Tour Overview
Naples & Vesuvius
From our base on the Sorrento Peninsula, we take a train around the bay of Naples to explore the well-preserved ruins of Herculaneum, buried under volcanic mud following the catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius and discovered in the late 19th century. We also drive to Vesuvius and take the short walk up to the crater for some superb views right across the bay. From here we can choose to visit the National Museum in Naples, which ranks amongst the top in Europe.
Pompeii - a Roman City Frozen in Time
The remains of this affluent city, once home to 15000 citizens, are a true archaeological wonder: a ghostly photograph of the instant when, in 79AD, an entire community was unexpectedly overcome by scorching ash. The roadside 'fast-food' taverns, the political graffiti, many palaces and ornamental courtyards have all remained almost intact. The plaster casts of the victims and animals, gasping for breath, add to the eeriness of this unique site.
The Amalfi Coast
From the Sorrento Peninsula we take a ferry to the Island of Capri, an artist's haven. We enjoy a boat trip around the island and can visit the delightful Villa San Michele with its eccentric museum (optional). Returning to the mainland, we drive along one of the most celebrated historic shores - the Amalfi Coast. The winding mountain road to Amalfi picks its way through lemon and olive groves and dramatically-perched villages. Staying in this quaint town, we can relax, sightsee and take some gentle walks (optional) along the coast or perhaps inland, to the mountainous Valle delle Ferriere.
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Day 1: Join tour Naples Airport; transfer to Sorrento Peninsular
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
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Day 2: Visit Herculaneum and Vesuvius
This morning we will catch the train to the nearby ruins of Herculaneum at the foot of the western slops of the volcano. Buried by the vesuvius eruption of AD 79, the city was hermetically sealed under a thick layer of volcanic mud, which preserved a staggering amount of wooden furniture and other organic materials - even fruit. A walk around the typically cramped tenements of the poor presents an interesting comparison with the luxurious villas of the rich and famous at Pompeii. From here we continue by bus to Vesuvius itself and walk to the rim of the volcanic crater, from where there are remarkable views of Naples, the coastal plain and the glistening bay (please note it may not be possible to walk around the whole rim of the volcano). Vesuvius is the only active volcano on the European mainland and dominates the skyline between Naples and Pompeii, rising up from the flat, fertile landscape around it. Since the mighty eruption AD 79, which destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum, it has had another 18 violent eruptions, the last one, in 1944, surprising the Allied forces and destroying an entire squadron of 88 B-25 bombers belonging to the American Air Force. Descending back along a cinder track we then return to the Sorrento Peninsula. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast
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Day 3: Visit Pompeii & Optional visit to National Museum
This morning we will travel to Pompeii by train. On arrival we will enjoy a guided walk around this remarkably well-preserved example of a provincial Roman city. The town once housed 15,000 people and was an important commercial centre, as well as a favourite residence of wealthy Roman patricians, until one fateful day some 2,000 years ago, when the powerful eruption of nearby Mount Vesuvius (1277m) buried the city, preserving forever in layers of ash and pumice the town and its unfortunate citizens. You can still see the extensive colonnaded forum with its Temple of Jupiter and the magnificently decorated villas such as that of the Vetii, whilst the human casts that have been made of some of the unfortunate victims trapped by the eruption afford a unique snapshot of an event that happened over two millennia ago. After our guided tour your time is left for free for you to enjoy more of this wonderful site or perhaps visit the National Museum of Naples. Naples is a city of diverse contrasts and one that evokes fierce pride amongst the locals. Its rich history, staunch Catholicism and exasperating charm make it one of the most engaging cities in the country. You could choose to catch the train to go and visit to its National Museum, one of the most important archaeological museums in mainland Europe and indeed one of the most prestigious museums of ancient art in the world. A quite extraordinary collection includes antique marbles, bronze sculptures, beautiful mosaics and a myriad of treasures from the renowned sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, including household items that illustrate in poignant detail the everyday life of the Roman people. Most notable amongst the museums fabulous collections are the mosaic of Alexander the Great defeating the Persians at the Battle of Issus and the colossal Farnese Bull, believed to be the largest piece of sculpture ever discovered. (Please note some exhibits may be closed at short notice.) Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast
