NAPOLI SORRENTO & AMALFI COAST

Discovering Southern Italy’s Cultural Treasures, Breathtaking Landscapes and beautiful scenery on a Small Group Tour:  Naples, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast

DAY 1 NAPOLI

You’ll ride to Naples, an UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the heart of the Campania region, and one of the world’s most beautiful seaports. Naples is dramatically situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the looming bulk of Mount Vesuvius. This colorful and vibrant city epitomizes Italy’s national character: cheerful but chaotic. Naples is a city of great contrasts, aware of a heritage that springs from diverse cultural influences: Ancient Greek and Roman, Norman, French, Spanish, and, of course, Italian.

Here, you’ll join a local guide for a tour of this dynamic city, weaving through the network of vicos—little alleyways—that lend Naples much of its character. You’ll also get to know its famously friendly people, renowned for their ability to make you feel like a close friend just after meeting them. The author Johann Wolfgang von Goethe famously summarized the experience of visiting this city with the quote, “See Naples and die”—meaning that after visiting, one’s life would be complete. You can decide for yourself if his praise is accurate as you explore.

Our expert local guide will also offer a glimpse into a controversial aspect of local culture during a particulary conversation about Italy & the Camorra. You’ll learn about this crime syndicate and their impact on Campania from a local expert with first-hand experience about the mafia’s influence on the region, and about how the organization has changed in modern times.

DAY 2 SORRENTO

A unique journey throught tradition and taste: Sorrento, a picturesque town overlooking the Gulf of Naples, is renowned not only for its breathtaking views and Mediterranean charm but also for its famous limoncello. This sweet and aromatic liqueur, made from Sorrento lemons, is a true symbol of local tradition

Discover the secrets of Sorrento’s lemons and limoncello during this tour to a lemon farm and orchard. You’ll meet our reference, the owner of the picturesque farm and orchard, and learn about what goes into his fruit production when he takes you to his “lemon laboratory” to show how lemons are washed, peeled, and prepared for use in Limoncello liqueur, gelato, sorbet, and even pastries. After, dine on a terrace overlooking the Gulf of Sorrento, and enjoy a three-course lunch including specialties like lemon Risotto, seabass with lemon gravy, and the regional specialty Delizia al Limone. And of course, you’ll toast to the day’s adventures with a glass of Limoncello.

DAY 3 AMALFI

A day in Amalfi by boat is an unforgettable experience. Sailing along the coast, with the sea shimmering under the sun and the cliffs rising majestically, offers breathtaking views. The picturesque colorful houses seem to embrace each other, while the scents of the sea and Mediterranean flora fill the air. Every corner reveals hidden beauty, from natural fjords to sea caves. Upon disembarking in Amalfi, you are greeted by an atmosphere filled with history and charm, with the Cathedral of Saint Andrew dominating the central square. It is a day that enchants the senses and fills the heart with wonder.

On this leisurely day, we’ll discover what is Italy’s most beautiful coastline—a UNESCO World Heritage Site richly imbued with centuries-old charm. You’ll enjoy a panoramic drive along the coast, traveling toward the colorful seaside town of Amalfi, romantically situated at the mouth of a deep gorge.

Then, set off on a boat ride along the ruggedly stunning shoreline, decorated by colorful fishing boats, wondrous rock formations, and villages whose buildings happily cling to the cliffs and seem to tumble toward the sea.

DAY 4 POMPEI

Pompei is an ancient Roman city located near Naples, in Campania, famous for being buried under a layer of ash and pumice during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Rediscovered in the 17th century, Pompeii offers an extraordinary window into everyday life in the Roman era thanks to its well-preserved ruins. Visitors can explore houses, shops, temples, theaters, and paved streets, observing frescoes, mosaics, and artifacts that testify to the life, art, and culture of an ancient civilization, making it one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.

Spend a full day exploring Sorrento joing our  half-day tour to the famous ruins of Pompei, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll depart for the ruins in the morning, traveling along the scenic Sorrentine peninsula, taking in dramatic views of the countryside, cliffs, and the sea along the way. Totally buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 and not rediscovered until the 17th century, Pompei’s antiquities offer you an unparalleled view of everyday Roman life.

In the company of a local expert, walk in the footsteps of the Romans over ancient cobbles and pavement, spending a few hours at some of the most significant sites to learn how its people lived, built their homes, and conducted business.

Our tour could include a farm-fresh lunch at an agriturismo farmhouse in the countryside outside Pompei. Otherwise, lunch is on your own.