We Do More Than Asia (Departure September November & February – May)
Amalfi & Rome is a unique chance to explore 2 regions of Italy in a small group tour. From the spectacular Amalfi coastline to ancient Rome, you enjoy vistas from high cliffs overlooking the Tyrrhenian, visit the ascetic town of Positano Sea, sip limoncello in Sorrento and take an Italian cooking class. See the wondrous Blue Grotto on Capri. Explore the ruins of Pompeii before arriving in the bedazzling city of Rome. Walk sites of antiquity, see works of art and take a trip to Vatican city. Discover Amalfi & Rome makes Italy yours with the finest Italy has to offer!
Day 1 – Arrive Naples/Sorrento
You will be met at the Naples airport and driven to your lovely accommodations in Sorrento. The rest of your day is at leisure. (4-night accommodation in a 4-star hotel in Sorrento, breakfast daily)
Sorrento overlooks the Bay of Naples and its many vistas are of Naples itself, Mt. Vesuvius and the Isle of Capri. The Amalfi Drive is a narrow road winding along high cliffs over the Tyrrhenian Sea connecting Sorrento and the town of Amalfi. Ferryboats and hydrofoils provide additional transport service to Positano, Capri and Ischia. For years Sorrento’s sea cliffs and luxury hotels have attracted the rich and famous such as Enrico Caruso and Luciano Pavarotti. Besides limoncello, Sorrento is known for its wine, nuts and olives. Wood craftsmanship is also a fine art here.
Day 2 – Sorrento/Amalfi/Sorrento
You’ll enjoy a full day private excursion of the Amalfi Coast with English speaking driver-guide (6-hours). Visit the charming town of Amalfi itself and Positano, a scenic spot featured in a short story by John Steinbeck in 1953 called “Positano”.
The only land route to the Amalfi Coast is the 25 miles long Strada Statale 163 which runs along a steep coastline from the town of Maiori to Positano. The area is known for its lemons grown in terraced gardens along the coastline and the production of limoncello, a lemon liqueur. Amalfi is also a known for its hand-made thick paper called bambagina and a particular kind of sardines, alici from Cetara, and colorful handmade ceramics from Vietri. The Amalfi coast is listed as a UNESCO Heritage Site as cultural landscape.
Day 3 – Sorrento/Capri/Sorrento
Today we explore the island of Capri and visit the Blue Grotto and Villa San Michele.
Note: Entrance fee Villa San Michele: Euro 6, Blue Grotto Euro 12.50 or Euro 24.50 Fees are to be paid locally.
The Blue Grotto on Capri is one of several sea caves, found worldwide, that is flooded with a brilliant blue light. The light comes from two sources. One is a small hole in the cave wall, precisely at the waterline that is barely large enough to admit a tiny rowboat, and is used as the entranceway. In photographs taken from within the cave, the above-water half of this hole appears as a spot of brilliant white light. The second source of light is a second hole, with a surface area about ten times as large as the first, which lies directly below the entranceway.
The gardens of Villa San Michele have panoramic views of the town of Capri and its marina, the Sorrentine Peninsula and Mt. Vesuvius. The villa sits on a ledge at the top of the Phoenician Steps between Anacapri and Capri. San Michele’s gardens are adorned with numerous relics and works of art dating from periods of antiquity.
Day 4 – Sorrento/Cooking Class/Sorrento
Try your hand at cooking those marvelous Italian delicacies. We begin with a drive through scenic villages to Mami Camilla or Mamma Agata’s* cooking school. You will have a 3-hour cooking class at Mami Camilla or Mamma Agata’s cooking school. After you enjoy the dishes that you have made yourself under the chef’s guidance! Return to Sorrento. The rest of your day is free to explore as you wish. Note: There is an additional supplement charge for Mamma Agata’s
Day 5 – Sorrento/Pompeii/Rome
After breakfast we visit the ruins of Pompeii en route to Rome with a private driver. Visit Pompeii and hear about this town oartially destroyed and buried by volvanic ash and pumice from an eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. This is a 2 hour tour. Arrive in Rome and check in to your lovely accommodation. The rest of your day is free to explore as you wish. (3-star superior hotel in Rome, 3 nights with breakfast, daily)
Day 6 – Rome
After breakfast embark on a half day tour as you explore Ancient Rome – Coliseum, Forum, Palitine Hill, Capitoline Hill and more! Heading towards the Coliseum from Piazza Venezia, you see the Roman Forum on your right and Trajan’s Forum and Market on the left. To the right of the Coliseum is the Arch of Constantine and the beginning of the Palatine Hill, which will eventually lead you to ruins of the Flavian Palace.
Day 7 – Rome/Vatican City/Rome
Enjoy a 4 hour private tour of the Vatican Museums and City with an English speaking guide. This walled city is home to some of the most famous art in the world. St. Peter’s Basilica, whose architects include Michaelangelo and Bramante is a reknowned work of Renaissance architecture. The Sistine Chapel, famous for its frescos, as well as the Last judgement by Michaelangelo. The library and museum are of significant historical, scientific and cultural importance. In 1984, the Vatican was added as a World Heritage Site. Vatican City is home to the Pope.
Note: Transfer from your hotel to the Vatican is not included – we will take a taxi.
Day 8 – Depart Rome
Transfer to the airport for departure flight or continue onward to Florence with the Highlights of Italy.
Cost from $3295.00, per person based on double occupancy
Single supplement applies
Note: Cost flucuates with the daily currency exchange rate
CALL NOW for DETAILS 415-331-3791
Includes:
– English speaking guide
– private transfers
– activities as indicated
– breakfast daily
– hotels subject to availability but per itinerary
Does Not include:
– International airfare
– meals( lunch and dinner)
– trip insurance
– tips, personal expenses
