Napoli, Caserta and the Amalfi Coast.
The pearls of the Gulf of Naples, the magic of the most famous coast in the world, surprises and emotions for the eyes and the throat, a thousand sensations to choose from, or not to choose and leave to us the task of making you fall in love.
- Itinerary.
- Day 1: Arrival and transfer to your accommodation in Naples.
- Day 2: Visit the historic centre of Naples and the Reggia di Caserta
- Day 3: The islands of the Gulf of Naples, Ischia and Procida.
- Day 4: Pompei and Sorrento
- Day 5: The Amalfi Coast: Positano, Praiano, Furore Fjord, the Emerald Grotto, Amalfi and Ravello
- Day 6: Capri
- Day 7: Sorrento.
- Day 8 – Sorrento/Napoli
- Accomodation in Hotel or B&B in Naples and/or Sorrento
- Day 1 – Arrival and accommodation
Our tour starts at Naples’ (or Rome’s) train station or airport, where we will be waiting for you and we will take you to your Hotel or B&B.
- Day 2: Naples/Caserta
Naples, a pleasure for the eyes and the palate, is a treasure trove of art and history. We start the day at a famous Neapolitan cafe in Posillipo, the most fascinating district of the city. Located on a hill and overlooking the entire bay, enjoy your coffee with the imposing volcano Vesuvius as your backdrop. The tour continues along the panoramic waterfront districts, visiting the Park of Remembrance and Castel dell’Ovo, the oldest standing fortification in Naples. Lunch by the sea in the antique sailor’s district. After lunch we leave to Caserta.
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 18th century Palace, created by the Bourbon king Charles III to rival Versailles and the Estoril Palace in Madrid, is exceptional for the way in which it integrates the magnificent building with its natural setting. We take all the time needed to visit the gardens and the sumptuous halls before finishing the day at a local restaurant.
- Day 3: Procida and Ischia
Today 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.
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.
Day 4: Naples/Pompeii/Sorrento
- 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. Shops, homes, cafés and bars even graffiti, all is just as it was at the moment of the eruption. Departing Pompeii, we proceed via the scenic coastal road to our hotel to leave our luggage before getting out to discover warm atmosphere of the town of Sorrento.
- Day 5: Positano, Amalfi and the Amalfi Coast
On the fifth 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 6: Capri
Our fifth 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 and the magnificent view over the port make this square one of the most unforgettable in Italy.
Olive groves and vineyards surround Anacapri, the smaller town on the island. The church of San Michele with its spectacular tiled floor, and Villa San Michele and its glorious garden are both worth the visit. Other places not to be missed: the house of the Italian writer, Curzio Malaparte, with its spectacular panorama and Mount Solaro (589 meters), accessible by chair lift or on foot.
- Day 7: 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. Don’t leave without trying the fruits of their labour; when life gave the Sorrentini lemons, they made Limoncello!
Day 8 – Sorrento/Napoli
Our itinerary ends in Naples where you will embark for your next destination.
- Overnight in hotel with B&B
- All transfers
- Tour guide for the whole period.
- Insurance.
- The expected entrances
What’s not included:
- Personal expenses.
- Lunch and dinner
- Anything not expressly provided for
