DAY 1: ROME (OVERNIGHT IN ROME)
Welcome to the vibrant city of Rome! Your journey begins as you arrive at the Rome airport or railway station. Get ready for a seamless transition with a group transfer to your comfortable hotel, where you'll be settling in for an overnight stay.
DAY 2: ROME VATICAN MUSEUM (INCLUDED) (OVERNIGHT IN ROME)
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, setting the tone for an exciting exploration of the Vatican Museum and St. Peter’s Basilica. Your experience is elevated with an expert guide and a skip-the-line fast entry ticket to the Vatican Complex.
Excursion included: VATICAN MUSEUM.
Your knowledgeable guide, equipped with a handy headset, will lead you through the highlights of the Vatican Museum. Marvel at the renowned Gallery of Maps, the exquisite Gallery of Tapestries, and the captivating Borgia Apartments. Dive into the beauty of the Raphael Rooms, featuring the iconic frescoes, including The School of Athens. The journey culminates in the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, home to the masterpieces of High Renaissance art. The exploration extends to St. Peter’s Basilica, the world's largest church, adorned with treasures such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini's canopy and Michelangelo's Pietà. Don't forget to take in the grandeur of St. Peter’s Square, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture redesigned by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure, with the option of a transfer back to the hotel for relaxation. Overnight.
In the afternoon, we recommend a leisurely walking tour that begins with the enchanting parks of Villa Borghese, leading up to the panoramic Pincio Belvedere for a breathtaking view of Rome. Capture the moment with a photo stop before continuing your journey through Piazza del Popolo and the iconic Via Margutta, made famous by the classic film 'Roman Holiday.' Stroll to Piazza di Spagna and the timeless Trevi Fountain. Immerse yourself in the artistic wonders of Galleria Colonna and the inner courtyard of Galleria Sciarra, and explore the beauty of the Church of Sant'Ignazio, the Elephant Obelisk in Piazza della Minerva and the Pantheon. Indulge your taste buds near the Pantheon with the delightful homemade ice cream at Giolitti, a cherished tradition spanning three generations. Continue your adventure to Piazza Navona, renowned for Bernini's fountain, and cross the picturesque Ponte Sant'Angelo, adorned with 10 statues of angels guiding the way to Castel Sant'Angelo. Conclude your stroll down Via della Conciliazione with a majestic view of the immense Piazza San Pietro. The day is filled with captivating discoveries and delightful moments, setting the stage for more adventures. Rest well for the exciting days ahead!
DAY 3: ROME COLOSSEUM (OPTIONAL)
Start your day with a lovely breakfast at the hotel, setting the stage for an exciting adventure at the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Today, you have the fantastic opportunity to explore these iconic landmarks. Your journey begins with a transfer to the meeting point, where a friendly guide awaits you. Equipped with earphones, you'll breeze past the long lines, gaining swift access to the awe-inspiring Colosseum.
Step into the Flavian Amphitheater, where the ancient Romans once gathered to witness thrilling events like gladiatorial shows and staged animal hunts. Your guide will weave tales of Roman leisure, giving you insights into how they enjoyed their recreational time. As you wander around Palatine Hill, the very birthplace of Rome and the residence of Roman emperors, be prepared for a spectacular view that will leave you in awe. The journey continues to the Roman Forum, the vibrant heart of ancient Roman life, where well-preserved ruins offer a glimpse into the past. Your excursion concludes with the option of a transfer back to the hotel Overnight, leaving you with cherished memories of a day filled with history and wonder.
DAY 4: TRAIN TO NAPLES - POMPEII (INCLUDED) (OVERNIGHT IN SORRENTO AREA)
Fuel up with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on the next leg of your adventure. A transfer to the train station awaits, marking the beginning of a scenic train journey to Naples. Upon arrival, another transfer takes you to the charming town of Sorrento, with a captivating stop at Pompeii along the way. Pompeii, frozen in time since the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, beckons you to explore its archaeological wonders. Stroll through ancient streets, marveling at well-preserved baths, forums, and villas that once belonged to affluent Romans in 80 BC. The vibrant frescoes adorning the walls and floors of these villas will leave you amazed at their remarkable preservation. The ongoing excavations reveal the secrets of this ancient city, providing a glimpse into daily life centuries ago. After this enriching experience, continue to your hotel in the Sorrento/Salerno area, where you'll rest and recharge for more adventures in this captivating region. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay.
