mozzarella cheese.

Admire the beautiful garden of lemon and olive trees where your host will offer samples of hand-made bread, cheeses and salami. Absorb the relaxing atmosphere of your natural surroundings away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

After your farm visit, you’ll proceed to the picturesque and popular town of Sorrento – an ideal spot for independent exploration. Stroll along the Corso Italia or visit the Cathedral. You may, of course, prefer to relax in an open-air café and watch the world go by. Shoppers will delight in the array of souvenirs including beautiful, highly polished wood inlaid with marquetry.

During your drive, you’ll have wonderful views from the Sorrento coast of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius in the distance.

You’ll have some free time to explore Sorrento’s charming flower-filled streets, array of boutiques, souvenir shops and atmospheric outdoor cafés. Set high upon a cliff overlooking the sea, Sorrento draws visitors from around the world like a magnet. You’ll see why Sorrento has attracted holidaymakers for as long as people have been taking holidays.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in lovely Sorrento.

Possibly the most famous excavation in the world: Pompeii, a flourishing civilisation, buried for thousands of years, has been brought to life again. Twenty feet of ashes and pumice stone once covered Pompeii for almost 1,700 years. Now, much of the debris has been removed to uncover remnants of everyday life. The plaster casts of the volcano’s victims are particularly poignant and one can never forget the events that brought life in Pompeii to an end.

You’ll stop at a small cameo shop near Pompeii to browse for delicately handmade jewellery.

Your return journey to Naples will be via motorway. Traffic and time permitting, you’ll drive through Naples passing some of the city’s main sights, such as the Royal Palace, San Carlo Opera House and the Castle of the Egg.

The Romans were the first to appreciate the beauties of the tiny island of Capri and adorned it with fabulous villas. They called it ‘blue’ after the sea, which ranges in colour from turquoise to deep blue.

After a hydrofoil journey of around 40 minutes, you’ll arrive at the colourful Marina Grande, where mini-buses will take you along the winding road up to Anacapri for magnificent views. In Anacapri, you'll visit the beautiful San Michele Villa owned by the author, Axel Munthe.

The Gardens of Augustus are filled with many species of plants and you can take in the fabulous views of the Faraglioni offshore rock and the beautiful Bay of Marina Piccola.

As you stroll with your guide through the bustling streets of Capri Town, you’ll see the central square, La Piazzetta, surrounded by intriguing old buildings and filled with pavement cafés.

Enjoy a delicious Italian lunch with wine at a restaurant in Capri Town.

You'll have a short time for shopping in Anacapri and Capri Town’s most exclusive shopping streets, Via Camerelle. Afterwards, you'll take the funicular back to Marina Grande for the return hydrofoil to Naples.

Your first glimpse of the magnificent volcano will be from Naples where you can admire the grandeur of Mount Vesuvius from afar. After a 45 minute journey by highway and serpentine road, you’ll arrive at a height of 3,000 feet where your ascent on foot will begin. Zig-zag paths lead an additional 1,000 feet to the crater walls. On the edge of this imposing crater, your alpine guide will demonstrate how ‘alive’ Vesuvius is as they point out hot spots. Take a moment to absorb the phenomenon of this majestic volcano and the panoramic view over the Bay of Naples.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant at the foot of Mount Vesuvius.

Unjustly less famous than its bigger brother, Pompeii, the preservation of this small town is far superior. The excavations of Herculaneum are distinctly different from Pompeii, mainly due to the way it was engulfed by mud rather than ash and stone. The mud had an incredible preserving effect on the houses, shops, baths, wooden elements, foodstuffs and fabrics, offering a unique insight to private life in antiquity.

Setting off from the port, you’ll enjoy a panoramic city drive passing Town Hall Square, the Royal Palace and the imposing Cathedral. Afterwards, join your guide for a fascinating walk through the historical centre of Naples, the heart of the city, which is a UNESCO heritage site. You’ll also visit Via San Gregorio Aremno, known as the street of Nativity makers and see the numerous shops displaying delightful figurine handicraft.

The city of Naples is home of the pizza, the first being invented in the city back in 1830. The Neapolitan pizza has a particularly unique taste, which is renowned worldwide. You’ll have the opportunity to visit a typical Pizzeria restaurant, where you’ll be shown the art of cooking pizza in an original wood oven. Watch the ‘Pizzaiolo’ chef and discover the secrets of cooking the perfect Neapolitan pizza. Following the mouthwatering display, it’s then time to indulge in a delicious pizza-style lunch before returning to the pier.

The city of Herculaneum was founded around the 5th century B C and became a chosen summer resort by the Romans, due to its enviable position overlooking the Bay of Naples. Many villas were built and adorned with magnificent frescoes, mosaics and sculptures.

There is undeniably a feeling that surrounds Herculaneum which is quite different to that of other ancient excavations, including its famous bigger brother Pompeii. The preservation of this small town is far superior. The excavations of Herculaneum are distinctly different from Pompeii, mainly due to the way it was engulfed by a torrent of mud rather than ash and stone. The mud had an incredible preserving effect on the houses, shops, baths, wooden elements, foodstuffs and fabrics, offering a unique vision of private life in antiquity.

Enjoy a guided walk around Herculaneum and discover the fascinating history that surrounds the ruins.

From Naples you’ll travel along the coastal road, which winds its way towards Sorrento. Enjoy the views across the Bay of Naples to Vesuvius and the Isle of Capri. As you near the town, you’ll see why Sorrento is such a magnet for both Italian and foreign visitors. With an elevated cliff top position Sorrento affords splendid views of the colourful marina and sparkling Mediterranean Sea below.

Time permitting, pause briefly at a panoramic viewpoint to capture the best of Sorrento’s coast.

Upon arrival in Sorrento, your guide will offer a little information about the town before you head off for independent exploration. Perhaps browse the quaint shops and pick up some souvenirs of your visit, or simply stroll the streets of Sorrento and soak up the charming atmosphere. Afterwards, you’ll rejoin your guide and coach at the designated meeting point for the return drive to Naples.

During your tour a complimentary soft drink, ice cream or coffee refreshment will be available.