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Day 4: Hydrofoil to Capri & Capri>
This morning we take a hydrofoil across the Gulf of Naples to the beautiful island of Capri, where we will enjoy a boat trip which allows us to see a bit more of the island (weather dependent). Afterwards you are free to visit the delightful Villa San Michele (optional), owned by the Swedish scientist, doctor and author Axel Munthe until his death in 1949. Built on the site of the ruins of the villa once owned by the emperor Tiberius, this elegant property contains an interesting museum boasting a wealth of artefacts that date back through to antiquity, and the gardens present some breathtaking views of the island, the Sorrento Peninsula and Mount Vesuvius. This afternoon you can enjoy the island at your leisure, and may wish to visit the Blue Grotto by boat (weather dependent), where the refracted sunlight through the translucent waters produces iridescent effects of light and colour on the rocks. Alternatively you can walk to the Villa Jovis, the ruins of Tiberius’ cliff top palace from where the views over the island and the Bay of Naples are nothing short of spectacular. Be warned though, the climb takes about 45 minutes and is fairly strenuous. Capri was the favourite residence of the emperors Augustus and Tiberius and the latter lived here almost continuously for the last decade of his life, reputedly diverting himself by hurling his former favourites off a 1,000-foot precipice into the waters below! More fantastic views are afforded from the top of Mount Solaro, which can be accessed by chairlift (optional). Later this afternoon we return to the mainland. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast
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Day 5: Drive to Amalfi via Paestum
Today we leave Sorrento and make our way across the mountainous Sorrentine Peninsula to the Costiera Amalfitana (Amalfi Coast). We will visit the ancient site of Paestum, founded by the Greeks in the 6th century BC and then colonized by the Romans. This once important city on the open plains to the south of the River Sele lay undisturbed amongst verdant forest until its rediscovery in the 18th century. Dedicated to the goddess Hera the site contains some of the best-preserved Doric temples in Europe. The impressive remains of the Temple of Neptune and the Basilica of Hera present us with a quite spectacular setting (please note this visit is unguided). After our visit we travel to our hotel where we will be based for the next 3 nights. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast
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Day 6: Walk to Valle delle Ferriere
Today you can join your tour leader in a magnificent walk into the mountainous interior, through a landscape of high pastures and remote woodlands, set against the magnificent backdrop of the Lattari Mountains, rising some 1200m before us. The first section out of Amalfi is the steepest, and soon one is on mule tracks meandering through olive and lemon groves with glorious views back along the coast. For those who would prefer to enjoy the delights of Amalfi itself, there is plenty to occupy you. A great maritime power since the times of the Byzantine era, Amalfi went on to reach its pinnacle during the Middle Ages, when it was an independent trading republic rivalling even those of Venice, Pisa and Genoa. The beautiful 11th century cathedral of St. Andrea dominates the town, a magnificent combination of Romanesque and Saracen design, with an impressive set of bronze doors that hailed from Constantinople. At the far end of the town lies the ‘Valley of the Mills”, a once important centre of Amalfi’s paper industry, that today echoes with the ghosts of its past glories. Another alternative is a visit to Ravello, a tranquil spot located high on a rocky promontory overlooking the azure waters off the coast. A glorious mix of Moorish flair and aristocratic excess, the town’s captivating charms have attracted artists and writers to its enchanting streets for generations. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast
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Day 7: Free day in Amalfi
Today is your last full day to enjoy this area and its many highlights. There are many beautiful and scenic walks for you to enjoy and lots of gelato (ice cream) for you to sample. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast
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Day 8: Tour ends Naples Airport
Included meals: Breakfast