Amalfi Coast and Rome
Programme Overview
Duration: 9 days
A 9-day tour through the picturesque Amalfi Coast and Rome will allow you to indulge into the mysteries of lost civilizations and enchanting sceneries.
Highlights: Sorrento, Amalfi, Ravello, Capri, Pompeii, Naples, Rome, Vatican City
Arrive Naples - Sorrento
Upon arrival into Naples Airport, your local representative will be waiting in the arrivals hall for your private transfer to your luxurious hotel in Sorrento.
Overnight: Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
The Amalfi Coast
Meet your English-speaking driver-guide and private vehicle for a half-day excursion (6 hours) along the stunning Amalfi Coast to include Amalfi and Ravello. The Amalfi Drive is the most romantic drive in Italy, with the road running along the edge of rocky cliffs that plunge into the sea. Amalfi is the coast's largest town with its main attraction being the 10th century Duomo fronted by a beautifully colored 13th century facade. The enchanting village of Ravello is said to have the best views along the coast, which can be enjoyed from the lovely Villa Rufolo.
Overnight: Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
Meal Plan: B
Island of Capri
Today is a truly memorable one, waiting in Sorrento harbour is your skippered luxury motor-yacht. The yacht is at your disposal today to enjoy life on the Mediterranean across to the exclusive island of Capri. Capri has constant sunshine and enjoys a well-deserved reputation as a Garden of Eden. The home of emperors, seat of monasteries, place of exile, former haunt of goats and fisherman, its fortunes changed during the 19th century when England and German expatriates discovered its charms. Explore the beautiful coastline before arriving in true style to enjoy an exquisite lunch (payable locally) al fresco, before returning to your hotel in Sorrento.
Overnight: Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
Meal Plan: B
Sorrento - At Your Leisure
Today is yours to soak in the atmosphere of Sorrento, or maybe take advantage of your hotel’s luxurious spa which features a number of organic treatments for your wellbeing.
Overnight: Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
Meal Plan: B
Sorrento - Pompeii - Naples - Rome
Your English-speaking driver awaits you this morning to take you to the fascinating archaeological site of Pompeii where you will meet an expert local guide. Once an opulent town, the extensive and varied ruins of Pompeii now provide us with a rich history of life at the time of the Roman Empire. There are theatres, thermal baths, shops and lavish dwellings, many of which have been incredibly well preserved.
Head from Pompeii into Naples, one of the oldest cities in the world, whose current urban structure retains elements of its long and eventful history. Founded by the Ancient Greeks as "Νεάπολις", Neápolis (New City), it held an important role in Magna Graecia and then as part of the Roman Republic in the central province of the Empire. The city has seen a multitude of civilizations come and go, each leaving their mark. You have time at leisure for lunch here before meeting your local representative for your rail journey to Rome.
Upon arrival at Rome’s Termini Station you will be met from the train door and privately transferred the short distance to your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Rose Garden Palace
Meal Plan: B
The Vatican City and Imperial Rome
Today you will be met by your local English-speaking guide and private vehicle for a full-day sightseeing tour (8 hours), beginning at the Vatican City. Created as a result of the Lateran Treaty in 1929 between Pope Pius XI and the Italian government, the Vatican is the smallest independent state. Explore the treasures of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel with its famous frescoes by Michelangelo. Visit St. Peter's Basilica, the dominant structure of the Vatican that was erected on order by Constantine, over the tomb of the crucified St. Peter. The present structure is mostly Renaissance and Baroque, formed under the hands of masters such as Michelangelo, and the inside is an elaborate and detailed display of marble, mosaic, gilt and bronze. We have included pre-reserved entrance to the Vatican City for you, avoiding the long lines!
Your afternoon tour includes a visit to the famous Colosseum, scene of gladiatorial battles. Also visit and the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, both fascinating archaeological sites and power center of the Roman Empire.
Overnight: Hotel Rose Garden Palace
Meal Plan: B
Frascati Wine Tasting and the Castelli Romani
Venture out of Rome today with your guide and private driver to some of the lesser visited parts of the Lazio region to the picturesque countryside south of Rome, to the series of villages and small towns known as the Castelli Romani. Visit the town of Frascati, famous for its white wine and stunning views. Visit the gardens of the Villa Aldobrandi one of the number of 15th –16th century villas found on the Tuscolan way, constructed over the sites of Roman villas. At lunch move on to a local wine producers where you will be able to taste the wines. In the afternoon enjoy a visit to the Casali delle Marmorelle, where you can admire the remains of the Roman aqueduct and building where nowadays wine is conserved. After your tour you will be transferred back to your hotel in Rome.
Overnight: Hotel Rose Garden Palace
Meal Plan: B
Classical Rome and Trastevere District
Spend the morning with your guide and private car visiting the Classical section of Rome. Visit some of the famous fountains, such as Nicola Selvi’s spectacular Trevi Fountain, immortalized in Fellini’s film La Dolce Vita and Bernini’s impressive sculptures in the theatrical Piazza Navona, once a Roman racetrack. You will also visit the Pantheon, originally a Roman temple to the gods, more recently a church with an awe-inspiring dome.
Finally today get a sense of a Roman’s Rome in the lively Trastevere District with its bustling market and ancient streets.
The afternoon is yours to continue touring the city or catch up on some last minute shopping. Your hotel is less than 10 minutes walk from the Spanish Steps and the finest stories in Rome.
Overnight: Hotel Rose Garden Palace
Meal Plan: B