From Sicily to the Amalfi Coast
The pearls of the Calabrian coast, the great parks on the Apennines, up to the Gulf of Naples and the magic of the world’s most famous coastline. A journey of surprises and emotions, for the eyes and the tastebuds, there are a thousand reasons to fall in love with southern Italy.
- This itinerary starting from Sicily or Tropea, but can follow the opposite direction, starting from Naples. :
- • Day 1 – We cross the Strait of Messina to Tropea
- • Day 2 – Excursions along the Costa degli Dei
- • Day 3 – Trasfer to Naples
- • Day 4 – La Reggia di Caserta and Naples
- • Day 5 – Ischia and Procida, the islands of the Bay of Naples
- • Day 6 – Pompeii and Sorrento
- • Day 7 – The Amalfi Coast
- • Day 8 – Capri
- • Day 9 – Sorrento
- • Day 10 – Sorrento/Naples
- • Accomodation in Hotel or B&B in Naples and/or Sorrento, and/or Salerno
From Sicily to Tropea
- Day 1- The Strait of Messina and the magic of Tropea.
Departure from Catania to Messina, where we will take a ferry to the Italian peninsula and the region of Calabria. We continue along the beautiful coast of Calabria, with a stop for lunch and then to Tropea, one of the most beautiful villages of southern Italy. Hotel/apartment accommodation with panoramic view. Free time in the evening to enjoy the beauty of Tropea’s historic centre and its unforgettable views.
- Day 2 – The Costa degli Dei (The Coast of the Gods).
- La Costa degli Dei – This day will be spent relaxing along the beautiful coasts of this privileged part of Calabria. We will take to the most secluded and enticing beaches of the Mediterranean and the dazzling Capo Vaticano. Stop at a farm to taste some of the local products of the region. Afternoon return to hotel.
- The Aeolian Islands – Boat trip to the Aeolian Islands, the volcanic islands located in front of Tropea.
The archipelago consists of 7 islands, Stromboli, an active volcano, Lipari, Salina, Vulcano, Filicudi, Alicudi, Panarea. You can choose between a half-day or full-day excursion, or even a night trip to (maybe) watch of Stromboli’s river of lava that flows into the sea. Lipari is the largest island and most visited by tourists island, Panarea the smallest but perhaps the most beautiful, destination of many famous people, charming Alicudi and Filicudi, a post office, a church, two grocery stores and a few houses. The impressive the island of Stromboli is always active, Vulcano has a lunar atmosphere and, last but not least, Malvasia, which is not an island but a wine, a special wine produced in a special archipelago.
Tropea to Naples
It’s going to be a long, exciting third day. We will travel the entire region of Calabria passing through the majestic Pollino National Park and its fascinating medieval villages Morano Calabro, Castrovillari, Frascineto. We will pass by the beautiful Cilento National Park, where history is fused with nature and man has worked in harmony with the environment. Palinuro, Acciaroli, Ascea, Agropoli and the ruins of Paestum, are some of the jewels of the area to remember for your next trip, or for a day excursion from Naples or Salerno. We arrive in Naples in the late afternoon, after a stop for lunch in a beautiful farm and we will check in to the hotel.
- Day 4- Napoli/Caserta
Naples is a pleasure for the eyes and the palate, and a real treasure trove of art and history. There are countless places to see but we start our day with the famous Neapolitan cafe in Posillipo, an elegant district that wraps around a hill south of the centre, drink your coffee with view of the bay and Capri and Mt. Vesuvius. Our panoramic tour continues to the Park of Remembrance, through the Mergellina and Chiaia districts until we reach the Castel dell’Ovo, the oldest standing fortification in Naples. Lunch by the sea in the antique sailor’s district.
Just a few kilometres from Naples is Caserta and its Reggia, or Royal Palace. This immense monumental complex and its grounds were added to the Unesco World Heritage list in 1997. The Sumptuous Palace is a fusion of two styles, that of Versailles and that of the Estoril Palace in Madrid and represents a triumph of the Italian Baroque. The gardens are the typical example of Italian art with an infinite number of water features with spectacular effects, including the Great Waterfall that cascades down the hill where the immense park is fused with the surrounding woods. We take all the time needed to visit the gardens and the huge decorated halls before ending the day with a dinner in one of the most characteristic restaurants of Caserta.
- Caserta.
- Day 5 – Procida and Ischia
Today is dedicated to the islands of Procida and Ischia, a short ferry trip from the port of Naples.
Ischia, the largest of the islands and the only one with cars, enchants for its vast and very varied territory. Among its six municipalities, Ischia, the largest, is divided into two parts: Ischia Porto, the fishing village and Ischia Ponte with its charming antique centre. There we visit the Aragon castle, built in 474 BC. Once at the top of the fortress, we tour the Cathedral and see the frescoes from the school of Giotto in its crypts. Lunch, then all aboard the ferry to Procida at 2:30pm.
There we visit the Aragon castle, built in 474 BC. Once at the top of the fortress, we tour the Cathedral and see the frescoes from the school of Giotto in its crypts. Lunch, then all aboard the ferry to Procida at 2:30pm.
