Amalfi Coast: Land of Myths & Legends
Tour Highlights:
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7 nights in four star hotel in Sorrento.
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Buffet breakfast daily.
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Italian style lunch or dinner daily.
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Wine tasting in historical palace in Ravello.
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Limoncello production and tasting.
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Spellbinding scenic drive along the world’s most famous road chiseled into the rocky cliffs.
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Full day excursion to the Isle of Capri.
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Visit the remarkably preserved ruins of Pompeii, the city destroyed by Vesuvius in 79 A.D.
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Swim, shop or explore in sunny Positano, Italy’s exclusive beach resort as featured in the film “Under the Tuscan Sun."
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Pasta class in Sorrento.
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Visit the once mighty Republic of Amalfi with its stunning 11th century Duomo.
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Evening walks with Gina with opportunities for stopping at outdoor cafes with live music or joining the locals for “L’ora dell’aperitivo” Happy Hour Italian style!
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Optional Spa day in Sorrento.
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Shop for artistic ceramics, leather, limoncello & more.
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Optional folkloristic Tarantella Music Show.
Day 1
Board your overnight flight for Italy
Day 2 - Arrive Naples
Arrive in Naples and transfer to your hotel, driving along the stunning coastline of the Sorrento peninsula. Sorrento is perched 150 feet above the Gulf of Naples and has always fascinated tourists for its breathtaking views. It is also one of Italy’s most popular beach resorts, and the perfect starting point from which to explore Capri, Pompeii, Amalfi, Positano and Ravello. Tonight, relax before enjoying a welcome dinner at your hotel (D)
Day 3 - Pompeii
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a visit to Pompeii, the Roman city destroyed by Vesuvius in 79 A.D. During your guided tour you’ll see remarkably preserved ruins including the Temples of Apollo and Jupiter and the Forum. This afternoon at a private estate, enjoy a taste of the famous wines of Vesuvius with appetizers and Limoncello liqueur. Stop for an interesting visit to a Cameo factory before returning to Sorrento and dinner. (B, D)
Day 4 - Capri
Today a full day excursion to the fabled Isle of Capri. A veritable paradise of magical grottos, soaring peaks and lovely coves. Visit lovely Anacapri and explore the interesting shops as you stroll along the narrow streets. See the famous Piazzetta which has long been a mecca for artists, romantics and the international set. As you make your way to the Gardens of Augustus you’ll see breathtaking views of the Bay and Faraglioni Rocks. Afterward, return to Sorrento for dinner in your hotel (B,D)
Day 5 - Cooking Class/Sorrento
Today, learn how to prepare a tasty pasta lunch and then enjoy your creation with a glass of wine. This afternoon is at leisure for you to explore the town of Sorrento. The “must sees” for any visitor include the Basilica of St. Antonino, the Cathedral, Sedile Dominova, the Saint Francis Convent, Marina Grande, the Correale Museum, the museum-workshop of Wood Intarsia, the Sorrento Cape, and Marina Puolo. Tonight, if you wish join Gina for a walk stopping at a local Happy Hour or an outdoor cafe with live music. (B, L)
Day 6 - Amalfi Coast
Today travel along one of the world’s most stunning roads, the Amalfi Coast. As it winds along the cliff-side it offers incomparable vistas of a dreamlike coastline with rocks plunging into the sea, charming fishing villages set in small harbors, seaside resorts, and spectacular villas. Visit Amalfi. Once a powerful seafaring Republic, the town’s greatest pride is now its Duomo which dates back to the 10th century. Sitting majestically atop a broad staircase, it displays influences that range from Moorish to Norman to early Gothic. Note the bronze doors cast in Constantinople in 1066. Afterwards, do as the natives do and enjoy a gelato while taking a seaside stroll passing by fragrant gardens and scented citrus groves. Continue on to Ravello. Founded by Roman citizens to escape the Barbarian invasions, this lovely village sits on a balcony 1,100 feet above the sea. Enjoy wine-tasting and lunch with the most unforgettable view. (B, L)
Day 7 - Sorrento
Today enjoy a full day at leisure to sample the charms of Sorrento. Shop along Corso Italia where many shops sell beautiful inlaid wood, exquisitely embroidered linen, leather, Limoncello liqueur, hand-painted ceramics and other local crafts. If you don’t feel like shopping you can enjoy the fantastic views from the terrace of our hotel of the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius, or relax in the pool. If you prefer, Gina can organize a Spa Day in Sorrento for complete relaxation, health and beauty. Tonight, dinner at our hotel. (B, D)
Day 8 - Positano
After breakfast we depart for one of Europe’s most exclusive beach resorts…Positano. Featured in several films including Under the Tuscan Sun, “Positano bites deep. It’s a dream place that isn’t quite real when you’re there and becomes beckoningly real after you’re gone.” This quote by John Steinbeck after his visit in the early 50’s still holds true today. Positano is favored by artists and celebrities, yet it remains largely unspoiled and quaint. Geraniums and hibiscus crowd the balconies of charming little houses and villas perched on the hillside and descending to the beach. Enjoy lunch in one of the many restaurants on the seashore or enter a salumeria, where you can buy some bread, cheese, prosciutto and of course some vino and have a picnic on the beach. Afterwards, explore the numerous boutiques of this shopper’s paradise. Return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure and a festive farewell dinner at the hotel
(B, D)
Day 9 - Flight home
After breakfast, say "Arrivederci Italia" as you depart for your return flight home. If you are not yet ready to leave Italy, you might consider adding a few days in Rome or maybe Positano. Please ask us for details on a Rome City Stay at the time of booking. (B)