Romance of the Amalfi Coast

Itinerary

Day 1 : SHADOWS OF VESUVIUS - NAPLES FOOD TOUR & POMPEII RUINS

UNESCO Naples is a universe of its own, imbued with fantasy and fatalism, superstition and splendour. In the morning meet your local guide for exploring the city, stopping at the main squares and basilicas, as well as at hidden eateries to sample traditional dishes. It is not only focused on food but also discovering interesting sites that you cannot miss and learning about the Neapolitan lifestyle, local tradition and culture, that in Napoli is so much connected with the food and also with the Neapolitan songs. Afterwards, you’ll head to famous POMPEII, an ancient roman town destroyed by volcanic pyroclastic flows in 79 AD for a guided tour of this magnificent archaeological area. Spend the first three nights at the charming boutique hotel “Relais Villa Savarese”, near the baroque treasures of Sorrento. Dinner is included this evening in a local tavern. Overnight stay in Sorrento.

Day 2: SORRENTO DELIGHTS

Overlooking the bay of Naples, Sorrento entices you with its dramatic white cliffs, charming fishing harbor, and world-famous lemon groves from Limoncello and other lemon infused products are made. After breakfast you’ll set off on a morning walking tour of the town, visiting the attractive historical centre, bustling Via San Cesareo, the Sedile Dominova, seat of the administration in the Angevin period, the Baroque church of St Francis, boasting a bulbous campanile and flanked by delightful 13C cloisters whose vegetable motifs capitals sustain interlaced arcades in Sicilian-Arab style. From the nearby public gardens, you’ll enjoy splendid views of the Bay of Naples and Mt Vesuvius. During the tour you’ll also visit an inlaid wood work experience for which Sorrento is popular for and the Museum Correale. In addition to a rich assortment of 17th-to 19th century Neapolitan art and crafts, you’ll find Japanese, Chinese and European ceramics, clocks and furniture, as well as Greek and Roman artifacts. After an included light lunch by the sea, you’ll enjoy the rest of the day on your own to soak up the beauty of this fascinating town. Dinner is on your own this evening. Overnight near Sorrento.

Day 3 : DIVINE ISLAND OF CAPRI

In the morning, we’ll travel to the most uniquely beautiful Mediterranean island of Capri, located in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the Sorrentine peninsula, on the south side of the gulf of Naples. A stark mass of limestone rock rising sheerly through impossibly blue water, Capri is the perfect microcosm of Mediterranean appeal- a smooth cocktail of vogueish piazzas and cool cafes, Roman ruins, rugged seascapes and holidaying VIPs, whitewashed buildings, labyrinthine lane-ways. Blue skies, breathtaking views, turquoise waters, today you’ll be shown an oasis for artists, writers and celebrities. We’ll also explore beyond Capri town and its uphill rival Anacapri. After time on your own for shopping and lunch, we’ll hop onto a chairlift to the summit of Monte Salaro (weather permitting), Capri’s highest point. The views from the top are utterly unforgettable! Overnight near Sorrento.

Day 4 : ENCHANTING LEMON FARM, ROMANTIC POSITANO & BACKROAD RAVELLO

With its charming fishing villages and luxuriant vegetation, a mixture of orange, lemon, olive and almond trees, as well as vines and bougainvillea, the Amalfi Coast has long been popular with travellers and artists. The wild and rugged landscape contrasts with its glamorous reputation. Today our first stop is the delightful village of Massa Lubrense where we will visit a lemon farm for a learning experience and a tasting of the famous limoncello liqueur. We then continue to Positano, the most photogenic in the entire coast. Its steeply stacked houses are a medley of peaches, pinks and terracotta, and its near-vertical streets are lined with voguish shop displays, jewellery stalls, elegant hotels and smart restaurants. After free time and a local street food experience, drive to refined hill town of Ravello where you’ll spend the last four nights of your Amalfi coast experience in a well-known central “Hotel Fraulo” or similar, located a short walk from the main town piazza. Dinner is on your own this evening. Overnight in Ravello.

Day 5 : CHARMING AMALFI, BOAT TRIP TO EMERALD CAVE & WINERY EXPERIENCE

Descend to the enchanting Spanish-looking little town of Amalfi , with its tall white houses built on slopes facing the sea in a wonderful setting. The Islamic-looking layout of the town is characterized by winding alleyways, staircases and vaulted passages which open out onto little squares. After a walking tour of the little town and a boat trip to the local Emerald Cave with its stalactites hanging down from the 24-m-high ceiling, we will drive to Tramonti for visiting a well-known winery for a wine tasting accompanied by a light lunch. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Ravello.

Day 6 : MAJESTIC GREEK TEMPLES AT PAESTUM & MOZZARELLA FARM

After breakfast, we’ll drive to the Cilento area to discover UNESCO listed Paestum temples which are among the best-preserved monuments of Magna Grecia, the Greek colony that once covered much of southern Italy. A light lunch is included in a typical mozzarella farm nearby the archaeological area. Evening is on your own to discover more hidden corners of this unique small hill town. Overnight stay in Ravello.

Day 7 : DOLCE FAR NIENTE IN RAVELLO

Sitting high in the hills above Amalfi, refined Ravello is a polished town almost entirely dedicated to tourism. Boasting impeccable bohemian credentials- Richard Wagner, DH Lawrence and Virginia Woolf all lounged here- it’s known today for its ravishing gardens and stupendous views, the best in the world according to former resident Gore Vidal. You will enjoy these celestial panorama views from Ravello’s cathedral and from the 14th century tower that marks the entrance to Villa Rufolo gardens (included entrance ticket) with its exotic colors, artistically crumbling towers and luxurious blooms. The day is at leisure to make your own explorations of this charming area of Campania region. In the evening we’ll celebrate you in a local restaurant for a farewell dinner. Overnight stay in Ravello.

Day 8: ARRIVEDERCI AMALFI COAST!!!

Private transfer to Naples airport for your onwards travel.