Amalfi Coast, Pompeii & Capri

You’ll fly to Naples today and on arrival we’ll drive you to the Amalfi Coast, a spectacular 30-mile stretch of dramatic coastline suspended between blue skies and azure waters. In this glorious Mediterranean landscape, an array of enchanting towns and pretty villages nestle amongst towering cliffs and terraced vineyards. Your hotel, in the delightful village of Minori, is surrounded by pretty beaches and lush green hills dotted with lemon and orange groves.

After time to settle in and explore, you’ll have dinner in the hotel’s restaurant this evening.

Your sightseeing of this beautiful region of Italy begins today, as you uncover the charms of one of its most picturesque towns, Amalfi. We will travel together by boat to this historic town of gleaming, white-washed buildings and then you can explore at your own pace.
Amalfi is dominated by an impressive Romanesque cathedral set at the top of a majestic stairway and said to hold the remains of St Andrew. If you wish, you can step inside and discover the cathedral’s fine baroque interior, its cloisters, the crypt of St Andrew and the Basilica of the Crucifix. You’ll also want to spend time strolling amongst the town’s pretty streets and piazzas, browsing the shops and boutiques. Then, when it’s time to take the weight off your feet, an array of enticing cafés and restaurants beckon. Maybe you’ll taste your first pizza of the holiday!
Later, we’ll meet up and travel back to Minori together and then you’re free to relax before dinner at the hotel this evening.

Get ready to set sail for the enchanting island of Capri, a favoured spot of the international jet set from the 1950s to today. After arriving in the picturesque port of Marina Grande, you’ll explore the island on a guided tour. In Capri Town, you’ll visit the wonderful Gardens of Caesar Augustus, a series of impressive flower-filled terraces with far-reaching views over the Faraglioni, three huge rocks rising from the sea. We will also take you to the hillside village of Anacapri, with its narrow streets, pretty squares and traditional artisan workshops. From here, you can take a short scenic walk to Villa San Michele for spectacular views over the Bay of Naples.

The tour also includes plenty of free time for you to explore independently or relax with a refreshing drink. Perhaps you’ll take the chair lift to the highest point on the island and enjoy the spectacular sweeping views. You may also find it hard to resist the exclusive boutiques of Capri village!

After a couple of days of sightseeing, you might want to relax at the hotel today. Why not soak up the sun and take a dip in the pool or stroll to the nearby beach.

Alternatively, if you want to see more, join our optional excursion and head to the lively resort of Sorrento, which is set above the Bay of Naples. It has long been a haunt of the rich and famous, and on this excursion you'll soon see why. There's stunning scenery, a fantastic variety of elegant restaurants and pavement cafés and many wonderful shopping opportunities. You'll also get the chance to learn how the area's famous liqueur, limoncello, is made, with a tasting included of course. Your Holiday Director will be on hand to recommend things to do during your free time in Sorrento. Perhaps treat yourself to a gelato as you stroll through its historic centre or indulge in some retail therapy and shop for souvenirs. Handmade leather sandals are a speciality here, and after your tasting, a bottle of limoncello might also be top of your list.

Today you’ll discover the exceptional archaeological site of Pompeii, the famous Roman town frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Buried under a blanket of ash, the city lay forgotten until 1748 when excavation works began and continue to this very day. Pompeii’s ruins cover a vast area, so we’ve arranged for a local guide to lead you through the city’s maze of streets and help you discover the must-see sites. As you wander, you'll get a fascinating insight into the last days of the people who lived here. You'll see villas still decorated with brightly painted mosaics, Roman baths and an impressive amphitheatre. There are even bakeries that still have their bread ovens and flour grinders intact. After the tour, you’ll have some free time to explore further if you wish.

How you spend your day is completely up to you. If you’d like some time to yourselves and want to stay close to the hotel, you could take a stroll along the seafront promenade in Minori and through the narrow alleyways of the village. Perhaps take time to admire the baroque church of Santa Trofimena with its pretty yellow façade, and then sip a drink at one of the inviting cafés or bars.

An alternative option is to come with us on an optional trip to Positano, where peach and terracotta buildings hug steep cliffs towering above the sea. Another scenic journey by boat along the Amalfi coastline gives you a chance to sit back and enjoy spectacular views of pretty villages, gardens and tranquil sea caves. Once in Positano, soak up the exclusive feel of this lovely resort as you discover the beautiful Church of Santa Maria Assunta, browse chic designer boutiques, or maybe while away the time on the beach.

Your included excursion begins with a drive up the cliffs to Ravello, a town perched above Amalfi overlooking the sparkling waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. There’s time to make your own discoveries here and if you like gardens, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Sitting high above the sea, Villa Cimbrone offers incredible views of the coastline below and stunning gardens enhanced by marble busts, statues and temples. Equally as magnificent, the gardens of Villa Rufolo feature colourful displays of flowers set against a backdrop of Moorish architecture. If you’d prefer to explore Ravello’s town centre, the main square is home to an interesting cathedral and cafés serving coffee and ice cream.

Then there is another chance to take in the Amalfi Coast's sublime scenery as we drive up into the hills for lunch at il Rifugio Tramonti. Take in the stunning views from the terrace as you dine on traditional fayre, typically a selection of cheese and cured meats, homemade cakes and local herbal liqueurs. After lunch, we’ll continue to a winery to learn about the process of making wine in this region and to enjoy a tasing of local varieties.

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the Amalfi Coast as we drive you back to Naples for your return flight to the UK.