Explore Italy: Pompeii, Capri & the Amalfi Coast

Centuries of history and profound culture culminate in Italy's capital city, Rome. As you arrive in this timeless city today, enjoy an included private transfer to your centrally located four-star hotel. Settle into your new surroundings ahead of this evening's panoramic tour of Rome. On this excursion, join a small group in exploring the Eternal City's most famous sites while they are illuminated in the soft glow of city lights. Rome's piazzas, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon Square are some highlights along the route. The tour concludes with an incredible view over Rome from Gianicolo Hill. The remainder of the evening is at leisure to enjoy the local eateries and nightlife. Overnight Rome.

Take a leisurely morning to soak in Rome's offerings. You may wish to start the day with a cappuccino at one of the sidewalk cafés or revisit the piazzas of last night to soak in the vibrancy that daylight brings. As you wander, admire the contrast between ancient and contemporary architecture and lose yourself in centuries of history. Perhaps explore the shops and eateries - including gelaterias - that line the cobbled streets of Centro Storico or visit hotspots like the Pantheon.

This afternoon, return to your hotel to join a guide in touring Vatican City. First, enjoy skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums, where exhibits like the Gallery of Tapestries and the Gallery of Geological Maps will leave a lasting impression. The excursion also includes admission to the Sistine Chapel to see the fantastic frescoes that grace the ceilings and walls, including "The Last Judgement" by Michelangelo, which adorns the altar wall, and "The Creation of Adam." Consider sampling a local dish this evening, such as cacio e pepe or Roman carbonara. Overnight Rome.

• Breakfast

This morning is at leisure to enjoy Rome as you wish. Consider taking an optional private walking tour to two of Rome's most iconic sites: the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. These structures - or what remains of them - call to the heyday of the Romans and offer insight as to what life was like thousands of years ago. Follow in the footsteps of gladiators and spectators alike as you explore the Colosseum alongside a guide. The site remains the largest standing amphitheater globally, despite its age. Continue to the Roman Forum and see the fascinating ruins of downtown Ancient Rome. Meander between buildings, including the Temple of Julius Caesar and the Roman Senate House.

This afternoon, watch Italy's beauty unfold before your eyes as you transfer south by train. A complimentary private transfer from your hotel to the station is included, and your time on the train is decidedly comfortable, thanks to your first-class ticket. The route from Rome to Naples takes just over an hour to complete, and on arrival, a private car takes you to Sorrento, situated on the Gulf of Naples. Once you have checked into your hotel, the remainder of your afternoon is free to explore this coastal destination. Overnight Sorrento.

• Breakfast

Begin your day surrounded by some of the most well-preserved scenes of ancient life in the world in Pompeii. A driver takes you from your hotel in Sorrento to Pompeii, and on arrival, meet a local guide for an adventure unlike any other. Mount Vesuvius's eruption in 79 AD covered the then-thriving city in a plume of volcanic ash and quickly extinguished life as it was known. It was not until the mid-1700s that its ruins were discovered, and archeologists began to unfurl its tale. Come along for the journey today, walking between important buildings like the Basilica and the Forum and gazing upon homes, stores, and thermal baths, among other sites. You have half a day here to explore. Your excursion continues to a local winery located at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. You will have the opportunity to visit the vineyard, taste four different varieties of wine, and savor a lunch of local dishes. Overnight Sorrento. 

• Breakfast, Lunch

Colorful towns and crystalline, cyan-hued waters guide the way along the Amalfi Coast today. Set out this morning for a drive along this breathtaking seaboard with an itinerary highlighting several significant destinations along the coast. First up: Positano. This beach town is perched up high on the cliffside and offers incredible views over the rocky shore and the beautiful ocean that abuts it. Take an hour here at leisure to admire the views and wander the steep, narrow streets. The pastel buildings stacked on top of one another add another layer of intrigue to the vistas. Of course, you can also visit one of the local beaches before the journey presses forth to Amalfi, the namesake for the coast itself. Join the small group walking through town to St. Andrew's Cathedral, situated atop a grand staircase in the city's center. The most notable feature of its 9th-century construction is the mosaic tiles on its façade. Continue walking through town to one of the local restaurants in Amalfi for a group lunch, and then the route commences once more, taking you to the final stop of the excursion, Ravello. This town is a lesser-known gem on the Amalfi Coast yet has been a haven for artists, composers, and authors for ages. Ravello is perched high up on the cliffs, approximately 1,200 feet above the water, and tends to avoid the crowds that come with other stops on the route. Enjoy plenty of time here to wander at leisure, soaking in the waterside scenery and the creative atmosphere cultivated here. You are returned to Sorrento later this afternoon. Overnight Sorrento. 

• Breakfast, Lunch

Whether you crave adventure and excitement or relaxation, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy Sorrento during your free day today. With its idyllic position on the Sorrentine Peninsula, the town offers easy access to Italy's coastal jewels while still providing ages of history to uncover within its bounds. Enjoy some gelato with a view, or sip some locally produced limoncello in one of the many bars or eateries. If it is the water you seek, you could stroll down to the harbor from Piazza Tasso or visit Marina Grande, a charming fishing village right on the water in Sorrento.

You may also wish to embark on an optional half-day trip to Herculaneum. Headed by a local guide, explore another town lost to Mount Vesuvius when it erupted nearly 2,000 years ago. There are several critical differences between Herculaneum and Pompeii, such as Pompeii was more of a commercial center, and Herculaneum featured more high-end residential properties. Another difference comes in the speed at which the towns were covered in volcanic ash. Herculaneum was encased quickly after the eruption, allowing even more excellent preservation of its buildings. Some structures still have the second floors, whereas others showcase the original wooden balconies. Overnight Sorrento.

• Breakfast

Savor incredible views on today's small group excursion to the island of Capri. A transfer is included from your hotel to Sorrento's harbor, and on arrival, switch modes of transportation and join a fast boat to cruise out to Capri. Stunning scenes of the Mediterranean surround as the boat navigates through the waves to the harbor. After docking, board another boat for your first look at this island's magnificent offerings at the Blue Grotto. This sea cave gets its name from its unique, glowing blue coloration that is achieved as sunlight enters through an underwater cavity. From here, sail back to the harbor to begin your inland explorations aboard a minibus. The bus winds its way up the island's narrow roads to Anacapri, which sits at its highest point. Countryside forms the backdrop for this lush destination, and picturesque views over the island and ocean abound everywhere you look. You are free to wander through Anacapri, taking in its unique buildings and artisan atmosphere with each step. Pop into some of the boutiques or workshops for handmade wares and unique souvenirs. There are plenty of hiking trails from which to enjoy the panoramas and a chairlift that climbs to the summit of Monte Solaro. You have time to lunch in one of the local restaurants ahead of transferring to the town of Capri for another period of leisure to sightsee independently. This afternoon, return to Sorrento by boat and car with the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight Sorrento.

*Please note entry to Blue Grotto is weather dependent. If not possible, an alternative excursion on Capri will be arranged. 

• Breakfast, Lunch

Your Italian vacation concludes this morning upon check-out from the hotel. Private transfers are available from Sorrento to Naples International Airport for your convenience. 

*Speak to your rail specialist if you'd prefer to fly out of Rome. Based on flight times, this may require an additional hotel night in Rome.

**If transfer time required is before 6:00am, a supplement may be applicable.

• Breakfast