DAY 5: POSITANO & AMALFI (INCLUDED)
Awaken to a delightful breakfast at the hotel, setting the stage for a day filled with freedom and exploration. Today, you have the wonderful option to relax and discover the charms of the city at your own pace, or you can choose to embark on a captivating adventure along the Amalfi Coast, hailed as one of Europe's most breathtaking coastlines. Your journey begins with a pickup at the hotel by a charming Minivan, where your English or German-speaking driver becomes your guide for the day. As you traverse the Amalfi Coast, a road renowned as one of the world's most beautiful and thrilling, your driver shares insightful information about the three planned stops:
- Positano, a true paradise, unfolds vertically with a charming maze of streets, alleys, and shops showcasing the vibrant Positano fashions known worldwide. At its heart lies the Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta, boasting a large dome adorned with majolica tiles and housing precious works, including polychrome marble altars. Lose yourself in the enchanting streets of Positano, where the beauty of the town reveals itself through meandering walks, charming shops, restaurants, monuments, churches, and pristine beaches.
- Amalfi, a picturesque labyrinth of alleys and stairways, graces the sea with its extraordinary colors, reflecting the mesmerizing landscape of the Amalfi Coast. Dominated by the majestic Cathedral dedicated to Sant'Andrea (St. Andrew), Amalfi unfolds its glorious past as a Maritime Republic through countless testimonies.
- Ravello, another gem of the coast, welcomes you with its elegant and refined ambiance, surrounded by lush greenery and adorned with luxurious villas. Ravello is globally recognized for its Festival, hosted in the garden of Villa Rufolo, creating an enchanting experience with great music in a breathtaking setting. The heart of Ravello, Piazza Vescovado, captivates with the architecture of Palazzo Rufolo and the Cathedral, featuring a magnificent portal crafted with innovative molding techniques and a 10-foot-high bell tower. As the day winds down, savor a delightful dinner and retreat for a comfortable overnight stay, cherishing the memories of a day filled with the beauty and allure of the Amalfi Coast.
DAY 6: CAPRI (OPTIONAL)
Greet the day with breakfast at the hotel, anticipating a full day of excitement with an optional excursion to the enchanting Island of Capri. No Sorrento holiday is complete without a journey across the Bay of Naples to this evocative destination. Get ready for an unforgettable day filled with the magic and allure that Capri has to offer.
Optional excursion: CAPRI BOAT CLASSIC.
An optional excursion that promises a day of blissful exploration. Your adventure begins with a delightful pick-up from your hotel, setting the tone for a seamless transfer to the port and the embarkation point for your journey to Capri. As you sail along the scenic Sorrento Coast on our comfortable boats, you're in for an unforgettable and personalized experience that unveils the beauty of Capri. Onboard, your English-speaking Captain becomes not just a guide but a storyteller, sharing general information and tips on how to make the most of your free time on the captivating Capri Island. The journey unfolds with picturesque views, including the ancient fishermen's village of "Marina Grande" and the intriguing ruins of a Roman villa near "Bagni della Regina Giovanna."
Upon arrival in Capri, weather permitting, you'll enjoy a boat tour around the island, immersing yourself in the wonders of the Marvellous Grotto, the White Grotto, and the Green Grotto. Along the way, marvel at the Natural Arch, the iconic Villa Curzio Malaparte, the Faraglioni rocks, and the Lighthouse of Punta Carena. The boat docks at Marina Grande in Capri, where you'll have a generous 5/6 hours of free time to explore the island at your own pace.
This optional excursion promises not just a boat ride, but a personalized and magical journey, allowing you to create lasting memories on the captivating island of Capri.
DAY 7: DEPARTURE
Wake up to a delicious breakfast at the hotel, savoring the final moments of your delightful stay. As we bid farewell to this beautiful journey, a group transfer awaits to take you to Naples Airport. It's not a goodbye; it's a "Grazie e arrivederci!" – a thank you until we meet again! Reflect on the wonderful memories created during your stay, and carry the warmth of Italy with you as you embark on your journey home. Safe travels!