Procida, the smallest island, has often been chosen by directors as the ideal film set. About a twenty-minute walk from the port, is the ancient fortified centre of Procida, Terra Murata. It was built on the highest point of the island, to better control sea traffic and defend itself. Walking through the streets of the old quarter we find a former Bourbon prison and the Abbey of Saint Michael the Archangel. From here you walk down the stairs to the port of Corricella, an ancient fishing village that is a cluster of colorful facades, arches, domes, windows, terraces, balconies and staircases, it’s the ideal place to stop for dinner in one of the many restaurants on the pier.
From here you walk down the stairs to the port of Corricella, an ancient fishing village that is a cluster of colorful facades, arches, domes, windows, terraces, balconies and staircases, it’s the ideal place to stop for dinner in one of the many restaurants on the pier.
Naples/Pompeii/Sorrento
- Day 6 – On our way to Sorrento we stop to visit the ancient Roman colonial town of Pompeii. Buried under 6m of volcano ash on the afternoon of 24 August 79 CE, that fateful day is now frozen in time for visitors. Leaving Pompeii, we continue along the beautiful coast to Sorrento, where we will leave our luggage at the hotel to discover the warm atmosphere of the city.
- Day 7 – Positano, Amalfi and the Amalfi Coast
On the seventh day we take the famous panoramic route 163, a winding road that skirts along a 50 km stretch of coastline; from Positano to Vietri sul Mare, passing through Ravello, Amalfi and Cetara. Our road trip ventures through steep landscapes and tiny villages that hide citrus gardens, secret coves, and sunkissed beaches. The entire Amalfi Coast is a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Our first stop is Positano, whose name derives from Poseidon, the God of the Sea. This gorgeous town, perched on a towering cliffside, is famous worldwide for its incredible beauty and breath-taking coastline. We’ll have plenty of time to wander through the lanes, up and down the spectacular staircases, browse in the shops, and explore this village that clings to the slopes of Mount Lattari.
Amalfi, the town that gives its name to the coast, continues to enchant visitors just like it did in the days of the Grand Tour. Situated at the mouth of the Valle dei Mulini, it was the first of the Four Maritime Republics of Italy. Among the cluster of little white houses, steep staircases and narrow alleyways is a beautiful Cathedral and the Arsenal of the Republic. One of the oldest of Amalfi’s traditions is hand-crafted paper, known as bambagina, you can learn about it in the Paper Museum. Enjoy the scent of Amalfi’s lemons, savouring a sorbet or a treat in front of one of the most romantic landscapes in the world.
From Atrani we ascend the slopes of Mount Lattari for 10km to one of the most popular and beloved destinations on the Amalfi Coast. Perhaps because from here (350 meters above sea level) the view over the Gulf of Salerno is spectacular. Ravello is a must on any itinerary along the Coast! We visit Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo and it’s magical gardens. It houses one of the oldest music festival in Italy, the Ravello Festival, with a new theme every year, it embraces all artistic disciplines.
Evening return to Sorrento.
- .Day 8 – Capri
Our eighth day starts early in the morning from port of Sorrento. Just a few minutes into our boat trip, the island appears on the horizon and you’re already wishing you could stay forever on this earthly paradise. One of the first exiles to live on Capri was the Emperor Tiberius who built a lavish villa there, where he died in 37CE. The island’s 12 Imperial Villas are testament to the fact that Capri has been popular with the rich and famous for the last 2000 years. Most of all Capri is famous for its natural beauty, mild climate and luminous landscape. Dotted along the coast and in the cobalt blue sea are a succession of caves and faraglioni (sea stacks). Don’t miss a visit to the Blue Grotto, whose name comes from the magnificent colour that is reflected throughout the cave.
All ferries dock at the port of Marina Grande. Take the funicular up to the charming Piazzetta, the heart of Capri town. The Church of Santo Stefano, Palazzo Cerio (today a museum of the islands history) and the magnificent view over the port make this square one of the most unforgettable in Italy. The gardens of Augustus are a must see for the an enchanting views of the faraglioni and the Marina Piccola (little port).
Equally spectacular is the Natural Arch, what remains of the vault of a high cavity overlooking the coast. Anacapri is the second center of the island, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards.
Evening return to Sorrento and an aperitif at the pier of the port to enjoy the sunset before returning to the hotel.
- Day 9 – Sorrento
Our last day is one of relaxation, a chance to slow down and enjoy Sorrento and its atmosphere. We leave from Piazza Tasso as always, but not before having an espresso and admiring the spectacular panorama and descent to the port. Through the alleys and squares, along Corso Italia and Corso degli Aranci, stopping for a romantic walk in the park, we descend to the port for an aperitif at sunset.
Sorrento, a sequence of cliffs that overhang and dominate the coastline is blessed with a view of enchanting deep blue. Passable only because the Sorrentini have cut into and made terraces that are cultivated with oranges, vines, olives and, most of all, lemons, all the way to the sea. For the evening a suggestion among many, take from Piazza di Vittorio the road that descends down, down, down, down to the blue sea of Marina Grande, an indescribable experience!
- Day 10 – Sorrento to Naples
Our tour finishes in Naples, or Tropea, or Sicily.
What’s included:
- • Hotel accommodation with breakfast
- • Tour leader services
- • All transfers and Ferry tickets
- • All programmed visits
- • Entrance Tickets for programmed visits
- • Insurance
- • Personalized assistance
What’s not included:
- Personal expenses.
- Lunch and dinner
- Anything not explicitly included
